Dubai, UAE --- Global travel companies and tourism industry leaders expressed confidence in the UAE's tourism sector during the "Engage by Elevate online 2026" summit, citing the destination's resilience and continued appeal to international travellers. The hybrid event, organised by Elevate World and hosted from Dubai, brought together more than...
Jordan’s tourism income grows by 88.4 percent in first quarter
Dubai, UAE – Jordan’s tourism revenue increased by 88.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 to reach 1.18 billion Jordanian dinars ($1.66 billion) as nearly 1.5 million tourists visited the country. The Central Bank of Jordan said the tourism income during March grew by 49 percent year on year...
Qatar Tourism head says country expects over 5m visitors in 2023
DOHA, QATAR - Qatar expects more than five million people to visit the Gulf state in 2023 despite a post-World Cup lull, its tourism chief said on Sunday. Akbar Al-Baker, head of Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, admitted that hotels had fallen quiet after the World Cup final on December 19....
UAE top Arab investor in Egypt with $28bn investments by Q1
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE led the Arab region in terms of investments in Egypt, Jamal bin Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council (UAEIIC) said. It totaled $28 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2023, compared to $20 billion during the same...
UAE, Costa Rica start talks to form economic partnership agreement
UAE minister said that the emirates will continue its efforts to build partnerships with strategic global markets under the country’s comprehensive economic partnerships program.2,000 ancient sheep heads found in Egypt temple
Mummies of dogs, goats, cows, gazelles and mongooses were also exhumed by a team of US archaeologists from New York University.
Qatar cruise tourism receives boost as MSC World Europa docks in Doha
Doha, Qatar--Doha port received on Thursday the cruise ship MSC World Europa carrying 5,613 tourists and a crew of 2,121. They will be joined later by 555 tourists from Doha to a new itinerary to a number of tourist stops in the region. The cruise sector in Qatar has contributed...
Saudi Arabia expands economic diversification plan
The Kingdom is making significant investments in new economic sectors, including mining, tourism, and information technology, particularly the electronic games sector.Trade leadership helps UAE emerge as a soft power
“Trade has had an indelible impact on our soft power. Located at a strategic global crossroads, the UAE is one of the world’s most connected countries and acts as a vital bridge for many nation’s products on key East-West, North-South trade routes. This role is reflected in the value of...
Qatar eyes 1.5 million Saudi tourists in 2023 after thaw in bilateral relations
Sports, social and marketing events, including various global activities and competitions, are likely to bring in more Saudi tourists, Qatar Tourism's data suggest.UAE-Azerbaijan trade advances significantly: Envoy
The bilateral ties between the two countries were further strengthened after the inauguration of the UAE Embassy in the Azeri capital, Baku, in 2011, and have witnessed advancement due to the mutual keenness of their leaderships, he adds during an interview with Emirates News Agency.
Tourism, state spending spur real estate in KSA, UAE
Property markets benefit as an increased demand for tourists and the rise in government spending on infrastructure projects drive the post-pandemic recovery in the region.Saudi Arabia captures cycling in sports charm offensive
This week's Saudi Tour is the first of three stage races in the Arabian Peninsula in February, with competitions also scheduled in Oman and UAE. Organizers of the tour said they are planning to create a women's Saudi Tour, with the UAE Tour offering one this year.Number of visitors to Petra surges by 147 percent
Suliman Farajat, chairman of the PDTRA, stated that tourism in the red-rose city swiftly rebounded from the Covid pandemic impact in 2022.
Tourism in Iraq can be a success, says First Deputy Speaker of Parliament
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi said that the tourism sector in Iraq has all the ingredients for success. Al-Mandalawi made the statement while meeting with the Association of Travel and Tourism Companies in Iraq, a statement issues by the media office of the First Deputy...Egypt archaeologists uncover 1800-year-old ‘complete’ Roman city
Cairo, Egypt---Egyptian archaeologists said Tuesday they had discovered an 1,800-year-old "complete residential city from the Roman-era" in the heart of the southern city of Luxor. The city, dating to the second and third centuries, is the "oldest and most important city found on the eastern bank of Luxor," according to...King Abdullah stresses building infrastructure in Petra to boost tourism
Petra, Jordan--King Abdullah on Sunday highlighted the importance of further developing the city of Petra, and diversifying its tourism product. During a visit to Petra, King Abdullah said developing tourism services in the "golden triangle" of Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, will have a positive impact on Petra and Jordan...Tourists return in droves to Jordan’s desert marvel Petra
Around 1,700 people make a living from Petra as tour guides, trinket sellers or by taking visitors through the site on donkeys, horses, camels or electric buggies.
