Ras Al Khaimah has announced the return of the HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge, marking five years since the Middle East’s premier endurance hiking event first arrived in the Emirate. The fifth anniversary edition will take place from 6 to 8 February 2026 on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, once again inviting adventure enthusiasts from around the world to explore the rugged beauty and cultural depth of the destination.

Organised by HIGHLANDER Adventure, the world’s largest international hiking series, and supported by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the event continues to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning as a key adventure tourism hub. Participants will journey across the Emirate’s most extensively developed hiking network, covering trails that span the dramatic Hajar Mountains.

With global demand for experience-led and adventure travel on the rise, hosting a mass-participation long-distance hiking event further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to immersive tourism. The challenge blends endurance hiking with sustainability, cultural discovery and community engagement, offering participants a deeper connection with the destination.

Along carefully curated mountain trails, hikers will pass through historic settlements that reflect the traditions, resilience and daily life of mountain tribes that once thrived in the region. These encounters offer an authentic insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural heritage. Beyond the trail, HIGHLANDER’s signature camp programmes will feature live cooking stations showcasing local cuisine, allowing direct interaction with mountain communities. Wildlife sessions led by renowned wildlife photographer Bachar Bouka will also introduce participants to the diverse species found in the Hajar Mountains.

Commenting on the milestone, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “Hosting HIGHLANDER for the fifth consecutive year underlines our commitment to promoting wellness, experiential travel and connection with nature. The event perfectly aligns with our vision for engaging the local community and positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER Adventure UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, added, “With more than 250 participants, last year’s edition successfully positioned Ras Al Khaimah on the global adventure tourism stage, attracting hikers from 35 countries who travelled from around the world to take part in this adventure of a lifetime. We remain committed to showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Ras Al Khaimah through every event we organize, while continuously enhancing our camp experiences with more entertainment and wellness initiatives.”

The 2026 edition will offer three distinct challenge formats designed to suit varying fitness levels. The HIGHLANDER Pegasus, a three-day challenge covering 37 kilometres, will run from 6 to 8 February 2026. The HIGHLANDER Orion, a two-day backpacking format covering 25 kilometres, will take place from 7 to 8 February 2026, while the HIGHLANDER Lyra, a one-day format covering 13 kilometres, will be held on 8 February 2026, offering a more accessible introduction for first-time participants.

Aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainable tourism vision, the event actively promotes “Leave No Trace” principles through on-ground activations and participant communication. By encouraging responsible travel and environmental stewardship, HIGHLANDER highlights the importance of preserving the Emirate’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Participants who successfully complete their chosen trail will receive official finisher recognition and take part in a shared celebration, marking the culmination of an adventure rooted in endurance, discovery and connection with nature.

As  Asia prepares to welcome 2026, hotels and resorts across the region are curating immersive New Year celebrations that blend music, food, culture and memorable experiences. From tropical beaches and mountain-view rooftops to heritage hotels and wellness retreats, travellers have no shortage of ways to ring in the New Year.

On Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Peninsula, Alma Resort ushers in 2026 with its vibrant Sparkling Soirée, featuring live entertainment, DJ sets and a Champagne countdown. Guests can enjoy Italian fine dining, festive buffets, cultural shows celebrating Vietnamese heritage, and family-friendly activities including a kids’ corner and magic show.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Meliá Chiang Mai hosts celebrations at the city’s tallest rooftop bar. The evening begins with a lavish international buffet before moving sky-high to MAI The Sky Bar, where live music, DJs and panoramic mountain and river views create a dramatic midnight moment.

For those drawn to the sea, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a barefoot beach celebration with live entertainment, an expansive international buffet and fireworks lighting up the shoreline. Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Samui delivers a fairytale finale with gala dinners, fine Thai dining and a beachfront countdown party complete with Champagne and fireworks.

In Hong Kong, The Hari welcomes 2026 with an energetic rooftop countdown party in Wan Chai, paired with stay packages that include dining credits, Champagne toasts and access to festive menus across the hotel’s restaurants.

