‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel, tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
The annual Sharjah Heritage festival to kick off in March
Armenia will be the official guest of honor this year due to its rich and diverse cultural stock, while Indonesia will be the distinguished guestUAE and Israel agree to boost tourism sector ties, plan events
The UAE and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their tourism and economic cooperation and reinforce their bilateral ties. The MoU was signed by Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State of Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, and Yoel Razvozov, Israeli...MENA Transport Congress Exhibition kicks off in Dubai
The fourth edition of the MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition began on Monday in Dubai.Morocco reopens airspace after two-month virus shutdown
Morocco reopened its airspace on Monday in a bid to breathe life into its crisis-hit tourism sector, two months after it cancelled commercial flights over coronavirus fears. The North African kingdom's latest move was welcomed by tourism businesses who have suffered two lost years due to the pandemic, as well...3,000 new rooms added to Egypt’s total hotel capacity, says tourism ministry
Egypt has added 3,000 new hotel rooms to its total hotel capacity with the opening of 19 new hotel facilities, media reports said. The country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the hotels opened in the governorates of the Red Sea, South Sinai, Giza, Suez, Damietta, Mansoura and the North...Saudi Arabia sees $6.4bn tech investment at LEAP
The fresh investments are said to be in line with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy of Saudi Arabia, lessening its dependence on oil.Oman, Finland explore boosting trade, investment cooperation
The meeting explored the available opportunities in the two countries, particularly in the fields of tourism, industry, research, mining and economic diversification sectors.Abu Dhabi Maritime to control ferry services functioning in Emirates
The organization is integrating the Ferry Operations Branch of the Integrated Transport Center under the scope of its services.Tourism helps UAE add $158bn to GDP in six years
Around 31 million visitors are expected to enter the UAE yearly by 2025 as the country has initiated several measures to revitalize the tourism sector, particularly eco-tourism.Ras Al Khaimah to allow ‘gaming’ at upcoming resort in Marjan
The emirate of Ras al-Khaimah on Tuesday announced a multibillion-dollar deal with casino giant Wynn Resorts and said it will allow “gaming”, without elaborating what “gaming” referred to. A media report said the announcement comes after months of rumors about gambling coming to the UAE, where Islam, which prohibits gambling,...Saudi Arabia to build $79m tourism facility in Taif region
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) today announced a strategic partnership with Al-Ameen Real Estate, part of Al Nahla Group, to launch a SAR 300 million ($79 million) tourism project in Taif region. Named ‘Taif Front’, the 100,000 square meter destination will be ideally located in the heart of Taif...e-Trader licenses issued by Dubai’s BRL up 6 percent in 2021
The Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) unit of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has issued 16,409 e-Trader licenses since its launch in March of 2017 till end of 2021. The BRL sector also reported that the total number of e-Trader licenses issued in 2021 reached 6,217, a six...Cairo International Book Fair to host Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre will also hold a ‘Cultural Retreat’ at the eventDubai most popular holiday destination for 2022
The city overtakes London in the list of the "Top Destinations Around the World". Golden beaches, world-class restaurants, rave reviews of visitors have contributed in Dubai's top ranking.Emirates partners with the Bahamas to boost tourism
Emirates has signed a partnership agreement with the Bahamas to explore joint initiatives to bring more tourism to the island nation.Turkey train showcases snow-covered countryside
Named the Turistik Dogu Ekspresi locally, the train offers one of the expansive country's most coveted new experiences.World tourism won’t return to pre-Covid levels until 2024: WTO
In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 percent and 17 percent, respectively, last year over 2020. In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 percent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 percent below 2020 levels, and 94 percent down on pre-pandemic...Arada enters Dubai market
Full details will be revealed at the sales launch, scheduled to take place in the third quarter of 2022.Jordan’s tourism revenues hits $2.7 billion in 2021
The higher revenue this year as a result of the increase in the number of tourists, which was 2.358 million.Passport strength: Where do Arab countries stand?
