Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan are showcasing their rich cultural heritage and tourism offerings, from Qiddiya’s state-of-the-art performing arts centre to Qatar’s Eid Al-Fitr celebrations and Jerash’s thriving rural tourism scene.
Jordan’s Interior Ministry introduces streamlined entry measures to boost tourism and investment
The Ministry of Interior in Jordan has implemented new entry procedures aimed at enhancing tourism and attracting investment. These measures are designed to simplify the process for visitors and investors entering the country. The initiative reflects Jordan’s commitment to bolstering its tourism sector and creating a more inviting environment for foreign investment. By easing entry requirements, the government anticipates an increase in tourist arrivals and economic growth. These changes are part of a broader strategy to revitalise the economy and promote Jordan as a premier destination. The Ministry continues to work on policies that support sustainable development in the tourism industry. β
Qatar Tourism leads travel delegation to China to boost visitor arrivals
Qatar Tourism has led a delegation of 13 hospitality and travel partners on a roadshow across China, visiting key cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The initiative aimed to strengthen ties with the Chinese travel trade and promote Qatar as a top destination. The roadshow included business meetings, presentations, and networking events with over 300 Chinese travel professionals. Qatar Tourism highlighted key attractions, visa-free access for Chinese nationals, and upcoming events such as the 2025 Horticultural Expo. The move comes as Qatar targets significant growth from the Chinese market following strong tourism performance in 2023. The delegation included representatives from Qatar Airways, hotels, destination management companies, and entertainment providers.
Earlier this week…
Qiddiya’s new performing arts centre
Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape is set to flourish with the unveiling of Qiddiya’s state-of-the-art performing arts centre. Located on the edge of Tuwaiq Mountain, this cutting-edge venue boasts three immersive theatres, a cantilevered amphitheatre, and a suspended 500-seat venue. With a rooftop sky garden, interactive art galleries, and expansive green areas, the centre is poised to become a beacon of artistic expression, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually and redefining Saudi Arabia’s creative ecosystem.
Qatar celebrates Eid Al-Fitr with spectacular events
Qatar is gearing up to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in style, with a plethora of exciting events and attractions. Visit Qatar, in partnership with Qatari Diar, presents the Lusail Sky Festival from 3-5 April, featuring breathtaking aerial displays, including aerobatics, skydiving, and a drone show with over 3,000 illuminated drones. The festival also includes live entertainment, a food zone, and attractions like The Pearl-Qatar and Katara Cultural Village. To welcome visitors, Qatar has also launched the “Entertainment on Us” campaign, offering four complimentary tickets to top entertainment venues, including Doha Quest and Angry Birds World. The campaign also features concerts, musical acts, and events like “Disney’s The Magic Box” at the Qatar National Convention Centre. With its rich cultural, leisure, and beach destinations, Qatar is poised to become a top holiday spot for regional travellers.
Rural tourism flourishes in Jerash with 400+ homes converted into tourist lodges
The Jerash Governorate in Jordan is witnessing significant growth in rural tourism, with more than 400 rural homes now operating as tourist lodges. These lodges offer affordable and private accommodation options, particularly appealing to families and large groups, enhancing Jerashβs status on the local tourism map. The trend is contributing to eco-tourism and providing sustainable income opportunities for local residents, while promoting environmental conservation. Many of these lodges have been equipped with modern facilities, increasing their attractiveness to tourists seeking a nature-based experience. The Greater Jerash Municipality has begun licensing an additional 150 houses as part of a strategy to extend tourist stays and boost local economic activity. Stakeholders view this development as a key driver of sustainable tourism and a contributor to job creation and regional growth.
Oman’s tourism sector aims to create 500,000 jobs by 2040β
Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, announced plans to generate over 500,000 jobs and attract approximately OMR19 billion in investments in the tourism sector by 2040. Addressing the Shura Council, he stated that the sector is projected to contribute OMR3 billion, or 3.5%, to the nation’s GDP by 2030, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s economic diversification goals. The tourism sector’s contribution has increased from OMR1.8 billion in 2019 to OMR2 billion in 2023, with direct added value growing from OMR873 million to OMR1 billion in the same period. Domestic tourism has also seen growth, with local visitor numbers rising from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023, and domestic tourism spending increasing from OMR732 million to OMR830 million.
