Top 3
Jeddah’s on the Rise
Jeddah has been ranked 74th globally in the 2025 Quality of Life Index, making it Saudi Arabia’s top city and second in the Arab world after Muscat. The ranking reflects major improvements in safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and public amenities. Recent projects include:
- Five integrated waterfronts with cycling and walking paths, public squares, and service facilities
- Over 445 parks, including Prince Majid’s 130,000 sqm Park and Al-Saja Park
- Expanded pedestrian pathways, modern lighting, and upgraded neighbourhood centres
- Advanced waste management and coastal maintenance programs
At the same time, Dar Global has announced Trump Plaza Jeddah, a $1 billion mixed-use development along King Abdulaziz Road featuring residences, serviced apartments, Grade-A offices, and townhouses. The project follows Trump Tower Jeddah, a 47-floor luxury development on the Red Sea coast.
UAE introduces AI Visa and expands humanitarian permits
The UAE has announced new visa rules to attract specialists, boost tourism, and support humanitarian needs. The updates, unveiled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), aim to strengthen technology, entertainment, and tourism sectors while enhancing global competitiveness.
New visas include:
- AI Specialists Visa: Single/multiple entry, requires letter from host or sponsor tech company.
- Entertainment Visa: For temporary leisure visits.
- Event Visa: For festivals, exhibitions, conferences, cultural or sports events.
- Maritime Tourism Visa: Multiple entry for cruise or leisure boat tourists, with licensed host company.
Changes to existing visas:
- Humanitarian Residence Permit: One year, no sponsor needed, for people fleeing war or natural disasters.
- Residency for Widows/Divorcees: Sponsor-free residency for six months after death/divorce.
- Relatives and Friends Visit Visa: Income-based sponsorship (AED 4k-15k)
- Business Exploration Visa: Requires proof of solvency or company abroad.
- Foreign Lorry Drivers: Entry visas via licensed freight/transport companies.
Oman’s triple boost
Oman is advancing its tourism and sustainability agenda on three fronts. The country secured UNESCO recognition for Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Sirrin as new biosphere reserves, protecting vital biodiversity and cultural heritage.
In Musandam, the 2025-26 winter season launches in November, offering over 60 cultural, recreational, and heritage events across six months, following last year’s 789,000 visitors and RO251m in economic impact.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has officially launched wellness tourism, positioning Oman as a regional hub for experiences that blend health, culture, and nature, with new packages, SME opportunities, and mountain wellness models. Together, these initiatives are strengthening Oman’s profile as a global destination rooted in sustainability, heritage, and innovation.
Noteworthy:
- Qatar Tourism has rolled out Taste of Qatar, a flagship restaurant rating initiative developed with Ipsos and the Ministry of Public Health to elevate the F&B sector. Tied to the Qatar International Food Festival, the programme aims to benchmark dining quality and highlight exceptional culinary experiences for residents and visitors.
- The Saudi Tourism Authority launched Super Yacht Arabia at the Monaco Yacht Show to position the Red Sea as a premier luxury cruising hub. Backed by SAR84bn investment and 1,800km of pristine coastline, the campaign promotes coral reefs, private islands, and modern ports as world-class assets for global yachting.
- Oman’s OMRAN Group partnered with Dar Al Herfya to open a crafts incubator and marketing outlet in Muttrah, showcasing traditional Omani craftsmanship. The initiative supports SMEs, empowers women artisans, and gives tourists immersive access to heritage products and culture.
- Ajman Tourism concluded a promotional roadshow across Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen to boost its appeal in the Chinese market. The delegation secured new ties with travel partners, reinforcing Ajman’s positioning as a destination blending cultural authenticity with modern attractions.
- DCT Abu Dhabi launched the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts e-learning platform, now live in 13 languages. The portal equips travel agents worldwide with in-depth knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, landmarks, hotels, and experiences, helping them better market the destination.
- The UAE announced a series of mega leisure projects, headlined by the first Disney Resort in nearly a decade, opening on Yas Island in 2025. Abu Dhabi is also advancing Saadiyat Cultural District museums and Butterfly Gardens, while Dubai prepares for Therme Dubai, the world’s largest wellness park, set for 2028.
- Sotheby’s will stage its first public fine art exhibition in Abu Dhabi on 1-2 October at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Valued at $150m, the showcase features works by Van Gogh, Kahlo, Gauguin, Magritte, Munch, and Pissarro, marking the region’s most valuable exhibition to date.
- Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will illuminate the city and Al Ain from 15 November – 4 January with 19 large-scale light installations by Emirati and international artists. Curated under the theme The Light Compass, the show transforms landmarks like Jubail Island into immersive art experiences, supported by talks and workshops.
- Kia has partnered with Red Sea Global to pilot its modular electric PV5 vehicles at The Red Sea and AMAALA projects. The trial will test sustainable mobility for resort transfers and operations.
- The Emirates Dubai 7s at The Sevens Stadium revealed its 2025 entertainment lineup, featuring Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, and Shaggy on 29 November, with DJ EZ headlining 30 November.
