Top 3 Headlines
Saudi Arabia launches Tourist VAT refund service
Saudi Arabia has introduced a VAT refund service for international visitors and GCC nationals (non-residents). Operated by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), the scheme allows refunds on eligible purchases made from certified VAT-registered retailers. Refund locations include:
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
Services, vehicles, food, beverages, fuel, and tobacco are excluded. Goods must be unused, in original packaging, and exported within 90 days. The value of the purchase must be at least SAR 500 (per transaction or in up to three receipts from the same shop on the same day).
Disney On Ice coming to Bahrain Summer Festival
Disney On Ice: Into The Magic will run 12-17 August at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir, as part of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2025, organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
The nine-show production by Feld Entertainment will feature Disney favourites including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Moana, Frozen, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Coco, and Tangled.
The event follows the record-breaking Bahrain Summer Toy Festival, which drew over 100,000 visitors and featured activities from 20+ global brands. Tickets for Disney on Ice start at DB8.
Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture present Dhai Dubai 2025
Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture will host the second edition of Dhai Dubai, the first Emirati-led light art exhibition, 12-18 November 2025 at Al Wasl Plaza.
The event will debut seven new light sculptures by Emirati artists Fatma Lootah, Khalid AlBanna, Mohammed Kazem, Alia Bin Omair, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, AlZaina Lootah, and Hessa Alghandi, exploring light’s cultural and artistic resonance in the UAE.
As a new feature this year, House of Arts will host artist talks and public dialogues, improving engagement with the creative community. Full programme details will be announced in October.
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Noteworthy:
- Kuwait has introduced visa-on-arrival for GCC expat residents, aiming to simplify travel and boost tourism from neighbouring states. To be eligible you must have at least six months left on a residency permit.
- Morocco tourism welcomed 11.6 million arrivals by July 2025 representing a 16% YoY increase. July 2025 saw 2.7 million arrivals alone, reflecting a 6% YoY increase.
- Ras Al Khaimah has launched its “Unscripted” staycation campaign aiming to push domestic tourism and encourage authentic, spontaneous experiences across RAK’s beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions, targeting UAE residents.
- DCT Abu Dhabi has extended the UAE Warriors partnership. The agreement will see MMA events continue in Abu Dhabi and expand to Al Ain, aiming to grow visibility for regional combat sports.
- Visit Qatar’s CEO, Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, has been ranked 25th in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders for 2025. He has gained recognition for his leadership in expanding Qatar’s tourism portfolio which saw a 25% YoY increase in international visitors last year.
- AlUla is set to host the Perseid Meteor Shower public stargazing event on 12 August, offering guided astronomy experiences during peak meteor activity.
- Ascend Esports has launched a female-focused gaming tournament in Dubai. These feature two initiatives which include an esports competition and a streaming skills course to promote women’s participation in the gaming industry.
- Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global esports hub, with Qiddiya city, designed around the concept of “Play Life,” playing a key role in the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy to drive economic growth and innovation.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi has launched a new 25-minute virtual reality ‘time-travel” experience which features wireless motion tracking that allows visitors to explore historical eras through immersive storytelling.
- Miral hosted hospitality training at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The program was aimed at inspiring Emirati youth to pursue careers in hospitality, with behind-the-scenes industry workshops and immersive experience in luxury hospitality.
