Blending AI with a Human Touch: Al Rais Travel Eyes the Future of Tourism
Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India...
Business
Tech and sustainability drive Singapore’s smart tourism vision
To realize its vision for “smart tourism”, Singapore Tourism Board is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and...
Interview
Business
Saudi Arabia unveils 45,000-seat multi-use stadium in Qiddiya City
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced on Monday the launch of...
- Upon opening, the stadium is anticipated to host some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sports, entertainment, and cultural events.
- It aims to draw visitors from across the globe and revolutionize the traditional stadium experience with its immersive design.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia launches documentary Horizon on wildlife
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Konoz, an initiative of the Ministry of Media's Center for Government Communication (CGC), has released a...
- The documentary is currently being shown on the Netflix platform.
- The film gives a look at the ecological diversity of the Kingdom,
Business
NEOM announces Aquellum as futuristic lifestyle community
NEOM, SAUDI ARABIA - The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Aquellum, a luxury and experiential space embedded within...
- Aquellum is hidden within a breathtaking 450-meter-high mountain range.
- The subterranean digitalized community creates vibrancy and interconnectivity.
Business
Dubai Duty Free achieves all-time record sales of over US$2.16bn in 2023
DUBAI, UAE - The New Year began on a high note for Dubai Duty Free with the announcement of an...
- December 2023 finished for Dubai Duty Free with record monthly sales of US$221 million, an 8.37 percent increase compared to 2022.
- It's 40th anniversary celebrations offered a 25 percent discount on December 20 which led to a shopping spree of $14.8 million in 24 hours.
Arts & Culture
Over 12m people visit Riyadh Season in 60 days
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Two months after their launch, on October 11, 2023, Riyadh Season events had already attracted 12...
- Riyadh Season attracts large number of visitors with different kinds of activities and experiences.
- It is one of the major Saudi events that establishes new concepts in the world of entertainment.
Arts & Culture
10m people attend Riyadh Season 2023 events in first 50 days, says report
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - According to the Riyadh Season, 10 million people took part in the activities organized in the...
- Riyadh Season 2023 started in late October, and since then, it has witnessed a large visitor turnout at all entertainment areas.
- At the Season, visitors can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, festivals and other events in which celebrities and prominent brands participate.
Saudi Arabia introduces unified platform for visas, including Hajj, Umrah
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia on Tuesday introduced 'KSA VISA,' a unified visa platform aimed at streamlining visa application...
- The platform aims to automate visa issuance procedures, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience
- The initiative is a step in the kingdom's strategy to bolster tourism in the forthcoming years
Business
Red Sea Global, VAARST join hands for marine ecosystem mapping
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA - Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations, is piloting SubSLAM, an...
- VAARST’s photogrammetry and real-time intelligent data collection system are transforming how underwater ecosystems are mapped and preserved.
- SubSLAM, developed by VAARST, enables precise quantification and identification of corals and underwater objects using advanced 4K sensors.
Business
NEOM unveils Utamo, a $500bn project to showcase world’s mega artists
NEOM, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's $500 billion mega project, has introduced Utamo, a new art and entertainment destination set...
- Described by NEOM as "an innovative and multipurpose event and performance space," Utamo features VIP lounges and signature restaurants
- NEOM envisions Utamo as a venue where "reality and the digital realm converge," aiming to redefine entertainment benchmarks
Business
PIF sets up agri and ecotourism firm Dan Company
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Monday the establishment of Dan Company, specializing in agritourism...
- The company plans to develop unique tourism projects around cities across Saudi Arabia with attractive natural and farmed landscapes.
- Dan aims to involve local communities in imparting experience that enables visitors to fully interact with Saudi regional culture and traditions.
Blending AI with a Human Touch: Al Rais Travel Eyes the Future of Tourism
Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India...
Business
Company News
Latest News
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...
Business
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...
Most Read
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 2024 The Sultanate of Oman’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable...
- 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