Top 3 Headlines
UAE hosts global tourism leaders, fostering sustainable tourism development
The UAE hosted 16 senior tourism leaders from 9 countries, including Kazakhstan, the Maldives, and Kenya, for its Global Tourism Leadership Programme. The programme shared insights on pioneering tourism strategies and best practices, focusing on sustainable tourism development, technology-driven innovation, and visitor experience enhancement. The initiative aimed to equip leaders with practical tools and strategic knowledge to advance tourism in their home countries, strengthening international partnerships and the UAE’s position as a tourism leader.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has launched a revolutionary contactless hotel check-in system, setting a new global benchmark for convenience and safety. Guests can now upload their IDs and biometrics via mobile, completing formalities before arrival and skipping in-person check-in at participating hotels, making their stay even more seamless and enjoyable.
Dubai hosts Forbes Summit on medical tourism and wellness
Forbes Middle East’s Medical Tourism & Wellness Summit in Dubai (9-10 December) is bringing together global healthcare experts, government leaders and industry innovators. The summit will be held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in partnership with American Hospital Dubai. Speakers such as Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar and regional health leaders will discuss how the UAE is shaping future models of wellbeing. The summit will also showcase partnerships across the health and wellness ecosystem. Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri will deliver the keynote, addressing the sector’s economic impact. Sessions will examine six themes tied to the UAE National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, including digital health, insurance solutions for international patients and innovations improving global care access.
Oman’s $4.2bn coastal development
Dar Global and Art District Real Estate Development have partnered to launch Muscat Marine, Art & Digital District (MAD), a $4.2 billion coastal destination planned along Oman’s shoreline. Spanning 1.5 million sqm and developed over 12 years, the project combines oceanfront living, luxury hospitality, cultural venues and future-focused financial and digital sectors. Positioned as a multi-destination city, MAD will feature residential communities, marinas, premium hotels, retail spaces, art exhibitions, digital incubators and a finance hub. The district targets global investors, creatives, tech founders and high-net-worth travellers. Developers say MAD will introduce a district-wide digital economy, including digital licensing and asset exchange, to attract entrepreneurs and investment.
Meanwhile, The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s “Experience Our Winter” and “Oman: Gift of Life” campaigns are set to attract winter sun-seekers, with a new Moscow-Salalah charter flight set to bring 7,000 Russian visitors to Salalah this season.
Noteworthy
- The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a thrilling season finale, with Max Verstappen winning and Lando Norris claiming his maiden F1 World Championship title amidst Metallica’s rocking performance and Katy Perry’s headlining concert! The UAE’s hospitality and spectacle shone bright, with Etihad Airways’ A380 flypast, Al Fursan Aerobatic Team’s stunning display, and more. Read more here.
- Millie Bobby Brown’s Yas Island Abu Dhabi escape was interrupted by a suspicious ‘Code Red’ alert. More info in the video here.
- Al Ain region’s tourism is booming, with a 12% rise in hotel guests and over 40% increase in visitors to key cultural spots like Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Muwaiji in H1 2025, driven by DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategy positioning it as a ‘living oasis’ hub for culture, wellness, and adventure.
- Saudi Arabia has unveiled the Red Sea Museum inside the restored Bab Al Bunt building, showcasing over 1,000 artifacts across 23 galleries dedicated to the region’s cultural, maritime, and natural heritage.
- Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed rail link connecting Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, reducing travel time to two hours and expected to be completed within six years, creating 30,000 jobs and carrying 10 million passengers annually
- Yas Winter Fest returns from 12-21 December, transforming Yas Gateway Park into a winter wonderland with festive tree lightings, snow play zones, creative workshops, roaming performances, markets, and nightly holiday films under the stars. With themed rides, Santa meet-and-greets, live entertainment, and a bustling food village.
- A new review-based study of 100 global cities places Sharjah (98.5%) and Doha (97.4%) in the top five of the world’s cleanest cities. This is a result of investments in urban upkeep such as Qatar’s “Qatar Clean” programme and Sharjah’s multimillion-dirham street cleaning initiatives.
- The Dubai Shopping Festival has launched its 31st edition, running until 11 January 2026 with 38 days of entertainment, retail promotions, raffles, drone shows, and concerts. Highlights include a performance by Bollywood star Nora Fatehi, a new 1,000-drone pyrotechnic show set to a Hans Zimmer soundtrack, mountain experiences in Hatta, and daily mega raffles offering cars and cash prizes.
- Tourism to Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate, with European visitor numbers rising by 14% and East Asia arrivals up 15% in the first nine months of 2025. The Kingdom has surpassed 116 million domestic and international travellers so far this year, and tourism revenues have reached SAR275 billion, pushing the sector toward a 10% GDP contribution and driving rapid growth in private hospitality offerings nationwide.
- Tunisia’s tourism sector is surging, with revenues surpassing 7.5 billion dinars and visitor numbers exceeding 10 million by late November (up 10.3% YoY). The country is diversifying its offerings and strengthening its economic resilience, positioning itself for a record year and sustainable long-term growth. This has happened at a time when Tunisia has been ranked among the top 13 favourite destinations for UAE travellers in 2026, thanks to its balance of Mediterranean beauty, rich North African culture, and strong value.
