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2024 year in review: Top tourism stories around the Middle East 

Global Village Annual Fireworks – Image courtesy of Visit Dubai

As the end of the year draws near, and all around the world prepare to gather and cheer, we’d like to say farewell to 2024 with a review of all the exciting announcements we saw.  

From Saudi Arabia’s new lines in both sea and air, to Qatar’s extravagant Grand Prix affair. There were new routes, AI, and record-breaking arrivals, along with new heritage sites, Indian weddings and friendly rivals.

So before you countdown from ten, read on and remember way back when (and if you’re still deciding how to ring in the new year, click here for a few suggestions): 

Record-breaking travel

The Pearl, Doha – Image courtesy of Qatar Tourism

From Saudi Arabia to Qatar, the UAE, Oman and even (at times) Jordan, tourism reached record highs this year across the Middle East. 

Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar were recognised for leading the rapidly growing industry, thanks to the implementation of advanced tech, attracting major events and investing in air connectivity. Here are some of the top destination headlines over the last year: 

Adopting new technology 

SARA AI – Image courtesy of Visit Saudi

Artificial Intelligence is finding its place around the world, especially in the Middle East. The region’s tourism industry is leading the way in adopting new technologies to improve the customer service experience and encourage new bookings. 

According to the World Economic Forum, the industry technological advancements are helping to democratise global travel, aka increase distribution of tourism to lesser visited destinations (such as MENA). 

In the last year, Saudi Arabia launched ‘SARA’ an AI smart guide, while hotel revenue saw a spike thanks to the implementation of artificial intelligence. Read on for more technological advancements in the region in 2024: 

Setting sail with cruise 

AROYA Cruises
Sailing at Sunset – Image courtesy of AROYA Cruises

2024 could have been considered the year of cruising for the Middle East, with cruise lines either expanding their presence or entering the market for the first time. 

Resort World Cruises made its debut in the region with the deployment of Resorts World One. The 1,800-luxury ship set sail on two-to-three-night cruises around the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Meanwhile, Celestyal Cruises announced plans to send two ships to the Middle East, with both Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery to cruise the region by the end of 2025. 

But the biggest cruise news for 2024, was definitely the launch of Saudi Arabia’s AROYA Cruises. The first Arabian cruise line set sail this month with a 1,678-cabin ship packed with world-class dining and more. Read on for the top cruise stories of the year:  

Taking off in the air 

Turkish Airlines recognised by Guinness World Records – Image courtesy of Turkish Airlines (LinkedIn)

The Middle East’s aviation industry took off to a whole new level this year with new destinations, new records, and new planes. 

In a single day, Etihad surprised the region with the announcement of 10 new destinations including cities in the USA, Southeast Asia, Tunisia and Algeria. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines received a Guinness World Record for operating flights to the most countries from a single airport – that was after launching the longest flight journey from Istanbul to Sydney, Australia. 

Then we received an update on the world’s largest twin-engine passenger plane, the Boeing 777X, and the Middle Eastern airlines vying to get their hands on them. And of course, there’s Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Riyadh Air, which has secured its on-the-ground handling deal, electric coaches and fashionable uniforms.  

International events 

President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, announcing Saudi Arabia as host of 2034 World Cup – Image courtesy of FIFA

International events are among the biggest drivers of tourism to the Middle East right now, with various events taking place across the region, particularly the sporting kind. 

This year, Qatar alone has hosted 85 sports-related events ranging from the FIFA International Cup 2024 through to the Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the inaugural 2025 Olympic Esports Games and unveiled plans to open 15 sporting stadiums over the next decade, in time for its debut as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.  

New trends and other exciting news 

Indian bride
Indian Bride – Photo by Christopher Brown on Unsplash

And to round off the year, the Middle East’s tourism industry benefitted from a rise in Indian weddings and an increase in female travellers, particularly those from China and others from the west.

In exciting news, Saudi Arabia’s city of Riyadh hosted the first Billboard Arabia Music Awards, attracting Middle Eastern celebrities and their fans from around the world, while new UNESCO World Heritage Sites were announced for Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Read on for other trends and exciting news stories from the year: 

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