Business Traveller Middle East – December 2025

Summary

Pullman's global rebrand is a legacy built to last — the December 2025 Business Traveller Middle East puts the Accor-owned brand's strategic overhaul under the microscope and tracks how Formula 1 hospitality is upping its game for 2026.

The cover story (p.34) follows Pullman's rebrand across 140 properties in 40 countries, with new design standards, co-working lobbies, and a focus on "bleisure" functionality. The Hot List (p.38) identifies 10 destinations tipped for 2026 travel, including Osaka, Medellin, and Tbilisi. Emirates' premium offerings are examined in a training-centre feature (p.46), and Formula 1 hospitality is tracked as it becomes more accessible to corporate clients (p.48). Switzerland's Burgstock Resort is featured (p.53), and two Red Sea properties are profiled for their luxury approach (p.58).

Singapore Airlines A350-900 is reviewed in Tried & Tested alongside Mandarin Oriental Singapore, The Diamond Amsterdam, and Carbone Riyadh. Amsterdam gets a 24-hour guide in Explore.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Features

p.34 · Time for a Change
Pullman's global rebrand is analysed in detail. The chain has invested $200 million in new lobby designs, co-working zones, and updated room configurations across 140 properties. Takeaway: Pullman's "Work & Play" rate includes a co-working desk booking and a $25 food and beverage credit — book this corporate rate directly on the Accor website for the best value.

p.38 · The Hot List
Ten destinations tipped for 2026: Osaka (Expo 2026), Medellin (new direct flights from Doha), Tbilisi (visa-free for Gulf passport holders), and seven others. Each entry includes hotel recommendations and a local contact for business introductions. Takeaway: Tbilisi's "Remote Work Visa" allows Gulf nationals to stay for up to 12 months — applications are processed within 10 working days.

p.46 · Lessons in Luxury
Behind the scenes at Emirates' first-class training centre in Dubai. The article describes the cabin-crew training programme, which includes a full-scale mock-up of the A380 shower spa. Takeaway: Emirates offers a "First Class Experience" tour of the training centre for corporate groups at $200 per person — includes a champagne reception and a mock cabin-service demonstration.

p.48 · Speed, Strategy and Schmoozing
Formula 1 hospitality is examined as a corporate entertainment option. The article compares packages at the Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Takeaway: the Ferrari hospitality package at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts at $1,500 per person for the weekend — but the "Paddock Club" at Jeddah is $500 cheaper and includes pit-lane access.

p.58 · Turning the Tide
Two Saudi Red Sea properties — Six Senses Southern Dunes and St Regis Red Sea Resort — are profiled for their luxury approach and sustainability credentials. Takeaway: Six Senses Southern Dunes offers a "Desert Boardroom" experience in a Bedouin tent with Starlink internet — $1,000 per half day for up to 10 people.

▸ Insight

p.15 · Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO
The alliance CEO discusses interaction and growth between member airlines, with a focus on Middle Eastern connectivity. Takeaway: oneworld is developing a "seamless transfer" programme at DOH, AUH, and BKK that will allow through-checking of bags across non-aligned airlines by mid-2027.

p.22 · Faisal Al Mutairi, Co-Founder of House of Habanero
The frequent flyer discusses his chilli-based business and how he travels with 200-day annual itinerary. Takeaway: Al Mutairi packs a separate "emergency" bag with a change of clothes, a portable charger, and a small jar of his own chilli paste — the paste gets him through any airline meal.

▸ Reviews

p.61 · Singapore Airlines A350-900
A review of Singapore Airlines' regional business class on the Singapore-Dubai route. Seat comfort, service quality, and the famous satay starter are evaluated. Takeaway: the "Book the Cook" service on this route offers lobster thermidor — pre-order 24 hours ahead for the most popular dish.

p.63 · Mandarin Oriental Singapore
The recently renovated property in Marina Bay is reviewed. The spa and business centre are evaluated. Takeaway: Mandarin Oriental Singapore's "Corporate Wellness" rate includes a 30-minute massage credit of $40 per night — book directly on the MO website for this exclusive package.

▸ Regulars

p.07 · Hot Ticket: The Future of Flight
A roundup of aviation innovations expected in 2026, including Emirates' next-generation first-class suite and Riyadh Air's launch timeline. Takeaway: Riyadh Air's inaugural commercial flight is scheduled for March 2027 — businesses with Saudi operations should establish corporate accounts now for priority booking.

p.23 · 24 Hours in Amsterdam
A guide covering the Zuidas business district, the Rijksmuseum's new wing, and the food-hall scene at Foodhallen. Takeaway: the Amsterdam Travel Ticket costs $18 for 24 hours and covers the train from Schiphol plus unlimited metro, tram, and bus travel.

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Editor's Take

The December 2025 issue is a solid year-end offering with one genuinely valuable resource — the Hot List destination predictions for 2026 are well-researched with specific flight and visa data. The Pullman rebrand story is a rare piece of business-model journalism in a travel magazine; it actually explains the ROI logic behind the $200 million investment. Weaknesses: the Emirates training-centre tour reads like an advertorial — there is no critical assessment of whether the training actually improves passenger experience. The F1 hospitality comparison is useful but only covers three races in the region. The two Red Sea properties feature overlaps with content already published in the September 2026 issue (in the timeline, that is). Best suited for corporate event planners and hotel investment professionals.

Strengths
• Hot List destination predictions with specific flight and visa data
• Pullman rebrand business-model analysis
• F1 hospitality package comparison with real pricing

Weaknesses
• Emirates training-centre piece lacks editorial independence
• Red Sea property feature duplicates content from September 2026

Verdict: Recommended — The Hot List makes this a useful reference issue for 2026 planning.