Top 3 Headlines

Dubai to host World Sports Summit in December

Dubai will host the World Sports Summit from 29-30 December at Madinat Jumeirah, following directives from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. Organised by Dubai Sports Council, the event will gather global sports leaders, athletes, and experts to explore the future of sport in the region. Discussions will focus on audience engagement, AI, data analytics, and the economic sustainability of sports. The summit aims to enhance the global sports landscape, support talent development, and cement Dubai’s position as a premier hub for international sporting events.

Ras Al Khaimah gains ERCA accreditation, a regional first

Ras Al Khaimah Leisure Academy (RAKLA) has become the first ERCA-accredited training body outside Europe, marking a major milestone for the region’s adventure tourism sector. Recognised by the European Ropes Course Association, the certification positions RAK as a hub for internationally recognised safety and training standards in the Middle East. It enables local delivery of globally benchmarked certifications, reduces reliance on European trainers, and opens new revenue opportunities while reinforcing world-class safety practices.

AROYA Cruises launches first Mediterranean season from Istanbul

Saudi Arabia’s AROYA Cruises has officially begun its inaugural Mediterranean season, departing Istanbul on 28 June with a seven-night itinerary visiting Greece and Turkey. The refurbished 3,400-passenger ship, formerly World Dream, features Arabian-inspired design and modern amenities.

Istanbul’s Galataport will serve as homeport through mid-September, with alternating six- and seven-night cruises, including stops in Athens, Mykonos, Alexandria, and Rhodes. The Mediterranean deployment marks AROYA’s first international season with the season ending with an eight-night repositioning cruise back to the Kingdom on 12 September.

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Noteworthy:

1. New Murabba has partnered with Korea’s Naver to integrate smart technologies into its mega urban development, accelerating Saudi Arabia’s smart city ambitions.
2. Dubai’s RTA conducted the region’s first successful test flight of its aerial taxi service, marking a major milestone in autonomous urban air mobility.
3. Abu Dhabi will host the Arenacross World Tour finals for the first time, bringing high-energy motocross competitions to the UAE capital.
4. Saudi Arabia’s GACA and Ministry of Sport have signed an MoU to promote air sports, aiming to develop aviation-related recreational activities across the Kingdom.
5. The UAE ranks among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending, reaffirming its position as a major luxury travel hub.
6. Yas Waterworld will unveil its newest expansion on 1 July, adding fresh attractions and boosting Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly entertainment offerings.
7. L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty and Egypt’s Healthcare Authority have signed a landmark agreement at Africa Health ExCon 2025 to enhance dermatological care access in the region.
8. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and the China-Arab Center have signed an executive program to boost cultural collaboration between the two regions.
9. Diriyah has been named to the Time100 Most Influential Companies list, spotlighting its global cultural and tourism impact.
10. Sharjah’s House of Wisdom is launching themed summer camps in July and August 2025, blending storytelling, technology, and creativity to inspire kids and teens through culturally rich, skill-building experiences.