From highly anticipated events and training to new initiatives and transformations to boost destination appeal, MENA countries are stepping it up in more ways than one to improve their appeal to all sorts of visitors.
GCC
Dubai to host 2024 Best Chef Awards
The Best Chef Awards will hold its 8th annual event in Dubai from 4 – 6 November 2024, marking the largest edition yet and the first time the awards will take place outside Europe and the Americas. Powered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the event will welcome an impressive lineup of global culinary figures including Vaughan Mabee of Amisfield, Albert Adriร of Enigma, รngel Leรณn of Aponiente, and Floriano Pellegrino & Isabella Potรฌ of BROS, as well as local talents including Gregoire Berger of Ossiano, Mohammed Orfali of Orfali Bros, and Himanshu Saini of Tresind Studio, Avatara.
Dubaiโs Global Village announces Season 29
Following last yearโs record-breaking season, Dubai’s Global Village has revealed its upcoming season 29 dates, set to run from 16 October 2024, to 11 May 2025. As one of the UAEโs top family destinations, Global Village saw over 10 million visitors last season thanks to its unique blend of cultural experiences, entertainment, and shopping. This new season promises an even more engaging experience, featuring a host of new attractions like brand new entertainment and cultural representations.
Emirates Dubai 7s is back
Promising an even bigger and better experience for rugby fans and visitors, the Emirates Dubai 7s is back for 2024. Scheduled from 6-8 December, the three-day event will feature more than just world-class rugby, with an expanded entertainment lineup including live music, food festivals, and family-friendly activities.
Known as one of the most anticipated events in the Dubai sports calendar, the Dubai 7s is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the Sevens Stadium in Dubai from around the globe, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Standard tickets start at AED 425 with weekend passes starting at AED 550.
Ferrari Esports arena coming in September
The worldโs first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena will open in September this year, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of motorsports and digital gaming. The new arena at Ferrari World Yas Island aims to bring innovative technology and simulators to guests providing advanced digital race experiences. It aims to attract fans with 20 Gran Turismo simulators alongside three F1 simulators, and two GT simulators for people of determination.
A recent launch event for the arena featured influencers, trade media and celebrities who got to enjoy themed performances from a mechanic comedian, Pit Crew Dance Troupe, and DJs. This launch showcases the growing influence of esports in the global entertainment landscape.
Sharjah annouces new Sports City and end of summer promotions
Launched by Sharjah’s Ruler, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah’s new Sports City will feature four sports complexes and a central stadium, designed by the Ruler himself. The stadium’s sleek design, inspired by a bird in flight, will be an iconic landmark and host local, regional, and global events. Construction will begin soon, with the goal of completing the stadium quickly to serve athletes and sports clubs in the emirate.
Meanwhile, The Sharjah Summer Promotions concluded with more than $190 million in sales, much thanks to widespread participation from shopping malls and retail outlets offering massive discounts. The closing ceremony featured a grand raffle draw with prizes including a luxury car, gold bars, shopping vouchers, and hotel packages awarded to more than 200 winners.
DCT Abu Dhabiโs first youth summer camp
The Department of Culture and Tourism โ Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted its first Tourism Youth Summer Camp in Al Ain, with 17 Emirati students participating in the 10-day program. The camp aimed to immerse UAE nationals aged 16-21 in the emirateโs tourism and hospitality sectors and included activities like a five-day placement at top Al Ain hotels, gaining hands-on experience in various departments. The program also included classroom sessions and field trips, offering insights into Al Ain as a tourism and cultural destination, and opportunities to network with industry professionals.
Saudi Arabia
NEOM announces new luxury eco-resort
NEOM has teamed up with Zannier Hotels to create Zannier Zardun, a luxurious eco-resort one of Magnaโs destinations, Zardun. Crafted to blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings, will offer guests unparralleled authentic tourism experiences and connection with nature. Featuring 100 rooms across three signature buildings the resort will offer a range of outdoor and indoor activities, including trekking, rock climbing, stargazing and yoga.
