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

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