The Middle East is solidifying its position as a leader in luxury, wellness, and sports tourism. With a remarkable recovery from the pandemic, the region is driving investments and education in the sector. Plus, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are making waves in the tourism industry with new developments and initiatives!
Spouse of Crown Prince launches Misk Heritage Museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah
Her Royal Highness Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz has announced the launch of the programming for the Misk Heritage Museum “Asaan”, a 40,000 square metre museum showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage in Diriyah. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum will feature thousands of artefacts and collectibles, offering immersive experiences that connect visitors with Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. The museum aims to become a global cultural hub, celebrating both tangible and intangible Saudi heritage, and aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing cultural sustainability and preservation of Saudi identity.
Experience Oman Muscat Marathon 2025 an international hit
Thousands of runners worldwide participated in the Experience Oman Muscat Marathon 2025. The event which took place from 21-22 February featured various races, including a 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, and a 2.5km Fun Run sponsored by Ooredoo. The marathon, held in partnership with Al Mouj Muscat, aimed to promote Oman as a sports tourism destination, aligning with the country’s Vision 2040, and fostering community engagement, health, and wellness.
Musandam Governorate showcases rich heritage and development ambitions
Oman’s Ministry of Information recently hosted a media tour of Musandam governorate, welcoming 26 media professionals from 10 countries. The tour highlighted the region’s rich cultural, historical, and natural diversity, as well as its rapid growth in tourism, investment, and infrastructure. Governor Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed al Busaidi outlined Musandam’s strategic vision for sustainable development, aiming to become a premier investment and tourism destination, leveraging its unique location at the gateway to the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Dubai International Boat Show 2025
The Dubai International Boat Show 2025 has kicked off at Dubai Harbour, featuring over 1,000 exhibiting brands from 60 countries and showcasing more than 200 of the latest yachts and watercraft. Inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event marks its 31st edition and is a testament to Dubai’s vision to become a top global tourism destination and a leading international centre for marine tourism.
Earlier this week…
Bahrain commits to joint GCC tourism initiatives
Bahrain’s Tourism Minister, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, has reaffirmed the kingdom’s dedication to strengthening coordination with GCC countries to launch joint tourism initiatives, enhance regional offerings, and promote the region as a unified destination. Speaking at the ninth preparatory meeting of the GCC Ministers Responsible for Tourism in Kuwait, Minister Al Sairafi highlighted Bahrain’s success in attracting GCC visitors, particularly during its tenure as the GCC Tourism Capital in 2024. The minister emphasized the GCC’s potential to lead the regional and global tourism sector, supported by efforts to promote the region’s diverse attractions and events. The meeting also discussed key topics, including the Gulf tourism strategy and cooperation between tourism and cultural sectors, with the aim of enhancing joint tourism efforts among GCC countries.
Middle East leads in luxury, wellness, and sports tourism
The Middle East has solidified its position as a leader in luxury, wellness, and sports tourism, while also driving investments and education in the sector. The 51st session of the UN Tourism’s Regional Commission, held in Doha, brought together member states to guide the sector’s continued growth. The region has made a remarkable recovery from the pandemic, with Qatar on track to welcome 6M tourists annually and grow tourism’s contribution to GDP to 12%. Key achievements include 30,000 students enrolled in the UN Tourism Online Academy, the implementation of the UN Tourism Education Toolkit in the UAE, and the addition of 10 new courses to the Human Capital Development by E-Learning Project with Saudi Arabia. The region’s sports tourism sector is also thriving, with the success of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 serving as a model for other destinations.
NEOM unveils Hidden Marina development
NEOM is set to unveil the first phase of its mega project, The Line, with the groundbreaking Hidden Marina development. Stretching 2.5km and rising 500m high, Hidden Marina will accommodate more than 200,000 residents and feature 80,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and commercial spaces. The development is part of NEOM’s vision for a fully integrated, vertical city, with a built-up area surpassing 21M sqm. Construction is underway, with 140,000+ workers engaged in the project, and infrastructure development has already seen an investment of more than $140B.
Saudi Arabia bans alcohol at 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that alcohol will not be available during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing the country’s long-standing ban on alcohol, which has been in place since 1952. The decision, confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, means that alcohol will not be available in stadiums, hotels, or restaurants. Tourists violating this law will face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
Dubai sees surge in Chinese tourists
Dubai has seen a 31% increase in Chinese tourists last year – 824,000 visitors – thanks to initiatives such as Chinese-friendly payment solutions and services, along with festive activities and exclusive discounts during the Spring Festival. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attributed the success to visionary leadership and collaboration between public and private sectors, and pledged to maintain the growth momentum through innovation, infrastructure development, and market diversification.
Miral launches Ruwad Awards to celebrate excellence in guest services
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has launched the Ruwad Awards, Yas Island’s first annual awards programme. The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals and teams who deliver world-class guest experiences across Yas Island’s attractions, hotels, and experiences. The awards ceremony, attended by key dignitaries, honoured 14 employees across various categories, with each winner receiving a cash prize of AED5,000. The Ruwad Awards reflect Yas Island’s commitment to excellence in customer experience and industry best practices, further positioning it as a leading global destination in leisure, entertainment, and tourism.
Oman welcomes first charter flight from Bulgaria
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has welcomed the first charter flight from Bulgaria to Salalah Airport, marking a significant step in Oman’s efforts to diversify its tourism markets. The flight carried over 130 tourists, including 30 representatives from Bulgarian tourism agencies, who aim to explore Dhofar’s services, products, and attractions. This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to promote adventure, marine, and culinary tourism, as well as the country’s UNESCO-listed archaeological sites. With promotional campaigns launched in Europe and Russia, and tourism offices opened in several countries, Oman is also eyeing expansion into East Asia. To enhance accessibility, the sultanate has waived tourist visa requirements for citizens of 103 countries and is developing its 12 ports to accommodate the growing influx of visitors.
“Made in Russia” Festival & Fair Comes to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is set to host the “Made in Russia” Festival & Fair from 21 to 25 February 2025 at Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island. The festival, organised in collaboration with the Russian Export Center, will showcase Russia’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and cutting-edge industries through exciting showcases, live performances, and exclusive shopping experiences. With free entry, visitors can enjoy a diverse programme featuring authentic Russian products, live cooking demonstrations, traditional music and dance performances, and exclusive screenings of Russian animated films. The festival will also serve as a business platform to promote Russian exports and foster new commercial partnerships.
