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

Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways offer free stopover stays programme image DCT Abu Dhabi

Etihad, DCT Abu Dhabi to offer free stopover stays in emirate

ravellers can choose from a selection of hotels across the city for one or two nights as part of their online booking on the airline’s website

cyber incidents are a rising concern for travel, leisure and hospitality industry reveals Allianz GettyImages-1269232851

Cyber incidents pose key threat for travel, hospitality sectors, shows survey

The findings of the Allianz Risk Barometer are based on insights from 3,000 risk management professionals and leaders

Trending destinations for Middle East travellers in 2024; see list

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India and UAE remain the top travel destinations in 2024, revealed Wego, the online travel marketplace and travel app

UAE - GCC visa free travel

ATM 2024: UAE reveals details of GCC’s Schengen-styled ‘Grand Tours’ visa

The GCC Grand Tours visa will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region

Dubai says Q1 international visitors up 11% this year

Dubai says Q1 international visitors up 11% this year

The city reported 5.18 million international overnight visitors in Q1 2024

NEOM, Saudi Red Sea Authority sign marine tourism MoU

NEOM, Saudi Red Sea Authority to formulate marine tourism regulations

The partnership seeks to implement and activate joint initiatives to advance research, deliver innovation and enhance the visitor experience

How Red Sea Global is delivering Saudi tourism

Red Sea Global’s CEO shares how the firm is delivering on Saudi’s tourism agenda

John Pagano tells Gulf Business how “nature and the environment”, the most valuable assets on the company’s balance sheet, differentiate RSG from other destinations

Schengen visa process to go digital from 2028

Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Dubai sees strong overnight visitor numbers in Jan and Feb GettyImages-1417041621

Dubai receives 3.67 million overnight visitors in Jan-Feb

Dubai recorded 1.77 million international visitors in January, and 1.9 million in February, according to DET figures

dubai fireworks

Eid al Fitr 2024 fireworks across UAE: Where to watch it in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

From Dubai’s Global Village to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, fireworks will light up the night sky to mark Eid al Fitr 2024

Travel, tourism global contribution to hit record $11.1tn in 2024: WTTC

Travel, tourism global contribution to hit record $11.1tn in 2024: WTTC

In 2023, the travel and tourism sector accounted for 9.1 per cent share of the global GDP with a workforce of nearly 330 million

Travel tips from an expert - visa-free

Eid al Fitr holiday travel: Visa-free destinations for UAE residents

At the onset of 2024, Skyscanner witnessed record travel demand, outperforming the global flights market and emerging as the fastest-growing metasearch platform in 2023

Tourism

Abu Dhabi’s ambitious 2030 tourism strategy: GDP contribution at $90bn, over 178,000 jobs

The Tourism Strategy 2030 reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to transform its social and economic landscape

The Red Sea

Red Sea International Airport to receive its first flight from Dubai

The Red Sea, envisioned to comprise 50 resorts upon full completion in 2030, represents a significant step towards realising Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative

Louvre

Louvre Abu Dhabi draws over 1.2 million visitors in 2023

Since its opening in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has not only attracted art enthusiasts and collectors but also positioned the emirate as a global cultural hub

Abu Dhabi extends 10 per cent tourism tax waiver to boost events Image-courtesy-WAM

Abu Dhabi extends 10% tax waiver to boost events tourism

While enjoying the fee waiver, event organisers are mandated to secure event licenses through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System