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...

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...

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.

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...

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 campaign...

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 newest...

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 robust...

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....

"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...

The two will acquire 40.5% stake in the Egyptian firm.

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.

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 tourism...

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...

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 line...

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 the...

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 period...

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, 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 archaeological...

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 a...

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,...

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.It added...

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 International...

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 uninterrupted...

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, 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 and...

The Kingdom's selection as the host for World Expo 2030 marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards innovation, openness, and global connectivity.

Saudi Arabia -- competing against Busan, Korea, and Rome, Italy -- bids for Expo 2030 with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and global unity.

"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.

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 supporting...

This is the toll operator's highest Q3 revenue since 2007.

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.

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 hand-in-hand...

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.

Dubai's transformation from a humble fishing village to a global tourist powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. Just decades ago, it was a budding coastal town with limited allure. However, the discovery of oil in the 1960s ignited a metamorphosis, with the government astutely channeling wealth into infrastructure, iconic landmarks,...

Israeli strikes have now killed more than 6,500 people in Gaza, a rise of over 700 since Tuesday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. One doctor said he was forced to perform emergency surgery on the wounded without anesthetic. Israel has cut off impoverished Gaza's usual water, food and other supplies,...

From the metaverse allowing virtual experiences to the use of AI in training, Jamaica is at the forefront of integrating technology into its tourism sector, the minister tells TRENDS.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – A total of 52 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed at the Saudi-Korean Investment Forum here. The MoUs were signed by both government and private entities. Government agencies signed four MoUs with the private sector in areas such as real estate development, automotive, and water. President...

Dubai, UAE -- Emaar, The Economic City, the master-developer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), has signed a strategic agreement with Orascom Development and Managment and Alkholi Holding Company to develop a waterfront mix-use destination in KAEC. This initiative aims to enhance the city's position as a family gateway to...

Dubai, UAE -- The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Microsoft have signed an MoU that enables innovation in key areas such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing and brings together both organizations’ capabilities and resources to enhance the tourist and cultural...

As Riyadh vies to host 2030 World Expo, the city offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modernity, spotlighting its rich heritage, architecture and cuisine.

In its bid to boost tourism, the Saudi capital blends historical charm with modernity, spotlighting its rich heritage, architecture, cuisine, and transportation evolution.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday that it will grant e-visa to visitors from six new countries -- Turkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles and Mauritius -- for leisure, business and religious (Umrah only) travel, bringing the total number of such countries to 63.A visitor e-visa is...

Vienna, Austria--The UAE’s economy remains robust, with constant contributions from the non-oil sector, especially from tourism, leisure, and real estate, according to the OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) for October 2023.MOMR noted the UAE’s tourism sector, which accounts for more than 16% of the country’s GDP, continued to rebound...

TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA - Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations - The Red Sea and Amaala - celebrated the take-off of its first seaplane flight operated by its subsidiary company, Fly Red Sea.Established as the first seaplane company in Saudi Arabia,...

Sochi, Russia -.Starting in 2024, travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia  and Bahrain may no longer need tourist visas to visit Russia,  Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov said on the sidelines of the FTT-2023 Forum of Tourism Territories, Tass reported."I reckon this could happen next year. We...

Dubai's iconic skyline and architectural marvels have garnered global attention, offering stunning views for visitors and residents alike. This allure has attracted many to work, live, and invest in the emirate, solidifying Dubai's reputation as a thriving, futuristic metropolis where visionary projects come to life.

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Oxford Economics, an independent economic advisory firm, has predicted that the UAE economy will grow by 4.4 percent in 2024, driven by, among other things, government initiatives to support economic diversification.Scott Livermore, Chief Economist, Oxford Economics Middle East, and Managing Director, told WAM that the firm...

"Qatar Tourism takes pride in organizing and hosting successful exhibitions across diverse sectors. These events underscore Qatar's capacity to harness its state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering a secure, efficient, and vibrant community while delivering a captivating experience for travelers," he adds.

Despite many cultural treasures, there were only 32,535 hotel guests in the Jericho area in the first half of this year.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A senior Russian official said that they intend to move towards visa-free travel with all countries of Latin America.Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Latin American Department Alexander Shchetinin said that this is an achievable goal.Shchetinin told TASS about the to move towards visa-free travel on the...