• Middle East to receive millions of Chinese tourists lost in Covid pandemic

    Dubai, UAE-- Outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be 22% below its peak pre-pandemic numbers of 155 million tourists in 2019, who spent over $250 billion overseas, according to Oxford Economics Full recovery is expected to materialise in 2025,...
  • PIF sets up tourism firm Asfar

    Firm Saudi Tourism Investment Company has been set up.
  • Will climate change hit Mediterranean tourism?

    In Spain, the thermometer has shot 15 degrees above normal summer season levels. Italy has also laboured under heatwaves with the island of Sardinia melting under 48 Celsius while, on Monday, Tunis endured 49C. Tourism plays a key role in the region's economies -- the sector accounts for nearly a...
  • Abu Dhabi-Japan deal to boost economic diversification

    “Our cooperation with Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) is part of these efforts as Japanese experience and progress reflect role of competent talent in the scientific and technological fields, and the effectiveness of its human capital development programmes,” he adds.
  • Tourism turns the Kingdom into a rising global star

    In just few years, Saudi Arabia has leapt up the global rankings to become a leading destination for international tourists, with rapid growth transforming its tourism sector.
  • Saudi Fund for Development commits $10m to boost tourism in Bahamas

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Bahamas have signed a $10 million agreement to build state-of-the-art business incubation centers across three idyllic islands in the Bahamas. With the primary aim of bolstering the tourism industry, these centers will serve as nurturing hubs for new business...
  • Travel companies give wings to Saudi tourism aspirations

    Fueling this ambition is an intricate web of travel companies, including tour operators, airlines, accommodation providers, cruise lines, and destination management companies. These firms are crucial cogs in the grand tourism machine, each contributing in unique ways towards marketing Saudi tourism and wooing tourists.
  • Arabian Nights in Malaysia: Middle Eastern cuisine and adventure await Arab tourists

    Malaysia's Bukit Bintang district offers a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and bustling tourist attractions to charm Arab travelers.
  • Erdogan’s visit: Qatar and Turkey seek to deepen strategic partnership

    Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani praised Turkey's efforts to improve the country's financial situation and reduce inflation rates through a comprehensive monetary policy. Erdogan recognized Qatar's inherent economic potential and its balanced growth rates, saying it was one of the most robust economies in the region.
  • Iran looks to Arab states to propel its lackluster tourism sector

    Avoided by western tourists, Iran is turning to wealthy Arab states and other nearby countries to bolster its sanctions-hit economy. It is also drawing visitors from Russia and China. Owing to the thaw in relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran is now interested in closer ties with the Arab world.
  • Trade hits new high as GCC-Japan ties get warmer

    Japan's exports to the Gulf countries include automobiles, machinery, iron and steel, electrical machinery, rubber, textiles, visual goods, and foodstuffs.
  • Towards the next 50 years between Japan and UAE

    "In education, Japan is working to promote study exchanges and internships for Emirati students and young professionals. Japan continues to support Japanese language education in the UAE, where interest in Japanese culture and language is strong," Kishida adds whille highlighting that the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic...
  • Saudi Arabia harnesses technology to boost tourism sector

    VR and AR technologies offer tourists pre-visit virtual explorations of cultural and natural sites, driving engagement and anticipation. Onsite, the growing use of digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and UnionPay simplifies transactions, boosting the overall travel experience, they add.
  • Egypt to receive first batch of Iranian tourists in era of restored ties

    Tehran, Iran-- After years of frosty relations between the two countries, Egypt and Iran are set to restore ties with the visit of Iranian tourists to the North African country. According to the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, Iranian tourists will soon travel to the country through...
  • E-visas to drive tourism’s GDP share to 10%

    Saudi Arabia is leveraging digital solutions to streamline travel, link tourists with local enterprises through apps, and enhance experiences via VR, boosting the 'wow' factor with unique projects for global visitors.
  • ADGM adopts Abu Dhabi onshore hotel and tourism legislation

    Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has issued the ADGM Hotel and Tourism Regulations 2023 (Tourism Regulations), under which the Market will adopt the Abu Dhabi onshore tourism legislation into its legislative framework. The onshore tourism legislation includes the regulations and rules concerning hotels and tourism sectors...
  • Iran emerging as a hub for health tourism in West Asia: Raisi

    Tehran, Iran--Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has claimed that health tourism in the country has attracted patients from neighboring countries and even Central Asian states who prefer to get medical care in Iran rather than in Europe. Raisi made the remarks on Friday as he inaugurated Ghadir Major Hospital in the...
  • Saudi Catering, RSG ink pacts

