From an underwater wedding to an exciting event calendar, new partnerships, and additional visa options. It’s all happening in the Middle East right now and you don’t want to miss it. Here’s the latest.
UAE’s visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers
Indian travellers can now enjoy visa-on-arrival access to the UAE under new regulations aimed at enhancing tourism. This visa is available to Indian passport holders, those with Indian green cards, permanent residency, and a valid visa or residency permit from the US, UK, or any EU country. The new policy will allow them to choose a 14-day visa-on-arrival for the UAE, which can be extended a further 14 days. Alternatively, they can choose a 60-day non-extendable UAE visa. This move simplifies entry requirements, boosting tourism and making the UAE more accessible to Indian tourists.
Ajman eyes Chinese market
Ajman Tourism has intensified efforts to attract Chinese tourists, launching a series of promotional activities tailored to this fast-growing market. Most notably, the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is conducting a tour of key Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, to strengthen ties with China’s tourism industry. The delegation is led by Director General Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, and will run until 26 October. Throughout the tour, the delegation aims to establish partnerships, sign agreements, and promote Ajman’s tourist attractions.
New attractions at Dubai’s Global Village
Dubai’s Global Village has unveiled several new attractions for its 29th season, enhancing its appeal as a premier cultural and entertainment destination. In addition to three new pavilions (Sri Lanka & Bangladesh, Jordan, and Iraq), this year’s additions include the upcoming EXO Planet City attraction and Secrets of the Lost City for guests over 10 years old. Gravity-defying stunts can be enjoyed in the Cyber City Danger Zone Stunt Show, plus new 3D projection shows have been added to the Gate of the World dome.
Dubai to celebrate Diwali
Dubai is set to celebrate Diwali with fireworks displays, traditional Indian performances, and festive shopping deals across its major malls and landmarks between 25 October and 7 November. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the celebration of the Indian Festival of Lights aims to offer a cultural experience for both residents and tourists, reflecting the city’s diverse population. Special local community events and unique discounts will be available, making this a key attraction in Dubai’s calendar.
Sting to perform in Abu Dhabi
Legendary musician Sting is set to perform in Abu Dhabi on 3 April 2025 as part of his ‘Sting 3.0 World Tour’. The concert will feature Sting alongside a band performing classic hits from his solo career and time with The Police. Tickets go on sale from 23 October via Live Nation. The show is expected to draw a large crowd as Abu Dhabi continues to attract top international performers, further establishing itself as a leading cultural and entertainment destination in the region.
DCT Abu Dhabi wraps up APAC Travel Marketplace in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted its inaugural APAC Travel Marketplace in Al Ain, attracting more than 200 travel professionals and media from the Asia-Pacific region. The event aimed to strengthen partnerships and showcase Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offerings, from cultural heritage sites to world-class facilities. Through discussions, workshops, and one-on-one meetings attendees gained some valuable insights into the emirate’s attractions. The event highlighted Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive tourism offerings, including luxury accommodations, cultural festivals, and natural landscapes, catering to various traveler interests. The APAC Travel Marketplace supports DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 to attract 39.3 million annual visitors.
DET and Hilton join forces to promote Dubai
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Hilton have signed a strategic MoU to enhance Dubai’s global visibility and support Hilton’s team member training and service optimisation. The partnership aims to promote Dubai as a premier destination through joint marketing initiatives, advertising campaigns, and social media, as well as integrate Dubai experiences into Hilton’s loyalty program, which surpasses 195 million members. The MoU also enables Hilton to leverage DET’s training and capacity building programs to enhance team member skills in customer service and cultural awareness. The partnership aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure; and follows Dubai’s record-breaking 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023 and a 7.5% increase in arrivals from January to August 2024. Dubai’s hotel industry has also performed strongly, with an average occupancy of 76.2% and ongoing growth in tourism infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia to build record-breaking skyscraper
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build a skyscraper, the “Mukaab,” in Riyadh’s New Murabba district. Set to stand ‘20 times taller than the Empire State Building’ and measuring 400m on each side, it will be larger than any other building in the world, according to Bloomberg. Originally announced last year but hit delays, this “mega scraper” is estimated to cost around $5 billion and aligns with Saudi’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Riyadh into a global business and tourism hub.
STA and Thouq partnership improving travel experiences
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has partnered with Thouq to enhance the tourism experience in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to launch initiatives that promote responsible tourism, ensuring the sustainability of tourist sites. The agreement focuses on raising awareness about public decency and positive behaviour while also exchanging data and expertise to identify key areas for improvement. By working closely with local authorities and leveraging technology, the initiative will enhance the overall visitor experience and ensure long-term preservation of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage.
