Travel

Qatar sees 26 percent surge in tourists to over 3.2 million in August 2024

Qatar seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP from 7 percent to 12 percent

UAE to enter U.S. Global Entry Program by October 2024, easing travel for Emiratis

UAE and U.S. government authorities will begin to develop and finalize criteria that will lead to the UAE’s full participation in the program

RTA introduces smart winter seasonal schedules to enhance maritime transport for tourists and residents in Dubai

This initiative encompasses all maritime transport services and routes, including Dubai Ferry, Abra, and Dubai Water Taxi

World Tourism Day: Qatar Rail launches metro tours, complimentary day passes to promote tourism

Qatar Rail collaborated with Hamad International Airport to launch an initiative offering complimentary day passes to arriving visitors

Qatar becomes first Gulf country to join U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Citizens and nationals of Qatar can now apply to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa

UAE: Passport validity reduced to one month to facilitate status amendments for violators, says ICP

This adjustment allows violators to leave without an entry ban stamp or secure jobs while staying 

Dubai’s Emirates launches luxurious new lounge at London Stansted Airport 

This new lounge is Emirates' sixth in the U.K., alongside those at Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester 

Saudi National Day 2024 guide: Places and concerts to visit, and things to do to enjoy long weekend

Saudi National Day activities will start on Friday, September 20, and will continue until Monday, September 23 in regions across Saudi Arabia

International tourism reaches 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels with 790 million travelers in early 2024 

The surge was fueled by robust demand in Europe and the reopening of markets in Asia and the Pacific 

Etihad Airways marks 20 years of linking India to Abu Dhabi and beyond

The carrier boosted seat capacity from Abu Dhabi to India by adding flights to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata 

Etihad Cargo, SF Airlines strengthen UAE-China trade with joint venture commitment

Key aspects of the joint venture include greater aircraft capacity, improved transit times and interconnected networks

Dubai launches new initiative to attract investments, boost global medical tourism market

New MoU between DHA and DET aims to position Dubai as a leading global medical tourism destination

Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy rolling out to six U.S. cities

These retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will operate direct flights to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Seattle

Qatar Airways launches four additional flights from Amsterdam to meet winter demand

New flights will enable 40,000 additional passengers to travel between Amsterdam and Doha

Etihad Airways passenger traffic surges 36 percent to 12 million by August 2024

As of August 2024, Etihad Airways' rolling 12-month passenger count reached more than 17 million

UAE: Aviation Future Week to be held in October

The event will gather UAE ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from aviation, aerospace, airfreight, MRO, and logistics

Air Arabia launches home check-in service for Abu Dhabi passengers

Service allows customers to check in their luggage and collect their boarding passes from home

DET, Emaar Hospitality partner to support Dubai’s tourism growth

Collaboration seeks to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination and enhance the city's global reputation

Saudi Arabia launches ‘Our Guests Are Our Priority’ campaign to improve hospitality standards compliance

The campaign's initial phase centers on media and awareness initiatives that engage various stakeholders in the tourism sector

RTA opens two major bridges, cuts down travel time by up to 70 percent in key Dubai areas

Project to cut the journey time from Garn Al Sabkha Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road towards Al Qusais and Deira by 40 percent