With travel time of just over four hours, the Maldives continues to be a preferred destination for GCC travellers seeking tropical escapes
leisure and tourism
Latest in leisure and tourism
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr 2024: UAE residents plan ahead for long weekend, trending destinations revealed
According to Skyscanner, 10 destinations have emerged in rising popularity during this period including Kazakhstan and Greece
leisure
UAE and Saudi lead Middle East tourism boom, 33m leisure visitors expected in 2023
UAE and Saudi leading international bounce-back from COVID-19 pandemic with surging tourist numbers
Dubai
Global Village Season 28 kicks off a week ahead of schedule
Extended entertainment at Global Village: More time to explore, indulge, and shop
Abu Dhabi
UAE leisure, entertainment industry driven by tourists, says report
The leisure and entertainment industry in the MENA region generates approximately AED30 billion in revenue
Dubai
Expo City Dubai announces temporary closure of major attraction
The attraction will remain closed until the end of May for ‘routine maintenance’
Hilton
Saudi, Hilton partner to attract visitors to kingdom
This move comes as a part of ongoing commitment to forge strong partnerships with key players in Saudi Tourism
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi expects to see increased visitor inflow from GCC countries next year
The emirate held roadshows in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait last week to woo tourists
leisure and entertainment
Oman reveals largest snow park in MENA region
Operated by Majid Al Futtaim, the snow park will be open from Saturday, December 24
Brand Dubai
Revealed: Dubai ultimate bucket list destinations
The destinations are categorised into three categories: water, land and sky
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Arabia to open new seahorse-shaped island in 2024
The luxury island will be home to a yacht club, three luxury resorts, a spa, over 50 luxury brands and 86 piers
Beaches
La Mer Dubai: Demolished site to be redeveloped as J1 Beach
New Dubai waterfront attraction will have beach clubs and upscale dining
attractive destination
Saudi Arabia, Hilton announce new water parks, concerts, entertainment
The two have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement for this
Faena The Red Sea
Saudi Red Sea resort: Celebrity party brand Faena to open hotel in 2024
The resort has been reportedly designed by architects Foster + Partners, which has also worked on the Red Sea International airport, among numerous other projects in the kingdom
Almosafer
Saudi travel firm Almosafer inks deal to boost tourism between Thailand and the GCC
The agreement follows an announcement made on 9 March 2022, which ended a travel ban and permitted Saudi nationals to travel to Thailand
Dina Ting
Shining the spotlight on Saudi Arabia: Improved oil prospects, diversification, and investment opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s economic rebound is drawing attention with an obvious boon from rising oil prices. Outside of hydrocarbons, the country is continuing to diversify and reform in a number of sectors as part of its ambitious Vision 2030.