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports, based on how many countries and territories their holders can travel to without needing a visa.IMF official urges ‘deep reforms’ to Tunisian economy
Tunisia's debts have soared to nearly 100 percent of Gross Domestic Product.Jordan Dana Reserve featured on NY Times’ 2022 travel wish-list
The newspaper highlighted the Dana Reserve as a site worth visiting, which combines a deeply rooted history, unique environmental components and breathtaking natural beauty.Gulf watch: Sectors that will grow most in 2022
The business environment in the region will experience a transformation that will have a far-reaching impact on economic trends and social dynamics.Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism sets $272 business license fee
In a bid to promote the growth of the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi, the emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism has set the annual tourism business license fee at AED 1,000. The department said in a statement the revised fee would be welcome news to existing license holders who...Suriname, Tanzania, and Senegal explore investment opportunities at Expo
Suriname, Tanzania, and Senegal have explored investment and other opportunities to collaborate with the stakeholders from across the region and the globe through the World EXPO2020 Dubai, according to CEO Clubs Network. CEO Clubs Network hosted "Suriname: Oasis of Opportunities for the ‘Republic of Suriname’ in the presence of the...UNWTO optimism to cheer up MENA tourism
While the likes of Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan depend heavily on tourism for revenue, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are using it to diversify their economy.Saudi Arabia unveils largest Motor festival in Middle East
The management of Autoville has officially started selling tickets for the events of this International festival through its official website.Dubai, Malaysia discuss cooperation in tourism sector
The Emirate and the visiting Malaysian minister discussed the initiatives that would enhance the industry.UAE tops list of safest travel destinations in 2022
After the progress and setbacks to travel and tourism in 2021, enthusiasts are looking to make the best of 2022.Moroccan tour operators protest pandemic restrictions
About 200 industry workers demonstrated in front of the tourism ministry in Rabat, demanding the reopening of borders.Expo opportunity to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism: Minister
Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Gamini Lakshman Peiris said that Expo 2020 Dubai is a great opportunity and a world-class platform to promote his country as a major tourist attraction. During Sri Lanka’s National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai, Peiris noted that the warm hospitality shown to tourists by...On 40th anniversary, Abu Dhabi Airport vows improved services
Abu Dhabi Airports marked the 40th anniversary of the inauguration of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on Sunday, local media reports said. "Abu Dhabi International Airport has connected the world to Abu Dhabi for 40 years and fueled the emirate’s emergence as a leading destination for tourism, trade and commerce,”...An old Greek Cargo Ship attracts tourists in Saudi Arabia
The ship was loaded with foodstuffs and sailed in 1978 from a Greek port towards the Aqaba port in Jordan, but it hit the coral reefs nearing the beach of “Bi’r al Mashi.Abu Dhabi National Aquarium is the largest in Mideast
An estimated one million people a year are expected to visit the aquarium housing marine animals in ten distinct habitats under the supervision of marine life experts.Omicron surge pushes Morocco to extend flight ban
The restrictions have dealt a punishing blow to the North African country's vital tourism sector.Qatar and Iraq discuss cooperation in transportation sector
Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Iraq Nasser Hussein Bandar Al Shibli, visited Doha Metro project where they were briefed on the operations of the metro stations, and also about the components of the project from officials at the Qatar...New Dubai adventure: Eco-friendly surfing
What makes Dubai a tourist hub and an essential market for sustainable surfing is the region’s proximity to the sea? Okahina Wave's CEO Laurent Hequily has answers.Indian Minister says UAE most popular tourist destination for his countrymen
The UAE is the most popular destination in the world for Indian tourists, according to figures submitted to Indian Parliament by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. The Minister Muraleedharan confirmed that 314,495 Indians left on tourist visas for the UAE in the first quarter of this...Abu Dhabi to host Pokemon GO Tour live event in 2022
Gamers on Yas Bay will be joined by those taking part in Monterrey, Mexico at Parque Fundidora and Kaohsiung, Taiwan at the Taiwan Lantern Festival.Tourism, retail to fuel Dubai economy growth in 2022
The insights from the Dubai Chamber study were released during a business seminar titled The Road Ahead: UAE and Dubai Economic Outlook and Opportunities in Dubai Exports. They pointed to a positive and robust recovery for the UAE economy over the next five years.Sheikh Mohammed launches largest tourism campaign ‘World’s Coolest Winter’
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the second season of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign. The campaign is carried out by the UAE Government Media Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and relevant tourism and culture entities. An official statement said...Oman sees hospitality industry revenue fall 3.5%
The National Centre for Statistics and Information says domestic guest have supported the Oman's hotels.Turkey pledges to protect Mediterranean Sea
Turkey, the last G20 country that ratified the Paris climate agreement, faces criticism for how it treats its water.Saudi Arabia, Oman ink 13 business deals
The deals were inked by Oman Investment Authority firms with Saudi counterparts as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited.Soudah joins UNWTO
SDC is the 25th member from the Mideast to join UNWTO.Pandemic to cost global tourism $2trn
International tourist arrivals will this year remain 70-75 percent below the 1.5 billion arrivals recorded in 2019, before the pandemic hit, says the UNWTO.Syria eyes visitor resurgence, especially from Europe
Syria is an important destination for Shiite pilgrims, and has continued to welcome visitors from Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon during the conflict. However, European tourists —a constant before fighting started in 2011 — have not been visiting for a decade.Dubai launches five-year multi-entry visa for MNCs
The visa will enable MNC employees to participate in events, conferences, training courses, exhibitions and similar activities hosted in the emirate by these companies.Expo opportunity to boost UAE-Monaco cooperation: Prince Albert II
Prince of Monaco, Albert II has called Expo 2020 Dubai a "great opportunity" to enhance the cooperation between his country and the UAE besides establishing links with other countries. Speaking on the sidelines of the celebration of the National Day of Monaco at Expo 2020 Dubai, he said that UAE...MAWANI signs MoU to build cruise terminal at Dammam port
The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has signed an agreement with Cruise Saudi and Globe Group to build a new cruise terminal at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and four berths at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Yanbu Commercial Port. MAWANI said the move comes as part of its ongoing...