Exciting things have been happening in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia celebrates a tourism boost and a long weekend for National Day, while Jordan introduces visa-free travel for select countries. Dubai and Sharjah see travel times reduced with a new high-speed bus service, and the China Visitors Summit kicks off in Dubai. Plus, AlUlaโs exciting new events calendar is set to draw global visitors.
Saudi Tourism reaches visitor targets seven years early
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to flourish, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighting the kingdom’s progress toward Vision 2030 goals. The IMF commended Saudi Arabia for its diversification efforts, particularly through the rapid growth of its tourism industry, which has met the target of 100 million visitors per year seven years ahead of schedule. This industry growth, which reached revenues of $36 billion in 2023, is also driving foreign investments and boosting employment.
Adding to the celebration, the Kingdom announced a four-day weekend from 22-25 September to mark its 94th National Day, which is themed โWe Dream and Acheiveโ. The extended break is expected to stimulate domestic tourism and allow citizens to explore local attractions.
Visa-Free travel boost for Jordan
Jordan has introduced visa-free travel to 55 countries, including the U.K., South Africa, Barbados, and Thailand, for Jordanian passport holders, starting in September of this year. Aiming to give Jordanians more opportunities for global travel, the new visa-free policy is expected to also surge tourism throughout the Middle East, with more than 328,000 Jordanians travelling in the first two months of 2024 alone. Jordanian travellers regularly select Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Egypt, and Kuwait as destinations that offer culture, history, and natural attractions.
Dubai to Sharjah travel time reduced to 12 minutes
In a move that has revolutionised business and leisure travel between Dubai and Sharjah, a new high-speed intercity bus service has been launched, reducing travel time to just 12 minutes. This efficient and cost-effective option is already seeing increased adoption, particularly by business travellers who frequently commute between the two cities. The service is expected to ease traffic congestion, offer a convenient alternative to driving, and boost intercity connectivity within the UAE thanks to dedicated lanes for inter-emirate bus services. With more routes potentially on the horizon, this initiative marks a significant step in enhancing regional mobility.
100+ buyers join China Visitors Summit in Dubai
The China Visitors Summit (CVS) successfully finished in Dubai, attracting over 100 buyers and 82 suppliers from 14 countries. Chinese travellers spent around $198 billion in last yearโs shorter Chinese travel year, representing a huge opportunity for the Middle East. The event offers networking opportunities for travel professionals and provides insights into post-pandemic travel trends.
CVS will be in Riyadh from 9-10 September at the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel as it continues creating a premier meeting point for Chinese travel industry buyers, including wholesalers, corporate travel planners, tour operators and travel agencies, MICE managers, OTAs and more.
AlUla Momentsโ packed events calendar
AlUla Moments has unveiled its latest events calendar, packed with cultural, entertainment, and sports activities designed to attract visitors from around the globe. Highlights include the return of the AlUla Wellness Festival and the Winter at Tantora Festival, showcasing art, heritage, and nature. With a growing international reputation as a cultural destination, AlUla is set to draw a diverse audience seeking unique experiences amid its breathtaking landscapes with the following events:
- Azimuth – 19 – 21 September, 2024
- AlUla Skies Festival – 26 September – 5 October, 2024
- AlUla Wellness Festival – 17 October – 2 November, 2024
- Ancient Kingdoms Festival – 7 – 30 November, 2024
- Winter at Tantora – 19 December 2024 – 9 January 2025
- Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo – 15 – 18 January 2025
- AlUla Trail Race – January 2025
- AlUla Arts Festival – 16 January 2025 – 22 February 2025
- AlUla Tour – 28 January 2025 – 1 February 2025
- AlFursan Cup – 6 – 8 February, 2025
- AlUla Falcon Cup – 9 – 15 February 2025
- Ramadan in AlUla – 28 February 2025 – 29 March 2025
- Camel Cup – April 2025
AlUla and Jordanโs Petra National Trust appealing to youth in heritage conservationย
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Jordanโs Petra National Trust (PNT) have signed a partnership to boost youth involvement in the understanding and preservation of natural and cultural heritage in the region. The collaboration aims to preserve shared Nabataean heritage across AlUla and Petra through educational initiatives, skills exchanges, and community engagement. This agreement will train local communities, particularly the younger generations, to contribute to heritage conservation, fostering a deeper understanding of their history and inspiring future conservation effortsโ.
