UAE Travel Industry Merger: One Above Joins Adi Holidays

Advertisement

One Above Global DMC Network and Adi Holidays have merged, combining forces to deepen their footprint in the UAE travel market. The deal positions the unified entity as a stronger player in destination management across the Gulf, offering travel trade partners a broader portfolio and more integrated services.

What Is the One Above and Adi Holidays Merger?

One Above Global DMC Network, a destination management company with international reach, has joined hands with Adi Holidays, a UAE-based travel firm with established regional connections. The merger brings together complementary strengths, One Above’s global network and Adi Holidays’ local market expertise, under a single operational roof.

For travel agents and tour operators working in the Gulf, the combined company promises streamlined access to destinations, consolidated supplier relationships, and a wider range of curated travel products.

Why Does This Matter for the Gulf Travel Market?

The UAE has cemented itself as one of the world’s top travel hubs, with Dubai alone consistently ranking among the most visited cities globally. Consolidation in the destination management sector reflects growing competition and the pressure on travel companies to scale quickly or risk being squeezed out.

Mergers like this one signal that the regional travel trade is maturing. Smaller, specialist operators are recognising that pooling resources, technology, and client networks is often faster and more cost-effective than organic growth alone.

For Gulf-based travel agents and corporate buyers, a larger DMC means more bargaining power with hotels, airlines, and attractions, which can translate into better pricing and more reliable ground services.

What Does Each Company Bring to the Table?

How Will This Affect UAE Travel Agents and Tour Operators?

Travel trade partners in the UAE should expect a broader product offering and potentially more competitive rates as the merged company consolidates vendor contracts. The alignment of ground operations also reduces the friction that can occur when coordinating between separate DMC providers across different destinations.

For inbound tourism, the partnership could attract more international groups and corporate travel programs routed through the UAE, given the combined entity’s wider global marketing reach.

The Bigger Picture for Gulf Tourism

Gulf governments, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have poured significant investment into tourism infrastructure over the past several years. Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar are equally keen to attract international visitors. That ambition creates real opportunity for destination management companies with the scale to handle large, complex itineraries.

A merged One Above and Adi Holidays is better placed to pitch for those contracts than either company would have been operating independently.

For the full details on the agreement, read the original report from Travel Trade Journal.

As UAE tourism continues to grow, will more regional DMC mergers follow in 2025, and how do you think consolidation will shape the travel options available to Gulf consumers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.