Top 3 Headlines
Abu Dhabi Zayed National Museum expands public programme
Abu Dhabi has added fresh cultural depth to its latest calendar, with Zayed National Museum introducing new public-engagement programming and confirming that Al Dhuha Hour will now become a monthly feature providing accessible tours for dementia sufferers, their carers, and senior citizens. The museum will also be launching its Museum to Community programme across the UAE bringing a series of discussions and talks to communities, cultural institutions, heritage practitioners, and researchers.
Egypt’s tourism revenues rise to US$10.2bn in H1 FY2025/26
Egypt’s Central Bank says tourism revenues climbed 17.3% in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year to around US$10.2 billion. While this is a national indicator rather than a single-destination launch, it is one of the clearest signals this week that Egypt’s tourism engine, spanning Cairo, Giza, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and the wider Red Sea, is still generating substantial demand and hard-currency inflows despite global uncertainty.
Saudi domestic tourism surges amid regional travel disruptions
Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism recorded double-digit growth in early 2026 as regional tensions and airspace disruptions redirected travel within the Kingdom. Domestic trips reached 28.9 million in the first quarter (up 16% YoY(, while spending rose 8% to SR34.7 billion.
Travel behaviour shifted significantly, with platforms reporting up to a 48% move toward domestic destinations. Demand for key locations such as Makkah, Madinah, AlUla and the Red Sea increased sharply, with some destinations seeing booking growth of up to 50%. Industry figures say travellers are prioritising flexibility and shorter trips, while airlines face higher operating costs due to rerouting. Officials noted the trend highlights the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and its ability to sustain growth during regional instability.
Noteworthy
- Ski Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council will host the DXB Snow Run on 17 May, offering a unique -4°C indoor race with 3km and 5km options. The event promotes community wellbeing and active lifestyles while adding to Dubai’s experiential sports calendar.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi has extended its World Art Day celebrations with major exhibitions, workshops and cultural experiences across the capital until 31 May 2026.
- The Salwa Palace has shared that it will be opening its doors for World Heritage Day with immersive guided tours allowing guests to view the restoration process more closely.
- Qatar has confirmed that the Amir Cup Final 2026 will take place on 9 May at Khalifa International Stadium, with fan-zone entertainment and cultural activities planned around the event. For hotels, DMCs and short-stay sellers, it is another example of Doha’s events-led demand model continuing to feed the destination calendar.
- Egypt has also allocated a 225-acre site in the Red Sea Governorate for a new Olympic Village, including sports infrastructure and a luxury hotel, opposite El Gouna. The government is framing the project as a sports-tourism play, giving the Red Sea another future demand generator beyond classic sun-and-sea inventory.