    The contracts are valid for 20 years, said Saudi Catering.
  • Saudi tourism magnets: Oasis, bustling cities

    New tourism framework has been enacted, refining regulations and systems to lure investors, boost competitiveness, and elevate service quality in the sector across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi tourism on growth path despite hiccups

    Saudi Arabia is investing $500 billion in NEOM, a future city in the northwest, expected to be a hotspot for tourism, tech, and innovation. It is also transforming the UNESCO heritage site, AlUla, into a key tourist attraction.
  • UAE, Armenia non-oil trade reaches $1.53bn in 2022

    Yerevan, Armenia – Non-oil trade volume between the UAE and Armenia reached $1.53 billion in 2022, with a growth rate of 673 percent compared to 2021, the UAE news agency Wam reported on Friday.  The total UAE non-oil exports to Armenia amounted to almost $229 million in 2022, with a...
  • UAE discusses tourism with India, UK, Indonesia and Japan

    NEW DELHI, INDIA - UAE Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri met separately with the ministers of India, UK, Indonesia and Japan on the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Goa. Bin Touq met with Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative...
  • Saudi Arabia climbs to 13th rank on IATA air connectivity index

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia vaults to the 13th position on the air connectivity index of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2023, up from the 27th position in 2019. In the ranking that includes over 200 countries, the Kingdom achieved a record rise by 14 places. It achieved...
  • $800bn investments set to bolster Saudi tourism

    "The Kingdom will invest more than $800 billion during the next 10 years", added the minister, noting that tourists may acquire Saudi tourist visas electronically. He underlined the nation's commitment to bolstering its travel and tourism industry while attending a session of the 10th Arab-China Business Conference.
  • Arab-China summit sees $10bn deals on first day

    Investment agreements between the two sides covered diverse sectors such as technology, renewables, agriculture, real estate, minerals, supply chains, tourism, and healthcare.
  • Dubai set to welcome 18m tourists in 2023

    Dubai, UAE - After welcoming 14.36 million visitors in 2022, a 97 percent Year-over-Year (Y0Y) growth when compared to 7.28 million tourist arrivals in 2021, the emirate looks forward to receiving 18 million tourists this year. The city alone welcomed six million tourists in the first four months of this...
  • Sharjah and Uzbekistan explore investments in tourism, education sectors

    Sharjah, UAE-- Sharjah and Uzbekistan are looking to ramp up cooperation in trade and pour investments in sectors such as education, research and tourism. In this regard, the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah hosted a high-level meeting with leading diplomats from the Republic of Uzbekistan recently to explore...
  • Saudi Arabia and Oman launch ‘joint tourist visa’ to boost industry

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Saudi Arabia and Oman have launched a joint tourist visa to boost trade and investment cooperation in tourism-related projects. The unified tourist visa between the two countries was one of the several initiatives agreed upon at a high-level meeting held between officials of the two countries.  The new...
  • Israeli soldiers to join Moroccan war games for first time

    Israel participated in the event last year, however only as international military observers, without soldiers taking part on the ground. Morocco and Israel have been working to boost cooperation in the military, security, trade and tourism fields since they normalized ties in December 2020.
  • Air Arabia to double fleet

    The plan will boost Abu Dhabi's tourism market.
  • TRENDS poll: Technology most booming GCC sector

    Tourism and Finance were the next flourishing sectors named in the poll in which the majority of the respondents were in the 20-29 age group and mostly from Egypt.
  • Dubai tourist visa: 10-day overstay grace period abolished

    Dubai, UAE - Dubai has scrapped the 10-day grace period for visitors whose tourist visas have expired, Arabian Business reported on Friday.  Previously, individuals who overstayed their visas were allowed an additional 10 days in Dubai before facing penalties. However, Dubai has now followed other emirates in removing this grace...
  • Dubai records 27 million taxi rides taken in first quarter of 2023

    Dubai, UAE-- Some 27 million taxi rides were undertaken in Dubai in the first three months of 2023, up one million from the same period last year. According to the Roads and Transport Authority, the latest figures underscored the sector's “remarkable growth” over the past five years. The increase in...
  • Holiday homes in Dubai to get ‘QR Code’ to improve transparency

    Dubai, UAE - Dubai on Monday launched a new QR Code initiative for holiday homes, as part of efforts to improve transparency and increase confidence among investors and visitors in the short-term rental market. Launched as part of Dubai's commitment to supporting the continuous growth of the hospitality industry, the...
  • Ajman Chamber, Belgium Embassy discuss trade opportunities

