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WTM Spotlight to debut in Riyadh in 2026
RX, organiser of Arabian Travel Market and World Travel Market events, is launching WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia, set for 29 September to 1 October 2026 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre.
The inaugural event will host over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 visitors, and 150 international buyers, spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector with giga-projects like NEOM and Diriyah. WTM Spotlight will combine exhibitions, buyer-seller meetings, and a thought-leadership conference to connect Saudi tourism with international markets.
Season two of Al Ain: A Living Oasis launches
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of season two of the docuseries Al Ain: A Living Oasis, highlighting the city’s heritage, adventure, and family appeal.
Presented by two Emirati hosts, the series explores ancient forts, Bronze Age tombs, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor experiences, positioning Al Ain as a destination for all budgets.
Recognised as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2025, Al Ain will reach wider audiences through global streaming and in-flight on Etihad Airways from November, showcasing its cultural and natural depth on the international stage.
Morocco welcomes 13.5M tourists in 2025 and eyes 2030 goal of 26M
Morocco’s tourism industry set new records in 2025, attracting 13.5 million visitors by August, up 15% YoY from 2024. The summer alone drew 4.6 million tourists, a YoY increase of 6%.
Tourism revenues reached MAD 67 billion ($6.7 billion) by July, a 13% increase, with July alone generating MAD 13 billion. Enhanced air connectivity through new routes by Ryanair and Royal Air Maroc expansion has been key to this growth. Looking ahead, Morocco aims to welcome 26 million visitors by 2030, supported by major infrastructure projects, the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and an ambitious national tourism roadmap.
Noteworthy:
- Saudi Arabia’s Summer 2025 attracted 32 million tourists, up 26% compared to 2024, with tourist spend hitting SR53.2 billion (up 15% YoY). Asir saw one of the biggest tourist arrival growths with a 49% increase, while events like the Esports World Cup drove demand.
- Dubai’s Global Village will reopen for its milestone 30th season on 15 October, 2025, running until 10 May, 2026. Season 29 featured 30 pavilions representing 90 cultures, with bigger additions expected this year.
- Riyadh will host the 6th Saudi Event Show on 17 – 18 September, 2025, connecting more than 5,000 professionals, 100 exhibitors, across 30 seminars and activities. The show will debut the Saudi Event Awards, recognising excellence in production, sustainability, marketing, and leadership.
- Expo City Dubai is launching the Al Wasl Season from 31 October, 2025 – 2 May, 2026, with festivals, concerts, theatre, art, and community events under the Al Wasl Dome. Highlights include Winter City, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and concerts by the Firdaus Orchestra.
- DCT Abu Dhabi is rolling out four new heritage protection modules through a series of workshops and seminars covering tangible, intangible, and underwater heritage, plus cultural industries. The initiative builds on its 2025 UNESCO forum and aims to upskill professionals across the UAE and GCC.
- Ajman Tourism has launched a roadshow in India on 15 – 19 September, 2025 visiting New Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. The campaign showcases Ajman’s projects and attractions while building new partnerships with Indian tourism stakeholders.
- Abu Dhabi Art Fair returns 19 – 23 November, 2025 with 140 galleries from 37 countries presenting more than 2,000 works by 600 artists. Highlights include focus sectors on Nigeria, modern Türkiye, and Khaleeji art, with 40% more galleries than 2024.
