News in the Middle East this week include Katy Perry to headline Yasalam After-Race Concerts at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, the UAE generating AED45 billion ($12 billion) in hotel revenues in 2024 and Saudi Arabia achieving a record-breaking travel account surplus of SAR49.8 billion ($13 billion). Other highlights include Disney’s Doha debut, Dubai’s new parking fees, and Abu Dhabi’s digital travel pass, showcasing the region’s continued growth and innovation in tourism.
Oman boosts tourism efforts
Oman is strengthening its tourism sector through various initiatives. The country welcomed over 80,000 Italian tourists in 2024, prompting the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to launch a 2025 promotional campaign featuring new tourism offices and partnerships to boost hotel occupancy. Additionally, Oman hosted the Italian Navy training ship Amerigo Vespucci in Muscat. The Ministry also organised a familiarisation trip for British travel event organisers, showcasing Oman’s potential as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination to attract corporate events and incentive travel from the UK.
Jordan Tourism Board launches historic getaway campaign
The Jordan Tourism Board has launched a new campaign showcasing short, immersive getaways to experience the kingdom’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The campaign outlines a three-day journey:
- Day one focuses on Amman, where visitors can explore the Citadel, hidden attractions in historic downtown, and savor local Levantine cuisine.
- Day two captures Petra’s mystique with visits to the Treasury, the Monastery, and an authentic lunch in Umm Sayhoun.
- Day three highlights Jordan’s verdant north, featuring the ancient Greco-Roman city of Jerash, the Jerash Festival, and scenic hikes in Ajloun’s olive groves.
Tourism investment is hot topic at AIM Congress 2025
At AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, ministers and global stakeholders convened for the Ministerial Roundtable on “Investment in Tourism: Shaping Tourism Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation.” The session, featured 13 speakers from countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia, Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, as well as representatives from UNCTAD, UN Tourism, and the World Economic Forum.
It focused on leveraging tourism for economic resilience, job creation, digital transformation, green financing, sustainable development, and the UAE’s aim to attract AED100 billion in new investments by 2031.
SRSA issues first yacht licenses for 2025
The first Yacht Chartering Company Licenses of 2025 have been issued to Hasco Marine Works Corp. and Al Ahlam Hotels & Marinas Tourism Company by The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA). These licenses aimed at regulating coastal tourism are issued after strict regulatory assessments for seaworthiness, safety, and environmental standards, bringing the total to five licenses issued by SRSA so far.
Meanwhile Aroya Cruises has recently been making waves with its new campaign as the first brand to feature Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriquez together.
Jordan to resume railway in Syria
The Jordan Hejaz Railway (JHR) is set to resume tourist services to Syria’s Daraa after thorough inspections along the Mafraq-Al Safr line, pending final coordination with Syrian authorities. JHR has also expanded its domestic routes to include popular destinations such as Umm Al Jimal, Al Jizeh, Qatraneh, and Wadi Rum, with an expected influx of over 50,000 passengers in 2025.
Dubai recognised as gastronomy capital ranking second in the world
Dubai solidified its status as a global gastronomy capital in 2024, ranking second worldwide after Paris. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s Gastronomy Industry Report highlighted 1,200 new restaurant licenses issued across a diverse culinary scene influenced by over 200 nationalities. A survey of over 1,100 diners revealed high satisfaction in variety (70%), innovation (61%), cultural heritage (58%), and world-class chefs (64%), with overall satisfaction at 62%. Digital engagement is strong, with a 23.5% surge in online food and beverage searches.
Abu Dhabi highlights Ramadan visitors and UFC
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomed nearly 1.9 million visitors during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, with over 2.6 million iftar meals distributed under the “Our Fasting Guests” initiative. The mosque also hosted cultural events, lectures, and a blood donation campaign, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is set to host UFC Fight Night on July 26 at Etihad Arena, offering exclusive hotel and ticket packages for an ultimate MMA experience.
Tunisia tourism his $425 million in Q1 2025
Tunisia’s tourism receipts reached 1,347 million dinars (approximately $425 million) during Q1 2025, up from 1,282 million dinars compared to Q1 last year. According to the Central Bank of Tunisia, this represents an increase of 65 million dinars in tourism receipts compared to March 2024.
Poland promotes Petra tourism
Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Fares Braizat, met with a high-level Polish media delegation in Amman to promote Petra as a premier global tourist destination and support recovery efforts. During the meeting, Braizat emphasised Petra’s status as a New World Heritage Site and outlined ongoing initiatives to enhance tourism services and infrastructure. Media Advisor Khaled Dalal detailed a joint strategy with the Jordan Tourism Board to elevate Petra’s international profile through media tours and influencer engagements, including immersive visits to local heritage sites.
