From Greek mythology inspiration to Bronze Age discoveries, art fairs and star-studded event campaigns, these destinations in the Middle East are really standing out this week. Here’s your round-up:
Diriyah partners with A&K and Almosafer
Diriyah Company has partnered with Abercrombie & Kent and Almosafer to promote Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a leading destination to visit. With Diriyah Company working on transforming the area into a luxury hub with 40 hotels, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena, Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo shared that Diriyah is aiming to welcome 50 million visitors annually by 2030. As such, their ongoing efforts will be boosted by leveraging these two specialist agencies for strategic partnerships, product development and joint marketing. Since opening At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah has welcomed more than two million visitors. Their first hotel opening, Luxury Collection Bab Samhan, will take place later this year.
Qiddiya City launches play strategy
Saudi’s Qiddiya City has launched “Play Qiddiya City,” a destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO), to promote Qiddiya City as a world-class hub for entertainment, sports, and culture. With research showing a growing demand for entertainment, sports, and cultural tourism among 70% of travellers and 81% of people travelling for concerts or festivals, Qiddiya City aims to be the world’s first city built for specifically for play with the aim of welcoming millions of visitors annually to its attractions, including theme parks, sports arenas, cultural venues, and outdoor adventures.
Abu Dhabi sets stage for the ultimate wellness experience
Experience Abu Dhabi has announced that the Kayan Wellness Festival will take place on Fahid Island from 31 January 31 – 2 February 2 2025. Focusing on the mind, body, and soul, the holistic wellness event will see renowned experts, including Sadhguru, Gary Brecka, Marisa Peer, and Mo Gawdat, leading sessions on mental clarity, physical strength, and inner harmony. The event will be divided into three zones – Mind, Body, and Soul, where attendees can look forward to a range of activities including breathwork, sound healing, yoga, and fitness sessions. Ticket prices and the full lineup of speakers will be announced soon.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky show us how to “Find Your Pace” Abu Dhabi
Hollywood hearthrob Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky have partnered with Experience Abu Dhabi to promote the city’s offerings. A campaign film featuring the duo discussing a much-needed holiday kicked off the two-year collaboration, where they highlight Abu Dhabi’s endless experiences, from theme parks and desert adventures to quiet escapes.
On the campaign, Pataky praised Abu Dhabi for its wide variety of experiences for families, while Hemsworth reflected on creating lifelong memories, highlighting the city’s culture, people, and experiences, noting that the city feels like home.
16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art
The 16th Abu Dhabi Art event, held from 20-24 November under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, will showcase over 100 galleries at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, the event emphasises cross-cultural exchange, featuring artists from the Central Asia, UAE, and the Caucasus. Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem, a key figure in UAE’s art scene, leads the visual campaign, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing art market. This annual event, along with year-long programming, fosters regional and international creativity.
Abu Dhabi is Air Expo’s 2024 official partner
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has been named Official Destination Partner for Air Expo 2024, happening from 19-21 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This high-profile event, drawing over 20,000 aviation professionals, will showcase advancements in aerospace, with a focus on urban air transport, drone technologies, and sustainable aviation. DCT Abu Dhabi’s involvement underscores the emirate’s position as a MICE leader and aligns with its Tourism Strategy 2030, aiming to increase visitors and create more than 170,000 jobs in the sector.
Dubai welcomes Resorts World Cruises
Resorts World Cruises marked its maiden voyage from Dubai’s Port Rashid on 1 November, 2024. The 1,800-passenger vessel, Resorts World One, will offer regular Gulf cruises each week, including trips to Oman and Qatar. Celebrations for the launch included live performances, culinary showcases, and special onboard credits for November bookings. 600 guests were also invited onto the ship to celebrate including influencers, press and regional dignitaries. The ship also provides Halal-certified dining and facilities to cater to regional guests. Read here for the full story and how agents can start selling cruises.
World’s largest beach club to open in Dubai
Dubai will soon open Sirene by GAIA, the world’s largest beach club, at J1 Beach, Jumeriah’s new luxury waterfront complex. Spanning 9,000 sqm, it includes a 400-seat restaurant, 300 sunbeds, cabanas, and a large pool. Set to open in December 2024, the club embraces a Greek-inspired design and offers a Mediterranean vibe. It is a new addition to J1 Beach which aims to feature 13 dining concepts, including upscale restaurants and three distinct beach clubs when it’s completely open.
