Hamad International Airport in Qatar saw passenger statistics overtake levels seen during FIFA World Cup 2022
Travel & Hospitality
Abu Dhabi hotels
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Hotel room rates soar 300% as international fans rush to UAE, industry experts say
A lineup of additional concerts is further attracting fans and tourists from the region and neighbouring countries, further boosting the travel and hospitality demand both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dubai
Dubai welcomes 16.79 million tourists in first 11 months of 2024
The hospitality sector demonstrated growth with Dubai’s hotel inventory reaching 153,390 rooms across 828 establishments by November 2024
China
China extends visa fee reductions for Indians
The initiative aims to simplify travel procedures and make it more accessible for Indian nationals and promoting tourism between the two nations
Aviation
Emirates launches new flights from Dubai to Colombo
Emirates boosts UAE to Sri Lanka flights with updated schedule
Bahrain
Emirates announces Airbus A350 flights from Dubai to Kuwait and Bahrain
Emirates brings forward Airbus A350 flights to Kuwait and Bahrain
Saudi Hospitality
Saudi Arabia orders removal of unlicensed hospitality venues from booking sites, warns of $266,000 fines
Saudi Arabia demands removal of unlicensed hospitality venues from international and domestic booking sites
Dubai
2025 New Year’s Eve: Global Village announces drone shows, fireworks countdown
The park’s gates will open from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Abu Dhabi
2025 New Year’s Eve: Firework, drone shows announced, locations revealed
Record-breaking celebrations are set to be held across the country in emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
Red Sea
Saudi Red Sea Authority issues 12 licences to boost marine tourism
Saudi Red Sea Authority boosts coastal tourism with licences for cruise ship operators and marina construction
qatar tourism
Qatar welcomes 5m tourists in 2024
Qatar Tourism reports major increase in visitor numbers across 2024
Saudi Hospitality
Saudi issues hospitality licence warning with fines of $267,000 for rulebreakers
Saudi Arabia underlines of importance of hospitality licences for tourism venues
Saudi Arabia looks to influencers to boost tourism sector
Saudi Arabia will partner with international social media influencers to highlight the Kingdom’s tourism sector
business travel
MENA business travel sector passes $17bn
Business travel has seen significant growth in the MENA region in 2024
e-visa
Thailand announces new visa rules for UAE residents
UAE residents will be offered e-visas when travelling to Thailand from January 1, 2025.
Culinary
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai food scene among “best in the world”, says Instachef Notorious Foodie
The city’s culinary growth has been “insane,” he added
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi welcomes 4.8mn guests in 2024, cultural visits rise by 21%
The strategy is built around four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulation