Dubai joins a growing list of destinations where Visa cardholders can access curated benefits and experiences across city’s top hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
VisaNet data: Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America account for Dubai’s top travelers.
VisaNet data: Repeat visitors to Dubai spend significantly more than first-time travelers – averaging $890 per trip compared to $540 – underscoring the city’s ability to drive long-term tourism value.
UAE, Dubai – December 15, 2025 – Visa today announced an expansion of its global travel program, launching Dubai as one of the first flagship cities alongside Paris and London. The program is designed to give Visa cardholders access to exclusive benefits, premium offers, and unique opportunities—showcasing the very best of Dubai’s hospitality, culture, and lifestyle.
A new era of luxury travel is emerging, one defined not by material indulgence but by emotional clarity, personal renewal and the desire to return home changed. In this global movement, Thailand stands at the forefront with its Healing Is the New Luxury philosophy, an approach that positions wellbeing as the highest form of refinement.
Wellness tourism continues to grow rapidly worldwide, with forecasts indicating the sector will exceed USD 1.4 trillion by 2027. Thailand’s influence within this market remains significant due to its exceptional ability to unite ancient healing traditions with advanced wellness practices. Travellers arrive seeking a reset and find experiences shaped by heritage, hospitality and nature.
Northern Thailand plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Chiang Mai’s forest retreats and meditation centres offer an atmosphere that encourages stillness and reflection. Traditional Lanna therapies, herbal steam rituals and guided mindfulness sessions allow visitors to reconnect with themselves in environments shaped by natural beauty.
Coastal destinations such as Koh Samui expand on this journey. The island has become a global reference point for detox programmes, longevity treatments and wellness estates that integrate nutritional science, fitness diagnostics and personalised coaching. Phuket also provides ocean-facing sanctuaries where yoga terraces, cryotherapy suites and sound healing experiences allow travellers to explore wellbeing through multiple modalities.
Hidden healing spaces enhance Thailand’s appeal. Khao Sok’s freshwater lakes create peaceful environments for therapeutic retreats, while Pai’s hot spring valleys attract travellers drawn to the healing properties of mineral-rich waters. Even lesser-known regions such as Nakhon Si Thammarat contribute to the movement with herbal villages and community-led wellness traditions.
What distinguishes Thailand is the emotional impact of these experiences. Healing here feels authentic, approachable and grounded in cultural generosity. Every environment invites travellers to slow down, unclutter their minds and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose. In this way, healing has become the ultimate luxury, and Thailand remains its most compelling destination.
About the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
TAT promotes Thailand as a global leader in wellness, travel and lifestyle experiences, offering dedicated support for travellers from the Middle East. Tourism Authority of Thailand – Dubai and Middle East Office Tel: +971 4 325 0184
• The programme offers ADCB cardholders the ability to earn and unlock more value when paying with TouchPoints at more than 100 retail outlets across Zayed International Airport
• Touchpoints users are welcomed as special guests, with access to preferred parking and airport services at preferential rates including lounge access, and exclusive year-round benefits
Flights to Lahore and Islamabad strengthen AUH’s regional connectivity
Services underscore economic and social ties between UAE and UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 1 December 2025: Abu Dhabi Airports has expanded its network with the launch of AirSial’s direct flights between Abu Dhabi and two of Pakistan’s largest cities.
Among the 40 speakers will be the first Arab female A380 pilot
Ways to be chalked out for building a diverse workforce
17% of leadership roles held by women across Saudi airports
Riyadh Air initiated the first all-female engineering program
WIA-2025 Awards to be presented in ten categories
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2025: The Middle East chapter of the Women in Aviation General Assembly (WIA), the world’s largest non-profit aviation and aerospace organization, will hold its General Assembly during the 4th Global Airports Forum (GAF) in Riyadh on December 16.
UAE News 24/7 