From a big clean-up, new eco-tourism destinations and wedding appeal to upskilling, strategic partnership and gastronomy tourism, we look at the different developments and events from around the region.
Yas coastal cleanup initiative
More than 250 volunteers came together for a beach cleanup at Al Bahya Beach β Al Sadr Slipway in Abu Dhabi. The initiative, organised by Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Department of Education, Miral and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, resulted in the removal of a whopping 961kg of waste. During the cleanup, volunteers learned about the detrimental effects of ocean pollution; and to highlight the impact of their efforts, participants also sorted and weighed the collected waste.
RAK strengthen ties with China’s Guangdong province
Ras Al Khaimah and Guangdong province have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation in various sectors including culture, tourism and smart city development. During the signing ceremony, Guangdong Governor, Wang Weizhong, highlighted the strong historical ties and robust economic relationship between both cities, with the UAE being Guangdong’s top trading partner, and the UAE the largest investor in Guangdong. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, recently visited Guangdong Province on a four-day visit. By strengthening ties between the two regions, both parties aim to drive economic growth, promote innovation, and enhance cultural exchange.
1st International MICE Summit in Riyadh
The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) will take place in Riyadh from 15-17 December 15-17, 2024. Bringing together more than 1,000 industry leaders, including MICE professionals, suppliers, associations, government officials, and disruptors, the three -day summit, hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), themed “Expanding Horizons,” will offer attendees plenty of opportunity to network, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions for the ever-evolving niche.
Saudi Arabia’s MICE industry witnessed significant growth in 2023, with a 15% increase in events welcoming moer than 20 million people. To further bolster this sector, the Kingdom has launched a 588 million SAR (US$156 million) incentive program to support marquee events in 2025.
Also read: MICE in MENA: how are hotels stacking up?
Oman’s Suhar festival a hit
Oman’s Suhar Festival, hosted by the Sohar Entertainment Centre, kicked off earlier this weel to coincide with the Sultanate of Oman’s 54th National Day. Inaugurated by Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North, the festival will run till 3 January 2025. Visitors can look forward to more than 35 activities on the Grand Stage, 40 activities on the Children’s Theatre, and 105 more experiences peppered across the heritage villages, such as heritage shows, sports competitions and international championships, musical fountains and much much more.
Urdunna Jannah boosts Jordan’s domestic tourism
Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has shared that their domestic tourism initiative, Urdunna Jannah (Our Jordan is Paradise), attracted more than 300,000 participants since launching at the beginning of the year. The program, implemented in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, offers subsidised travel packages to various destinations across the Kingdom, including free transportation and discounted rates on accommodation and activities.
With the aim to stimulate domestic tourism and support the local economy, regions such as Petra, which have been impacted by a decline in international visitors, have no doubt benefited from the program. The program also saw the Ajloun Governorate emerging as a top destination. So far, the program saw the use of 10,000 tourist buses and involved 170 tourism offices, 111 restaurants, and 89 accommodation facilities, including hotels and camps.
DCT Abu Dhabi launches e-learning platform in Hindi
DCT Abu Dhabi’s ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts‘ e-learning platform is now available in Hindi. Providing agents with a range of tools and material to help enhance their skills and knowledge on Adu Dhabi, the platform is designed for flexibility, allowing users to access content from various devices.
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Earlier this week
Bahrain wraps up region’s 1st UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism
The ninth edition of the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism took place in Bahrain from 18-19 November. Held for the first time in the Middle East, the event brought together more than 500 participants from around the world, including renowned chefs, policymakers, and industry experts. Attendees delved into various topics including the role of gastronomy tourism, attended masterclasses and demonstrations, and learned about developing different kinds of culinary tourism experiences.
Sarah Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, also took the opportunity to highlight that the Kingdom’s culinary heritage, shaped by its history as a trading hub, has given birth to a βbeautiful fusion of East and Westβ. She encouraged attendees to join forces and unleash the full potential of gastronomy tourism and added that Bahrain’s rich culinary landscape, combined with the government’s strategic focus on gastronomy tourism, is driving significant growth in the sector, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Catch up on full story and videos here
Oman to develop more eco-tourism destinations
Oman’s Environment Authority has announced three investment opportunities in Al Saleel Natural Park to promote eco-tourism destinations to further boost international tourism in the Sultanate. The plan is to develop a 220 sqkm reserve 57 km from Sur that will not only be home to the Arabian gazelle and wolves, wild cats, and variety of turtles and birds,, but also feature three types of geographical terrains for visitors to enjoy β alluvial plains peppered with acacia and gum trees, verdant valleys and mountains. Guests will also be able to enjoy the campsite, beekeeping facilities, and safari tours.
The South al Sharqiyah Governorate is also working on tourism projects including the expansion of Sur Industrial City, the completion of the Sharqiya Expressway, and the development of Al Falah Hospital in Jalan. With the development of the Mebam Tourism Village, a fishing port in Tiwi, the ancient city of Qalhat, Al Ajhah Beah; as well as the rejuvenation of Al Hira, Al Kamil and Al Wafa, the government is aiming to not only elevate the lifestyle of residents, but also boost the local economy with more jobs, investments and visitations.
RAK to host 14th Exotic Wedding Planning Conference
Ras Al Khaimah is gearing up to host the 14th Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) from 26-28 February 2025. This would be the second time the emirate is welcoming the conference, which attracts more than 500 attendees from 80+ countries. Already, more than 35 speakers and 100 exhibitors are confirmed for the event, promising visitors an unparalleled opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Attendees can look forward to meeting top-tier vendors, representives from different destinations along with a host of exhibitors showcasing the latest trends in wedding planning, design, and luxury experiences, while enjoying RAK’s offering as a wedding destination.
EWPC had also shared the many reasons RAK is an ideal destination to tie the knot, including:
- The “plethora of mouth-watering dining options” available
- the city’s “outstanding hospitality towards guests ensuring their comfort and making sure they feel cared for”
- Its “wide array of activities and entertainment for couples”
- The city’s simplified legal processes for civil marriages via its Wedding Certification Program
- Its many luxurious resorts and experiences designed for couples
DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance knowledge exchange with the National Library and Archives
The DCT Abu Dhabi and the National Library and Archives have signed an MoU to enhance cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange. With the aim to enrich the cultural landscape of the UAE through joint activities and events, promote cultural sustainability, and preserve Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, both organisations will work together to establish awareness and training workshops, develop community responsibility programs; and enhance Arabic language literacy as well as innovative experiences in the field of culture and museums.
Jordan’s tourism income declines
Jordan‘s tourism revenue for the first 10 months of 2024 was recorded at $6.153 billion, representing a decline of 4.4% compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease is primarily attributed to a 6.6% drop in tourist arrivals, due to flight cancellations amidst regional conflicts. However, there was positive growth with a 6.2% increase in tourism revenue from Jordanian expatriates, and a 11.6% improvement from Arab visitors. To manage the current challanges, Jordan is working on reaching further east with its marketing efforts in East Asia.
