From visitor surges and free visas to festivals and entertainment, here’s the latest destination developments in the Middle East this week.
Surging Q1 visitor spending in Saudi Arabia
Hitting the $12 billion (SAR45 billion) mark in Q1 2024 marked a significant increase of 23% from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives under Vision 2030, which aim to diversify its economy by boosting tourism and entertainment sectors.
The travel account surplus has also been recorded as SAR24 billion, representing a 46% growth rate compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, outbound travellers spent an estimated SAR21 billion during the same travel period, reflecting significant spending power.
RAK positions as premier MICE destination with free visas
In 2023, Indian visitor numbers in Ras Al Khaimah increased by 20%. To leverage this growing trend and position RAK as a premier destination, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is offering free visas for Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups and wedding celebrations.
Running until March 2025, Indian traveller groups that book a minimum two-night stay in one of RAK’s premier hotels and cater to at least 100 guests per night will qualify for a complimentary visa for MICE and wedding events.
Sharjah’s Summer Festival begins
From July 1 to September 1, 2024, the Sharjah Summer Festival will run, featuring a variety of discounts and promotional deals for residents and tourists in the emirate. Organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year’s event is aimed at tourists from inside the GCC and UAE. Throughout the event, retail stores and tourist attractions will undertake joint campaigns to promote Sharjah and everything it has to offer.
Du-gone – Iconic sculpture decommissioned in Doha
The 24-meter high, 32-meter long iridescent Dugong sculpture by Jeff Koons, installed in Doha’s Masrah Park for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has been decommissioned by Qatar Museums. Inspired by Qatar’s marine heritage, this public art piece was initially planned for a six-month display but stayed for a year and a half. The sculpture’s removal saddened the Qatari artistic community, who praised its role in cultural education and international art exposure.
Simaisma project launched
Qatar’s Prime Minister has inaugurated the Simaisma project. The initiative promises state-of-the-art recreational facilities to meet the region’s growing tourism and entertainment needs. Spanning 8 million Sq mtrs and featuring 7km of waterfront, the Simaisma will feature four areas of luxury resort that include restaurants, shops, an 18-hole golf course, a theme park, a yacht club, and residential accommodation. Notably, the project aims to achieve sustainable construction and operation by incorporating cutting-edge technology and prioritising locally recycled materials.
Dubai’s Jebel Ali Beach plan approved
The master plan for Dubai’s Jebel Ali Beach Development Project has just been given the go ahead. Featuring a 6.6km beach with distinct areas for recreational activities, environmental conservation, and educational initiatives, the development is both conservative and to boost tourism. It includes a sandy beach, a mangrove beach, 2km open swimmable beach zones, and facilities for sports and marine activities including a 2.5km diving area. The development emphasises environmental conservation, aiming to protect local ecosystems and wildlife, particularly mangroves and turtles. Enhanced infrastructure will support diverse visitor experiences, contributing to Dubai’s goal of becoming a top global tourism destination.
