Raki Phillips on how RAKTDA is partnering with Huawei to boost tourism

Raki Phillips on how RAKTDA is partnering with Huawei to boost tourism

The CEO says Huawei provided invaluable support in crafting the right messaging, focusing on what would resonate most with Chinese tourists

Travel to US to get easier for UAE citizens; here's why

Travel to US to get easier for UAE citizens: here’s why

Emirati citizens who apply and are approved for the Global Entry programme will benefit from expedited entry at 75 airports across the US and other participating countries

Saudi Arabia leads G20 in international tourist growth in 2024 

Saudi leads G20 nations in tourist growth from Jan-July

This surge follows a robust performance in 2023, when the kingdom welcomed 27.4 million tourists, a 56 per cent rise from 2019

Yas Island Airport Lounge unveiled at Zayed International Airport

Yas Island debuts arrival lounge at Zayed International Airport; details here

Yas Island Lounge will welcome visitors headed to the destination with all the information they need to start planning their adventure

Emaar The Economic City unveils SAR8.7bn COP, focuses on transformation

Emaar The Economic City unveils SAR8.7bn COP, focuses on transformation

The plan, developed based on extensive assessment and analysis, aims to provide a comprehensive solution to stabilise the company’s financial and operational platforms

Emirates debuts service to Madagascar

Emirates debuts service to Madagascar via Seychelles

The maiden flight, EK707, touched down at Ivato International Airport on September 3 and was celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute

Hatta Mountain Trails

Adventure tourism: Dubai completes Hatta Mountain Trails; see details

Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned cyclist, these scenic trails offer a unique way to explore the rugged beauty of Hatta’s mountainous landscape

Singapore's Resorts World Cruises to launch cruises from Dubai

Singapore’s Resorts World Cruises to launch cruises from Dubai

Resorts World Cruises’ RW1 will embark from Dubai, providing a range of itineraries, including visits to popular destinations such as Sir Bani Yas, Doha, Khasab and Muscat

Abu Dhabi hotels visitor numbers for H1 2024 reported -GettyImages-

Abu Dhabi hotels receive 2.4 million guests between Jan-May

Abu Dhabi city accounted for the bulk of the guests, hosting 2.179 million, while Al Ain attracted circa 169,000 guests, and Al Dhafra welcomed around 64,000 guests

Qatar airways to increase flights to key cities in winter season Image Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways to increase flights to London, Male, Miami, Tokyo

The flight services to key international destinations, including London, Male, Miami, and Tokyo, will be launched for the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season

Travel, tourism visa applications

We’re making visa applications as easy as booking a flight: Atlys CEO

With offices across three continents, Atlys has processed over 1.2 million visas for over a 100 countries

Schengen visa process to go digital from 2028

UAE residents flock to Europe: Schengen visa applications surge by 20%

The increase in visa applications coincides with the peak travel season, influenced by favourable European weather and major events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics

UAE visa amnesty scheme

UAE: What is the new visa amnesty scheme?

The upcoming amnesty will particularly support those who have remained in the UAE beyond the grace period

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

From vision to reality: The transformational journey of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

The Emirates Park Zoo and Resort has evolved from being a modest petting zoo to being home to over 220 wildlife animals

Wynn Al Marjan Island

Inside Wynn Resorts’ plans for the UAE’s first legal casino destination

Wynn Al Marjan Island, developed in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, is set to be the first integrated gaming resort in the MENA region

Dubai prime

Dubai’s tourism boom: 9.31 million visitors in H1 2024

Dubai’s hotel sector continues to perform well, with an average occupancy rate of 78.7 per cent, up from 77.7 per cent in the same period in 2023

UAE tourist visa - health insurance - Getty Images

Coming soon: UAE to roll out health insurance with tourists visas

As per the ICP announcement, tourists will be able to obtain health insurance while applying for their visas, through the ICP website or the app

Saudi Arabia welcomes 60 million visitors in H1 2024

Saudi Arabia welcomes 60 million visitors in H1 2024

Saudi Arabia witnessed a 22.9 per cent increase in visitor spending in Q1 2024 compared to the previous year

Air Arabia to launch direct flights to Maldives

Air Arabia to launch direct flights to Maldives

Scheduled to commence operations on October 27, the daily flights will be serviced by an Airbus A320 aircraft

UAE PASSPORT

UAE ranks in top 10 of world’s most powerful passports according to Henley Index

The ranking marks a significant rise for the UAE, which has climbed from 62nd to 9th position, over the past 18 years

INDONESIA

Indonesia and UAE forge $3bn tourism development deal

The MoU, effective for one year with the possibility of extension, does not specify a fixed timeline for the $3bn investment

Diriyah awards $2bn contract for mixed-use district

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah awards $2bn contract for mixed-use district

The contract was awarded to a joint venture to build educational institutions, cultural venues, offices and a luxury hotel

From bricks to big plans, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort's Tim Harrison-Jones shares details

From bricks to big plans, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort’s Tim Harrison-Jones shares details

The general manager of LEGOLAND Dubai Resort tells us why the destination remains a favourite with guests of all ages from across the world

Jebel Ali Beach Development Project gets green light; see details

Jebel Ali Beach Development Project gets green light: see details

The project aims to create a unique recreational beachfront with an emphasis on protecting the environment and supporting sustainability and eco-tourism goals

Dubai Tourism's Issam Kazim on showcasing Brand Dubai

Dubai’s tourism triumph: Issam Kazim on the strategy driving Brand Dubai

The CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing, shares the strategies, innovations and vision that continue to drive Dubai’s success as the world’s top tourist destination

Travelling to Europe this summer? Use Uber's new boat services

Visiting Europe this summer? Try Uber’s new boat services

Tourists will be able to use the Uber app to access new nautical experiences in Ibiza, Venice, Athens, Paris, Corfu and Santorini

Staycations rise, visitors staying longer in Middle East, reveals travel report

Staycations rise, visitors staying longer in Middle East, reveals travel report

The emphasis on regional travel, unique experiences and budget-friendly options like cruises are set to shape the future of tourism in 2024 and beyond

Celebrating 'Days of Culture of the UAE' in Moscow

Celebrating ‘Days of Culture of the UAE’ in Moscow

Held from June 28 to July 2, Days of Culture of the UAE is initiated by the UAE Embassy in Russia and the Moscow Government

Egypt: AD Ports, Red Sea Port Authority ink cruise terminals deal to boost tourism

The agreement, which includes a total investment of $4.7m over the next 15 years, aims to make the terminals operational by 2025

Saudi Arabia e visa

Saudi eVisa update: New countries and categories added to the list

The announcement marks the latest expansion of Saudi’s eVisa programme