Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the growth of international tourism receipts in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism.

The kingdom also placed third worldwide and second in the Middle East in growth of international tourist arrivals, highlighting its expanding role on the global tourism map.

During Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded a 102 per cent surge in international arrivals compared with Q1 2019, far exceeding the global average of 3 per cent and the Middle East’s 44 per cent, the UN report showed.

“This outstanding growth underscores Saudi Arabia’s position as a key player in both regional and global tourism and underlines its unwavering commitment to advancing the sector,” the report noted.

Growth aligned with Saudi’ Vision 2030 goals

The gains reflect Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.

The kingdom has significantly ramped up investment in tourism infrastructure, from mega projects like NEOM and the Red Sea to hosting major sporting and cultural events.

A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), produced in collaboration with Kearney and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, said tourism is set to outpace global economic growth. The sector is forecast to contribute $16tn to global GDP by 2034 — more than 11 per cent of the world economy, according to WTTC estimates.

Saudi Arabia is positioned at the forefront of this shift. “With its bold Vision 2030, strategic leadership, and record-breaking visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia is redefining how countries can leverage tourism for inclusive prosperity, cultural diplomacy, and long-term resilience,” the WEF report said.

Read: Saudi Arabia launches TOURISE, a global platform to reshape the ‘future of tourism’

Etihad Airways carried 1.8 million passengers in June 2025, a 16 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, reflecting continued strong demand and strategic network expansion.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s passenger load factor climbed to 88 per cent in June, up from 86 per cent a year earlier.

Etihad’s operating fleet now stands at 101 aircraft, enabling broader service enhancements across its growing network.

In H1 2025, 10.2 million passengers flew with Etihad, up 17 per cent from the same period in 2024.

The year-to-date average load factor is holding firm at 87 per cent, reflecting strong operational performance.

“We are pleased to see continued momentum in our growth,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “Passenger numbers in June increased by 17 per cent year-on-year in the first half of the year, maintaining our position as the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East.”

“Our rolling 12-month total has almost reached 20 million as our customers continue to place their trust in our service,” Neves added.

Etihad launches new routes in H1

In June, the airline launched new routes to Prague and Warsaw for the first time, while resuming five seasonal services to European holiday destinations: Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini, and Antalya.

The growth comes as Etihad continues to execute its transformation strategy focused on operational efficiency, premium customer experience, and profitable network expansion.

Read: Etihad launches flight to Atlanta, US; other route announcements

Dubai Municipality has completed landscaping and afforestation projects worth Dhs190m ($51.7m) across major road intersections in the emirate during the first half of 2025, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainability and its long-term urban development plans.

The large-scale works span more than 3 million square metres and include the planting of over 300,000 trees and seedlings, alongside 222,500 square metres of ground cover and flowers.

The projects are part of the Green Dubai initiative and align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aimed at enhancing public spaces and quality of life for residents and visitors.

Smart irrigation systems powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology have been integrated into the landscaping to optimise water use and operational efficiency. These include underground pump systems connected to remote-control networks, enabling real-time monitoring to ensure sustainable irrigation practices.

“Our aim is to reinforce Dubai’s distinctive urban and aesthetic identity and solidify its position as a leading sustainable global city,” said Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, DG of Dubai Municipality. “We seek to offer a vibrant and healthy living environment that upholds the highest standards of quality of life while maintaining harmony between the urban, architectural, and environmental landscape.”

Landscaping projects at key intersections

The landscaping focused on strategic locations such as the intersections of Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Sheikh Zayed Road’s 7th Interchange from Abu Dhabi, and Al Khawaneej Street at Al Amardi intersection. Key enhancements included decorative fencing and vertical lighting installations inspired by traditional Arab design.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the projects prioritised native and ornamental plant species suited to the local climate, many of which were cultivated in municipal nurseries.

Trees such as sidr, ghaf, neem, and bougainvillaea were among those planted.

As of Q1 2025, the authority oversees more than 5.5 million trees and seedlings, 8.7 million square metres of green areas, and 2 million square metres of seasonal flowers.

In 2024 alone, 216,500 trees were planted, averaging 600 new trees daily.

The city’s total green space reached 391.5 hectares in 2024, up from 234 hectares in 2023.

Kazakhstan has unveiled its first national supercomputer in a strategic partnership with UAE-based Presight, marking a milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The launch event, attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and top government and technology leaders, was developed by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, in collaboration with Presight, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s G42.

The supercomputer to support Kazakhstan’s AI and research ecosystem

Designed to support large-scale AI innovation, national data security, and cross-border cooperation, the supercomputer will serve as the technological backbone of Kazakhstan’s AI and research ecosystem. It will enable advanced research, model training, and digital infrastructure across Central Asia and beyond, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional hub for AI and cloud computing.

Magzhan Kenesbai, chief growth officer, and Maxat Koshumbayev, country manager for Kazakhstan, represented Presight at the launch. Kenesbai, while presenting to President Tokayev, said Kazakhstan has the foundational elements to emerge as a global leader in AI.

“Presight fully supports President Tokayev’s bold vision for digital transformation,” Kenesbai said. “The launch of the national supercomputer is a key milestone in a broader, strategic agenda to build a digitally empowered nation. Presight is proud to stand alongside Kazakhstan as a trusted partner in this nation-building effort.”

Kenesbai also briefed President Tokayev on Presight’s global initiatives, including the Stargate UAE project and the UAE-US AI Campus, and provided updates on the ongoing Astana Smart City project in partnership with the Akimat.

Presight Kazakhstan has over 50 specialists

The project includes construction of a data centre and command center at Alem.AI, and deployment of an AI analytics system.

Over 60 per cent of suppliers are local, and Presight Kazakhstan now employs more than 50 specialists.

The announcement signals Presight’s deepening investment in Kazakhstan through major infrastructure and smart city initiatives, with a focus on talent development, AI applications, and long-term in-country value creation.

DP World has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus. The deal, structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and fully owned by DP World, aims to modernise the port’s infrastructure and reestablish Tartus as a vital trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Under the agreement, DP World will invest $800m over the course of the concession to transform the port’s capabilities. Plans include the construction of new infrastructure, deployment of advanced cargo-handling equipment, and implementation of digital systems to improve operational efficiency at both the container and general cargo terminals.

The agreement was signed in Damascus in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, said: “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.”

Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, added: “This agreement marks an important step forward for the Port of Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector. Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people. The agreement reflects our shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and it will pave the way for sustainable growth for years to come.”

Read: DP World to invest $2.5bn in 2025 to expand global logistics footprint

Trade routes

Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port and plays a critical role in connecting trade routes to Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. The redevelopment is expected to significantly boost Syria’s trade potential, enabling the port to handle a wider variety of cargo including general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic.

DP World also plans to explore opportunities for developing free zones, inland logistics hubs, and transit corridors in partnership with local stakeholders. These initiatives aim to support Syria’s economic recovery and diversification efforts.

With operations in more than 75 countries and over 9.2 per cent of global container traffic handled through its network, DP World brings more than 40 years of experience in global logistics development. The Tartus project builds on the company’s growing portfolio and reinforces its presence in the Middle East.