GCC is rewriting the narrative on cultural diplomacy
Partnerships with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Venice Biennale, and Hollywood productions elevate the GCC’s cultural landscape.
Economy
Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 kicks off Friday with over 800 competitors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Dakar Rally 2025, the largest and longest race in the world of motorsports, is set...
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
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.
GCC is rewriting the narrative on cultural diplomacy
Partnerships with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Venice Biennale, and Hollywood productions elevate the GCC’s cultural landscape.
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
Business
‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo...
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
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Business
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...
- Over 722,000 were international visitors to various events, showcasing an unparalleled 60 percent growth rate year-on-year.
- Flagship events such as GITEX Global and Gulfood maintained their leadership positions in their respective sectors.
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...
- Located in Rabadan, the new Al Jaddaf project will provide a comprehensive sea paddle infrastructure tailored for boats.
- The 79,595 sqm project will encompass buildings dedicated to boat maintenance and repair, a center for boat buying and selling, a shop catering to fishermen supplies
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.