Middle East tourism projected to reach $350 billion by 2030: ATM report
Dubai, UAE – The Middle East’s tourism sector is poised for unprecedented expansion, with a new report predicting a 50...
Business
Layali Diriyah: Blending scents of history, culture, global flavors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Surrounded by the natural emblem of palm trees, Layali Diriyah during Ramadan radiates a distinctive ambiance,...
Business
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 Â - 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
Middle East tourism projected to reach $350 billion by 2030: ATM report
Dubai, UAE – The Middle East’s tourism sector is poised for unprecedented expansion, with a new report predicting a 50...
Business
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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...
IOC creates historic Olympic Esports Games with 2025 launch in Saudi
History was made today when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to create Olympic Esports Games. The first edition will...
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...
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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
Al-Hada and Muhammadya Al-Shafa in Taif: A tapestry of tourism, nature
Taif, Saudi Arabia - Taif and its serene towering mountains, nestled deep within the majestic Sarawat Mountains, serve as a...
- The paved roads of Al-Hada and Al-Shafa mountains, such as Akabat Al-Kar and Akabat Al-Muhammadya, provide easy access to biodiversity
- Visitors can spend their days under the shade of abundant juniper trees and beside cool freshwater streams, allowing them to appreciate Taif's unique and pristine natural diversity
Business
Chinese company to build Saudi Arabia’s first ocean park
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Haichang Ocean Park Holdings, China's largest ocean theme park operator, announced plans on Thursday to build...
- Haichang, which has a history of marine-themed tourism spanning over two decades, has previously collaborated on tourism projects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia
- Currently operating parks in cities such as Shanghai, Dalian, Zhengzhou, and Sanya, Haichang attracts more than 20 million visitors annually