81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
Arts & Culture
Qatar outpaces Saudi Arabia and UAE in tourism growth with 147% surge
Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147%...
Economy
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.
Business
Global tourism industry is on track to reach pre-pandemic levels
MADRID, SPAIN - The World Tourism Barometer published its second report of the year, which showed that international tourism is...
- During Q1 2023, twice as many people traveled internationally than in the same period of 2022, with 235 million estimated tourists.
- The report revealed that international arrivals have reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023.
81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
Arts & Culture
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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
ADIO and Dustour Marine to drive tourism activities in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is collaborating with Dustour Marine Wooden Boats Trading Establishment to establish...
Business
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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,
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...
- This is in line with Rotana’s ambitious goal of launching eight properties in Saudi Arabia.
- Dar Rayhaan by Rotana offers 133 keys, including 113 rooms and 20 suites,