Top 3 Headlines
Abu Dhabi on speed and history
Abu Dhabi is buzzing with excitement this week! The city is gearing up for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which kicks off on Thursday, with a three-way title battle between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri. The event promises an unforgettable weekend, featuring headline concerts with Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry, as well as exclusive track access, Pit Lane Walks, and post-race celebrations.
But before that, the city is also celebrating the opening of the National History Museum Abu Dhabi today 3 December, in the Saadiyat Cultural District, showcasing 13.8 billion years of science and discovery, featuring exhibits like a family of five sauropods, ‘Stan’ the T-Rex, and the Murchison meteorite. And, the Zayed National Museum is now open, tracing the history of the UAE and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Expedia has also reported a 15% YoY increase in global searches for Abu Dhabi travel, driven by a 40% surge in US searches, as the Zayed National Museum opens.
AlUla is unlocking the past, while embracing the future
AlUla, a cultural oasis in northwest Saudi Arabia, is making waves on the global stage. The destination has scooped two top awards at the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) awards in Dubai, including Best Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Campaign for the ‘History Awakens’ campaign and Gold award for Best Stunt, Live Event for the ‘Instagram Creators Summit’. This recognition showcases AlUla’s rich culture and heritage, with the ‘History Awakens’ campaign reaching 217 million people across 21 countries and boosting ticket sales by 91%.
Building on its success, AlUla has partnered with Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy, to enhance conservation, interpretation, and visitor experience. This collaboration shares expertise on sustainable tourism, conservation methods, and digital storytelling, offering richer and more immersive experiences for travellers. The partnership includes joint projects such as the Pompeii G.R.E.E.N. Conference on Sustainable Heritage Management and exhibitions celebrating cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Egypt’s tourism boom
Egypt has welcomed 15.6 million tourists between January and October 2025, marking a 21% growth rate, with Germany emerging as a key market. The country’s tourism sector is thriving, with a strong appeal to European markets, and is set to receive a boost from the recent RTK International conference in Hurghada, which brought together 450 German travel agents. Egypt’s diverse tourism offerings, including cultural, eco, and adventure tourism, are attracting visitors, with German tourists showing interest in the Red Sea, environmental activities, and cultural experiences. Plans to develop areas like Berenice south of Marsa Alam aim to further diversify the sector, with a focus on sustainable tourism initiatives and infrastructure development. A recent delegation of German travel agents and media representatives visited Sharm El-Sheikh, highlighting Egypt’s efforts to boost inbound tourism from Germany and enhance its global tourism presence.
Noteworthy
- The Saudi Tourism Authority has been elected to the UN Tourism Board of Affiliate Members for 2026-2029, ranking among the top five globally in votes received, just one year after Saudi Arabia joined UN Tourism.
- The Saudi Arabia General Directorate of Passports is ready to serve travellers attending the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, with reinforced personnel and equipment at Salwa Port, and reminds citizens to ensure their passports are valid and meet travel requirements. The event, featuring 16 nations competing for glory, held the qualification stage in late November, and now the final stage is happening from 1-18 December, culminating in the grand finale at Lusail Stadium.
- Qatar Tourism has announced updates to the “Hayya” GCC Residents Visa, allowing visitors from GCC countries to stay in Qatar for up to two months with multiple-entry access, effective November 30, 2025, aiming to boost tourism and make travel smoother for regional visitors attending major events like the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.
- Abu Dhabi has been named ‘India’s Best Global Destination’ at The Great Indian Wedding Makers event, solidifying its position as a top choice for luxury destination weddings and celebrations for the Indian market.
- Oman is boosting efforts to attract Chinese tourists through mobile promotional workshops in major cities and a new direct Beijing-Muscat flight operated by Eastern Airlines, highlighting its cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Tunisia’s tourism sector has seen a 10.3% year-on-year increase, with over 10.03 million tourists visiting the country from January to November 2025, positioning it as one of Africa’s top destinations.
- Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens to enter each other’s countries without a visa for up to 90 days within a year, boosting tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation.
