Jordan’s Umm al-Jimal added to UNESCO heritage list
Amman, Jordan - Jordan's Umm al-Jimal village has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, in a move hailed on Sunday...
Al-Hada and Muhammadya Al-Shafa in Taif: A tapestry of tourism, nature
Taif, Saudi Arabia - Taif and its serene towering mountains, nestled deep within the majestic Sarawat Mountains, serve as a...
Economy
Will climate change hit Mediterranean tourism?
In Spain, the thermometer has shot 15 degrees above normal summer season levels. Italy has also laboured under heatwaves with...
- In Greece, thousands of tourists have been evacuated in recent days from the islands of Rhodes and Corfu which have been ravaged by fires
- According to a recent note from Moody's, "heatwaves may reduce Southern Europe's attractiveness as a tourist destination in the longer term
Economy
Travel companies give wings to Saudi tourism aspirations
Fueling this ambition is an intricate web of travel companies, including tour operators, airlines, accommodation providers, cruise lines, and destination...
- The Kingdom, aiming to draw 100 million yearly visitors by 2030, is planning to invest over US$1 trillion in tourism over the next decade
- Travel companies play a key role in promoting Saudi tourism, developing packages, and collaborating with public sector entities
Economy
Arabian Nights in Malaysia: Middle Eastern cuisine and adventure await Arab tourists
Malaysia's Bukit Bintang district offers a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and bustling tourist attractions to charm Arab travelers.
- Authentic Arab food, especially the Levantine variety, in Bukit Bintang is as easily available as in Doha or Kuwait
- Presence of Yemeni-themed restaurants not only enhances the cuisine scene but pays homage to Malaysia's historical connections with Yemen
Economy
Saudi Arabia harnesses technology to boost tourism sector
VR and AR technologies offer tourists pre-visit virtual explorations of cultural and natural sites, driving engagement and anticipation. Onsite, the...
- Technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, E-visas, and e-payment systems are enhancing the tourist experience in the Kingdom, say experts
- NEOM, which epitomizes Saudi Arabia's innovative approach, is set to become a global showcase of advanced design and digital experiences, they add
Arts & Culture
Louvre Abu Dhabi displays new collection of artworks from across the world
ABU DHABI, UAE – The Louvre Abu Dhabi has displayed new acquisitions including three artworks by Pablo Picasso alongside loans...
- The artworks complement the museum’s narrative and enrich its collection and serve as windows into different eras, civilisations and artistic movements.
- Each item tells a unique story, shedding light on the richness of human creativity and the timelessness of artistic expression.
Business
Saudi Catering, RSG ink pacts
The contracts are valid for 20 years, said Saudi Catering.
- The first contract includes the design, building, operation and transfer of a central laundry to serve hotels, resorts as well as other facilities.
- The second contract includes the design, building, operation and transfer of a central production unit for catering and facilities management services.
Business
Saudi tourism magnets: Oasis, bustling cities
New tourism framework has been enacted, refining regulations and systems to lure investors, boost competitiveness, and elevate service quality in...
- Masmak Fortress in Riyadh, another major attraction, was once the home of the Saudi royal family. It is now a museum that tells the story of the founding of the Kingdom.
- The once-closed Kingdom has relaxed some of the country's social and religious laws, making it easier for tourists to visit.
Business
Cruise visitors to Qatar in 2022-23 rise 151 percent
DOHA, QATAR - New data from Qatar Tourism (QT) revealed that the country welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during its 2022-23...
- Qatar has seen a steady increase in cruise ship arrivals and passenger numbers, and the industry is poised for further growth in the seasons to come.
- In 2022-23 season, most cruise passengers originated from Germany (31 percent), Italy (10 percent), Russia (6 percent) and the United Kingdom (3 percent).
Geostrategy
UAE discusses tourism with India, UK, Indonesia and Japan
NEW DELHI, INDIA - UAE Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri...
- The UAE is keen on developing tourism ties with countries and building partnerships in fields that supports economic, social growth and prosperity.
- The UAE had adopted a forward-looking vision to develop a distinguished tourism sector at the regional and global levels.
Dubai tourist visa: 10-day overstay grace period abolished
Dubai, UAE - Dubai has scrapped the 10-day grace period for visitors whose tourist visas have expired, Arabian Business reported...
- Previously, individuals who overstayed their visas were allowed an additional 10 days in Dubai before facing penalties
- This means it is crucial for visitors to ensure their visas are valid and to apply for an extension if necessary to avoid penalties
Jordan’s Umm al-Jimal added to UNESCO heritage list
Amman, Jordan - Jordan's Umm al-Jimal village has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, in a move hailed on Sunday...
Company News
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RSG, Hyundai Motor ink pact
Business
Qatar looks to boost tourism sector by streamlining regulations
Doha, Qatar-- Qatar is looking to develop "plans and strategies" to streamline procedures and regulations in order to solve solve...
Business
Middle East to receive millions of Chinese tourists lost in Covid pandemic
Dubai, UAE-- Outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be...
Business
Visa-free policies make Middle East preferred destination for Chinese travelers
Dubai, UAE - As China's outbound tourism steadily rebounds from the pandemic's impact, the Middle East is emerging as a...
Economy
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Arts & Culture
Saudi RCU begins rock excavation for Sharaan Resort in AlUla
ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the...
- The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise.
- This milestone is an important step forward in AlUla's evolution into a premier destination for sustainable luxury tourism.
Arts & Culture
Hotel Dar Tantora is inspired by Saudi’s AlUla ancient mudbrick buildings
ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – Situated in the heart of Old Town here, Dar Tantora Hotel offers guests a chance to...
- AlUla’s Old Town, with its origins going back over 700 years, prospered along the renowned incense trade route.
- With over 900 traditional mudbrick homes, the Old Town stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s enduring cultural heritage.
Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi sizes up ‘huge challenge’
As the only  bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is...
- To host the 48-team World Cup, the country needs 14 all-seater stadiums capable of holding at least 40,000 people, according to the bid document
- Saudi sports ministry is preparing to issue tenders worth 10 billion riyals ($2.69 billion) to build and expand football venues, according to domestic media