• Dubai receives 1.77m international tourists in January this year

    Dubai, UAE--Dubai welcomed 1.77 million international tourists in January 2024, an increase of 21% compared to 1.47 million visitors in the same period of 2023. According to the Dubai Tourism Performance Report for January issued by the Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Western Europe ranked first in terms of...
  • 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 to redefine the region's cultural and entertainment landscape.  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...
  • Dubai hotel occupancy up 3.4% to reach 90.8 percent in Feb

    Dubai, UAE -- Dubai hotels achieved a 3.4 percent year-on-year growth in occupancy levels, reaching 90.8 percent, according to preliminary data for February released by CoStar, a provider of global real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. Other key metrics also showed positive growth, with the average daily rate (ADR)...
  • 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 inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 program. The joint effort aims to bring over 350 thousand additional tourists to Saudi over the course of the...
  • European tourists make a beeline for Sharjah as 400,000 visit in 2023

    Sharjah, UAE-- Nearly 400,000 visitors from Europe have traveled to Sharjah during last year, marking a notable 28 percent increase compared to the previous year, with Europeans constituting 27 percent of the total visitor count. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) made the announcement during its press conference on...
  • Salik revenue soars to US$574m

    Toll usage revenue rose 11.7% YoY to US$502million.
  • 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 discussions addressing industry developments, groundbreaking agreements and partnerships set to shape the future of the yachting world. The exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, is recognized as one of the most...
  • 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 sense of safety to explore the country's serene desert getaways. Sheltering amidst the golden dunes, Ghadanfar Abdallah and his friends gather around a flickering campfire in the Samawah desert south...
  • Saudi Arabia surpasses 2030 tourism target of 100 million visitors

    The Kingdom drew praise for this achievement from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Motivated by this success, the country has now set a new ambitious target of 150 million tourists by 2030.
  • 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 Fatima bin Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism. According to the minister, this would raise the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development. In a statement...
  • UAE’s economy rides on tech and renewable energy

    "The UAE's dedication to innovation and international partnerships as vital to enhancing its position on the global economic stage, bolstering the national economy," he adds, observing significant strides in diversifying the economy beyond oil through investments in tourism, technology, renewable energy, and financial services.
  • Gaza war effect: Israel’s GDP shrinks by 20% in the last quarter of 2023

    Overall, Israel's GDP grew by 2.0 percent in 2023, short of the 2.3 percent projection made by the Bank of Israel after the war's outbreak in October, the Central Bureau of Statistics figures showed.
  • 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 points to be raised on the policy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), during the next session. A number of key issues related to stimulating economic growth and...
  • Saudi Arabia ranks 1st in international tourist arrivals growth in 2023

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia topped the UN Tourism’s ranking for the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among large destinations, achieving an increase of 56%, according to the World Tourism Barometer report released last month. The kingdom recorded a remarkable tourism recovery rate of...
  • 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 growth and innovation within the tourism sector in Arab countries. The agreement comes as an extension of the ATO’s efforts to develop and enhance the tourism industry in the Arab...
  • Erdogan’s Egypt visit aimed at rapprochement with al-Sisi

    Turkey and Egypt cut ties in 2013 after Sisi, then Egypt's defense minister, ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Turkey and part of the Muslim Brotherhood movement. At the time, Erdogan said he would never speak to "anyone" like Sisi, who in 2014 became president of the Arab...
  • SCCI and Oman Chamber aim to boost investment cooperation

    Sharjah, UAE--The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in the investment field and developing mechanisms for promoting the joint efforts aimed at supporting the business community in Sharjah and Oman. The two sides explored promising...
  • Saudi more than doubles tourism target by 2030, says minister

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia drew 27 million foreign tourists in 2023 and has more than doubled its goal for the end of the decade, an official said on Tuesday. The announcement came less than five years after the Gulf kingdom fully opened up to tourism and as fears persist...
  • Jeddah Central Development Company signs 4 contracts worth $3bn

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - The Jeddah Central Development Company, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed four construction contracts worth SAR 12 billion ($3 billion) for three major architectural landmarks, including the Stadium, the Opera House and the Oceanarium, in addition to the infrastructure construction work for...
  • Saudi, UAE ‘prior’ countries for Russia’s inbound tourism push

