The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially introduced a unified tourist visa, a significant development that is expected to transform travel across the region. This new visa allows tourists to visit all six GCC countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—with a single entry, similar to Europe’s Schengen visa. The initiative is anticipated to...
In a move aimed at accelerating Dubai’s tourism growth and enhancing hospitality excellence, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announced on Thursday a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International. This partnership seeks to bolster the city’s international visibility, diversify its offerings, elevate guest experiences, and nurture the next generation of industry...
Saudi Arabia has made a significant advancement in its global aviation strategy by launching non-stop flights between Riyadh and Vienna. This initiative strengthens the Kingdom’s growing presence in international air travel and aligns with its Vision 2030 goals, which seek to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global aviation...
Armenia has made a significant move to enhance its tourism sector and strengthen economic ties with the Gulf region by officially opening its borders to citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman through a new visa-free entry policy. This initiative aims to simplify travel for millions in...
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...
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, a leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, has successfully drawn more than 55 000 professionals from 166 countries. This attendance reflects a significant 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. The event showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19 percent from the Middle East and...
Abu Dhabi’s tourism authority has reported that the emirate is on track to meet its ambitious visitor goals for the upcoming year. The hotel industry generated Dh2.3 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, which marks an 18 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The early figures suggest that Abu...
Abu Dhabi has experienced a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals this year, with the latest data confirming a significant increase. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) reported that 1.4 million overnight guests visited the emirate in the first quarter of 2025. This represents a substantial rise compared to the...
Fujairah in the UAE will host the first-ever international adventure tourism conference from April 30th to May 2nd, 2025. This groundbreaking event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, aims to drive innovation, partnerships, and sustainability within the adventure tourism sector. The Fujairah...
Saudi Arabia is set to expand its hospitality sector by adding 362 000 new hotel rooms by 2030. This ambitious project is part of a $110 billion investment aimed at enhancing the kingdom’s tourism and hospitality landscape, as detailed in data released ahead of the 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia. The expansion is...