Category Archives: Govt

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in a special interview with TravelTV Middle East shared that travel agents can  now make use of the smart portal to apply and obtain approval for bulk tourist visa within a few minutes with the new system in place. Lt.Colonel Dr. Ghalib Abdullah Hassan Al Majed Al Marri, Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence reiterated, “the new visa issuance application which process all the entry permits through AI solutions within 3 to 10 minutes with this new system. Travel agents apply through the smart portal, the main AI system  is comparison of pictures which is a new solution which expedite the process. The good part of this new solution is that you can obtain approval for bulk visa within a few minutes instead of the earlier time period. Before, if you had 100 or 200 tourists who needed entry visa you had to send each one for approval but with this new system, travel agents can obtain approval within minutes as it becomes one application through the new system.”

In a significant milestone, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia have announced the extension of their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic agreement, follows last year’s successful Global Summit in Riyadh and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to further enhance its Travel & Tourism sector. Saudi Arabia is committing a staggering $800 billion to unlock the full potential of its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures for travellers worldwide. This landmark agreement unites private and public sectors in a concerted effort to craft a sustainable blueprint for growth. The MoU, signed today during the Kingdom’s World Tourism Day event in Riyadh, solidifies the collaboration between WTTC and Saudi Arabia, focusing on advancing key objectives, including the promotion of job creation, talent development, and global business opportunities within Travel & Tourism. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Through the signing of this MoU, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia embark on a new chapter of cooperation, uniting our expertise to shape a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism sector. “Together, we can continue to create a powerful synergy that will open doors to endless opportunities, benefiting travellers, businesses, and destinations alike.”

Saudi Arabia was officially granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the People’s Republic of China. The bilateral agreement, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia allows Chinese citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia in group tours in addition to facilitating greater ease of access to the Kingdom. The achievement of Approved Destination Status is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia that will drive greater connectivity between the Kingdom and China and unlock new opportunities across the tourism ecosystem. The announcement comes after continued bilateral ties between both nations, including the success of the Arab-China Business Conference and the Saudi-China Roadshow earlier this year, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to become an economic and strategic partner to China. Following the signing ceremony in Beijing in the presence of His Excellency Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to China, Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Tourism Authority and Du Jiang, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, P.R. of China. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, The Tourism Minister of Saudi Arabia said, “Underpinned by China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – a historic reform blueprint aimed at driving forward meaningful economic and social development – China and Saudi Arabia are unlocking limitless opportunities and driving forward mutually beneficial collaboration. The ADS status is expected to significantly boost inbound travel from China, creating greater ease of access needed to reach Saudi Arabia’s target of attracting 3 million Chinese tourists by 2030. Today signifies the culmination of months of dedicated efforts between our nations, encapsulating our enduring and historic bilateral relations, which is built on the foundation of shared vision and mutual interests. China’s expansive connectivity vision …

An official UAE delegation led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will be in France this week to explore further development of economic partnerships between the two countries. The visit will focus on enhancing partnerships in the sectors of trade, entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, travel, new and circular economies, education, health, energy, anti-money laundering, space, AI, and intellectual property in particular. H.E. Bin Touq will hold several bilateral meetings with French ministers, officials, and private sector representatives to further enhance the economic and trade relations between the two sides by exploring more promising investment opportunities. The Minister of Economy will also participate in a meeting with the private sector, which will also be attended by several officials from both sides, to highlight the promising investment and commercial opportunities offered by the UAE economy. It will turn the spotlight on the advantages that the UAE’s business environment offers to investors and entrepreneurs, especially since French investments in the UAE continue to grow. More than 12,500 French economic licenses are active in the UAE as of July 10, 2023. H.E. Bin Touq will visit some of the largest business incubators and accelerators in France, namely ‘Station F’ and the ‘Airbus’ Creative Center to exchange experiences and best practices in entrepreneurship, startups and technology, and to learn more about their operations. In addition, he will visit the First Abu Dhabi Bank branch in France.

The Uruq Bani Ma‘arid Reserve in Saudi Arabia has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as announced by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Chairman of the Heritage Commission. The decision was taken during the extended 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh between the 10th and 25th of September. The successful nomination of the site marks Saudi Arabia’s very first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and celebrates the Kingdom’s continued efforts to protect and maintain its natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. The Minister congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership on this monumental international inscription. The inscription came on the back of unwavering support for culture and heritage in the Kingdom and reflects Saudi Arabia’s vast culture and biodiversity across its regions. Praising the joint national efforts that supported the site inscription, the Minister also emphasised Saudi’s commitment to the conservation of natural heritage and the sustainable development of natural heritage. This commitment highlights the importance of natural heritage and its strategic importance to Saudi Vision 2030. His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud said: “The inscription of the Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the first Natural Heritage Site in the Kingdom contributes to highlighting the importance of natural heritage on a global scale and reflects the outstanding value of the Reserve.” Situated along the western edge of ar-Rub al-Khali (The Empty Quarter), Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve occupies an area of over 12,750 km2 and is the only major sand desert in tropical Asia and the largest continuous sand sea …

Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala, has become the first company in Saudi Arabia to receive the prestigious Mostadam Diamond Certification for its flagship Turtle Bay Hotel. Mostadam’s expertise and guidance is playing a pivotal role in creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom. Red Sea Global has worked closely with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing to help define the innovative Mostadam criteria. Together, they are creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom, paving the way for a more sustainable and ecologically responsible housing sector for current and future generations. This esteemed accolade, received under the patronage of HE Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hoqail, recognizes RSG’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and green building practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy uptake, water use efficiency, improved connectivity, enhanced health and comfort, as well as integrated construction waste management. The hotel comprises 144 keys arranged in multiple blocks overlooking the Red Sea. “We consistently embrace sustainable practices in our developments, from design through to operations. We have chosen to power our destinations using 100% renewable energy sources and are incorporating state-of-the-art waste management systems into our infrastructure. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, regenerative tourism development and environmental stewardship.” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Red Sea Global has constructed 5 solar farms to enable the first phase of The Red Sea to be off grid powered solely by sunlight, with more than 760,000 solar panels, in place. The group also announced a multi-utilities concessions agreement for Amaala this week, and across the two destinations, expects to save one million tons …

Effective until 29 February 2024, the five-month stimulus visa scheme is aimed to help reach this year’s tourism revenue target of 2.38 trillion Baht. The Royal Thai Government led by Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin has announced the temporary tourist visa exemption scheme to passport holders of the People’s Republic of China and Republic of Kazakhstan effective from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024, to achieve this year’s tourism revenue target of 2.38 trillion Baht. Chinese and Kazakhstani nationals will be granted a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay on tourism purpose in Thailand during the five-month visa exemption period.

Oman Arab Bank (OAB) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) have sealed a strategic partnership to solely finance the upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat, currently being developed adjoining the Sustainable City – Yiti. This marks the latest landmark project that the bank has financed in the Sultanate of Oman, further supporting the country’s advancement across developmental, economic and sectors. Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, said: “We are proud to partner with OMRAN Group to bolster the nation’s hospitality sector. The bank has a proven track record of handling large-scale, complex projects and catalyzing economic diversification efforts that are aligned with the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040. Economic diversification is vital to stimulate Oman’s sustainable development at a global level and this project represents another step forward on that journey.” OMRAN Group’s CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi, said: “We are excited to be working with Oman Arab Bank to see the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat project through to its successful completion. This resort is part of our continued endeavor to build on the nation’s position as a preferred global destination for tourists. It is a landmark development widely considered to be one of the most significant additions to Oman’s luxury hospitality sector. It will undoubtedly play a vital role in pushing Oman’s tourism sector to reach its full potential, which aligns with OMRAN Group’s commitment to developing exceptional and sustainable destinations.” Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat will feature 140 hotel rooms and 30 villas with private pools. Facilities will include the beach club, three signature restaurants, three swimming pools, a spa, gym and marina. Founded in 1998, Nikki Beach is a global concept …

Qatar Tourism  announced that Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim has been named its new brand ambassador, with Barshim, the only high jumper to recently set a record of five medals at the World Championships, being the new face of Qatar Tourism’s promotional campaigns between now and September 2024. Commenting on the announcement, Sheikha Hessa Al Thani, Head of Marketing and Planning at Qatar Tourism, said: “At its core, the tremendous sporting achievements of our global champion Mutaz Barshim reflect Qatar’s ambitions on the world stage. A name that has become synonymous with victory, dedication to work and the constant pursuit of more glory, this partnership stems from our shared values and commitment to excellence. We are extremely proud to have Barshim as one of Qatar Tourism’s brand ambassadors and to be a true embodiment of Qatar’s limitless capabilities.” Olympic and world champion, Mutaz Barshim, said: “I am very honoured and proud to be a brand ambassador for Qatar Tourism. My country has supported me since the beginning of my career, and this is an opportunity to express my deep gratitude and give it back some favor. This partnership reflects a kind of complementarity between my ambitions and Qatar Tourism’s goals, which promote the rich cultural heritage of our beloved country and highlight leading global events. I am very excited to take on this responsibility and represent my country and very excited to introduce the world to Qatar’s attractions and destinations.” Following the successful conclusion of the ‘Summer in Qatar’ season, which was packed with events and entertainment, which also saw the launch of the Qatar Games Festival, the first of its kind in the country, as well as the …

ADNEC  Group, through its tourism arm Tourism 365, has launched new charter flight services in the UAE, enhancing travel options for international tourists from multiple destinations while propelling the UAE’s hospitality offering and reputation as a premier global destination. This premium new service, available from Europe and central Asia, is poised to increase visitor arrivals to the UAE, while further solidifying ADNEC Group’s position as a key player in the regional tourism sector. The new charter service complements the group’s wider hospitality offering, supporting the travel industry’s role in the nation’s economic growth, a sector expected to represent nearly 10 per cent of the UAE’s total economy in 2023. Charter flights have been launched by Tourism 365 in August from high demand and non-commercially operated international markets. Hundreds of thousands of travellers are expected to experience Tourism 365’s new service this year alone. Emerging source markets boosting arrivals into Abu Dhabi include Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Tajikistan through its tour operator, Easy Booking, in Central Asia. This October, the German market will also benefit from the launch of weekly charter operations to Abu Dhabi from airports including Leipzig, Nuremberg and Cologne through its own tour operator, Capital Holidays. The charter flights will complement the existing direct commercial flight network. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “Our strategic ongoing goal is to boost the UAE tourism sector’s contribution to national economic growth through enhancing the offering and capabilities of the sector. Tourism 365’s ongoing growth and service diversification has the power to further increase tourist arrivals and diversify the source markets, increasing the international footprint of travellers visiting the UAE. ADNEC Group …