Vietnam continues to shine with beachside celebrations at The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne, featuring seafood feasts, live music, fire shows and oceanfront countdowns. In Bangkok, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit blends Spanish flavours, international buffets and a rooftop DJ-led countdown overlooking the city skyline.

For a quieter, reflective welcome to the New Year, TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam offers mindful experiences including fire ceremonies, vision-setting workshops and sunrise yoga on the beach, allowing guests to begin 2026 with clarity and calm.

Grand celebrations also unfold in Pattaya, Hanoi, Hue, Ke Ga Bay, and across Cambodia, where luxury hotels host gala dinners, fireworks, cultural performances and poolside soirées. Wellness-focused brands like Fusion Resorts round out the season with yoga, sound healing, festive dining and star-lit countdowns by the sea.

Together, these celebrations highlight Asia’s diverse hospitality landscape, offering travellers unforgettable ways to welcome 2026, whether through high-energy parties, cultural immersion, beachside fireworks or wellness-led renewal.

Germany continues to witness strong momentum from the Indian outbound travel market, driven by rising travel intent, improved air connectivity and a growing preference for immersive and experience-focused journeys. Over the past few years, interest from Indian travellers has steadily increased, reinforcing Germany’s position as a preferred long-haul destination.

This positive growth is reflected in recent travel performance indicators. Indian travellers recorded over 104,066 overnight stays in Germany during October 2025, highlighting consistent demand across both leisure and business travel segments. Overnight stays from India in October 2025 were also 16.5 percent higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels, indicating sustained growth rather than a short-term rebound. According to data from the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), India recorded a total of 775,294 overnight stays from January to October 2025.

Air connectivity continues to play a crucial role in supporting this momentum. GNTB Dashboard data shows that approximately 296 flights are currently operating between India and Germany, improving access to multiple German cities and enabling more flexible, multi-city itineraries. Seat availability between the two countries stands at around 93,447 seats, further supporting steady travel volumes.

Indian travellers are also choosing to spend more time exploring the destination. The average length of stay has now crossed nine nights, reflecting a shift towards deeper exploration, slower travel and extended itineraries. This trend aligns with evolving traveller preferences for meaningful experiences over quick sightseeing trips.

Against this backdrop, the German National Tourist Office hosted a press event to outline Germany’s tourism priorities for the Indian market in 2025. The destination’s refreshed narrative focuses on culture-driven travel, romantic experiences, seasonal journeys and region-led exploration. These curated travel propositions are designed to match the changing expectations of Indian travellers.

Commenting on the initiative, Romit Theophilus, Director – Marketing & Sales Office, India, GNTO, said, “Indian outbound travel is evolving rapidly, with travellers today placing greater value on depth, relevance and personal connection rather than conventional sightseeing alone. We are seeing a clear preference for journeys that are immersive, thoughtfully paced and shaped around individual interests. Germany’s strength lies in its culturally rich regions, diverse landscapes and year-round experiences, which together allow travellers to curate journeys that are distinctive, meaningful and aligned with their evolving travel expectations.”

Germany’s rich cultural landscape continues to be a major draw for Indian travellers. Through the Cultureland Germany initiative, visitors can explore historic town centres, world-renowned museums, architectural landmarks and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Germany has been recognised as Europe’s leading cultural travel destination for ten consecutive years, highlighting the depth and diversity of its cultural offerings.

In addition to culture-led travel, Germany is enhancing its appeal as a year-round romantic and honeymoon destination. Tailored experiences across seasons, from spring and summer countryside retreats to autumn landscapes and festive winter settings, are drawing increased interest. The Seasons Greetings programme further strengthens this appeal by showcasing Germany’s Christmas traditions, festive markets and seasonal celebrations, offering unique winter travel experiences for Indian visitors.

As Indian outbound travel continues to mature, Germany’s tourism strategy for 2025 reflects a strong alignment with emerging travel behaviours. Longer stays, region-focused exploration and experience-led journeys remain central to its approach. Backed by strong connectivity, consistent arrival volumes and high engagement levels, Germany is well positioned to deepen its relationship with the Indian market and inspire travel experiences that go beyond the conventional.