The top 3:
1. Jordan tourism board partners with Korean TV program and welcomes Saudi delegation
From 3 – 14 April, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) hosted the production team of MBC every1’s hit South Korean series “The Great Guide 2” to film a four‑part special on: Petra’s rose‑red façades; Wadi Rum’s desert; Wadi Mujib’s canyon; and Bedouin hospitality.
Featuring stars Kim Dae‑ho, Park Myung‑soo and Choi Daniel. Beginning 3 June, the episodes will air weekly, targeting Korean and wider Asian audiences which is something the JTB has been pursuing for several years.
Simultaneously, from 13 – 17 April, JTB and Royal Jordanian Airlines also welcomed a delegation of Saudi travel and tourism agents on a familiarisation tour, complete with field visits to ancient ruins, natural reserves and a B2B workshop, to forge tailored partnerships and boost visitor flow.
2. Riyadh’s Saudi North Pole district and new world’s tallest building
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has launched the Saudi North Pole district, a 3.06 sq km “city within a city” in northern Riyadh featuring homes, offices, schools, hospitals, parks and entertainment venues. The aim is to be a self-sufficient city powered by renewable energy and linked by electric vehicles as well as cycling and pedestrian networks.
At its heart will stand the Rise Tower, designed by Foster + Partners, as a 2,000 m, USD 5 billion skyscraper slated to eclipse the Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building and anchor Riyadh’s Expo 2030 and New Murabba precincts.
3. World’s first esports island to be built in Abu Dhabi
True Gamers has unveiled a $280 million plan to build the world’s first purpose‑built esports island on Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi, nestled between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments. Spanning luxury beachfront real estate, the project will feature a flagship True Gamers Arena capable of hosting international tournaments, a “GG Bootcamp” zone equipped with high‑performance gaming rigs for professional teams, and a 200‑room GG Resort where every suite includes integrated gaming stations. A five‑star hotel and supporting leisure facilities like restaurants, retail outlets and waterfront esplanades, will cater to players and spectators alike.
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Noteworthy hightlights:
1. Dubai launches travel content creator college
Visit Dubai and Beautiful Destinations have launched the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai, a first‑of‑its‑kind professional development programme for travel content creators. Aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, the Academy offers a structured curriculum blending creative storytelling and marketing skills, establishes formal industry standards, and certifies creators to meet the tourism sector’s growing demand for high‑impact, platform‑native content.
2. Visit Oman and Oman Air campaign promotes stopover bookings and tourism
Oman Air and Visit Oman have collaborated to introduce a digital Stopover Programme at Muscat International Airport, offering customisable layover packages from four hours to four days. Through an online booking platform, travellers can select hotel stays, guided tours, transport and cultural experiences, from desert treks to city sightseeing.
3. Saudi to bring 41 professions in tourism sector to local jobs
Saudi Arabia will require private tourism businesses to employ Saudi nationals in 41 leadership and specialist roles, including hotel and operations managers, travel agency managers, tour guides, and receptionists under a three‑phase Saudisation plan. Rolled out by the Ministries of Human Resources and Tourism, the programme begins on 22 April 2026, with subsequent phases on 3 January 2027 and 2 January 2028. Detailed guidance on compliance, localisation targets, and penalties have now been published online.
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Insider insights:
- Fujairah International Conference of Adventures Tourism to take place from 30 April – 2 May 2025.
- Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority share success of 2024-2025 cruise season with 140,100 tourists (up 15%).
- Oman and Russia due to sign mutual visa exemption agreement.
- Tourists can get 15% VAT refund when departing thanks to Saudi Arabia’s new VAT exemption.
- Global chauffeur service Blacklane expands into Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi’s tour licenses increased by 168% in 2024.
- Dubai bridge connecting Al Mina Street with Jumeirah Street opens to cut journey times by 67%.
- “Ride for the Community 2025” event launched for motorcycle enthusiasts by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) and the AWR Royal Enfield Riders Club UAE.