Red Sea Global installs 5G network
Red Sea Global (RSG) has introduced cutting-edge Free-Space Optics (FSO) technology at Sheybarah Island, enabling super-fast, long-range internet access for visitors. This innovative system uses invisible beams of light to transmit data wirelessly, providing two-way speeds up to 20gbps across distances of up to 20km. This technology is part of RSG’s collaboration with Zain KSA and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to deploy sustainable, zero-energy 5G networks powered by renewable energy. The FSO technology supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing tourism and technology in remote areas.
Saudi Arabia’s first underwater wedding
Saudi couple, Hassan Abu Ola and Yasmine Daftardar, celebrated their wedding underwater in the Red Sea near Jeddah. Organised by local Saudi Divers, the couple exchanged vows amidst vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Both experienced divers, the unique ceremony was a first for the region, and the couple hopes their wedding will inspire others to explore the Red Sea’s stunning underwater experiences.
Sindalah prepares for Red Sea Week
Sindalah Island, part of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, will host the grand opening of Red Sea Week (RSW) from 25 – 27 October. The event will showcase the new yacht charter destination’s premium facilities, including the 86 berths and a mooring field with 75 offshore buoys. During the grand opening, guests can enjoy snorkelling, helicopter tours, and culinary experiences from world-renowned chefs. Sindalah aims to become a premier global yachting hub, with high-end amenities and activities and is positioned as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism strategy.
Saudia’s special Umrah packages for Indonesian travellers
Saudi Arabia’s airline Saudia, launched exclusive Umrah packages and travel deals for Indonesian travellers at the Saudia Travel Fair in Jakarta. The event gave attendees insight into the Kingdom’s tourist destinations and variety of products and services for local travellers. It also included cultural performances, seminars, prize draws, promotions, and interest-free installment plans. This includes offering new services like the ‘Your Ticket, Your Visa’ designed for pilgrims who can stay in Saudi Arabia for 96 hours to perform Umrah. ‘Umrah by Saudia’ is another service that provides a complete package for pilgrims from visa support to transport.
Qatar Tourism wins award for best GenAI 2024, and emerges as preferred healthcare destination
Qatar Tourism’s Visit Qatar was recently recognised at the 8th Middle East Enterprise and Analytics Summit, winning the ‘Best Use Case of GenAI 2024’ award for their innovative GenAI Chatbot and Trip Planner. These AI-driven tools, available in over 50 languages, have transformed the way travellers engage with Qatar, making travel planning easier and more accessible. Additionally, the Qatar Service Excellence Academy received the Gold Travel Weekly Magellan Award for its exceptional Destination Education Programs, highlighting its commitment to enhancing visitor experiences through advanced technology and service excellence.
Meanwhile, Qatar is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for specialised medical care, thanks to its world-class healthcare system, advanced technology, and warm hospitality. The country’s strategic location connects over 177 destinations across the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it easily accessible for families seeking medical care. With specialised hospitals for pediatric and women’s health, as well as world-renowned orthopaedic experts, Qatar’s medical excellence is consistently ranked among the top five globally for quality of care. Furthermore, Qatar offers a holistic approach to patient well-being, with a diverse culinary scene, wide range of accommodation options, and efficient transportation system, making it a pleasant destination for both treatment and recovery.
Tourism boost for Oman’s Dhofar and Dakhliyah regions
Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is shining the spotlight on Dhofar in the kingdom’s southern region, as a year-round tourist destination. To kick-start this initiative, 26 travel agencies from Armenia recently landed in Salalah for a familiarisation trip, experiencing firsthand the region’s rich history, culture, and unique attractions. This strategic move coincides with Dhofar’s annual charter flight season, which typically welcomes over 400 special flights from Europe. This year, the region is expected to receive more than 450 charter flights, providing a significant boost to Dhofar’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, the Dakhliyah region is also getting a major boost with a new modern transport hub in Nizwa, set to improve connectivity and attract tourists. The project will feature a central station for buses and taxis, business centers, a commercial center, and a secondary station for local transport. In terms of design, it would be a blend of modern functionality and traditional Omani architecture, complementing Nizwa’s historical and cultural character. The transport hub is just one part of a broader effort to enhance Dakhliyah’s tourism and economic development. Other initiatives include road infrastructure projects that will significantly improve road connectivity, facilitate smoother travel, and provide opportunities for investment in tourism, hospitality, and other sectors.