Privacy remains key concern as facial recognition technology makes GCC travel sector secure, efficient
Face and iris recognition technology vary by country in the region, and expecting it to be implemented in many airports around the world in a short time is unrealistic, says an expert.
GCC investment in non-oil sectors grew in 2022
GCC countries witnessed the launch of massive economic and development projects in various sectors last year as part of their strategy to diversify their economies.
Iraq PM affirms support for agriculture, industry, tourism and trade
Baghdad, Iraq--The Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al Sudani has stressed the need for economic reform and supporting the sectors of agriculture, industry, tourism and trade. The prime minister highlighted the need to fortify Iraq, in order for it not to be a passage for smuggling hard currency and money...Algeria offers Sahara tourists visas on arrival
In a statement, it said that "foreigners heading to the south of the country" who have tours booked with licenced local companies could obtain visas "on arrival at airports and land borders, instead of going through normal visa procedures". It also boasts 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) of Mediterranean coastline and...Festive spirit in Bethlehem after dull pandemic years
With a giant evergreen tree, colorful balloons in the streets and selfies in the Church of the Nativity, Christmas tourism has returned to Bethlehem after two years of Covid-linked curbs.Lebanese PM urges sweeping reforms for reviving economy
Mikati said the economy had grown by nearly two percent in 2022 after two straight years of severe recession that saw Gross Domestic Product fall by 25.9 percent in 2020 and by 10.5 percent in 2021.
DEWA launches construction work of Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project
DUBAI, UAE - MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer has launched the construction work for the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. The US$12 million (AED 46 million) project was recently awarded to DEWA and is part of the company's social and investment responsibility...
UAE, Morocco discuss ways to boost cooperation in energy, industry
Rabat, Morocco - UAE and Morocco discussed ways of boosting their cooperation and investment opportunities in industry, economy, investments, culture, and tourism. The discussion occurred between Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of Morocco, in Morocco. The visit is a...CBUAE projects real GDP to grow by 7.6% in 2022
In its Q3 review, the apex bank attributed the upward review to the robust performance of some non-oil sectors, including tourism, hospitality, real estate and manufacturing.
Sharjah records 68% increase in female entrepreneurs: Business Council director
Sharjah, UAE--- Sharjah has witnessed a 68 percent increase in female entrepreneurs recently and as the market grows and expands, it will continue cultivating an environment that is inclusive and supportive, said Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council. She was speaking on the opening day...
Dubai tourist arrivals vault 134% from Jan to Oct
Dubai’s hotel inventory in October 2022 comprised 144,737 rooms at 790 hotel establishments compared with 122,185 rooms available at the end of October 2019.
GPSSA clarifies conditions of insured individuals
ABU DHABI, UAE - The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) said that the registration of insured individuals in the private sector with the authority is the first step towards receiving benefits as part of GPSSA’s social insurance system. This is in addition to benefits provided by the NAFIS...
Egypt dusts off pyramids for fashion and art shows
French fashion house Dior debuted its latest collection Saturday at the Giza pyramids, after Italian designer Stefano Ricci held a show at Luxor's Temple of Hatshepsut in Oct.
Riyadh’s WTTC Summit to oversee signing of 50 deals
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Fifty deals and agreements are expected to be signed in the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb said. The minister evaluated the deals to be worth $50 billion, local media reports said. The agreements include...
