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
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.
Economy
Saudi Arabia launching tourism projects worth $400m
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is launching tourism projects worth SAR 1.5 billion ($400 million) in the targeted destinations...
- The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has sponsored ‘The Collective’ initiative launched by Kerten Hospitality, a hotel investment firm, to establish its projects under one umbrella
- The announcement represents an important step toward achieving the objectives of the national tourism strategy by developing quality hospitality facilities
Economy
GCC considers unified visa system to boost tourism
Ministerial-level talks are underway among the GCC nations to achieve a single visa agreement, says Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al...
- Ministerial-level talks are underway among the GCC nations to achieve a single visa agreement, says Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi during an event in Dubai
- The unified GCC visa strategy aims to boost tourism sector's contribution to GDP, create employment, enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainability of the industry
Abu Dhabi named smartest city in MENA region and 13th globally
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Abu Dhabi has been named the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)...
- The study surveyed 120 residents in each of the 118 cities and evaluated infrastructure and digital services available to them
- It focussed on five main pillars: health and safety, mobility, activities, work and education system, and governance.
Business
Over 3.8m passengers transit through Sharjah Airport in Q1 of 2023
SHARJAH, UAE - Over 3.8 million passengers traveled through Sharjah Airport in the first quarter of 2023, recording a 28.01...
- The aircraft movement in Q1 of 2023 rose by 9.02 per cent, with 23,261 flights compared to 21,336 flights during the same period in 2022.
- There have been continued efforts by Sharjah Airport Authority to increase passenger numbers and aircraft movements.
Business
Arabian Travel Market unveils Monday in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE - The 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open Monday at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC),...
- The event, on May 1-4, will see global travel, tourism, and hospitality experts discuss how their industry is ‘Working Towards Net Zero’.
- Exhibitor participation in the event has risen by 27 percent compared to last year’s event, with growth registered across all show sectors.
Business
DET to highlight Dubai’s tourism in Arabian Travel Market
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is likely to display the diversity of the Emirate's destination,...
- DET is supposed to highlight how the city’s tourism industry is supporting the journey towards achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050.
- DET will showcase cuisine from Emirati businesses and local, homegrown brands whilst ensuring that all giveaways are sustainable.
Arts & Culture
Hollywood sensation Jason Momoa is new ‘Chief Island Officer’ of Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the country’s leisure and entertainment destination, appoints Jason Momoa to be the...
- American actor Momoa assumes the former role of stand-up comedian Kevin Hart who announced the end of his reign as Chief Island Officer earlier this year
- In the new trailer video, Jason is seen making a casual yet epic entrance on a paddle board announcing that his calling has led him to “this ridiculously awesome job.”
Business
Qatar Tourism head says country expects over 5m visitors in 2023
DOHA, QATAR - Qatar expects more than five million people to visit the Gulf state in 2023 despite a post-World Cup...
- The head of Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism admitted that hotels had fallen quiet after the World Cup final on December 19.
- He insisted that every World Cup host has the same lull after the tournament and that hotels were still 65-70 percent full.
GCC citizens enjoy increased visa-free travel options
GCC citizens have some of the most powerful passports in the world, says a recent report by the Henley Passport...
- GCC citizens have some of the most powerful passports in the world, says a recent report by the Henley Passport Index 2023
- This trend is expected to continue, opening up new possibilities and opportunities for GCC citizens, the report adds
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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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
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...
Business
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...
Economy
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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,
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...
- Among the football stars were Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabinho Tavares, Roger Ibanez and Roberto Firmino.
- They also engaged in various water sports and marine activities, making the most of their time.
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...
- Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali bin Saad Al Kharji said Qatari tourism sector has witnessed significant development in recent years
- Al Kharji said that it is one of the main pillars of the state's strategy for economic diversification under the Qatar National Vision 2030