Thai prime minister is leading talks on a combined Schengen-type visa for Southeast Asian nations
Travel & Hospitality
China
US mulls easing warnings for Americans travelling to China
The State Department has periodically issued tiered warnings for Americans traveling to China, calling on them to reconsider visits or exercise increased caution due to risks of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws”, exit bans and wrongful detentions
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport named ‘most luxurious’ in the world, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport takes 3rd place
Dubai and Doha both feature in list of the world’s most luxurious airports
Dubai fireworks
Where to see 2024 Eid fireworks in Dubai
Dubai will see a number of Eid Al Fitr firework displays. Find out where to see the best
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Real Madrid theme park now open in Dubai
Real Madrid World Dubai opens with region’s first wooden roller-coaster and tallest amusement ride
Abu Dhabi
Where to see 2024 Eid fireworks in Abu Dhabi
Experience Abu Dhabi announces firework displays for Eid Al Fitr
Tourism
Travel and tourism sector to hit $11.1tn in 2024, 27m new jobs expected
Travel and tourism will provide 449m jobs and $16tn to global economy by 2034
Mauritania Airlines
Saudi Arabia approved flight operations by Mauritania Airlines
The first direct connection to be operated between Nouakchott and Medina
Air India, Bangalore airport ink pact to develop the city airport as premier aviation hub for southern India
The agreement envisages the two collaborating to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience at the city’s international airport over the next five years
Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai welcomed 3.67m tourists in January-February as available hotel rooms hits 148,450
Dubai reported an 18 per cent increase in overnight visitors at start of the year compared to 2023
duty free
Massive new duty free opened at Riyadh airport
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh sees opening of new duty free market
Bengaluru
Virgin Atlantic announces to new services to Bengaluru, Mumbai
While the airline commenced its flight to Bengaluru from London’s Heathrow airport early this week, the second daily flight to Mumbai will be launched in October
Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030 to ensure emirate’s sustainable growth as global tourism destination
Tourism Strategy 2030 will create 178,000 new jobs, increase hotel room supply to 52,000 and attract over 39 million visitors
business travel
Dubai travel startup Tumodo sets sights on $49bn Indian business travel market
The company said it aims to capture five percent of the Indian travel market by 2027
e-gate
Saudi Arabia introduces major passport control change
Saudi Arabia introduces biometric e-gate scanners at major airport
Air travellers
UAE Eid Al Fitr: Dubai’s DXB airport prepares for influx of over 3 million visitors during festive season
The busy travel period will run from April 2 to 15, with the peak day expected to be April 13 as nearly 292,000 visitors are anticipated to pass through Dubai International Airport
Abu Dhabi
UAE residents: How to apply for a Morocco e-visa
With the newly introduced e-visa, visiting Morocco just became quicker and more convenient for UAE residents – here’s how you can apply