Top 3 Headlines
Saudi Tourism powers ahead with record growth across sectors
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is fast becoming a pillar of its economic diversification, with the IMF highlighting its rising contribution to GDP and its role in driving Vision 2030 goals. Medical tourism is thriving, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for healthcare-driven travel, while domestic tourism bookings surged 566% in 2025, now accounting for 35% of all Wego searches.
On the global stage, the Esports World Cup drew over 300,000 international visitors to Riyadh, demonstrating Kingdom’s growing pull as a destination for large-scale cultural and entertainment events. Together, these milestones showcase Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution into one of the world’s most dynamic and diversified tourism markets.
Dubai’s tourism momentum strengthens
Dubai’s tourism rebound continues to gather pace, with the emirate welcoming 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, representing a 6% YoY increase. Notably, visits from Australasia surged by 14%, highlighting its growing appeal with travellers from that region.
Meanwhile, Dubai is ramping up its efforts to attract African travellers, having seen a 20% year-on-year growth in visitors from the continent in 2024, with over 197,000 African visitors in the first quarter of 2025 alone. To build on this momentum, Dubai will host the inaugural UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit in October 2025, aiming to strengthen economic and tourism ties between the UAE and African nations. The city is enhancing its appeal through targeted marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity, and tailored experiences, such as the Dubai Safari Park’s African Village.
Oman eyes 1Million Indian visitors
Oman is stepping up its tourism ambitions with a bold plan to welcome one million Indian visitors annually, building on a projected 700,000 arrivals by year’s end through tailor-made luxury, adventure, MICE and wedding experiences showcased at the ‘Focus Oman’ roadshow in Jaipur.
Simultaneously, its Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has just wrapped up a series of high-impact promotional workshops in India, bringing together 25 Omani tourism entities and over 150 Indian travel companies in a concerted effort to deepen partnerships, align on targeted offerings, and enhance Oman’s appeal in this key market.
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Noteworthy:
- Ajman’s Ruler has established the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, merging key sectors under one unified body to drive the emirate’s global profile, appointing Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi as Chairman.
- The Saudi Tourism Authority is set to embark on a UK and Ireland Travel Trade Roadshow, visiting London, Manchester, and Dublin next month to connect British and Irish travel professionals with Saudi tourism businesses and unlock new commercial opportunities.
- A new National Geographic documentary (in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla), “Lost Treasures of Arabia: The Nabataean Kingdom“, will premier on on 27 August on Disney+. Narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Weam Al Dakheel, the documentary explores the ancient Nabataean civilization in north-west Arabia, showcasing their ingenuity, strategic skill, and mastery of trade and resource management.
- Diriyah Art Futures is set to launch its inaugural CONTINUUM ’25 exhibition in Riyadh this autumn (13 September–15 November), spotlighting the creative output of 11 emerging new-media artists—with immersive installations, AI-generated work and VR experiences that explore memory, identity, climate and digital ethics.
- Meanwhile, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) is bringing Bizet’s legendary opera Carmen to Riyadh for the very first time. Performed by the prestigious China National Opera House (CNOH) from 4–6 September at the King Fahd Cultural Centre, this premiere also celebrates the 2025 China-Saudi Arabia Cultural Year and underscores Vision 2030’s bold arts and culture agenda.
- Riyadh‘s monorail project is slated to begin operations in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the city’s expanding public transportation network.
- Stephen Howard has been appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer AlUla, bringing his expertise to redefine luxury tourism and cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism leader.
- Ajloun Governorate in Jordan is experiencing a tourism and economic boost thanks to cultural festivals showcasing local heritage, empowering artisans, and attracting visitors, which is revitalizing local markets and promoting the region’s unique assets.
- Tunisia saw a 15.3% increase in Chinese tourists from Jan to Jul 2025, with a 30.9% jump in July alone, but direct flights from Tunis to Beijing are crucial to further boost this growth.
- Wego has curated list of last-minute trips offers Kuwaiti travellers visa-free or easy visa getaways to destinations like Dubai, Salalah, Hurghada and Tbilisi, with direct flights starting from KWD 25.
