Dubai Municipality has announced that four public beaches in the emirate will be designated exclusively for families during the Eid al-Adha holiday. The selected beaches include Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, and Umm Suqeim 2. The municipality explained that this initiative aims to manage the large number of visitors at these popular beaches,...
On June 2, 2025, Da Nang, a picturesque coastal city in central Vietnam, achieved a significant milestone in its aviation connectivity with the arrival of Emirates Airline’s inaugural flight from Dubai. The flight, designated EK370, transited through Bangkok and landed at Da Nang International Airport carrying 333 passengers. This momentous event was celebrated with a...
Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome over one million haj pilgrims this year, despite the extreme summer heat that has historically posed significant risks in Mecca. The city is notorious for its intense desert temperatures, which have previously led to deadly incidents. To protect the large influx of worshippers, the authorities have combined traditional cooling...
UAE residents planning to travel to Europe for business, leisure, or family visits will soon encounter new border management systems. The European Union is set to launch two initiatives: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES). These systems will significantly change how travelers from non-EU countries enter and navigate...
Europe is introducing new travel systems, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will significantly change how UAE residents travel to Europe. These systems will require pre-approval and biometric checks, enhancing security and streamlining the travel process for visitors. Although these changes are not immediate, understanding them now...
Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in bolstering its tourism industry by establishing strategic partnerships with 17 leading travel companies from China. This initiative aims to attract 39 million visitors to the emirate by the year 2030, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector. The partnerships were formalized during a recent event and...
UAE’s Sharjah is setting ambitious goals for tourism growth by enhancing its connectivity and ramping up targeted marketing efforts toward key markets, including China, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Oman. These strategic initiatives are a response to rising traveler demand and improved bilateral relations, supported by new direct flight routes and relaxed visa regulations. By refining...
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan have significantly boosted the Middle East tourism industry, achieving a remarkable increase of over 44% in international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2025. Despite this impressive surge, the year-over-year growth appeared modest at just 1%. This paradox raises questions about...
From June 9, 2025, citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will benefit from a new visa-free entry program to China, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This initiative is part of a trial aimed at enhancing travel business and fostering cultural ties between China and these...
In a significant policy shift aimed at transforming its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia will permit alcohol consumption in 600 designated tourist zones by 2026. This decision, confirmed by regional tourism authorities and reported by hospitality insiders, is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to enhance its appeal as an international travel destination....