Saudi Arabia wants tourism to account for 10 per cent of its national economy by the end of the decade
Travel & Hospitality
Mastercard
2025 travel trends: Nature, food and wellness drive holiday spending says Mastercard
Travel with purpose and currency fluctuation have an impact on holiday spending, according to Mastercard research
Saudi Arabia
Wyndham to launch 100 Super 8 hotels in Saudi Arabia
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts partners with Le Park Concord to introduce its Super 8 brand in Saudi Arabia, starting in 2026
Dubai
From Utah to Dubai: Shark Tank featured Cupbop to make Middle East debut ‘give Korean love’, says CEO
The CEO confirmed that the brand’s UAE partner has exclusive plans to expand Cupbop into Saudi Arabia as well
Dubai
EXCLUSIVE: Cupbop CEO reveals expansion plan, new Dubai menu flavours
Cupbop CEO Junghun Song revealed plans for Saudi expansion, a Dubai-specific menu ahead of its opening soon, and the brand’s wider GCC growth strategy
Branded hotels and residences
Marriott announces St. Regis Jeddah to open in 2030
Marriott International bringing its popular St. Regis brand to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia
gen z
Saudi Gen Z drive domestic tourism surge: Report
The report’s findings align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to increase domestic tourism to 55 million trips annually
UAE Eid holiday plan; Oman job rules; Disney headed to Abu Dhabi; Dubai real estate investment records – 10 things you missed this week
Plan your Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE, Abu Dhabi announces Disney theme park, Omanisation report, Dubai real estate record and more top news stories this week
Saudi Arabia
Women own nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality establishments: Report
This growth in women-owned businesses comes amid a broader expansion of commercial activity in Saudi Arabia
Accor
Fairmont announces 3 new hotel openings in Saudi Arabia
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will strengthen its Saudi footprint with new openings in The Red Sea, Al Khobar, and Madinah
Disney
Disney announces Abu Dhabi theme park
Abu Dhabi will host a new Disney Theme Park resort on Yas Island
halal
UAE sets $697bn Islamic bank target and aims for Halal export boost; Cabinet reviews tourism sector amid $122.5bn goal
UAE Cabinet meeting reviews Islamic finance, tourism and Hajj strategies
Brazil
Qatar Airways boosts Americas network with flights to Toronto and São Paulo
Qatar Airways expands flights to Canada and Brazil with updated and enhanced schedule
Aviation
Emirates to launch Dubai to Hangzhou flights as it boosts China flights to 49 per week
Emirates will increase China-UAE network with Dubai to Hangzhou flights
Dubai
Dubai private island Swedish Beach Palace opens for exclusive bookings
Located on The World Islands, the private development is open for bookings for events including weddings, corporate retreats, brand launches and high profile celebrations
AlUla
Saudi’s AlUla deepens tourism ties with China, Middle East via new DMC agreements
The announcement comes as AlUla continues to experience remarkable growth in visitation and global recognition
Radisson Hotel Group
Saudi Arabia taps Radisson Hotel Group to drive tourism growth, signs strategic MoU
The partnership envisages developing co-branded campaigns that spotlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions