Top 3 Headlines
Saudi Arabia to host UN Tourism General Assembly as it opens new tourism offices
Saudi Arabia will host the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from 7-11 November, 2025, marking the first time a GCC nation will organise the event. Held under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” the gathering will unite over 160 member states to discuss technology, sustainability, and innovation in global tourism. The event will include AI showcases, plenary sessions, elections, and the inaugural TOURISE Summit, launching immediately after to connect leaders across tourism, tech, and culture.
Saudi Tourism Ministry has also opened new offices in Makkah and Madinah to improve service quality, investor support, and regulatory coordination for the industry. This is particularly relevant as a recent report has revealed that tourism currently accounts for 11% of Madinah’s total workforce in Q1 2025, sharing the sector’s growing contribution to the economy of the region.
Visit Qatar X Steve Harvey’s 2026 Golf Classic
Visit Qatar has signed a major multi-year partnership with MELT Live, led by HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji and Steve Harvey, to bring high-profile international events to Qatar starting in 2026.
The collaboration will debut two flagship experiences: FuelFest Qatar, blending car culture with live music and global talent, and The 2026 Golf Classic by Steve Harvey, a celebrity-driven golf and lifestyle event.
GCC workshop measures tourism’s true economic impact
The GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) held a regional workshop on “Measuring the Contribution of Tourism to the Economy” bringing together experts from GCC countries and international organisations to strengthen tourism data systems and enhance evidence-based policymaking.
GCC countries welcomed over 72 million international tourists in 2024, generating $119.6 billion in revenue (7.5% of the global total). The workshop highlighted the need for a way to capture the direct and indirect economic contributions of tourism across key sectors like hospitality, construction, energy, and trade.
The workshop also unveiled the GCC Tourism Statistics Platform, designed to integrate regional tourism and economic data, supporting smarter, data-driven decision-making across the region.
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Noteworthy:
- Musstir, the real estate arm of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, has signed an agreement with Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop a $520 million “wellness village” in Jabal Al Akhdar. Spanning 600,000 sqm, the project will feature a wellness resort, 360 residences, and eco-friendly trails designed to promote sustainable, healthy living in harmony with nature.
- To celebrate its 35th anniversary, El Gouna will host the Red Sea’s first-ever culinary event featuring chefs holding a combined 35 Michelin stars. The festival will include fine dining experiences, masterclasses, and the launch of La Maison Bleue Residences.
- Egypt will debut its first amphibious bus by the end of 2025, offering tourists a seamless journey from Cairo’s streets to the Nile River. The eco-friendly project aims to modernise transportation, enhance visitor experiences, and support sustainable tourism across Egypt’s historic landmarks.
- Agoda has entered a long-term partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia across 11 Asian markets through its “Spectacular Saudi” campaign that will run until February 2029. The collaboration will use immersive storytelling, targeted digital campaigns, and exclusive travel offers to increase inbound tourism to the Kingdom.
- The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival concluded with record attendance of more than 60,000 visitors and participants, 6 days of screenings, and 74 selected films (1,740 entries) from 26 countries.
- The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is hosting leading Italian tour operators from 13-17 October for the Europe Marketplace event. The initiative combines destination training and site visits to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s appeal in the Italian travel market and foster new partnerships.
- Dubai’s Global Village will open its landmark 30th season on 15 October, unveiling attractions like Gardens of the World and the Dragon Kingdom, an interactive adventure experience. Running until 10 May, the park aims to surpass last year’s record 10.5 million visitors with expanded entertainment zones and performances.
