Saudi mountains, Crimean beaches beckon for staycations in Covid-times

As the Covid-19 pandemic dented international travel and tourism, companies look to capture domestic spending that normally goes abroad

Private Aviation

How the private aviation sector in the Middle East is responding to the Covid-19 crisis

Pre-pandemic estimates suggested that there are approximately 800 private jets registered in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

Dubai tourism chief expects ‘aggressive’ bounce back this year

Dubai has allowed holiday-makers to resume flying into the emirate from July 7

Dubai tourists

Dubai reopens to international tourists

Airports in Dubai were closed to international visitors in late March

Saudi Arabia’s fiscal crisis won’t slow $20bn project

The Diriyah Gate project plans to turn the ancestral home of the royal family into a sprawling tourism, culture and entertainment destination

Bollywood park, Dubai parks and resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts to stay closed in summer, reopen on September 23

The company said it will for focus on developing 12 new rides and completion of maintenance works during the closure

dubai-international-airport-runway

UAE residents and citizens cannot travel abroad for tourism

Residents who wish to visit their home countries and return to the UAE will be permitted to do so

Dubai residents planning to travel abroad must get a permit in order to return

Residents do “not need a Covid-19 test or Dubai government approval to leave Dubai”

Next few weeks to be a ‘big test’ for aviation industry – Emirates’ Sheikh Ahmed

The Dubai-based carrier’s chairman and CEO confirmed that the airline would expand its services to additional destinations

Saudi Arabia starts $4bn tourism development fund

The country expects the tourism industry to contribute more than 10 per cent of its annual GDP and create more than 1 million jobs by 2030

Dubai tourists residents covid-19

Dubai to welcome tourists from July 7, unveils new travel protocols for all residents and citizens

Foreign nationals possessing residency visas issued in Dubai can return to the emirate starting Monday, June 22

Abu Dhabi launches Covid-19 self-assessment safety certification for hotels, tourist destinations

The certification will cover malls, theme parks, restaurants and public spaces too

UAE outlines conditions under which residents, citizens can travel abroad

Travel will be permitted to specific destinations and for pre-determined categories of people starting June 23

Sweeping relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in Dubai; children, elderly allowed in shopping malls

The new measures are in effect beginning Thursday, June 18

Dubai allows waterparks to reopen with limited capacity

All attractions, including rides and slides can reopen

Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for reopening museums, cultural sites

Visitor occupancy must not exceed 40 per cent of the total capacity at these facilities

All residents returning to Dubai to be quarantined for 14 days

They will be tested for Covid-19 at the airport itself and will have the option to quarantine at home or a hotel

Hotel Data Cloud

UN recognises Dubai tech startup for efforts to spur tourism industry

Hotel Data Cloud also disseminates information regarding hotels’ ongoing precautionary measures to protect against the Covid-19 virus

Covid-19 impact on the GCC’s travel and tourism sector: When will it pick up again?

The travel and tourism industry has indisputably faced the biggest brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic. Are there answers on when things will improve?

Video: Dubai Fountain resumes shows with social distancing measures

The attraction was closed in March due to Covid-19 restrictions

Saudi extends tourist visas for three months free of charge

The kingdom suspended all international flights in March

Burj Khalifa[2] dubai

Dubai Tourism outlines steps for post-pandemic recovery plan

The virtual meeting was attended by representatives from the city’s aviation and hospitality sectors

Abu Dhabi launches clean certification programme for tourism

The certification programme will be rolled out in phases, the first of which will be dedicated to hotels in Abu Dhabi

Danielle Curtis Arabian Tavel Market

Dubai trade show Arabian Travel Market announces three-day virtual event in June

It will feature speed networking sessions, interviews with aviation keynote speakers and pre-recorded on-demand roundtables

Burj Khalifa[2] dubai

Dubai likely to start opening up for tourists in July

The reopening will likely start gradually and could be delayed until September, depending on global trends

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre announces new measures to support businesses

A full refund will be offered to exhibitors on cancelled events and where a new schedule is not feasible for the participants

Dubai trade event Arabian Travel Market cancels 2020 edition

The next edition of the region’s largest travel fair will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 16-19, 2021

Ajman Crown Prince postpones all business fines; announces new economic incentives

The new economic stimulus package provides relief to businesses operating across foreign trade, customs, tourism and real estate sectors

Revealed: World’s best and worst passports for travel in 2020

The UAE passport has seen the biggest rise on the list

Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Virtual Tour: Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The 60-second video includes dramatic sweeping aerial footage of the 41-square-kilometre park and its animals including cheetahs, giraffes and gazelles