From cultural attractions, including the AI Festival and Triathlon finals, to high-profile events and new market strategies, here’s a glimpse of the latest happenings in the Middle East destinations news:

UAE

India favours Sharjah as a tourism destination

Sharjah is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for more than 165,000 Indian travellers, thanks to its robust development and growth initiatives. Hosting a roadshow in Mumbai, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) saw a lot of participation from the travel trade sector.

The emirate’s strategic positioning, combined with its diverse cultural offerings and affordable options, is making it a compelling choice for tourists from India. Recent promotions and enhanced connectivity are expected to further bolster its appeal in the coming months and aim to increase visitor numbers by another 10% annually. 

Sharjah Safari returns on 23 September

The world’s largest safari outside Africa, Sharjah Safari is gearing up for its fourth season, opening on 23 September. Spanning eight square kilometres featuring 12 environments inspired by different regions of Africa, visitors can look forward to witnessing more than 300 newborn animals and birds up close and enjoy a mix of entertainment, education, and exploration.

100 countries visit Dubai’s AI and Web3 Festival

Dubai recently hosted the AI & Web3 Festival to showcase more than 100 exhibitors and attracted over 6,500 attendees from over 100 countries. Held from 11-12 September, it featured cutting-edge developments and insights from industry pioneers. Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority Arif Amiri said, “By 2028, we expect to bring in more than 500 companies, create over 3,000 jobs, expand the AI Campus to over 100,000 sq ft and attract 300 million US dollars in investment.”

Triathlon World Championship comes to Dubai

The T100 Triathlon World Championship Final will be held in Dubai on 16-17 November, concluding the inaugural 2024 T100 Triathlon World Tour. The event will feature over 10,000 participants competing in various disciplines at the Meydan Racecourse, set against the Dubai skyline. This finale is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, promoting daily activity for a healthier lifestyle. The championship will crown the first T100 World Champions and distribute a portion of the $7 million prize fund. This finale marks the end of the season, reducing the required number of races from five to four, plus the Dubai event.

CIS markets in Ajman’s sights

Ajman is actively targeting the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market as part of its strategy to boost tourism and investment until 21 September. After seeing an increase in visitors of 12%, The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is focusing on attracting visitors and investors by highlighting its unique cultural heritage and business opportunities. 

Two new French ‘nouvelle cuisine’ restaurants are coming to Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) is partnering with Aldar to enhance the city’s culinary scene by introducing two restaurants inspired by the late Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse. Set to open at Saadiyat Grove within the next two years, La Brasserie and Restaurant Paul Bocuse will focus on quality ingredients and exceptional dining experiences. This initiative, part of DCT’s Culinary Development Programme, aims to position Abu Dhabi as a premier gastronomic destination, featuring both classic and elevated French cuisine. Bocuse’s legacy which includes holding two Michelin stars for a world-record 55 years continues to influence modern gastronomy globally.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi launches Our Guests Are Our Priority campaign

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Our Guests Are Our Priority” campaign to enhance the quality of hospitality services across the kingdom. The initiative aims to ensure compliance with licensing and regulatory standards, boosting the overall experience for domestic and international tourists. With the campaign’s first phase underway focusing on awareness activities engaging tourism stakeholders, the campaign seeks to elevate service standards, promote stakeholder cooperation, and transform Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.

Neom receives the Saudi Games Torch 

The torch for the upcoming Saudi Games has arrived in Neom, marking a significant milestone for the region. Leaving Riyadh, the torch has traveled to Neom’s Bajdah signifying the message of optimism, peace, and friendship. This event symbolises Neom’s growing role as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s sports and cultural landscape. The torch relay is set to generate excitement and engagement in the lead-up to the games, showcasing Neom’s potential as a major event destination.

Saudi nominated for UNESCO Geoparks

Two geological sites in Saudi Arabia have been nominated by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, highlighting the country’s unique geological heritage. These parks aim to attract nature enthusiasts and offer educational experiences about Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing its tourism portfolio while preserving its natural wonders. The final decision on whether the sites will be adopted and recognised as UNESCO heritage sites is expected to be made at the next UNESCO General Conference in March 2025.