#tourism

Saudi wealth fund commits $3bn to build mega mountain resort project, Soudah

Soudah Development will build 2,700 hotel rooms and 1,300 homes in an area that includes Soudah, the tallest peak in Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi removes Saudi Arabia from ‘green list’, destinations cut to 10

Passengers arriving from the green list are exempt from mandatory quarantine measures

Kuwait entry ban

Kuwait suspends entry of foreigners until further notice

Kuwaiti nationals will continue to be allowed entry, but will be subject 14 days of quarantine, seven days of which will be in an institution

Brexit and the GCC – What lies ahead?

With Brexit having come into full effect on January 1, how will the UK’s ties with the GCC evolve?

Aerial View of Coral Bloom Concept

In pics: Saudi’s Red Sea project unveils ‘Coral Bloom’ design for gateway island

Upon completion in 2030, the Red Sea project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company

ADNEC to oversee two Anantara properties in Abu Dhabi

It takes the total number of hotels under ADNEC’s umbrella to five, including Aloft Abu Dhabi, Andaz Abu Dhabi Capital Gate and Aloft London Excel

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi reduces number of ‘green list’ countries that do not require quarantine

Some of the countries removed from the ‘green list’ include Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Maldives and Thailand

Abu Dhabi Covid-19 restrictions

Covid-19: Abu Dhabi issues new restrictions for tourism, commercial and economic activities

All parties and gatherings are now banned indefinitely

Scat Airlines Kazakhstan Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah inks agreement with Scat Airlines for direct flights to eight cities in Kazakhstan

The airline will commence direct flights from March between Ras Al Khaimah and Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Aktobe, Aktau, Atyrau, Uralsk, Karaganda and Shymkent

Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021: Registration begins

Hotel registration is now underway, with the event scheduled to take place in May

Saudi Arabia to start tracking tourism’s contribution to economy

The Tourism Establishment Survey will provide data on the industry, including the size of the workforce, pay and revenue and expenditure

Dubai airport

Covid-19: Dubai updates travel protocols for all inbound passengers

The validity period for PCR tests has been reduced from 96 hours to 72 hours

Abu Dhabi modifies ‘green list’ destinations, adds Australia and removes Kuwait

Passengers arriving from the green list are exempt from mandatory quarantine measures

Covid-19: Dubai announces new restrictions for restaurants, gyms and events

Attendance at parties and weddings will be limited to first-degree relatives

Dubai hotels and restaurants to cease entertainment activities until further notice

The suspension comes into effect from Thursday, January 21

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi plans Tel Aviv flights from Feb with fares starting from Dhs99

The low-cost carrier begins operations from Abu Dhabi this month

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed launches DEWA’s space programme and Hatta tourism projects

The Space-D programme will include the launch a main satellite with the latest imaging and communication technologies

King Fahd Causeway re-opening to add ‘billions’ to Bahrain economy

Saudi citizens will be permitted to travel via air, land and sea from March 31 2021

In pics: Abu Dhabi’s Al Qana project, featuring region’s largest aquarium, now 90% complete

Spread across 2.4km, the waterfront destination is expected to open this year

Fireworks

Abu Dhabi to host fireworks across the emirate on New Year’s Eve

Shows will be held at the Corniche, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Wathba on Thursday night

Dubai airport

UAE extends tourist visa validity for additional month for free

The move aims to support tourists in the UAE since many countries have implemented temporary airport closures

First winners of UAE’s ‘World’s Coolest Winter Challenge’ announced

Participants invited to post images or short videos of their winter activities across the UAE

Revealed: Where to catch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Dubai

Popular spots in and around the city will light up the sky to celebrate the start of 2021

Abu Dhabi updates entry guidelines for visitors, international tourists

The emirate has said Covid-19 testing centres located at entry points will now be closed

Rabbi Marc Schneier

This rabbi is bringing American Jews to the GCC. Here’s why

Rabbi Marc Schneier is launching new tourism initiatives in the GCC

Switzerland Tourism

How visitors from the GCC can turnaround the Swiss tourism industry

The Swiss tourism industry, rattled by the Covid-19 pandemic, is plotting a hard-fought comeback beginning this winter

Dubai UAE ALSAADA Tourist card

Dubai’s GDRFA unveils new ALSAADA Tourist card

The card will offer exclusive privileges, discounts, and promotions to tourists visiting Dubai and will be distributed free of charge

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed launches the UAE’s first federal domestic tourism campaign

The UAE’s domestic tourism sector contributed Dhs41.2bn to the national economy in 2019

Riu Dubai 1[2] copy

New 4-star all-inclusive Riu Dubai resort opens at Nakheel’s Deira Islands

Riu Dubai has 800 rooms and suites, most with a sea view

Abu Dhabi City United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi to resume all activities in two weeks

All economic, tourism, cultural and entertainment activities to resume in a fortnight