The Transformative Power of Travel
The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in...
Geostrategy
Pre-Covid travel industry arrival figures are back but venture capital is experiencing delays
The global tourism industry has turned the clock back to 2019 before COVID created a massive hole in worldwide passenger...
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
Business
Three new beaches for night swimming open in Dubai
Dubai, UAE - Dubai has given a boost to its beach tourism by opening three new beaches for night swimming...
- The 800-metre-long night-swimming beaches feature lighting systems, which enable residents and tourists to swim around the clock.
- The emirate’s wide diversity of beaches provide people the opportunity to enjoy vibrant seaside dining and diverse activities, WAM reported.
The Transformative Power of Travel
The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Meet Middle East tourism’s power players
Tourism industry accounts for 9 percent of GCC region's GDP and it is expected to grow annually at 7.7 percent....
Business
Tehran, Baghdad to launch maritime passenger transport line
TEHRAN, IRAN – Iran and Iraq will launch the first maritime passenger transport line within the next two months, an...
Geostrategy
DWTC welcomes 2.47m visitors in 2023, says EVP
DUBAI, UAE – Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Mahir Julfar said that the DWTC's performance in 2023...
Business
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Business
flynas receives 50th jetliner out of 120 Airbus A320neo ordered
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – flynas, the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East and the...
- The deal with Airbus was a strategic step for flynas, consolidating its position as a leading low-cost airline in the Middle East.
- The company is moving forward in its plan to double the fleet size after getting approval to purchase 250 aircraft.
Economy
GCC tourism growth skyrockets as diversification drive gains momentum post-Covid
GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable...
- Four years on, the GCC has not just recovered faster than was expected, but it has also led the global tourism recovery with a 122% surge in arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019
- The region has assiduously worked for it with its two major economies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, embarking on economic diversification with tourism one of the thrust areas
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...
- The NRS shipping service will link Jeddah Islamic Port to Yanbu Commercial Port, Neom Port, Aqaba Port in Jordan, and Sokhna Port in Egypt.
- This will further establish the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub that bridges three continents,

