From Eid and sports to investments and grants, here’s what you missed in the Middle East tourism news this week:
Dubai welcomed 500k+ visitors
Dubai Airports (Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International) welcomed more than 500,000 travellers during the four-day Eid Al Adha holiday. The increase in passenger traffic reflected people flying to explore Dubai’s city and make the annual Haj pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.
Supercross Championship comes to Abu Dhabi
The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will host the 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship finale on 4 December. Kicking off in Vancouver for Round 1 on 26 October, the Championship will then head to Perth for Rounds 2 and 3 from 23-24 November before descencing into Abu Dhabi for the finale. Coinciding with the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 8 December, it will no doubt be one exhilarating week of motorsports in the UAE capital that week!
Saudi Arabia’s $3.2 trillion luxury tourism investment
Saudi Arabia is investing a whopping $3.2 trillion to boost its luxury tourism sector. This plan aims to attract affluent travellers by developing upscale hotels, exclusive entertainment and exceptional cultural experiences and wellness centres. This will position the kingdom as a premier destination for high-end tourism and foster economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia grants China ‘Approved Destination Status‘
Saudi Arabia has granted China Approved Destination Status (ADS) beginning 1 July 2024. This is an initiative to make China one of the top three sources for international arrivals by 2024. The announcement comes alongside other initiatives to attract Chinese tourists, including increased direct flights, reduced visa fees, and Mandarin-language support.
