Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Qatar See Major Travel Changes as Air Canada Extends Flights Suspension

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Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Doha are seeing a series of developments that could shape how travellers plan trips across the Gulf in the months ahead. While Air Canada has extended its Dubai flight cancellations until the end of March 2027, Abu Dhabi is preparing a major new cultural programme and Ras Al Khaimah is upgrading established resorts as it expands its tourism offering. Qatar, meanwhile, continues investing in destination marketing as GCC tourism evolves around changing traveller expectations.

Air Canada Extends Dubai Flight Suspension Into 2027

For travellers flying between Canada and the UAE, the most immediate development comes from Air Canada.

The airline confirmed on September 24 that its flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) will remain cancelled until the end of March 2027, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The decision extends an earlier suspension and means passengers planning winter travel will need to check their individual itineraries carefully before making arrangements.

Air Canada says affected customers can retrieve their bookings to make changes without a fee. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can also receive a full refund if they choose not to travel.

The development does not mean Dubai International Airport itself is closed. Instead, it represents an airline-specific suspension as international carriers continue to take different approaches to operating in the region.

For travellers, that distinction matters. Anyone holding an Air Canada itinerary should verify the latest status directly with the airline rather than assuming that a previously scheduled Dubai service will operate.

Ras Al Khaimah Refreshes Its Hotel Portfolio

While international aviation remains fluid, Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to invest in its hospitality infrastructure.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority says two established properties — Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah and Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island — are undergoing extensive refurbishment.

At Rixos Al Mairid, the villas, beachfront experiences and selected restaurants remain open while rooms and suites in the main building undergo a comprehensive renovation. The work is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island is following a larger transformation. The property is scheduled to reopen in the first quarter of 2027, with modernised accommodation and refreshed interiors.

The timing is significant as Ras Al Khaimah continues expanding its tourism infrastructure. The emirate recorded more than 670,000 visitors during the first half of 2026, according to RAKTDA, while several additional hotel and destination projects are advancing.

Ras Al Khaimah Builds Toward a Bigger Tourism Future

The hotel renovations form part of a much larger transformation across the emirate.

Marjan’s developments around the Al Marjan Island area are increasing the amount of accommodation and mixed-use infrastructure available to visitors, while new projects are also extending Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal beyond conventional beach holidays.

For travellers, the changing hotel landscape means more choice between established resorts and newer accommodation products. It also signals that the emirate is preparing for sustained tourism growth rather than relying solely on existing inventory.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Adds New Reasons to Visit

Across the UAE, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its cultural tourism offering through the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s 2026–27 programme.

The museum’s new season includes exhibitions exploring maritime history, contemporary art and global heritage. One of the key exhibitions, “Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean,” opens on October 14 and runs until February 14, 2027. It explores roughly 1,000 years of maritime exchange connecting Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Another major programme, Art Here 2026, runs from November 11 to February 28 and brings together contemporary artists from the GCC and India around the theme “Confluences.”

For visitors, the programme adds another layer to Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition, particularly during the cooler months when the emirate’s cultural attractions can become an important part of city itineraries.

Qatar Pushes Destination Marketing Further

Qatar is also using new technology to compete for international travel demand.

A campaign involving Visit Qatar, Hearts & Science MENA and Seedtag has won the Digiday Technology Award for Best Alternative Identification Technology, according to Seedtag. The campaign reportedly reached audiences across 15 markets while using AI-driven contextual technology rather than cookies, personal IDs or personal data.

The development comes as Qatar continues building its international visitor base. Qatar Tourism reports that the country received 5.1 million international visitors in 2025, with 61% arriving by air.

That makes destination marketing particularly important for a country positioning Doha as both a holiday destination and an international stopover.

Sharjah Issues a Family Travel Safety Reminder

A separate development from Sharjah has a more practical relevance for families.

Authorities have warned parents about potential risks associated with squishy and slime toys, particularly products from unknown or unverified sources. Concerns include damaged toys, unsafe heating, water beads and products lacking clear safety information.

For families travelling through the UAE, the warning is a reminder to be cautious when buying children’s products during a holiday, particularly from unfamiliar sellers.

GCC Travel Enters a Period of Change

Taken together, the developments show two sides of the Gulf travel market. Air connectivity remains subject to uncertainty, with Air Canada’s Dubai suspension now extending into 2027, while destinations across the region continue investing in hotels, attractions and international tourism marketing.

For travellers, that means checking flight arrangements more carefully while also having more destination experiences and refreshed accommodation to consider.

And that may be the most interesting part of the current GCC travel story: even as airlines remain cautious about some routes, the region’s tourism destinations are continuing to build for the travellers who do arrive.