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
Killer heat wave sweeps the globe, hundreds perish
A punishing heat dome continues to intensify over the northeastern United States, scores of record-high temperatures were matched or broken...
- About 75 million Americans live in a location under an excessive heat warning or advisory
- Latest reports say some 900 people died in Saudi Arabia, where temperatures reached 51°C
Arts & Culture
Oman aviation sector sees 16.4% passenger growth in first 4 months of 2024
Oman witnesses a 16.4% growth in passenger traffic in early 2024The Sultanate of Oman’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth...
- Oman's four airports collectively handled over 4.9 million passengers
- Country planning to build six new airports and increase their number in Oman to 13 by 2028-29
Tunisian Jewish pilgrimage sees low turnout amid security fears
Djerba, Tunisia - Only a dozen pilgrims turned up Friday at this year's Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia's island of Djerba...
- The pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue, Africa's oldest, usually draws thousands of pilgrims from Europe, Israel and beyond, attracting international and local tourists as well
- But on the first day of the pilgrimage event this year, only about a dozen worshippers were present - almost none of them foreigners
Alberta seeks to charm the world with a solid tourism growth plan, says Minister Joseph Schow
Alberta's tourism sector, with attractions resonating with GCC travelers, aims for a $25 billion visitor economy by 2035, says Joseph...
- 'We possess attractions that resonate with international travelers, including those from regions like Saudi Arabia or the UAE'
- 'Alberta's tourism sector aims to attract visitors from GCC countries, fostering relationships and expanding its global marketing efforts'
Business
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
- Our omni-channel approach offers seamless and personalized experiences across multiple touchpoints that aim to redefine customers’ travel booking journey, says Singhvi
- as become even more important to create hyper-customized and context-sensitive, targeted measures to reach and engage with the right kind of audience, he adds
Business
Saudi to bring in more tourists from the Caribbean with expanded eVisa program
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, has announced the expansion of...
- Nationals of Caribbean can now apply for a visitor visa to Saudi either electronically or at the country’s international ports of entry
- The program constitutes a key pillar in delivering the revised Vision 2030 target of attracting 150 million tourists
Business
ATM 2024 in Dubai to host 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries
Dubai, UAE - The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Mart, 2024, taking place from May 6 to May 9, is...
- ATM 2024 has seen a 21% year-on-year increase in participating hotel brands, alongside a notable 58% rise in new Travel Technology products on display
- New destinations will be introduced at ATM 2024, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, while returning countries include Spain and France, among many others
Business
Ajman seeks strategic alliances at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Ajman, UAE - The Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) kicks off in Ajman from May 6 to May 9, celebrating...
- Ajman has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, reflecting its growing appeal and popularity among domestic and international travelers
- International arrivals have seen a remarkable 29% increase in 2023 compared to 2022, with international visitors constituting 60% of Ajman's total arrivals
Business
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...
- The region has positioned itself as a hub for a diverse range of travelers, including job seekers, investors, artists, and even those merely passing through
- The GCC is becoming a hub for major cultural and entertainment events, from art exhibitions and live concerts to sports events
‘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...
- What began with Emirates and Dubai has expanded to include Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, says Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel
- The region hosts numerous trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions, and have so many hotels that are capable of accommodating tens of thousands of attendees, he adds
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
Saudi Arabia leads GCC travel growth to India with a 40% rise in flight searches: report
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Wego, the leading travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North...
Saudi bid to host 2034 World Cup positions Kingdom as global center for top sports events
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He said this...
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...
Most Read
Paris prepares warm Olympics welcome — except for rats
While the Paris Olympics is set to be a festival of socializing and intermingling, city authorities are keen for visitors...
- Boulevards and squares have been thoroughly spruced up, with many historic buildings given a makeover
- "Where there were areas with lots of rats, we put traps in place ahead of the Games" - French Deputy Mayor
Moonlit scramble across the sand for Turkey’s booming baby turtle population
Manavgat, Turkey - The baby loggerhead sea turtles emerged from their eggshells and began their first challenge in life: a wobbly...
- It is a perilous journey into the unknown for the sea turtles as only about one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood
- Despite grave threats from humans and predators such as birds, crabs and ants, protection measures are bearing fruit on Turkey's southern coast
Business
Saudi Arabia’s tourist spending reaches $40bn: minister
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights the upcoming launch of a tourist visa aimed at drawing more international...
- Passenger air traffic in Saudi Arabia rose by 17 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching 62 million compared to 53 million in the same period last year
- This growth was aided by a 12 percent increase in flights, with 446,000 recorded compared to 399,000 in the first half of 2023