    Moscow, Russia -- China, India, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will become prior countries for Russia in development of inbound tourism in 2024, according to the concept for promoting Russia’s tourism potential on foreign markets presented by Director General of the Center for Strategic Research Pavel...
  • WEF24: The story of Africa is being reclaimed

    Africa is moving away from stereotypes of poverty and incapacity to a narrative of ability and competitiveness, Sithembile Ntombela maNdaba, the CEO of Brand South Africa, tells TRENDS.
  • Egypt grapples with dollar crunch as debt explodes

    With inflation up at 35 percent, and amid a severe foreign currency crunch, the Egyptian pound is plunging and the US dollar has become hard to come by. The country's highly import-reliant economy, dominated by military-linked enterprises and with a fondness for infrastructure mega-projects, has been hit hard by a...
  • Saudi Arabia launches global tourism campaign featuring Messi

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's national tourism brand, "Saudi Welcome To Arabia," has launched a new global marketing campaign featuring football legend Lionel Messi. The campaign, called "Go Beyond What You Think," aims to address misconceptions about Saudi Arabia and encourage people to experience the country's cultural transformation. The...
  • NEOM announces its new luxury ecotourism destination Zardun

    NEOM, SAUDI ARABIA - NEOM's Board of Directors has announced the launch of Zardun - an exclusive resort and natural reserve that will contribute to the restoration and revitalization of the surrounding environment. This will help in supporting NEOM's efforts to develop luxury ecotourism in the Kingdom. Zardun is NEOM's...
  • Dubai wins right to host 349 business event in 2023

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai consolidated its status as a central hub for international business events in 2023, with the city winning a record 349 bids to host international conferences, congresses, meetings and incentive travel programs. Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau, the wins reflected a...
  • Saudi Arabia expects to attract 150 million visitors by 2030

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, with the tourism sector expected to contribute SR750 billion ($200 billion) to the national economy, the kingdom's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said during his address at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh on Monday....
  • Middle East only region to overcome pre-Covid tourism levels: UNWTO

    "International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2.0 percent growth above 2019 levels," the Madrid-based agency said in a statement. Figures for last year showed that 1.3 billion tourists travelled abroad, 44 percent higher than in 2022 and 88 percent of...
  • ADQ, ADNEC to buy stake in TMG

    The two will acquire 40.5% stake in the Egyptian firm.
  • PIF’s diverse investments transform Saudi economy

    From sports and gaming to pharmaceuticals and aviation, the Saudi Public Investment Fund's strategic initiatives are shaping a dynamic future for the the Kingdom's economy.
  • AD Ports to build passenger terminals at Egyptian Red Sea ports

    Cairo, Egypt--AD Ports Group (AD Ports) has signed a contract with Egypt to build, develop, operate and maintain terminals for passengers and cruise lines at the Red Sea ports of Hurghada, Safaga and Sharm El Sheikh. The contract will also commit AD Ports Group to develop yacht and cruise ship...
  • 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 million visitors.Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh said in a tweet that the success of the event is due...
  • Bahrain kicks off roadshow in China to boost tourism sector

    Manama, Bahrain--The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA) began a roadshow in Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, involving prominent travel, tourism, aviation, and hotel sectors.  The roadshow aims to promote Bahrain as a prominent tourist destination in regional and global markets, enhancing the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product in...
  • India’s L&T secures EPC contract for Saudi Arabia’s Amaala project

    New Delhi, India - Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a major Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the Amaala project in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea region. The project, covering 4,155 sq km within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Natural Reserve, is a high-end tourism destination. The contract, awarded by...
  • 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 first 50 days after its launch. The season started in late October, and since then, it has witnessed a large visitor turnout at all areas, with expectations that the coming...
  • UAE consumer spending expected to rise by 5% in 2024: Mastercard report

