Top 3 Headlines
Saudi Arabia approves 73 companies ahead of Hajj 2026 service overhaul
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved 73 companies to deliver services for domestic pilgrims during Hajj 2026, as part of a wider push to enhance operational standards and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.
The accredited providers were selected following a comprehensive evaluation process covering accommodation, transport, catering and on-ground support services, with authorities aiming to strengthen reliability and service quality across the Hajj ecosystem. The ministry also highlighted ongoing digital transformation efforts, with upgraded online booking platforms allowing pilgrims to compare packages, complete transactions digitally and access verified services through authorised channels.
Qatar advances inclusive tourism with new autism-friendly initiative
Qatar Tourism and the Qatar Foundation for Social Work have signed a new MoU aimed at strengthening inclusive tourism and improving accessibility for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Within this will be the launch of the “Autism-Friendly Spaces” initiative, beginning with a pilot programme at a hotel in Qatar designed to create a more supportive and accommodating visitor environment.
The collaboration will also introduce specialised training programmes for tourism sector employees, alongside awareness campaigns and the exchange of technical expertise to help businesses better understand and respond to diverse visitor needs.
Jordan’s $2.3bn Aqaba Eye project progresses towards 2026 launch
Jordan’s Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has reviewed construction progress on the US$2.3 billion Aqaba Eye development, a major new tourism and entertainment project set to open in 2026.
Located on Aqaba’s southern coast, the project spans more than 14,000sqm and will feature entertainment attractions, dining venues, retail outlets, integrated service facilities and parking infrastructure. The project is expected to create between 70 and 90 direct jobs, while ASEZA said the attraction will play a key role in expanding Aqaba’s leisure and family tourism offering.
Noteworthy
- Wego reports that Kuwaiti travellers are increasingly planning longer, experience-led Eid Al Adha trips, with strong demand for family holidays, beach escapes and religious tourism. Destinations including Dubai, Istanbul, Tbilisi and Baku continue to dominate short-haul searches, while Hajj and leisure combined itineraries account for nearly half of Saudi-bound searches from Kuwait.
- Dhofar Governorate has unveiled a RO4 million ($10.4 million) tourism park development in Salalah, with the new Ateen Natural Park set to feature entertainment zones, restaurants, event spaces and family attractions as part of efforts to strengthen khareef tourism and sustainable regional development.
- Saudi Red Sea Authority and Royal Commission for AlUla have signed an MoU focused on sustainable tourism governance, environmental protection and destination management, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push to balance tourism growth with long-term conservation.
- Kanoo Museum and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration across Bahrain’s cultural and museum sectors, supporting heritage preservation and cultural tourism development in historic Manama.
- Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media secured four honours at the 2026 Stevie Awards, recognising initiatives focused on accessibility, AI-powered tourism planning, community engagement and digital storytelling.
Erth Abu Dhabi has received the Emiratisation Award for the second consecutive year from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, recognising its continued investment in developing Emirati talent within the hospitality sector.