Morocco tourism seals ‘Land of Football’ deal and appeals to North America
Morocco’s Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) have signed a strategic “Morocco, Land of Football” deal, aiming to leverage the nation’s passion for football to drive tourism growth and national pride by 2030. This groundbreaking partnership features coordinated promotional efforts with top football figures, an ambitious communication strategy, and plans to capitalise on global events like the 2025 tournaments and World Cup 2030.
Simultaneously, the ONMT is launching a major roadshow across North America from Toronto to Boston and Chicago designed to transform curiosity into tourism business, showcasing Morocco’s rich culture, cuisine, hospitality, and heritage. Enhanced air route connections, such as Montreal-Marrakech, New York-Marrakech, and Atlanta-Marrakech, further support Morocco’s appeal in the American market.
Virtuoso holds meet and greet dinner for Middle East members
Virtuoso hosted its inaugural meet-and-greet dinner for members in the Middle East and Africa at Atlantis The Royal Dubai. The exclusive event brought together key representatives from five of Virtuoso’s nine regional member agencies from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Welcome remarks by Brigid McDonnell and Kyp Charalambous emphasised the importance of building a connected, supportive network and fostering collaboration among members and preferred partners.
Egypt and France sign €70m Rubeiki–Belbeis railway project
Egypt and the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed an executive agreement supporting the €215 million Rubeiki – 10th of Ramadan – Belbeis railway project. With a €70 million credit facility from AFD and additional funding from the EBRD, the 63.5km line will connect Rubeiki Station to Belbeis through industrial zones and the 10th of Ramadan City’s dry port, featuring seven key stations. Construction progress is advancing for the railway that will service freight and passenger services, with 80% of bridges and 65% of viaducts completed.
16% increase in exhibitor participation for ATM 2025
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 will showcase the 9.5% tourism growth in Saudi Arabia, highlighted by a 16% increase in exhibitor participation. The event, featuring prominent exhibitors like Saudia, Riyadh Air, and Cruise Saudi, is set to attract 55,000 attendees and over 2,800 exhibitors. ATM 2025 will run from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Earlier this week…
Katy Perry to headline Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Concert, among other news from the emirate
Global pop icon Katy Perry is set to thrill audiences in Abu Dhabi as she headlines the Yasalam After-Race Concerts at Etihad Park on December 7, as part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The concert, exclusive to Abu Dhabi GP ticketholders, will feature Perry’s hit songs, including “Firework”, “Roar”, and “Dark Horse”, as part of her highly anticipated return to the global stage with a world tour in 2025. The Middle East’s GP season kicks off this weekend in Bahrain, where famous DJ, Peggy Gou will be performing on Saturday 12 April – guide here.
This exciting news comes as Abu Dhabi continues to rev up its tourism engine, with a trio of exciting developments underway. The Department of Culture and Tourism has launched a digital travel pass, offering a free 10GB SIM card, unlimited rides, and exclusive discounts, streamlining visitor experiences and eliminating paper tickets and reservations. Additionally, the city has completed AED 4 billion worth of mobility and network projects in 2024, including major road expansions, a new cycling track, and over 200 parks and beaches. The city is also set to host other top entertainment acts, including Hans Zimmer, who is adding an extra show date at Etihad Arena on June 1, 2025, following his sold-out performance on May 31.
Dubai’s drive on the roads, in health and in the arts
Dubai is revving up its innovation engine, with two major initiatives set to transform the city’s transportation and healthcare landscapes. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is launching self-driving taxi pilot trials in 2025, with the goal of making 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030. Meanwhile, a new MoU between the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) aims to boost Dubai’s status as a global medical tourism hub, with a focus on enhancing healthcare competitiveness, operational efficiency, and international standards.
Also, the 11th edition of World Art Dubai (WAD) is set to take place from April 17-20, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together over 400 artists and galleries from more than 65 countries. The fair promises four days of art, entertainment, and opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work. New additions include a VIP Preview and Hosted Buyer Programme, while new pavilions will represent countries such as Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Australia, and Estonia. The event will also feature live art demonstrations, workshops, and public art installations, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global cultural hub.
Cruise Travel Mart 2025 returns this week
Cruise Travel Mart 2025 returns for its fourth edition on 9 April at Shangri-La Dubai. The event will gather over 100 top travel agents from the UAE and GCC, alongside senior representatives from renowned cruise lines including Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Royal Caribbean, and more. Focused solely on cruise tourism, the trade show offers tailored sessions, interactive exhibits, and strategic brand exposure, fostering collaboration and delivering exclusive industry insights to boost the Middle East’s burgeoning cruise market.
