Top 3 Headlines
Dubai outlines 2026 growth strategy at annual city briefing
Dubai is preparing for a high-growth year in 2026 after unveiling new tourism, infrastructure and sustainability plans at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s City Briefing on 9 December. The event gathered more than 1,200 stakeholders from hospitality, aviation, retail and government to review the city’s 2025 performance and outline priorities for the year ahead. By October 2025, Dubai welcomed 15.7 million visitors (up 5% YoY) and officials credited market diversification, sustainability initiatives and improved accessibility for the sector’s resilience. Plans for 2026 include major infrastructure upgrades such as the Dubai Metro Blue Line and 226 km of new roads, alongside continued investment in signature events like Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Fitness Challenge. The briefing also highlighted long-term aviation expansion, including development at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Abu Dhabi showcases record tourism growth at annual city tourism briefing
DCT Abu Dhabi highlighted strong tourism performance and major 2026 developments at its third City Tourism Briefing, held at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain with 400 industry stakeholders. The emirate recorded 4.9 million hotel guests between January and October 2025, an 18% revenue increase, 21% growth in RevPAR and 80% occupancy, with cultural sites welcoming more than 6 million visitors. Officials outlined 2026 priorities, including enhanced marketing, cultural programming and upgraded connectivity. Aviation leaders from Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and Abu Dhabi Airports discussed upcoming network expansion and double-digit airport growth, while Etihad confirmed significant route increases next year. Developers showcased major projects under way, including Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, Surf Abu Dhabi, a new Nobu hotel and a velodrome.
Strong Oman tourism growth as region courts Chinese travellers
Oman recorded 3.15 million inbound visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, driven largely by Gulf and Asian markets. Emiratis topped arrivals at 933,415, followed by Indians (534,612), Yemenis (105,342), Saudis (104,895) and Germans (83,122). Outbound figures were also robust, led by Omanis (4.94 million), Indians (761,922) and Pakistanis (486,466). China remains one of Oman’s fastest-growing markets. Chinese arrivals surged 272% in 2023, and around 73,000 visited in 2024. To deepen ties, Oman’s tourism ministry held roadshows in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and highlighted new Beijing-Muscat flights by China Eastern Airlines. Visa reciprocity including the 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and 30-day visa-free access for Omanis to China aims to further boost travel.
Noteworthy:
- The UAE’s winter tourism season is in full swing, driven by cooler weather and a packed calendar of outdoor festivals, heritage events, and family activities across all emirates. Including the launch of winter programmes such as Abu Dhabi’s “Winter Season Programme at Umm Al Emarat Park,” Yas Island’s “Yas Winter Festival”, “Hatta Winter Festival”, Dubai’s “Global Village and Shopping festival” as well as “Dubai’s Winter District”.
- Sharjah’s Desert Theatre Festival has emerged as a standout example of experiential cultural tourism, transforming open desert landscapes into live performance spaces that blend theatre, poetry and Arab folk heritage. By staging productions under the open sky and integrating nature, animals and oral traditions, the festival attracts culturally curious travellers seeking immersive, place-based experiences beyond conventional entertainment venues.
- Saudi Arabia has launched its first-ever MICHELIN Guide selection, with 52 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla included in the 2026 guide, including 11 Bib Gourmand awards. The milestone highlights the Kingdom’s rapid rise as a culinary destination, blending Saudi heritage with global influences and strengthening food tourism as a key pillar of Vision 2030.
- The Liwa International Festival 2026 opened with large-scale drone shows, fireworks and cultural performances, combining family entertainment with high-adrenaline motorsports in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra desert. Key attractions include Tal Moreeb dune challenges, falconry championships, concerts, desert sports and New Year celebrations.
- Saudi Arabia’s Hail region welcomed more than 3 million visitors in the first half of 2025, driven by festivals, outdoor tourism and UNESCO-listed rock art sites at Jubbah and Shuwaymis. Investment in rural lodges, eco-tourism, hiking routes and heritage attractions is strengthening Hail’s profile as a nature, culture and adventure destination.
- Winter Wonderland will open in Jeddah on 19 December as part of Jeddah Season, bringing a globally recognised winter entertainment concept to the Red Sea city for the first time. Featuring rides, ice skating, snow activities, festive markets and dining, the attraction adds a family-friendly, seasonal draw that enhances Jeddah’s winter tourism appeal.
- Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching a comprehensive investment incentive package across various sectors, aligning with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to boost the country’s promising economic sectors
