Saudi celebrates a surge in tourism and Dubai just celebrated its biggest run yet. Al Ain’s new campaign is drawing the attention of nature lovers, and Jeddah is upping its appeal to film and water lovers. Then over in Qatar, a new high-end mega playground in on the horizon! And oh, Riyadh metro opens today!

Saudi Arabia eyes Expo 2030 as tourism booms

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in tourism, with a 27% increase in international visitors in the first three quarters of 2024, driven by mega-events like Riyadh Season and growing global interest in Vision 2030. 

The kingdom has now also unveiled its master plan for Expo 2030, showcasing cutting-edge infrastructure at a 6 million sqm site in Riyadh. Focused on sustainability and innovation, Expo 2030 is expected to attract millions of visitors and highlight Saudi Arabia as a global hub. The master plans are a pivotal step towards the Kingdom diversifying its economy and cementing its place on the world stage.

Musandam Winter Entertainment Festival kicks off

The Musandam Winter Entertainment Festival has begun in Khasab, Oman, offering a vibrant mix of cultural and recreational activities. Running until 5 December, this is the second edition of the festival that features live music, traditional dance and theatre performances, art displays, and culinary experiences showcasing local flavours. 

Organised by Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event aims to boost tourism in the Musandam Peninsula. With activities catering to families and cultural explorers, the festival promotes Musandam as a unique winter destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Sharjah World Championship Week returns for 23rd edition

The 23rd Sharjah World Championship Week has been announced and is set to take place from 6-8 December 2024. Organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the last round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, “Grand Prix of Sharjah,” by at Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon. 19 powerboat drivers across nine teams will race for the top three spots. 

The week attracts international competitors and fans, solidifying Sharjah’s reputation as a global sports hub. Beyond the races, visitors can enjoy cultural and family-friendly activities in Sharjah’s waterfront. 

Dubai Tourism partners with Gulf Superyacht Summit 2024

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has been named the Destination Partner for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2024, highlighting the emirate’s position as a luxury maritime hub. Scheduled for 4-5 December, the summit gathers global superyacht industry leaders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and market growth. As DET promotes Dubai as a premier yachting destination, the summit complements its efforts to attract high-net-worth visitors and elevate the Emirate’s global standing. 

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Earlier this week

Riyadh Metro paritially opens, while AlUla prepares for Experiential Tram

Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh is partially launching its metro system today. As the world’s longest driverless metro systems, this highly-anticipated project aims to reduce traffic congestion and support the city’s rapid growth. Initially, three of the six planned lines will be operational, with the remaining three lines scheduled to open in mid-December. The metro system is also designed to be environmentally friendly, utilising solar energy to power its operations. The four main stations of Riyadh metro are STC Station, Qasr Al-Hukm District Station, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, and Western Metro Station.

Meanwhile, in preparation for AlUla’s growing visitor numbers and new tourism features, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have joined forces to upskill young Saudis looking to work in AlUla and the Kingdom’s growing rail sector. The collaboration will focus on providing vocational training programs in railway maintenance and operation, as well as hands-on training to equip young Saudis with the necessary skills to work on AlUla’s new rail and tram services including the Experiential Tram that will eventually link key heritage, tourist, and residential sites.

Experience Abu Dhabi launches Alive in Al Ain

Experience Abu Dhabi has released its Alive in Al Ain campaign to highlight the natural beauty and cultural richness of the historic oasis city. Immersive scenes throughout the film bring Al Ain’s charm to life, engaging audiences with the sights and sounds of nature—from birdsong and flowing water to the rhythm of traditional drums and the quiet turn of a book’s page. The campaign invites viewers to immerse themselves in Al Ain’s diverse experiences, from desert adventures to serene nature walks, while enjoying glimpses of the city’s stunning landscapes, traditional heritage, and vibrant culture.

Meanwhile, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) recently concluded its annual international conference aimed at elevating Abu Dhabi’s global tourism presence. Bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from DCT’s international offices and global tourism partners, insights into the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 was shared inlcuding new initiatives.

Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Festival 2025 announced

The Liwa International Festival 2025 (LIWA 2025) is set to take place from 13 December 2024 to 4 January 2025. This annual event, held under the majestic Tal Moreeb dune in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, promises to thrill thousands of visitors with some thrilling motorsports, wildlife and cultural experiences. For the line up of events and dates, see here for details.

Qatari Diar and FTG Development break ground on $3B Land of Legends

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and FTG Development have officially commenced construction on the $3B Land of Legends within the Simaisma project in Qatar. This ambitious development, spanning over 650,000 sqm will feature a theme park, an 18-hole golf course, a luxury marina, high-end villas, the family-friendly Kingdom Hotel with conference facilities and beachside activities, the Music Hotel, a multicultural destination which hosts a futuristic celebration of the world’s music, an 80-m-high mountain, scenic canals, and a range of retail and dining options. The project, expected to open in 2028, will play an important role in elevating Qatar’s tourism offerings and support the nation’s goals for economic diversification.

Dubai Run 2024 breaks record

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, led a record-breaking 278,000 runners in the sixth edition of the Dubai Run 2024 earlier this week (a 23% increase from last year).

A highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the event saw participants of all ages and abilities come together on Sheikh Zayed Road. Participants flooded the streets, supported by a series of performances and inspiring speeches by local and international personalities, and a spectacular display of lights and fireworks.

Jeddah to host 4th RSIFF

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is set to return for its fourth edition from 5 -14 December 2024, this time taking place in the historic heart of Jeddah. Themed “The New Home of Film,” this year’s festival will feature 120 films from 81 countries, including numerous world premieres and a diverse selection of Arab and Saudi cinema. The festival will be hosted in the picturesque Culture Square, a revitalised historic district where traditional architecture meets modern conveniences.

Saudi Red Sea Authority grants first marina operations licenses

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted its first marina operation licenses to Al-Ahlam Marine for Yanbu and Al-Lith. By providing state-of-the-art marina facilities, the SRSA aims to attract yacht owners and water sports enthusiasts from around the world. The new marinas will offer a range of services, including berthing, fuelling, maintenance, and provisioning, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. Strict environmental regulations will be enforced to minimise the impact of marine activities on the Red Sea’s delicate ecosystem.