Hospitality & Tourism

UAE targets $27.2 billion in tourism investments by 2031, increasing GDP contribution to $122.5 billion 

In 2023, tourism accounted for 11.7 percent of the UAE’s GDP, amounting to $59.9 billion

Etihad Airways to launch four weekly flights to Warsaw and Prague

The airline will operate these routes using the modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Saudi Arabia cancels hotel licensing fees to boost tourism investment 

This change, effective September 4, aims to position the Kingdom as a global tourism leader

Dubai welcomes 10.62 million international tourists in first 7 months of 2024

Western European countries topped the list of tourists to Dubai, with about 2.086 million visitors

ADNEC’s Tourism 365, Resorts World Cruises partner to boost regional cruise tourism growth

Arabian Gulf deployment to include key locations such as Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Khasab and Doha

flynas launches inaugural flight at Zayed International Airport, linking Saudi Arabia and UAE with affordable travel

This new route will benefit business and leisure travelers, boosting tourism and trade between the two countries

Qatar cultural events in September: New attractions, events, performances and concerts

Qatar recorded 2.6 million visitors, with a notable 43 percent coming from GCC countries during the first six months of 2024

Travel industry set to add record $11 trillion to global GDP in 2024

The industry's contribution to global GDP is expected to rise by 12.1 percent year-over-year

Air Arabia to launch five weekly non-stop flights to Warsaw starting December 20, 2024

This addition makes Warsaw the second city in Poland to be served by Air Arabia, following Krakow

Sharjah Airport welcomes first flights of Saudi Arabia’s flynas, boosting international connectivity in the UAE

flynas will operate seven weekly flights from Jeddah and two from Madinah to Sharjah Airport, using Boeing 737s

Emirates doubles partnership connectivity, expands to 1,700 cities beyond its network

Airline delivers additional travel choices alongside 31 codeshare, 118 interline, and 13 rail and helicopter services partners

Red Sea Global launches Saudi Arabia’s second water aerodrome at Shebara resort

Last year, Red Sea Global secured the first operating license for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia at Ummahat Island

Sunset Hospitality Group acquires majority stake in Maximal Concepts

Transaction includes popular brand Mott 32, adds 19 restaurants in 13 countries to SHG portfolio

Passenger traffic at Oman’s airports rises 9.2 percent to 8.5 million in July

Number of passengers traveling through Oman's Muscat International Airport reached 7,571,148 by the end of July 2024

Saudi Arabia’s flynas expands UAE network with 8 new routes starting September 1

Expansion makes flynas the only Saudi airline serving the major four airports in the UAE with more than 20 daily flights

2.7 million tax free tags issued in UAE’s digital VAT refund system for tourists in H1 2024

UAE's digital VAT refund system processed 19.67 million transactions during this period

Nakheel awards $220.54 million contract for marine works at Palm Jebel Ali to Jan De Nul Dredging

Jan De Nul Dredging is expected complete the entire scope of marine works at Palm Jebel Ali in just over two years

UAE carriers boost global reach to 606 destinations, targeting 140 million passengers

This represents a 3.4 percent increase from the 586 destinations served at the end of 2023

Egypt targets over 15 million tourist arrivals in 2024, earnings to exceed $14 billion

The number of tourist arrivals to Egypt during the first half of 2024 reached a record high of 7.069 million

Visa-free travel to Sri Lanka: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and 33 other countries granted access

Saudi Arabia ranked third as a potential market for Sri Lankan tourism in June 2024

Dubai’s DXB to serve 3.43 million passengers between August 21 and September 2

The airport forecasts September 1 to be the peak day, accommodating 291,000 passengers