E-Paper
Sign In
Globalia expands UAE presence with strategic airline and hospitality partnerships
The group’s expansion strategy emphasises soft power, local partnerships, and tourism that respects both the environment and the cultural context of its host destinations
- PUBLISHED: Thu 17 Jul 2025, 5:25 PM
Spain’s largest tourism group, Globalia, is expanding its presence in the UAE through a combination of aviation and hospitality initiatives designed to strengthen connectivity and support regional tourism growth.
Last month, Globalia announced the launch of a new direct route between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, operated by its flagship carrier Air Europa, in collaboration with Etihad Airways. The inaugural flight marks Air Europa’s first operation in the Middle East and signals a deeper engagement with the UAE’s fast-evolving tourism and transportation sectors.
Recommended For You
This new route, operated via a wet-lease agreement, is part of a broader strategy to enhance global connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. With increased frequencies and shared loyalty programmes, the partnership improves access for business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global aviation hub.
Globalia’s ambitions in the region extend beyond the skies. The company is bringing to the UAE a European tourism model grounded in operational excellence, technological innovation, and cultural integration. Drawing on decades of leadership in Spain and Latin America, Globalia is adapting its ecosystem to suit the opportunities and demands of Gulf markets.
As part of this broader vision, Globalia’s hospitality arm, Be Live Hotels, is actively exploring expansion opportunities in the UAE and across the Gulf region. The brand is known for aligning high-quality guest experiences with strong environmental and social responsibility standards, already recognised in the Caribbean and Europe.
"Sustainability is not a trend - it’s the only way to guarantee the future of tourism," said Javier Hidalgo, former CEO of Globalia and one of the early advocates of long-term value-driven tourism.
The group’s expansion strategy emphasises soft power, local partnerships, and tourism that respects both the environment and the cultural context of its host destinations. These evaluations come as the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for eco-conscious travel and high-quality hospitality experiences.