UAE tourism hits $12bn in 2024 hotel revenue
UAE tourism generated AED45 billion ($12 billion) in hotel revenues in 2024, achieving a 3% YoY growth with occupancy rates reaching 78%. This performance was bolstered by 16 new hotels, increasing the total to 1,251 in seven emirates, and boosting hotel rooms by 3% to 216,966. This revenue came from the approximate 30.8 million hotel guests visiting the country, marking a 9.5% rise, and putting the UAE on track to meet its 2031 target of 40 million guests.
First World Travel Awards gala will be hosted in Bahrain
The World Travel Awards (WTA) will host its inaugural ceremony (The WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony) in Bahrain on 9 December, 2025, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event will gather global travel and tourism leaders to honour industry excellence as part of the WTA Grand Tour 2025. This debut highlights Bahrain’s growing tourism and MICE status, with the sector projected to contribute 11.4% of GDP by 2026.
Disney in Doha
Doha debuts “The Magic Box,” a 90-minute musical featuring over 75 Disney songs, at the Al Mayassa Theatre within the Qatar National Convention Centre. Running until 12 April, the production blends choreography, puppetry, and visuals to captivate audiences. Presented by Fever in collaboration with Proactiv Entertainment and Visit Qatar, the show is the tour’s fifth stop since its Buenos Aires launch in January 2024. Tickets start at QAR85 ($24), and are available for those aged three and above.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is on fire, with two major milestones achieved in 2024. Firstly, the Kingdom’s sporting events attracted a record 14 million tourists, generating SR22 billion ($5 billion) in spending and welcoming visitors from over 160 nationalities. This success is driving growth in the sector, with a 390% surge in tourism activity license applications following the announcement that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
The country’s tourism sector also achieved a record-breaking travel account surplus of SAR49.8 billion ($13 billion) in 2024, a 7.8% increase from 2023. This growth was driven by a 13.8% rise in inbound visitor spending, reaching an estimated SAR153.6 billion. The Ministry attributed this success to enhanced tourism services, best practices, and strong government collaboration, cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a major player in the global tourism industry.
KSA’s enhanced medical response amid travel ban and busy Umrah season
With a focus on safety, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas to nationals from 14 countries until mid-June to mitigate overcrowding during Hajj. Meanwhile, the Kingdom is boosting its healthcare readiness for the Umrah season by launching two dedicated air ambulance helipads at the Holy Mosque in Makkah, along with opening the state-of-the-art Al-Haram Emergency Hospital. These initiatives are designed to ensure a safer, more organised pilgrimage experience with rapid medical support for critical patients. Full story here.
WTTC welcomes Play Qiddiya City
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed Play Qiddiya City as its new Destination Partner. As the destination marketing and management organisation for Qiddiya City, it aims to establish the region as a global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture. WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson praised the innovative spirit of Qiddiya City, while Director General Ross McAuley highlighted its commitment to pushing boundaries with attractions like “The Blade” motorsports track, Falcon’s Flight rollercoaster, and Aquarabia water park.
Diriyah’s Q1 updates
Diriyah is fast transforming into a world-class destination that blends heritage with modern innovation. This quarter, it secured SAR 6 billion ($1.6 billion) in financing and a SAR 426.3 million ($113.6 million) partnership with Omrania for its iconic avenue district. It launched the Media and Innovation District and Armani Residences, and bolstered its Smart City initiatives through collaborations with INSEAD Abu Dhabi, Giza Systems, and IBM.
It took part in global showcases at MIPIM, LEAP 25, and WEF while also participating in record art auctions, cultural landmarks, sustainability awards, and partnerships with the likes of the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Saudi Electricity Company showing the ongoing commitment to preserving heritage and driving progress.
76 bus fleet in Jeddah now operational
A new fleet of 76 public transport buses began operation in Jeddah on 1 April, featuring eco-friendly electric models and upgraded buses focused on safety and comfort. Serving 14 main routes and 91 stops, these buses cover densely populated residential areas and major roads, including King Fahd Road and Prince Miteb Street, while connecting to Al-Balad Station.
Amaala and Islamic Art Biennale collaboration
Amaala, the ultra-luxury cultural and wellness destination along the Red Sea coast, is partnering with the Islamic Art Biennale (IAB) for its second edition in Jeddah. Running from 12 April to mid-May 2025, the collaboration features workshops, talks, and interactive sessions that explore the nexus of art, design, heritage, and wellbeing. Renowned experts and artists will engage in discussions on integrating nature with contemporary design, while programs like The Junkyard Art Factory encourage creative reuse.
