Top 3 Headlines
Abu Dhabi inks Sphere deal for MENA
DCT Abu Dhabi has secured exclusive regional rights to develop new Sphere entertainment venues across the MENA region. This was revealed in a regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, under which DCT Abu Dhabi will serve as the master franchisee. The deal spans 25 years, including at least a 10-year exclusivity period following the opening of the Abu Dhabi Sphere, and includes options for two additional ten-year extensions.
The upcoming Sphere Abu Dhabi, which is nearing completion of its pre-construction phase, is expected to match the scale of the Las Vegas Sphere by accommodating around 17,600 seated guests within a total capacity of 20,000. The venue will boast a 16K resolution wrap-around LED screen covering approximately 15,000 sqm, comprised of 64,000 panels in 780 geometric shapes. Enhancing the immersive experience are over 10,000 haptic-enabled seats, and integrated scent and wind effects synchronised with the content.
RAK in on the rise
Ras Al Khaimah has seen a 6% increase in visitor arrivals, welcoming over 654,000 guests in the first half of 2025, with a 9% rise in tourism revenue compared to the same period last year. This growth is in line with the RAK Tourism Vision 2030, which aims to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors through a five-year roadmap focused on enhancing competitiveness, encouraging investment, and improving livability.
The emirate’s investment framework has been praised for its streamlined and cost-efficient processes, boosting investor confidence. According to the RAK Investment Pulse report, Ras Al Khaimah offers one of the UAE’s fastest and most cost-efficient pathways to market entry, with government entities actively streamlining processes and reducing complexity. The report also highlights the emirate’s broader economic momentum, with a 13% growth in residential rents, a 39% increase in average sales values, and over 13,000 new companies established in 2024.
Oman signs deal to host Ironman
Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has agreed to a landmark five-year global partnership with the Ironman Group, commencing in 2026, under which Oman becomes the first country ever designated as the official tourism destination for the Ironman World Championships. The agreement will feature Oman’s promotional identity across all championship events, the official Ironman website, and associated marketing campaigns, with a strong emphasis on showcasing the Sultanate’s rich heritage and tourism landmarks. The partnership aims to elevate Oman as a global hub for adventure and sports tourism, and is expected to significantly boost international visitor numbers, enhance employment, empower local businesses, and generate economic returns.
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Noteworthy:
- The Saudi Event Show returns to Riyadh from 17-18 September, featuring 5,000+ industry professionals, 100+ exhibitors, and 30+ seminars, while also launching the inaugural Saudi Event Awards to honour industry excellence and innovation.
- The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) concluded a successful B2B roadshow in Pakistan, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings and strengthening ties between the two countries’ travel sectors. The initiative highlighted new MICE opportunities, destination experiences, and exclusive promotions, with expectations of over 2.8 million Pakistani travelers visiting Saudi Arabia this year.
- Sharjah Tourism has launched a new promotional film, “Har Rasta, Ek Nayi Kahani,” targeting Indian travelers, as part of its strategy to increase its appeal as a tourist destination in India, following a significant 38% surge in Indian visitors in the first half of the year.
- Egypt is boosting its tourism sector through two major initiatives: a massive $18.58 billion tourism project, Marassi Red Sea, along the Red Sea coast, expected to generate 150,000 to 170,000 jobs and stimulate the economy, and an MoU with Bahrain to strengthen cooperation in tourism, promoting cultural understanding and sustainable growth.
- The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism successfully hosted its KSA Roadshow in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and showcasing Dubai’s diverse offerings to drive tourism growth.
- DXB LIVE (part of Dubai World Trade Centre) reports a 40% growth in H1 2025, delivering 127 events, including major global exhibitions like Gulfood, World Police Summit, and GITEX, and wins 3 prestigious awards at Middle East Event Awards 2025.
- Oman’s domestic tourism sector saw significant growth in 2024, attracting 13.6 million visitors, a 5.1% increase from 2023, with total spending reaching RO834 million. The Sultanate has also launched a Vocational and Technical Education Programme for the travel and tourism sector, aiming to equip students with hands-on experience and skills necessary for successful careers in the industry.
- Meanwhile, Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs will open online registration for Hajj 2026 from 23 September to 8 October 2025, for eligible citizens and residents over 18 years old, with selection determined automatically based on Oman’s quota from Saudi Arabia’s Hajj authorities
- The Qatar Boat Show’s second edition will take place from 5-8 November 2025, at Old Doha Port, featuring luxury yachts, marine innovations and global maritime companies, with prominent partners including the Ministry of Transport, Visit Qatar and Ooredoo.
- Morocco’s tourism sector saw a 15% increase in visitors, attracting 13.5 million tourists by the end of August. Meanwhile, the tourism board has partnered with Intrepid Travel to promote sustainable tourism, aiming to increase Australian visitors from 50,000 to 200,000 annually by 2031, while supporting local communities and preserving the environment through responsible travel practices.
