Discover the latest mega-projects breaking records and transforming Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE into icons of innovation and luxury.

Three Sharjah attractions win top Tripadvisor awards

For the second consecutive year, Sharjah’s stunning family-friendly destination, Al Noor Island, has secured its position as one of the Top 10 attractions in Middle East by winning Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ title for 2024, an achievement reserved for the top 1% of the 8 million listings on platform. The island, developed and managed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has been ranked among the city’s top attractions since its inception and boasts a rich blend of nature, art and entertainment.

Meanwhile, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, has also once again received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024, marking it the seventh consecutive year the Centre has been recognised for its exceptional visitor experiences. That’s not all for Sharjah, the city’s Al Montazah Parks, known for its exhilirating water rides and manucured gardens, has also won the Traveler’s Choice Awards 2024.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks 3rd on Tripadvisor’s top cultural and historical experiences

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has once again achieved global recognition taking out 3rd place on Tripadvisor‘s ‘Cultural and Historical Experiences’ this year. The mosque also ranked 10th place globally, and first in the Middle East in the ‘Top Attractions’ category; and was 17th in the world’s ‘Top Experiences’ category, and second in the Middle East for the travel experience from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (which also included Qasr Al Watan and Etihad Towers).

Dubai has just upped its food and culture scene

Dubai is set to be the home of the world’s largest fresh food hub, Bloom Market. With the view to significantly enhance the region’s food security and logistics capabilities, DP World and Dubai Municipality have signed an MoU to expand the existing market and connect it with other global markets. The project will offer state-of-the-art facilities for storing, processing, and distributing fresh produce, serving as a major global trading centre; and importantly for shoppers and visitors, the venue will also feature special entertainment activities, refreshment areas and a variety of dining options. Personal porters will also be available to assist shoppers with their carts and large purchases.

On the art front, Editions, Dubai, a new art and design fair organised by Art Dubai Group, is now the next hottest art show in the city’s culture calendar. Launching during Dubai Design Week, the fair will take place 6-9 November at Dubai Design District (d3). Taking place alongside Downtown Design, this will be the Middle East’s first limited-edition art and design fair with an inaugural curation of works byore than 50 galleries, design studios, and collectives. Art aficionados can expect to see a range of prints, contemporary design, photography, ceramics, and works on paper for sale.

World’s tallest sports tower for Saudi Arabia

Plans to construct the world’s tallest sports tower have been approved. Set to be built in Riyadh, the Global Sports Tower will stand 130m tall and feature the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall (98m) and a fully digitised, 250m running track that will also be the world’s highest. With an internal area of 84,000 sqm, the tower will create opportunities for sports from a grassroots level to professionals. The tower will sit within the 135km Sports Boulevard project, which features safe pathways for horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists.

Oman’s Dhofar Province promises a longer autumn season

Oman’s 2024 Dhofar Autumn Season this year which started on 21 June promises locals and visitors an extended opportunity to enjoy its line up of international events in sports and entertainment until 20 September. The season’s events can be found via the digital interactive platform of the Information Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman (Ain platform). Some of the events visitors can look forward to games and shows at Etten Square, ‘Throw Town’ at Salalah Park, the Drag Race Championship at Damr Beach in Mirbat, and Omani Wilayas from all over the Sultanate. For the first time, Dhofar Province will also host the Dhofar International Theater Festival featuring theatre troupes from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.

The governorate reported receiving nearly one million visitors last year, and has plans to enhance tourist offerings, including improving natural sights, enhancing coastal fronts and developing water spring locations, while considering environmental sustainability.

Signed: biggest construction contract in Diriyah 

The largest construction contract in Diriyah’s history worth SAR 7.8 billion ($2 billion) has been signed. The contract is between Diriyah Co. and El Saif Engineering Contracting, partnered with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). The project will see the construction of luxury hotels, office spaces, cultural venues, and educational institutions. CSCEC and El Saif are already implementing road tunnels and infrastructure works worth SAR 6.65 billion ($1.8 million) in the local area.