Top 3 Headlines
Qiddiya City to become a premier golf hub
Qiddiya City is set to become Saudi Arabia’s premier golf hub with two major developments. The first is a new 18-hole championship course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, opening in 2026, and a partnership with the Faldo Series to host youth tournaments.
The course, located at the base of the Tuwaiq Mountains, will include a clubhouse, academy, and innovative design features to support players of all levels. This brings another sport to Qiddya’s offering.
GCC stars feature in Abu Dhabi’s ‘Totally Recommended’ summer campaign
Experience Abu Dhabi has launched its summer campaign ‘Totally Recommended’, featuring Egyptian actress Yasmin Abdelaziz and Bahraini comedian Ahmed Sharif. The stars explore the emirate through adventure, culture, and family-friendly attractions.
Abdelaziz highlights Snow Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while Sharif enjoys Surf Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World. The campaign aims to showcase Abu Dhabi as a home-away-from-home with something for everyone.
Families can benefit from the Kids Go Free offer on Yas Island until 30 September, where one child under 12 can stay, play, and dine free with each paying adult.
Japan and Saudi Arabia strengthen travel ties with new initiatives
Japan and Saudi Arabia are deepening tourism links with two major initiatives targeting GCC and Japanese travellers. GCC visitor numbers to Japan have surged, with a record 44,661 in 2024 and 20% growth in H1 2025, highlighting strong interest from Middle Eastern travellers.
The first initiative sees the Japan National Tourism Organization(JNTO) launch a new campaign promoting Hokkaido. Meanwhile, at Expo 2025 Osaka, Saudi Arabia hosted the Wonders of Arabia exhibition, drawing over 64,000 visitors in a week. The event featured cultural performances, Saudi fashion, music, food, and tourism showcases, alongside highlights of major sports events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.
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Noteworthy:
- Visit Qatar and India’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre have partnered to promote shared culture and heritage, with joint events and programmes planned to highlight artistic and historical connections.
- Qatar’s Samla endurance race opens international registration for the first time, inviting global athletes to take on the country’s most extreme challenge through desert terrain and gruelling physical tests.
- Oman has unveiled the world’s largest inflatable amusement park in Salalah, adding a record-breaking attraction to the city’s growing roster of family-friendly monsoon season experiences.
- The Dhofar Seasons app is enhancing the tourist experience during Khareef Dhofar, offering a digital guide with planning tools, real-time updates, and recreational recommendations to simplify travel in southern Oman.
- Diriyah has awarded a $1.5bn contract for the development of its new Arena district, a major milestone in transforming the heritage site into a modern cultural and entertainment hub.
- Sharjah’s Khorfakkan mountain road is being positioned as a premier winter tourism destination, with a new scenic route offering panoramic views and high-altitude adventure for nature lovers.
- Red Sea Global has signed a landmark three-year sponsorship with esports giant T1, marking a bold step into gaming partnerships to raise brand visibility and engage new digital audiences.
- Morocco and North Macedonia have deepened ties with a focus on tourism and diplomacy, aiming to boost bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic opportunities between the two nations.
- Mubadala is developing a new landmark in Abu Dhabi featuring an AI-powered fountain and glowing 30m sphere, with design and soundtrack contributions from Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi.
- Syria has introduced a visa policy with a new tiered system in a bid to boost tourism and regional cooperation. The new visa fee structure is as follows:
- Free for Lebanon, Jordan, Mauritania, and Malaysia (6-month stay)
- $40 for Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Yemen, and China
- $75 for Libya and Russia
- $125 for Bahrain, Somalia, and EU nations
- $150 for Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Türkiye, and Canada
- $250 for Iraq, UAE, UK, Australia, and New Zealand
- $300 for the United States, while other nations pay $100 for a 15-day visa or $25 for a 3-day transit permit.
