Top 3 Headlines
Millie Bobby Brown becomes new Yas Island Ambassador
Millie Bobby Brown has been announced as the latest ambassador for Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, coinciding with the global rollout of Stranger Things Season 5. The actress revealed the partnership in a playful video set in the iconic Byers’ living room, where the glowing alphabet wall spells out “YAS.” The announcement comes as “Stranger Things: The Experience” opens in Abu Dhabi, offering fans immersive sets, live actors, and 4D effects inspired by Hawkins and the Upside Down. Brown joins previous Yas Island celebrity partners including Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart, and Jason Momoa, who all starred in comedic “Chief Island Officer” campaigns promoting the destination.
Six Flags Qiddiya City sets December 31 opening date
The first Six Flags in Saudi Arabia and the flagship attraction of Qiddiya City will officially open on 31 December 2025. Located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, 40 minutes from Riyadh, the mega-park will feature 28 rides, including several world-record breakers:
- Falcons Flight: World’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster
- Iron Rattler: World’s tallest tilt coaster
- Spitfire: World’s tallest inverted coaster
The park also offers 18 family-friendly rides, global dining options, and exclusive retail. Designed for full accessibility, it caters to guests with special needs and seniors.
Oman reports strong surge in European tourist arrivals
Oman is seeing major growth from key European markets, according to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The results from the Welcome Oman event showed that from January-September 2025, arrivals surged 123% from Russia, 199% from Belarus, 34% from Denmark, 31% from Finland, 11% from Sweden, and 17% from Norway.
To build on this momentum, Oman hosted 70 tourism companies from these markets between 11-18 November 2025. The programme focuses on strengthening partnerships, promoting Omani tourism offerings, and showcasing hotels and experiences. The initiative supports SMEs by giving local operators a platform to present their products, with site tours across Musandam, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Sharqiyah, Muscat, and Dhofar, plus training sessions on Omani tourism.
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Noteworthy
- The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is opening on November 22nd, offering a journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history with interactive exhibits and global collections. Tickets start at AED 70 ($19.06) for adults, with discounts and free entry for kids under 18, seniors, and People of Determination.
- Manar Abu Dhabi, a public light art exhibition, has opened its second edition across the emirate, featuring 22 site-specific light installations by 15 artists from 10 countries, exploring the theme ‘The Light Compass’ and offering a range of free and paid activities, including talks, performances, workshops, and immersive experiences.
- The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Doha 2026 will take place on 9 December 2025, at The St. Regis Doha, showcasing Doha’s culinary excellence and honoring top chefs and restaurants, with a curated reception and participation from acclaimed international and local culinary experts.
- Saudi Arabia is launching a new digital system, Visa by Profile, which will issue tourist visas in minutes for eligible Visa cardholders, using credit scores to verify financial solvency and simplifying approvals, with a planned launch in 2026.
- Saudi Arabia’s business events infrastructure has seen a 32% year-on-year increase in capacity, with 923 accredited venues, as part of its Vision 2030 tourism goals, and is set to showcase opportunities to global event leaders at the International MICE Summit in Riyadh.
- Abu Dhabi Mobility has launched a new electric ART bus service, Route AR2, connecting passengers to Saadiyat Island’s cultural landmarks, while also introducing a digital upgrade allowing passengers to top up their public transport cards online.
- The China MICE Summit 2026 is set to launch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first dedicated China-focused MICE B2B event in the Middle East, aiming to connect top-tier Chinese MICE decision-makers with tourism and hospitality suppliers from Saudi Arabia and the wider region