    Dubai, UAE -- Consumer spending in the UAE is expected to increase by 5 percent in 2024, while consumers and businesses will face crucial decisions about spending and investing, where price differentials and interest rates have burrowed into budgets, informing the resources available with less wiggle room, according to the...
  • Sharjah’s ‘Mleiha’ and ‘Al Dhaid’ added to Islamic World Heritage

    Sharjah, UAE - The Islamic World Heritage Committee of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) added the Mleiha archaeological site and Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj to the List of the Islamic World Heritage. The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has completed the nomination dossier of the Mleiha...
  • Qatar receives more than 3-million tourists in 2023

    Doha, Qatar-- Qatar received more than three million tourists from around the world during the ongoing year, making the oil-rich country a great tourist destination. According to chairman of Qatar Tourism, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Qatar has become a distinctive tourist destination, which is particularly evident as Qatar holds...
  • China, Saudi Arabia sign 60 pacts worth $25bn at Beijing conference

    Beijing, China - China and Saudi Arabia signed over 60 MoUs and agreements worth over $25 billion at the investment conference in Beijing. The conference was attended by more than 1,000 government and business leaders. Agreements were signed in key sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, financial services, logistics, infrastructure,...
  • 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 and ecotourism, according to a PIF press release. The company plans to develop unique tourism projects around cities across Saudi Arabia with attractive natural and farmed landscapes, the release said....
  • IMF to revise regional outlook over Israel-Hamas conflict

    Dubai, UAE--The IMF announced Friday that it will revise its economic outlook for the Middle East and North Africa region due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The conflict will have wide-ranging consequences for "both people and economies" in the region, although the extent of the impact remains "highly uncertain," the...
  • Siranna: NEOM’s premier destination for elite travelers revealed

    NEOM, Saudi Arabia – NEOM, a futuristic city planned by Saudi Arabia in its northwestern Tabuk Province, has unveiled Siranna, an exclusive tourism escape. Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, this ultra-luxurious destination will be home to a 65-key hotel, as well as 35 exclusive residences. The destination offers...
  • It’s official: Saudi Arabia will host World Expo 2030

    The Kingdom's selection as the host for World Expo 2030 marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards innovation, openness, and global connectivity.
  • Abha Valley has potential to be a tourist destination

    ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA - Extending over 34 kilometers, the Abha Valley Basin enjoys a variety of wildlife aspects, civilizational features and variety of terrain that makes it ideal for tourism. Situated at an altitude of 2,983 meters and having steep slopes, the basin, with a dense vegetation cover, is terraced...
  • It’s official: Saudi Arabia will host World Expo 2030

    The Kingdom's selection as the host for World Expo 2030 marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards innovation, openness, and global connectivity.
  • Key contender Riyadh eyes Expo 2030 win tomorrow

    Saudi Arabia -- competing against Busan, Korea, and Rome, Italy -- bids for Expo 2030 with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and global unity.
  • Dubai plans bigger airport as passenger traffic continues to increase

    "Once we've reached about 120 million (passengers a year), which is what we think our total capacity at DXB (Dubai International) is at the absolute maximum with everything optimized, we are going to need a new airport," Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said.
  • UAE non-oil activities to continue to see robust growth in 2024: OPEC

    Vienna, Austria--The UAE's non-oil economic activities continued to see robust performance and are expected to extend healthy development into 2024, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said. In its OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report for November 2023, the organisation anticipated the upward trend in non-oil activities to continue...
  • Salik records $138m in Q3 revenue

    This is the toll operator's highest Q3 revenue since 2007.
  • Sustainably yours: Redefining travel for green future

    The future of travel is expected to see greater use of renewable energy in transportation and advancements in technology, driving sustainable practices. The voluntary carbon offset market, meanwhile, is projected to grow significantly, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability.
  • Almost half of all global destinations now offer digital nomad visas: UNWTO

    Madrid, Spain - The number of destinations offering Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) has risen significantly over recent years, with almost half now offering visas for at least one year. According to a new analysis by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) covering 54 destinations, the rise in DNVs has gone...
  • Conflict points to economic shift in Arab-Israel ties

    Bahrain's expulsion of Israel's ambassador and halted trade may foreshadow a broader economic realignment in the Middle East, threatening key regional trade pacts.