Top 3 Headlines
Ajman village named Best Tourist Village in the World
Masfout village in Ajman has bagged the ‘Best Tourist Village in the World’ award for 2025 from the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNTO). This tiny village with a population of under 15,000 people beat 270 other villages from 65 countries to take home the top prize. This award is a massive win for Emirati tourism, showcasing the UAE’s leadership in sustainable tourism. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the win supports the country’s goals for balanced development and promoting rural tourism. The village’s picturesque landscapes, moderate climate, and agricultural heritage make it a unique destination.
Saudi on trains, jobs, and a bright future
Saudi Arabia is shaking up its tourism sector with new policies aimed at boosting local employment and service quality. The Ministry of Tourism has introduced measures requiring tourism facilities to have a Saudi receptionist on site, register employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and document contracts via approved platforms. The Kingdom is also investing big in infrastructure, with a $7 billion high-speed rail project linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. The “Land Bridge” project will connect Jeddah to Dammam via Riyadh, cutting significant travel time. Plus, the “Dream of the Desert” luxury train experience is set to launch! And in Makkah, the King Salman Gate project is transforming the holy city with a massive multi-use development, enhancing access to the Grand Mosque and creating a unique experience for visitors.
Record-breaking summer for Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat Islands
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and Saadiyat Island have just wrapped up an incredible summer, with visitor numbers soaring to new heights. Yas Island saw a 15% increase in visitation, while Saadiyat Island enjoyed a 14% rise in cultural landmark visitors and hotel guests. The numbers are impressive, where Yas Theme Parks had its best summer ever enjoying 9% increase in visits and a 16% surge in August alone. Hotel performance was equally impressive, with Yas Island achieving an average occupancy rate of 85% and peaking above 90%. The WB Abu Dhabi hotel reached a record Average Daily Rate (ADR) of AED 1,470 ($400.22) in August. Saadiyat Island’s hotels and resorts recorded a strong 66% occupancy rate and achieved its highest ADR at around AED 1,000.
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Noteworthy:
- The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi is opening on 3 December 2025, showcasing the UAE’s history, culture, and legacy through six themed galleries, including “Our Beginning” and “To Our Ancestors”, with highlights like one of the world’s oldest pearls and the Al Masar Garden, designed by Foster + Partners.
- Sir Bu Nair Island, a protected natural reserve off Sharjah’s coast, is opening to visitors on 24-25 October as part of the Sir Bu Nair Festival, offering free guided tours and activities to experience its unique biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- Dubai is cementing its status as a top destination for women travellers, offering a unique blend of safety, luxury, and empowerment through world-class wellness retreats, exclusive dining experiences, and rich cultural attractions, making it a city that champions women’s enjoyment and empowerment at every step of their journey.
- DCT Abu Dhabi is promoting the emirate’s tourism offerings through roadshows in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) and workshops in Germany, building ties with travel agents and planning to host top agents in Abu Dhabi for the Europe Marketplace.
- The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism hosted a roadshow in Amman and Cairo, bringing together 18 stakeholders and over 288 travel professionals to strengthen partnerships and showcase Dubai’s latest tourism offerings.
- Egypt has welcomed 15 million tourists in the first nine months of 2025, a 21% increase from last year, bringing it close to its target of 18 million visitors, with tourism revenues rising 18% and the country aiming to attract 30 million visitors by 2028.
- Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority have partnered to boost tourism from 11 Asian markets, including Singapore and China, through the “Spectacular Saudi” campaign, leveraging Agoda’s Media Solutions, dedicated landing pages, and premium hotel positioning, with a four-year collaboration until 2029
- Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has won Best Marketing Initiative of the Year at the Park World Excellence Awards 2025
- Diriyah Season returns next month with a range of cultural and artistic programs celebrating Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and heritage, featuring events like the Hal Al-Qusoor exhibition, Tyn Festival, and Diriyah Storytelling Festival, across the city’s historic districts, under the slogan “Where You Experience Legacy”.
- The Ancient Kingdoms Festival in AlUla runs from 20 November to 6 December 2025, celebrating 200,000 years of history with immersive experiences, musical performances, and adventures like Hegra After Dark and the Hegra Drone Show.
