GACA report: Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport ranked best for 15M+ passengers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with...
Business
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...
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
Business
Ajman hotels posts 3% increase in revenues in Q1 2023
AJMAN, UAE - Ajman hotels and serviced apartments recorded a three percent growth in hotel revenues in the first quarter...
- Ajman tourism is looking for new ways to collaborate with local and international partners to advance the tourism sector by attracting new investments.
- The emirate of Ajman hosts 44 hotel establishments ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels, resorts and luxury hotel apartments with 3,997 hotel rooms.
Hyatt to develop tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with...
- The destinations may include beach and urban hotels, as well as mountain, desert and farm retreats
- They will be developed under Hyatt’s existing trademarks, such as Alila Resorts, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt etc
Business
73.1m tourists to Saudi Arabia spent $35.54 billion in 9M 2022
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly SAR 133.3 billion ($35.54 billion) were spent in the first nine months of 2022 by...
- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism defines a tourist as every visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) with an overnight stay in the place visited.
- Saudi Arabia ranked second on the list of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the first quarter of 2023, according to the latest data from World Tourism Organization.
Economy
Saudi Arabia ranks 2nd fastest growing tourism destination in world
The kingdom received about 7.8 million international tourists for all purposes during the first quarter of 2023, representing its highest...
- The kingdom also became 13th globally, advancing by 12 places, as one of the top countries receiving international tourists in 2022
- The number of international tourists who visited the kingdom, for all travel purposes, hit 16.6 million in 2022, WTO reported
GACA report: Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport ranked best for 15M+ passengers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with...
Business
Company News
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RSG, Hyundai Motor ink pact
Business
New shipping service in Saudi Arabia launched
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by...
Business
Rotana announces the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan in Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties in...
Business
Global football stars choose Red Sea destination for holiday
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA – A few days ago, the Red Sea destination hosted several international football stars from Saudi Pro...
Business
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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...
- The Middle East will be the first region globally to recover its Chinese inbound market with full recovery expected in 2025
- According to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com, bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540%
Economy
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...
- Data from online travel agencies including Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche indicates a significant rise in Chinese tourists flocking to the UAE
- Destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco have witnessed increasing demand from Chinese travelers, partly due to their visa-free policies
Arts & Culture
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi wins Guinness World Records
ABU DHABI, UAE – SeaWorld Yas Island - the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park here -, has won a...
- SeaWorld Yas Island has won the Guinness World Records for being the “Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park” in the world.
- The certificate was presented to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, and the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi leadership.