SEVEN brings Flow House to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has partnered with Flow Houseโby FlowRider to bring an entertainment venue to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. With a mix of indoor surfing, eateries. retail shops, and event spaces; and featuring stationary wave technology, tropical-themed entertainment, and a relaxed, beachy vibe, the partnerships aims to elevate the entertainment offering in the Kingdom. With an investment of over SAR50 billion, SEVEN aims to build 21 entertainment destinations across the Kingdom, offering innovative and world-classย experiences.
AlUla Skies Festival is back
The highly anticipated AlUla Skies Festival will take palce from 26 September 26 – 5 October in Saudi Arabia, with tickets on sale now. Promising an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views, adventure activities, and entertainment, attendees can expect to enjoy a host of acvities including hot air balloon flights at sunrise, evening hikes under the starry sky,the AlUla Stairway, and evening activities. Wellness experiences such as Under the Sky Meditation and stargazing meals will allow visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Headlining the festival is internationally renowned singer Amr Diab, who wll be performing on 27 September.
Tourism education training boost from Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is taking a major step to boost its tourism sector by evaluating and enhancing 102 education and training programs across the Kingdom. The project aims to improve sector efficiency and job prospects by achieving international and local accreditations for 31 programs and certifying 200 trainers and staff. Collaborating with global organisations like the UN World Tourism Organization, the initiative also aims to certify 37 Ministry of Tourism employees, aiming to strengthen the kingdom’s status as a leading global tourism destination by 2025.
Qatar
Qatar Travel Mart back for third year
Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) will be back its third edition from 25 – 27 November 2024 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Organised by NeXTfairs, the will bring together a wide mix of attendees and participants, including industry leaders, experts, academics, government representatives, and travel enthusiasts, to showcase the latest global travel and tourism offerings.
Latest Qatar calendar reveals diverse new events
Qatar has announced an extensive calendar of events for the coming year, designed to boost tourism and cultural engagement. From international sporting events to music festivals and art exhibitions, the calendar reflects Qatarโs commitment to establishing itself as a global hub for culture and entertainment.
Key highlights include the FIFA Club World Cup, Doha International Book Fair, and a series of concerts by internationally acclaimed artists. Alongside these events include trade fairs like the Lawazim Trade Fair, immersive exhibitions like ConteQ Expo 2024, and art workshops like the Diwani Intermediate Workshop. These events are set to attract a diverse array of visitors, further enhancing Qatar’s tourism appeal.
Wider MENA
Tรผrkiye’s tourism growth earns Prime Minister’s praise
Tรผrkiye’s tourism sector continues to soar, with Istanbul leading the charge as a top global destination. The country’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan, has praised the sector’s robust growth, highlighting Istanbul’s increasing appeal to international visitors. This dynamic rise in tourism is attributed to strategic investments, improved infrastructure and modernisation combined with Tรผrkiye’s rich cultural heritage, which together make the country an attractive destination year-round. The Prime Minister also recognised the increasing capacity for Istanbul to host global events such as the NATO and the U.N. Humanitarian Summit.
Egyptโs plans for a global spiritual sanctuary
Egypt has launched the ambitious Great Transfiguration Project aimed at transforming the ancient mountain region of St Catherine City into a global spiritual sanctuary. The project focuses on enhancing the area’s historical and religious significance while promoting sustainable tourism. By upgrading infrastructure and improving visitor facilities, Egypt aims to position St Catherine as a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world for environmental and medical tourism.
Key parts of the initiative include the Square which will host events and gatherings, a museum, and a Peace Building. Eco-lodges and a Mountain Hotel will offer various accommodation options and the project will feature 16 bazaars.
Moroccoโs strategic partnership to attract Chinese tourists
Moroccoโ National Tourism Office (ONMT) has set its sights on attracting more Chinese tourists through a new strategic partnership with the China-based marketing firm, Finn Partners. This collaboration aims to boost Morocco’s presence in the Chinese market, leveraging digital platforms and tailored marketing strategies.
With China emerging as a significant source of outbound tourism, Morocco is keen to tap into this lucrative market by highlighting its unique cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and luxury tourism experiences. This move is expected to significantly increase the number of Chinese visitors to Morocco in the coming years.