    AJMAN, UAE -   Chairman of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Abdullah Al Muwaiji discussed trade and investment opportunities with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the UAE Antoine Delcourt and his delegation. The meeting, held at the Ajman Chamber's headquarters, was attended by Mohamed Ali Al...
  • Hyatt to develop tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation to establish luxury hotels across the kingdom. The collaboration aims to develop several hospitality-led destinations which will enhance the tourism sector in the country....
  • Strong non-oil sector growth to push UAE real GDP up 2.8% in 2023: WB

    The Emirates' non-oil sector is projected to grow by 4.8 percent, driven by robust domestic demand, particularly in tourism, real estate, construction, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, the bank's officials said.
  • 73.1m tourists to Saudi Arabia spent $35.54 billion in 9M 2022

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly SAR 133.3 billion ($35.54 billion) were spent in the first nine months of 2022 by about 73 million tourists -- both domestic and inbound -- who visited Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism defines a tourist as every visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) with...
  • Saudi Arabia ranks 2nd fastest growing tourism destination in world

    The kingdom received about 7.8 million international tourists for all purposes during the first quarter of 2023, representing its highest quarterly performance.
  • 2 million tourists visit Jordan in first quarter of 2023

    Dead Sea, Jordan -- Almost 2 million people visited Jordan in first quarter of 2023, an 87.2 percent increase compared to the first third of 2022, the Tourism Minister of Jordan, Makram Qaisi said Monday. He said that the "tourism sector has begun to recover and grow at a high...
  • Three new beaches for night swimming open in Dubai

    Dubai, UAE - Dubai has given a boost to its beach tourism by opening three new beaches for night swimming in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. The 800-metre-long night-swimming beaches feature lighting systems, which enable residents and tourists to swim around the clock, and electronic screens that...
  • Luxury tourism in Gulf countries set to reach $11bn this year

    GCC countries are investing in infrastructure and programs to become leading tourist destinations. With strategic locations, excellent connectivity, iconic attractions like the tallest building, and a commitment to eco-friendly tourism, they are poised for success in attracting visitors from around the world.
  • Global tourism industry is on track to reach pre-pandemic levels

    MADRID, SPAIN -  The World Tourism Barometer published its second report of the year, which showed that international tourism is making a strong comeback to pre-pandemic levels. During the first quarter of 2023, twice as many people traveled internationally than in the same period of 2022, with a total of...
  • Messi makes blockbuster Saudi move, will play next season

    The deal would mean Messi potentially joins his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi league. There was no confirmation from Messi's current club Paris Saint-Germain, who noted simply that he was under contract until June 30 when contacted by AFP.
  • Saudi Arabia launching tourism projects worth $400m

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is launching tourism projects worth SAR 1.5 billion ($400 million) in the targeted destinations around the kingdom.  The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has sponsored ‘The Collective’ initiative launched by Kerten Hospitality, a hotel investment firm, to establish its projects under one umbrella.  The announcement...
  • Virgin Galactic to restart commercial space flights after two years

    Unlike other companies that use vertical-launch rockets, Virgin Galactic uses a carrier aircraft that takes off from a runway, gains high altitude, and drops a rocket-powered plane that soars into space before gliding back to Earth.
  • Natural capital, conservation should be priority for private sector in region

    DUBAI, UAE -  The private sector and financial institutions in the Middle East should enhance reporting by including information about how they both impact and depend upon nature and natural capital, says a report.    The report titled 'Nurturing Natural Capital: The Middle East Imperative' was released by the World Government...
  • Pakistan and Oman agree to boost air travel, promote tourism

    Muscat, Oman -- Pakistan and Oman have agreed to boost air travel between the two countries' airports, reports said. The agreement came after a series of meetings in the Pakistani capital held by officials from both nations. An Omani delegation, led by Naif Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil...
  • Sharjah exhibits futuristic tourism technologies at ATM 2023

    Sharjah, UAE-- Sharjah showcased its technology-enabled approach to the tourism industry at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, highlighting the future of tourism in the region and beyond. Sharjah pavilion at the event demonstrated cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking concepts, offering a compelling glimpse into the emirate's tourist destinations. Run by...
  • UAE and Jordan sign MoU to boost tourism, cultural exchange

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--Looking to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Jordan Tourism Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market 2023. The MoU will unlock the...
  • Over 3.8m passengers transit through Sharjah Airport in Q1 of 2023

    SHARJAH, UAE -  Over 3.8 million passengers traveled through Sharjah Airport in the first quarter of 2023, recording a 28.01 per cent increase over the same period in 2022. The airport is expected to achieve even higher growth rates by the end of 2023.   The aircraft movement for the...