Top 3 Headlines
Oman’s Khareef Dhofar wins top tourism award
The Khareef Dhofar Season in Oman has been awarded the Leading Tourism Destination of 2025 at the Arab Tourism and Travel Awards in London. This prestigious award recognises the season’s unique natural assets, exceptional climate, and remarkable regional and global presence. The Governor of Dhofar, HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, stated that this achievement reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to promote sustainable tourism development. The season has seen significant growth, with over one million visitors reported in 2024, and new hotel developments have increased room capacity to over 8,000.
UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais Appointed UN Tourism Secretary-General at Riyadh Assembly
Shaikha Al Nowais of the UAE has been confirmed as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Her appointment was ratified during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly currently being held in Riyadh, the first ever held in the GCC and the largest to date, bringing together over 160 delegations under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
Al Nowais, currently Corporate Vice President of Rotana Hotels, will begin her term in 2026, focusing on responsible tourism, innovation, and technology for good. The Assembly also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global tourism, including hosting the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East and advancing discussions on AI, sustainability, and investment across the sector.
Fujairah strengthens adventure tourism safety through new policies
Fujairah has introduced a landmark policy requiring all mountain treks to be led by certified guides, setting a new regional standard for safety and professionalism in adventure tourism. Implemented through the Fujairah Adventure Center, the initiative includes a digital platform for route registration, best-practice resources, and accredited training programs under the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). The move supports sustainable growth, empowers local guides, and reinforces Fujairah’s position as the UAE’s leading destination for responsible outdoor tourism.
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Noteworthy
- Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has renewed its partnership with Amadeus to boost visitor numbers by over 60% through AI-powered campaigns, targeting new audiences and increasing exposure to Abu Dhabi’s tourism offerings, supporting the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 goals.
- The Cruise Arabia Alliance has expanded to include Saudi Arabia and Qatar, strengthening regional cruise tourism and cooperation, with six GCC destinations now united under the partnership.
- Egypt and Qatar have signed a USD 29.7 billion investment agreement to develop a major real estate and tourism project on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, aiming to create a world-class coastal destination with residential, commercial, and tourism facilities. The project is expected to generate over 250,000 jobs and provide Egypt with significant revenue, including an initial $3.5 billion cash payment and a 15% share of net profits.
- Art Cairo, Egypt’s leading international art fair, is set to return for its seventh edition from 22-26 January 2026, at the Grand Egyptian Museum, themed “Arab. Art. Here,” featuring leading galleries from the Arab world and beyond, and showcasing the Arabic language as a living art form, with a mission to nurture the regional art ecosystem and promote creativity and culture.
- Oman is revolutionising global tourism by embracing AI and digital solutions at the 26th UNWTO General Assembly, showcasing its commitment to smart, sustainable travel practices, with the aim to enhance tourist experiences, streamline operations, and foster sustainable growth, positioning itself as a leader in redefining tourism for the future.
- Connections Saudi is taking place in Riyadh (10-14 November 2025), bringing together 250 international buyers and 250 Saudi suppliers to build partnerships across luxury, adventure, culture, and hospitality sectors.
- The Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 will take place from 24-26 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, highlighting Qatar’s growing tourism sector and featuring global experts discussing industry trends and sustainability.
- Qatar Tourism and The Saudi Tourism Authority have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in tourism marketing and promotion. The agreement aims to enhance coordination at international forums, exchange expertise, and support the growth of the tourism sectors in both nations through shared strategies and joint initiatives.
- Global Village will host a vibrant celebration for the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad from 27 November to 3 December under the theme “United.” The event will feature decorations, drone and fireworks shows, cultural installations, and a theatrical operetta From the Desert to the Stars, alongside traditional performances and a live concert by Khalid Mohammed.
- Golf Saudi is advancing its mission to empower women in sport through its Change With Conversation series, hosted during the Aramco China Championship. The panel brought together leading voices from media and sport to discuss representation and visibility for female athletes, emphasising storytelling and inclusive media coverage as key drivers of progress.
