OCTOBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9Gathern, Saudi Arabia's leading vacation rental platform, has raised $72 million in Series B funding, signaling a major step in its growth journey.The round, which closed last month, was led by Sanabil Investments and Saudi Technology Ventures, underscoring investor confidence in Saudi Arabia's rapidly expanding alternative hospitality sector.Founded in 2016, Gathern has positioned itself as a key player competing with global giants such as Airbnb, offering a wide range of vacation rentals across the Kingdom. The company turned profitable in 2023 and reported a 100 percent year-on-year revenue growth, though specific figures were not disclosed.· Gathern raised $72M Series B from Sanabil Investments & STV.· Plans to add car rentals, flights, and experiences in 2025.· Eyes IPO in 2028 after expanding into GCC markets.With the fresh capital, Gathern plans to diversify its offerings beyond accommodations by adding car rentals, flights, and curated travel experiences starting in 2025. This expansion aims to transform the platform into a one-stop travel ecosystem catering to domestic and international travelers.International expansion is also a priority, with Kuwait and Bahrain as the first target markets, followed by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Looking ahead, CEO Latifah Altamimi revealed that Gathern is preparing for an IPO in 2028, aligning with its vision of becoming a regional travel-tech leader.This funding milestone positions Gathern to capitalize on Saudi Arabia's booming tourism sector, driven by Vision 2030's push to diversify the economy and boost domestic and inbound travel. GATHERN RAISES $72M, EYES IPO AND GCC EXPANSION BY 2028NEWSROOMIn a historic step to further aviation and tourism cooperation, Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) signed a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the way for enhanced connectivity, more convenient travel, and enhanced bilateral cooperation between Qatar and China.The accord, disclosed prior to China Southern Airlines' introduction of four weekly Beijing Daxing-Doha flights on October 16, 2025, represents a milestone in international aviation. It will improve the travel of passengers, simplify airport procedures, and facilitate both tourism and commercial exchanges between the two countries."This alliance is a testament to our ambition to develop Doha as an international aviation hub. It's not about more flights--it's about better, faster, and more connected", said Suhail Kadri, Senior VP of Technology and Innovation, Hamad International Airport.· China Southern Airlines will launch four weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha starting October 16, 2025, enhancing travel for both business and leisure passengers and strengthening the Qatar-China aviation corridor.· The MoU focuses on sharing best practices in airport operations, including the integration of smart technologies in check-in, baggage handling, and security to deliver faster, seamless travel experiences.· The agreement promotes sustainable aviation practices, green airport operations, and cultural cooperation, aiming to increase tourism, people-to-people engagement, and reduce environmental impact through collaborative efforts.The MoU contains proposals to exchange best practices in airport operations, service excellence, and sustainable aviation. It involves incorporating state-of-the-art technologies in check-ins, security, and baggage handling, further improving the overall passenger experience.China Southern Airlines' new route, underpinned by an enhanced codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, will enable passengers to transfer seamlessly from Beijing to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East through Doha."Through this agreement, we are consolidating not just aviation ties but also economic, cultural, and environmental collaboration", said a high-ranking official of Beijing Daxing Airport.The partnership will be expected to enhance tourism, encourage cultural exchanges, and uphold green airport operations, making both airports showcase models of contemporary, eco-friendly global connectivity. HAMAD & DAXING SEAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
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