Dubai’s to host inaugural Forbes Middle East Medical Tourism & Wellness Summit
Dubai will host the inaugural Forbes Middle East Medical Tourism & Wellness Summit on 23-24 November, bringing together leading health and wellness experts to position the Middle East as a global wellness hub. Supported by American Hospital Dubai, the event will showcase advances in health insurance, wellness innovation, and sustainable wellness practices. Esteemed officials and industry leaders will attend, including Dubai’s key healthcare figures. The summit also features workshops on mental health, fitness, nutrition, and innovative wellness techniques, promoting holistic health.
Dubai showcases new Winter Garden
Dubai’s Winter Garden has reopened at Al Habtoor Palace, welcoming visitors from 1 November to 31 January, 2025. This family-friendly experience features live entertainment, activities and attractions including rew retail kiosks, and Samswek Globa’s new Souk concept. PetRepublic introduces a pet-friendly experience with festive pet parades. Children can enjoy a dedicated play area with carnival games, go-karts, and a mini zoo featuring emus, goats, and reptiles.
Food enthusiasts will find a wide array of seasonal treats from popular brands. Weekend live performances include retro hits by Ekaterina, jazz evenings with Irina T, and Latin rhythms by Sunrise Duo. The event continues its tradition of supporting Emirati small businesses and will feature the iconic lighting ceremony of an 18m Christmas tree after UAE National Day celebrations.
Qatar’s new winter tourism campaign and inaugural Boat Show
Visit Qatar has launched a winter tourism campaign, “Qatar, Based on Your Heart’s Desire,” targeting GCC travellers with family-friendly experiences. Featuring regional celebrities like Saudi actor Yousef Al Jarrah and Bahraini artist Ahmad Sharif, the campaign highlights Qatar’s unique attractions, from cultural landmarks to diverse entertainment options. With strong seasonal growth, the campaign aims to position Qatar as a top winter destination, showcasing its blend of hospitality and engaging events for all ages, further solidifying its appeal as a family-oriented travel destination.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Boat Show 2024 will debut at Old Doha Port from 6-9 November, showcasing a wide range of marine and luxury lifestyle products. The Expo will highlighting advancements in marine sports, diving, and fishing equipment and feature a host of local, regional, and international brands catering to boaties, yacht owners, and water sports enthusiasts.
Saudi grows and makes archeological discovery
Saudi Arabia has achieved the 12th spot globally in international tourism receipts, as reported by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Kingdom has risen 15 positions since 2019 due to the 73% increase in international tourist arrivals. Efforts to boost tourism have included developing attractions, enhancing infrastructure, and easing visa processes.
Saudi’s culture and heritage play a key role in this growth and this comes at a key time when the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced the discovery of a Bronze Age town in Saudi Arabia’s Khaybar Oasis, revealing insights into early urban life in the region. Uncovered by the Khaybar Longue Duree Archaeological Project, led by Dr. Guillaume Charloux and Dr. Munirah AlMushawh, the site illustrates a shift from nomadic to settled lifestyles around the third millennium BC, challenging past assumptions about Bronze Age society in northwestern Arabia.
RSG plans more investment ahead
According to Bloomberg, Red Sea Global is planning an additional $27 billion of investment by 2030 to expand its tourism hubs, The Red Sea and Amaala, in Saudi Arabia. Currently, one-third of the Red Sea project is completed, with 24 resorts set to open by the end of 2025. This major development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to boost tourism and attract luxury travelers. Funding is a mix of equity and debt, with more financing expected next year for the Amaala wellness destination, which will feature 29 hotels.
Egypt launches $1 billion tourism initiative, welcomes increased charter flights from Europe
Egypt’s Finance and Tourism Ministries have introduced a $1 billion (EGP 50 billion) initiative to enhance tourism, focusing on high-priority regions like Luxor, Cairo, Aswan, South Sinai, and the Red Seai. The plan offers tourism companies government-supported financing at a 12% interest rate, with funding capped at EGP 1 billion per client. Qualified businesses must sell 40% of their foreign currency revenue to lending banks. This five-year initiative, available through June 2026, aligns with Egypt’s economic goals to increase hotel capacity and stimulate private sector growth in tourism.
The Egyptian Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee has also reported an increase in charter flights from Spain, France, and Italy for the winter season. Spain will increase its flights from 9 to 14 November, France will add four flights, and Italy will add two, bringing the total weekly charter flights to 20 starting November.
