Top 3 Headlines
Sharjah’s mountain grape harvest marks agri-tourism breakthrough
Sharjah has celebrated its first grape harvest at the Ghamam project on Jebel Deem, 850m above sea level, transforming rocky mountain terrain into fertile farmland. Over 4,500 trees including grape vines, olive, apple, and pomegranate, have been planted as part of this ambitious “Above the Clouds” retreat personally overseen by the Sharjah Ruler.
The crescent-shaped destination combines farming with tourism, offering a restaurant, panoramic viewing platforms, and family facilities. Part of Kalba’s wider development push, Ghamam boosts agri-tourism, food security, and local infrastructure, while future plans include a mountain stadium and 100-room sports hotel.
Museum of the Future unveils new interactive events in June
Dubai’s Museum of the Future is rolling out a new lineup of events in June aimed at boosting creativity, wellness, and future-focused learning. Including:
- 15 June: The “Becoming Visual Storytellers Workshop” led by Raya Bidshahri will teach multimedia storytelling skills to participants aged 13 and up.
- 22 June: Veronica Larre will lead a session on emotional well-being through meditation and breathing techniques.
- 26 June: Historian Dr. Roy Casagranda returns with a talk on Ottoman leader Muhammad II Fatih.
Visitors can also explore “The Vivarium,” a live ecological exhibit inside the HEAL Institute.
Oman launches first hot air balloon experience in Bidiyah
Oman has officially launched its first tourist hot air balloon project, with scenic flights set to begin in Bidiyah. Certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and capable of carrying 20 passengers, the Oman Balloons initiative is part of the Sultanate’s push to diversify its tourism offerings and boost its global appeal. Backed by the Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, the project draws inspiration from Cappadocia and promises breathtaking views over the desert, blending adventure with Oman’s natural beauty.
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Noteworthy:
- Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco visa-free, with an online authorisation replacing the traditional embassy visa and taking effect immediately.
- LEGO SHOWS QATAR 2025 has opened at QNCC, running from 7-22 June with themed creative zones, live shows, and family activities.
- Jordan’s Roman Theater in Amman hosted Eid celebrations, blending cultural performances with tourism promotion from 7-8 June 2025.
- Egypt will pilot a digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport in mid-June 2025, using QR codes, kiosks, and mobile apps to streamline entry procedures.
- Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya is planning the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park, featuring seven themed zones covering 500,000 sqm and aimed at bringing the anime franchise to life.
- Abercrombie & Kent has launched new Grand Egyptian Museum tours for late 2025, including small-group Nile cruises and exclusive access to key artefacts.
- Sharjah has enhanced Eid Al Adha travel services, adding 5,600 bus trips and new Sharjah-Dubai boat rides and Muscat routes to improve festive connectivity throughout June.
- Oman’s Dhofar is fully prepared for the 2025 Khareef season, boasting 100 tourist sites and 7,300 guest rooms, following a 9% rise in visitors to 1.05 million during Khareef 2024.
- South Al Batinah in Oman is witnessing a tourism surge, with hotspots like Jabal Al Luban and Ain Al Kasfa seeing climbing visitor numbers in early 2025.
- Oman plans to develop Jabal Al Abyadh into an eco‑tourism destination, transforming the site into a cultural escape, while also launching a hybrid-electric plane for intra-city travel.