Third Saudi Cruise Season begins as MSC Splendida arrives in Yanbu Port
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--- Yanbu Commercial Port has officially kickstarted the third edition of the Saudi cruise season by berthing MSC Splendida, which arrived from Jeddah Islamic Port, marking the maiden cruise call for the current season that will run until May 2023. To celebrate the start of the new season,...Mohammed bin Rashid approves Dubai rural area development master plan
DUBAI, UAE - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has approved the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan, spanning an area of 2,216 square kilometers. The Plan seeks to preserve the nature of areas including Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al...
UNWTO says investments key to transform tourism
Marrakesh, Morocco—The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) convened its 117th Executive Council in Marrakesh, Morocco, as the sector’s recovery continues to gather pace. According to UNWTO data released this week, international arrivals are on track to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. However, building on...Tourism recovery reaches 65% of pre-pandemic levels
An estimated 340 million international arrivals were recorded in the third quarter of 2022 alone, almost 50% of the nine-month total.
Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum to begin Nov 24
SHARJAH, UAE - The 9th edition of the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) is set to kick off at the Sharjah Expo Centre on November 24, 2022, under the theme 'Building a Resilient Future for Tourism'. The forum will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin...
Several MoUs give a boost to Saudi-Thai relations
The two countries agree to set up Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, vow to enhance investments and cooperation in sectors such as energy and tourism and fight corruption.UAE Minister discusses economic ties with Caribbean countries
ABU DHABI, UAE - UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri visited the Havana International Fair 2022 in the Republic of Cuba, at the invitation of the Cuban government. The visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for cooperation and establishing new economic partnerships between the UAE and Caribbean...Qatar issues licenses to 3500 holiday homes to house World Cup visitors
Qatar faces the challenge to accommodate 1.2 million fans expected to attend the FIFA World Cup.
‘Ambush marketing’ may spoil the game as businesses across GCC get ready to gain from Qatar World Cup
As the world gears up for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the positive ripple effect is being felt in the business fraternity across the Gulf region, especially in the UAE.
Travel-weary Saudi superfan awaits World Cup at ‘home’
Saudi officials are putting on 240 weekly flights linking the kingdom to Qatar, up from six normally, and easing overland travel during the tournament, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb told AFP last month.
GCC adopts tourism strategy, launches new platform
The Gulf ministers review projects aimed at strengthening joint Gulf action in tourism as well as strategic partnerships between the GCC and other countries and stakeholders.S&P says GCC economies to get a boost from Qatar World Cup
Dubai, UAE— The economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council will likely receive a boost from the FIFA 2022 World Cup, as more than 1.2 million fans are expected to attend the event. According to a survey conducted by S&P Ratings, the influx of football fans from around the world will...
Residential properties in UAE remain key attraction for international real estate investors
Experts attribute the main reasons for the increase in the real estate demand to the UAE government's numerous initiatives and the high income level of investors.
Emerging sectors are creating thousands of new jobs in the Kingdom, says Saudi Economy Minister
Saudi Arabia is focused on offering solutions that make global trade more predictable and reliable, says Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim at an event in Riyadh.
UAE-Kazakhstan trade reached $907 million in 2021: Ambassador Menelikov
The Kazakhstan ambassador valued the UAE leadership's interest in strengthening relations between the two countries, pointing out that the 1st of October marks the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the UAE and Kazakhstan.Saudi expecting tens of thousands of World Cup fans: Minister
The efforts are intended to jumpstart the nascent tourism sector in the once closed-off kingdom, which only began issuing tourist visas in September 2019 -- just months before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the industry globally.Qatar market braces for football World Cup boom
Crowds are already growing as a World Cup buzz mounts. Fan zone attractions and temporary stores are being set up around Nama's camel enclosure and the hundreds of small stores selling incense, spices, carpets, gold and even falcons and other birds and animals. Press reports said stores will be allowed...Qatar throws open new hotels, resorts to host football fans
Doha, Qatar— Qatar Tourism has thrown open more than 20 hotels, resorts and new tourist destinations in the country ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The projects and tourist attractions will be ready to receive football fans from next month. In a statement on Sunday, Qatar Tourism stated...
Global players steer towards UAE as Abu Dhabi sails well to become ‘best’ superyacht destination
The UAE capital -- which now boasts 5,325 registered vessels -- is well on its way to become a key hub for the international superyacht industry, says a report
