A recent study by Travelbag, a UK-based travel agency, has ranked Dubai as the third most scenic city in the world after dark, while Abu Dhabi secured the 12th position. The report emphasizes both cities in the United Arab Emirates as global leaders in nighttime beauty and safety for those exploring after sunset. The study...
Abu Dhabi has introduced its first-ever night swimming beach at Marsana East Beach on Hudayriyat Island, offering a new way for residents and tourists to enjoy the seaside after dark. This beach will be open from July through the end of September, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The floodlit beach will feature...
In a significant development timed with the Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia has launched a 30-day grace period for individuals holding expired visit visas. This policy, which became effective on June 26, 2025, allows visitors to rectify their visa status and leave the Kingdom without incurring penalties. The grace period is applicable to all types...
The United Arab Emirates has announced an expansion of its visa-on-arrival policy, allowing Indian nationals with valid residence permits from several countries to enter the UAE without prior visa arrangements. This new policy applies to residents of countries including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and...
In a historic move for the tourism industry, six key nations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, and Jordan—have announced a collaborative initiative to introduce the GCC Grand Tours Visa. This unified visa system will allow travelers to explore multiple countries with a single visa, promoting...
A recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has highlighted the exceptional performance of the UAE’s travel and tourism sector in 2024. The sector contributed AED257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) to the national GDP, accounting for 13% of the economy. This reflects a 3.2% increase from 2023 and an impressive 26% growth compared...
Russia has joined Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in a significant move to reopen flights to Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. This decision comes as Middle Eastern airspace reopens following the intense US-Israel-Iran conflict, prompting renewed hopes for connectivity in a region that has faced significant aviation disruptions....
A recent report by Weber Shandwick MENAT reveals that 77% of content creators in the MENA region believe that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are leading a positive transformation in the tourism and entertainment sectors. The second edition of the InfluAnswer Arabia report highlights insights from these creators, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of influencer marketing...
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy summer season at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, expecting to welcome more than seven million travelers during the holiday period. The airline has noted an increased demand for seasonal destinations such as Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, and Mykonos, prompting the activation of a comprehensive plan to enhance passenger...
Starting July 1, UAE residents will no longer need a visa to visit Armenia. With a flight time of just over three hours, Armenia has become an appealing destination for a weekend getaway, offering a mix of ancient monasteries, vibrant public art, and beautiful nature trails. While three days may not be enough to fully...