Interview: Sébastien Garcia on driving innovation at Arabian Adventures

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Sébastien Garcia is Vice President of Destination Management

As one of the UAE’s most established destination management companies (DMCs) and part of dnata Travel Group, Arabian Adventures continues to expand its reach and diversify its portfolio across the GCC region and beyond. Operating in the UAE, Oman, Qatar and the Maldives, the company delivers a full spectrum of curated experiences, from immersive desert safaris and premium dining to tailor-made group programmes and FIT itineraries.

Building on this growth, Arabian Adventures recently unveiled its latest travel trade brochure, featuring an enhanced selection of signature products and themed experiences that highlight the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

At the helm of this new chapter is industry veteran Sébastien Garcia, recently appointed Vice President of Destination Management, who is leading the DMC’s strategic expansion across the GCC. In conversation with Connecting Travel, Garcia shares insights into Arabian Adventures’ evolving product offering, emerging markets and upcoming launches for 2026.

CONNECTING TRAVEL: How extensive is Arabian Adventures’ network in terms of partners, sales offices and destinations, and which markets are currently driving the most growth?

SÉBASTIEN GARCIA: Arabian Adventures boasts an extensive global network, partnering with more than 50 source markets across all continents. Our business development team operates not only from our headquarters in Dubai, but also from strategic locations in the UK, Italy, Brazil and China, and with strong representation in Japan and North America.

Our top source markets include the UK, Russia, Australia, the US, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and Brazil.

Entering The Fort Lisaili one of Arabian Adventures latest

Entrance to The Fort Lisaili, a new offering from Arabian Adventures

CT: You’ve expanded operations beyond the UAE into the wider GCC. Which markets are showing the most traction, and where are you focusing next in terms of emerging source markets?

SG: We currently offer experiences across the UAE, Oman, Qatar and the Maldives. The Maldives, launched two years ago as our first Indian Ocean destination, enables twin-centre holidays combining the UAE and the Maldives.

Earlier this year, we re-launched and strengthened our operations in Oman, which is now a key focus area and the fastest-growing destination for new business. Oman appeals to luxury travellers, families and adventure-seekers alike, and serves as an ideal twin-destination option when paired with the UAE.

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CT: Which signature experiences from your 2025 programme best illustrate the company’s evolving portfolio? What are your bestselling products?

SG: Arabian Adventures’ signature experiences continue to drive guest demand, especially with first-time visitors to the UAE. These include our curated city tours that can take travellers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain’s natural wonders, traditional and cultural highlights and modern, world-class attractions, and our Dubai desert experiences from safaris to our all-inclusive overnight camp.

The Arabian Adventures Evening Desert Safari remains our most popular product overall. For the 2025/2026 season, guests can start their journey at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Visitor Centre; while at our desert camp, the dining experience has been enhanced. New guided elements, including nature walks and stargazing, are ensuring a more immersive experience of the Dubai desert.

Additionally, as world-class Dubai attractions from Museum of the Future to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm continue to draw crowds, we launched The Adventure Pass – offering bundles of three or five experiences, bookable with up to 40% savings compared to standard entry prices combined. This is ideal for travellers to the UAE, or residents seeking to entertain visiting friends and relatives.

The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures

CT: The cruise sector is booming across the region. Is Arabian Adventures positioning itself to serve this growing market?

SG: Cruise tourism remains a cornerstone of our business. Since the inception of the cruise industry in the region, we have supported international cruise lines calling at our destinations. Our dedicated cruise team delivers tailored pre- and post-cruise programmes and a wide range of shore excursions, ensuring this segment continues to drive growth and expansion.

CT: What new products and experiences are being introduced in 2026?

SG: In the past two years, we launched The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures, where a private chef and sommelier host an evening of premium dining amidst one of Dubai’s most incredible natural settings, and a multi-experience desert destination on the city’s outskirts, ideal for all members of the family, The Fort – Lisaili.

At The Fort – Lisaili, we continue to add to the extensive menu of experiences available, with more to come across the 2025/26 winter season. We also have plans to introduce another new experience to the UAE market in The Nomad Garden – a truly unique desert restaurant experience. Watch this space…

For more information, visit arabian-adventures.com