Dubai gets ready for a star-studded sports conference, while new projects and tourism targets are announced. A hot air balloon festival kept skies decorated for 10 days, while a six-month long festival which kicked off in Oct has already welcomed more than 12M visitors.
Top football stars to attend Dubai Awards event
The 19th edition of the Dubai International Sports Conference, organised by the Dubai Sports Council, is set to feature the annual Beyond Globe Soccer Dubai Awards on 27 December at Atlantis, The Palm. More than 1000 guests are expected to attend including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois, Lamine Yamal, and Rio Ferdinand. The event will present 15 main awards, inclduing Best Men’s Player, Best Women’s Player, and the Maradona Award.
This year, over 100 million votes from more than 200 countries were cast, surpassing previous records. The SIRO Golden Ticket Auction raised AED 30,000 for the Al Jalila Foundation, supporting medical research and education. Since its inception in 2006, the conference has been instrumental in shaping the future of football by addressing global challenges and driving positive change. This year’s theme is “Talented Football,” and will feature guest speakers Ronaldo, Bellingham, and Courtois.
GCC visitors constitute 43% of Qatar’s tourist arrivals in Q3 2024
In the third quarter of 2024, international visitors to Qatar increased by 26% compared to the same period in 2023. Travellers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accounted for 43% of these arrivals, maintaining the region’s position as the largest source of tourists to Qatar. European visitors followed, contributing significantly to the overall numbers. This growth reflects Qatar’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism sector and attract a diverse range of international visitors. The data underscores the importance of GCC countries in Qatar’s tourism strategy, while also highlighting the increasing interest from European markets. These trends are expected to continue as Qatar further develops its tourism infrastructure and promotional activities.
Miral announces ambitious sustainability strategy
Miral, a leading creator of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy aiming to set a regional benchmark for sustainable leisure, entertainment, and tourism experiences by 2030. The strategy focuses on developing and operating sustainable experiences, with a commitment to decarbonisation, resource management, and enhancing employee well-being. Initiatives include installing the UAEβs largest solar rooftop on Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi emphasised that sustainability is now central to Miral’s operations, aiming for responsible growth and innovation.
Expo Centre Sharjah sets record with exhibitions
Expo Centre Sharjah has announced a record-breaking calendar for 2024, featuring 49 exhibitions and festivals across its venues in Sharjah, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid. This expansion reflects the Centre’s role in boosting Sharjah’s exhibition sector and supporting economic growth in trade, industry, tourism, and culture. The Centre reported hosting over 40 exhibitions in 2023, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors, indicating a full recovery and new phase of growth for the UAE’s exhibitions and conferences industry post-pandemic.
Riyadh Season attracts over 12 million visitors
Riyadh Season, which began in October (concluding in March 2025), has attracted over 12 million visitors, according to General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh. The event features a variety of attractions, including The Groves, Souq Al Awaleen, and The Courchevel zone in Boulevard World which offers different winter experiences. A highlight of the season was the Boxing Week, featuring the historic rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, which drew significant global attention. The recently launched Boulevard Runway zone, in collaboration with SAUDIA Grouhas also added to the entertainment.
Qatar Hot Air Balloon Festival concludes
The fifth edition of the Qatar Hot Air Balloon Festival concluded on 21 December 2024 in the Sealine desert. The 10-day event featured over 50 hot air balloons from 21 countries, providing a vibrant spectacle for residents and visitors. The festival included daily sunrise balloon launches, nightglow events, and various family-friendly activities, aiming to position Qatar as a premier destination for hot air balloon enthusiasts and boost tourism.
Egypt’s tourism sector sets new records and ambitious targets
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy announced that Egypt expects to receive around 15.3 million tourists by the end of 2024, reflecting a substantial annual increase of approximately five percent from the previous year. The country’s tourism industry welcomed 14.9 million tourists in 2023, surpassing the previous peak of 14.7 million in 2010. This influx contributed to a 26.8% increase in tourism revenues, reaching $13.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022/2023. In the first half of 2024, the upward trend continued, with 7.1 million tourists generating $6.6 billion in revenue. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028, necessitating an expansion of hotel capacity from 220,000 rooms in 2023 to 500,000 by 2030.
Royal Opera House Muscat unveils January 2025 performances
The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has announced its January 2025 lineup, featuring a range of performances and educational events. Kicking off the month is “Beauty and the Beast on Ice” on 2, 3 and 4 January starring British-Omani ice-skating champion Amani Fancy. From 16-17 January, the Folk Music Festival will showcase Omani folk traditions alongside acts from Bulgaria, South Korea, and Paraguay. Opera enthusiasts can look forward to Giuseppe Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” on 23 and 25 January. Then, on 24 January, young soloists from the Mariinsky Theatre will perform a recital of Russian arias by composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. ROHM’s January schedule also includes free educational and community events including a storytelling session for children on 11 January in the Music Library and a talk and workshop on Italian violin making on 14 January.
Ras Al Khaimah aligns with emerging travel trends for 2025
Ras Al Khaimah has postitioned itself to meet the evolving demands of global travellers seeking personalised and purposeful experiences in 2025. According to Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, there is an increasing desire for meaningful, transformative journeys that immerse visitors in nature, heritage, and local cultures. With research showing that 74% of travellers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, prioritise such enriching experiences. With its 7,000-year history and diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and 64 km of sandy beaches, the emirate offers authentic adventures and world-class hospitality. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to sustainable tourism is exemplified by its EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification and initiatives like Responsible RAK, aligning with the global demand for eco-friendly travel. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai makes it an ideal ‘detour destination’ for visitors seeking to combine popular spots with hidden gems.
Ajman Tourism launches new Emirati experiences in Masfout
The Ajman Department of Tourism Development has introduced new tourism experiences in Masfout, created by Emirati talents Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani. With the aim to showcase Masfout’s hidden gems, empower the local community, visitors are encouraged a two-day stay to go hiking, attend meditation sessions, visit museums and farms, explore the ancient water channels (Aflaaj), and spend time with local families. Mahmood Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, emphasised the initiative’s role in motivating youth participation in the tourism sector and creating innovative job opportunities, while Tourism Marketing and Promotion Expert, Khadija Turki, highlighted the programme’s focus on environmentally friendly initiatives and community involvement in developing the tourism sector.
