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
Diriyah unveils 20,000-seat arena in $63bn Saudi masterplan
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for "The Arena in Diriyah," a monumental 76,000-square-meter lifestyle facility set...
- Designed by London-based HKS Architects as part of a $63.2 billion masterplan, the arena aims to become the Middle East's premier venue destination
- Embracing Najdi architecture motifs, the arena promises a versatile design enabling swift configuration changes for hosting various events
Business
Saudi Tourism Authority, Trip.com Group sign global agreement
BERLIN, GERMANY – Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Trip.com Group have announced a significant global partnership, which will drive greater...
- The joint effort aims to bring over 350 thousand additional tourists to Saudi over the course of the agreement.
- The partnership is vital as it coincides with exceptional growth and transformation in the global tourism industry.
Business
Salik revenue soars to US$574m
Toll usage revenue rose 11.7% YoY to US$502million.
- The total number of trips made through Salik’s eight toll gates grew by 10 percent over the course of the year.
- Salik’s registered active accounts increased 16.0 percent YoY to approximately 2.4 million at the end of 2023.
Business
Dubai International Boat Show helps in marine business
DUBAI, UAE – Dubai International Boat Show has wrapped up following a hugely successful week of high-value boat sales, important...
- The exhibition is recognized as one of the most influential boat shows in the world.
- The exhibition has wrapped up following a hugely successful week of boat sales.
Arts & Culture
Young Iraqis seek desert retreats for a change from the hustle of big cities
SAMAWAH, IRAQ – Far from the hustle and bustle of major cities, young Iraqis are increasingly taking advantage of a renewed...
- For years, only the most intrepid of hikers and campers would brave the trips into Iraq's desert.
- With the rise of social media and a period of relative stability, it has become a popular destination.
Economy
Bahrain to support ‘Arab tourism’ in order to boost cultural integration
Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will support Arab tourism in order to enhance social, cultural and historical integration among Arab people, according to...
- The minister told media the exercise would advance the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development
- She said the kingdom will strengthen its position as an ideal destination for sustainable tourism in light of the diversity of its tourism services
Business
SCC committee discusses issues related to Sharjah’s economy and tourism
SHARJAH, UAE - The Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) held a meeting to discuss...
- The committee addressed the outcomes of its recent visit to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
- The committee was briefed about the authority’s efforts to stimulate tourism by conducting events throughout the year.
Business
ATO partners with ISM to boost tourism in the Middle East
Jeddah, UAE--The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) has signed a partnership agreement with the International Strategic Management (ISM) company to achieve...
- The ISM will collaborate with the ATO to achieve its goals, harmonizing them with the Arab League's Sustainable Development Plan
- The partnership between the ATO and ISM will enable the Arab countries to develop tourist destinations to achieve sustainable development
Arts & Culture
Archaeological sites discovered in Southern Saudi Arabia
ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA - The Heritage Commission announced its most prominent discovery in Jurash, Asir region, as one of the...
- These were the result of strenuous excavations that took place in 2023.
- Residential units whose walls were built with stones and clay were revealed.
Newly restored tomb of Neferhotep in Luxor opens to tourists
Cairo, Egypt -- After more than two decades of restoration, the tomb of Neferhotep, a high-ranking 18th dynasty senior official...
- The tomb was opened during a ceremony by Mostafa Waziry, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities
- A mission from Buenos Aires University was responsible for recording the tomb’s epigraphic and archaeological aspects
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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Oregon leverages coastal adventures and diverse landscapes to expand its tourism market
Oregon's tourism strategy focuses on year-round visitation, sustainability, and regenerative travel, aiming to optimize economic impact while preserving natural beauty...
Economy
GCC tourism’s contribution to GDP expected to surge by 2030: Fitch
GCC tourism's GDP contribution will rise from $130 billion in 2023 to over $340 billion by 2030, driven by aviation...
Qatar to witness GCC’s highest growth in hospitality industry revenue until 2028
Hospitality industry revenue in Qatar is expected to witness the highest growth rate in GCC until 2028, Alpen Capital has...
Arts & Culture
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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'