This week’s destination news highlights new and returning events, new islands, more initiatives to promote tourism, and an update on visitor numbers for several destinations. From new Visa options in Oman, to the Michelin Chefs turning it up in Abu Dhabi, here’s what you’ve missed.
The Abu Dhabi Wedding Show comes back to Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is set to host the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Wedding Show in October 2024, promising a lavish celebration of luxury and elegance. Whether you want beachside or ballroom, this prestigious two-day event will feature top-tier vendors, exclusive showcases, and immersive experiences designed for couples planning their dream weddings. Attendees can expect a curated selection of bridal fashion, floral arrangements, and unique venue options, all situated in the island’s stunning coastal backdrop.
Sixth season of Dubai Safari Park begins
After spending the off-season enhancing its offerings, Dubai Safari Park is opening again on 1 October for its sixth season. From more edutainment programs and interactive activities to new animal encounters and safari experiences, there is a lot more on offer to elevate the visitor experience. Focusing on conservation and sustainability, the park’s expansion will also promote awareness about endangered species, ensuring a more enriching experience for all guests while contributing to global wildlife preservation efforts.
FHS loyalty program launch
Dubai’s Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) has unveiled a new loyalty program designed to reward frequent travellers and hotel guests. Launching ahead of the summit, which will take place from 30 September to 2 October, the program offers exclusive benefits based on their attendance to FHS editions. The three-tier membership includes Member Tier (attending two out of the most recent 6 FHS editions), Silver Tier (attending three or more of the most recent six), and Gold Tier (attending five or six of the most recent six editions).
Al Ain welcomes APAC Travel Marketplace
The upcoming APAC Travel Marketplace will be held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, from 15 – 16 October 2024. It is set to be a pivotal event for the travel industry, connecting suppliers with buyers from across the Asia-Pacific region. This marketplace will feature networking opportunities, workshops, and discussions focused on emerging trends and challenges in the travel sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event aims to foster collaboration and innovation, ultimately enhancing tourism offerings and promoting sustainable travel practices in the region.
SeaWorld Yas Island’s first children’s art exhibition
SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi has launched its first-ever children’s art exhibition titled “Draw Me the Sea”. Intending to widen children’s knowledge of the ocean, the project started with children aged seven to 12 from Aldar Education drawing their ideas of the sea from memory.
Then, after being immersed in SeaWorld Yas Islands’ park for the day with the park’s educators and encountering an abundance of sea life, they were asked to draw the sea again. The impressive results that showcase the impact of education on perceptions of the world around us will be on display from 19 September to 31 October at the children’s art exhibition in the One Ocean realm at Seaworld Abu Dhabi.
Michelin Guide hosts second Abu Dhabi food festival
Abu Dhabi is set to host its vibrant food festival organised by the Michelin Guide, celebrating culinary excellence in the capital. The festival will feature renowned chefs, pop-up dining experiences, and interactive cooking demonstrations, showcasing the city’s diverse gastronomic scene. Held from 22-24 November, local and international chefs from Michelin restaurants will showcase their culinary mastery for foodies in the region. Early bird tickets for this popular event opened on 19 September.
AlUla Skies Festival is back
The AlUla Skies Festival is poised to be a bigger and better event than last year, celebrating the beauty of the desert skies from 26 September to 5 October. As part of the AlUla Moments, the ten-day event will feature hot air balloon rides, stargazing experiences, and cultural performances, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to connect with nature and the region’s heritage. Notably, Egyptian superstar Amr Diab will perform on 27 September.
Record tourist arrivals in Qatar
Qatar is projected to welcome its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals in 2024, driven by a range of initiatives to enhance its appeal. In the first eight months of the year, Qatar has welcomed nearly 3.3 million visitors, a 26% increase compared to the first eight months of 2023. It’s estimated that by the end of 2024, Qatar will have welcomed 4.5 million, which will grow in 2025 to nearly 5 million. Having invested in infrastructure, cultural attractions, and major events, the region aims to promote its unique heritage and vibrant culture and position itself as a top global travel destination.
New 10-day Visa initiative in Oman
Oman has launched a new 10-day visa aimed at cruise passengers as part of an initiative to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. The visa is part of a commitment to accessible travel and joins the 30-day Tourist Visa, 90-day Business Visa, and Family Visit Visa.
The initiative coincides with the Musandam winter tourist season, which begins in November and continues until April 2025, further encouraging travel to the region.
7% dip in Jordan’s tourism
Jordan has reported a 7% decrease in tourist arrivals compared with the same period in 2023. Most notably, visitors from American countries decreased 49.8%, while European visitors dropped 26.7%. Despite this, visitors from Arab nationalities increased 5.7% and still lead the visitor numbers, accounting for 53.5% overall. As some in the travel industry have shared their concern, flights have resumed from several LCC’s to the region, providing a boost for local tourism.
Turkiye targets gastronomy tourism for ambitious $18 billion targets
Turkiye aims to significantly increase its gastronomy tourism revenues to $18 billion with the support of UNESCO. The initiative focuses on promoting traditional culinary practices and local ingredients to enhance the country’s reputation as a gastronomic destination. By showcasing its rich culinary heritage through festivals, workshops, and partnerships with local chefs, Turkiye seeks to attract food lovers from around the world. This effort not only highlights the country’s diverse cuisine but also supports sustainable tourism and local economies, making it a win-win for travellers and communities alike.
DSF’s big anniversary promises to be star-studded
The 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will take place from 6 December – 12 January 2025. Celebrating three decades, this year’s event promises to be the most spectacular yet, featuring over 38 days of concerts, unique citywide experiences, massive shopping deals from over 1,000 brands, and exciting outdoor attractions. Highlights include drone shows, fireworks, A-listers and celebrities, live performances, and immersive displays. DSF continues to position Dubai as a premier global destination for shopping, entertainment, and adventure.
Saudi Arabia ranks first in AI among Arab world
Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone by ranking 14th globally in the artificial intelligence (AI) index, making it the top performer in the Arab world. The index ranks 83 countries in 122 indicators across three core pillars: innovation, implementation, and investment. This ranking reflects the country’s commitment to advancing technology and innovation as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, including the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and national AI initiatives.
Abu Dhabi’s $3.5bn new islands
Abu Dhabi is embarking on an ambitious project to develop two new islands off the coasts of Yas and Saadiyat Islands, enhancing its tourism landscape. These islands are expected to cost US$3.5 billion (Dhs13 billion) and aim to attract both local and international visitors with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational offerings. The first will feature a 3km waterfront area near Saadiyat’s cultural district, while the second will feature 3.7 million sqm of premium homes, amenities, and views.
