Qatar Tourism reports major increase in visitor numbers across 2024
Travel & Hospitality
Saudi Hospitality
Saudi issues hospitality licence warning with fines of $267,000 for rulebreakers
Saudi Arabia underlines of importance of hospitality licences for tourism venues
Saudi Arabia looks to influencers to boost tourism sector
Saudi Arabia will partner with international social media influencers to highlight the Kingdom’s tourism sector
business travel
MENA business travel sector passes $17bn
Business travel has seen significant growth in the MENA region in 2024
e-visa
Thailand announces new visa rules for UAE residents
UAE residents will be offered e-visas when travelling to Thailand from January 1, 2025.
Culinary
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai food scene among “best in the world”, says Instachef Notorious Foodie
The city’s culinary growth has been “insane,” he added
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi welcomes 4.8mn guests in 2024, cultural visits rise by 21%
The strategy is built around four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulation
UAE
UAE tourism sector records robust growth in 2024
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that the UAE’s tourism sector will contribute AED 236 billion to the national economy by the end of 2024
Culinary
EXCLUSIVE: World-renowned home cook Notorious Foodie hints at Dubai-based culinary concept
Dubai has always been “home,” the influencer also revealed
Culinary
EXCLUSIVE: Why world-renowned home-cook Notorious Foodie has never revealed his real name
“It’s just always been food first,” the social media star said
Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai reopens after 2 years: Packages, prices, and new experiences unveiled
The attraction is open to the public for both corporate and private events
Christmas
Revealed: Top European destinations for UAE travellers on Christmas, NYE 2025
Moscow, London and Baku took the top spots this festive season
Branded residences
Minor Hotels to launch several branded residences in the region
A total 461 keys of branded residences to be launched alongside award-winning Anantara, Avani and Tivoli hotels in the GCC
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi partners with Trip.com to boost tourism
Trip.com supports Abu Dhabi tourism efforts
travel destinations
UAE outbound travel trends for festive season revealed
The most popular departure dates fall between December 14 and 18, as travellers opt to extend their holiday breaks for maximum enjoyment
GaStat
Saudi tourism growth continues with over 959,000 employed in the sector
Saudi statistics authority identifies increase in employment in Kingdom’s tourism sector
Abu Dhabi
France, Italy top visa destinations for UAE residents, data shows
New data shows France and Italy top UAE visa applications, but a surprising regional powerhouse came in third