Saudi Arabia has more than 443,000 licensed hotel rooms as tourism sector thrives
Travel & Hospitality
Amaala
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global likely to spend another $27bn by 2030: Report
The company has already spent around that amount to complete a third of the Red Sea project, which includes 24 resorts that are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025
qatar tourism
Qatar offers visa-free travel to 102 countries; targets tourists from Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman with Winter campaign
Visit Qatar launches new campaign to attract GCC tourists as visitor numbers climb 24 per cent
Airlines
Biometrics, easy check-in, advanced luggage drops and budget flights – what air passengers REALLY want
Why global air passengers are looking to biometrics and digital wallets to improve airport and airline experiences
Abu Dhabi
New UAE laws; Petrol price increase; Dubai’s ‘viral chocolate’; Visa amnesty extended; Tax rules updated – 10 things you missed this week
UAE visa amnesty, new laws announced, petrol prices increased, Dubai real estate strategy and more of the top news stories this week
Musafir
Travel experts reveal UAE National Day 2024 holiday trends; bookings increase, popular destinations, visa-planning
UAE travel specialist musafir.com highlights UAE National Day 2024 holiday booking trends
insurance
Saudi authorities launch first coastal tourism insurance product
Saudi Arabia announces coastal insurance in effort to boost tourism
Amaala
Red Sea Global announces $1.5bn AMAALA infrastructure funding
Red Sea Global announces major funding to build solar power plant in AMAALA, Saudi Arabia
UAE visa
US begins fast-track entry for UAE citizens
UAE citizens can now fast and simple entry into the US with streamlined visa services
abu dhabi airport
Abu Dhabi Airports opens US customs facility for speedy check-in with biometric and facial recognition technology
Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi to the US have dedicated facility to complete all US immigration and customs requirements before departure
Dubai
Fundamental Hospitality announces three new Dubai concepts in major global expansion plan
Fundamental Hospitality further aims to operate 100 venues globally, surpassing its initial £140 million investment programme
Americana
Americana Restaurants reports $1.61 billion in 9M revenue
Adjusted EBITDA of $350.6 million, with 21.8% EBITDA margin; 113 gross new stores added, taking its total to 2,504 restaurants
digital transformation
EXCLUSIVE: Globant inks major deal with Saudi’s Qiddiya mega-project, confirms new Riyadh office in Q1
The partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities as Qiddiya, one of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious giga-projects, continues its transformation from desert terrain into an entertainment destination and residential hub near Riyadh
cruise saudi
Cruise Saudi to launch first Arabian-focused luxury ship AROYA on Dec. 16, CEO reveals
The vessel, which is only five years old, was originally built for the Chinese market but has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment under Cruise Saudi’s direction, CEO Lars Clasen said
cruise saudi
Ultra-luxury AMAN cruise ship on track for Red Sea launch in Q2 2027
The 100-guest cruise ship will complement other luxury developments in the kingdom, including the recently launched Sindalah Island, says Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen
cruise saudi
EXCLUSIVE: Cruise Saudi expanding to 10 destinations along Red Sea coast, 3 new ports underway
Operational ports like Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam are complemented by new developments, including AlWajh as a gateway to AlUla and private islands for cruise passengers
India
Indian tourists to travel visa-free to Russia starting 2025, says Moscow official
In the first half of 2024, 28,500 Indian travellers visited the Russian capital, which is 1.5 times more than during the same period last year