Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with ZAAER, a pioneering cloud-based property management solution and accommodation switch, to offer an enhanced portfolio of serviced apartments across Almosafer’s portfolio of travel businesses serving domestic and inbound guests. ZAAER offers a range of innovative technology solutions to enable owners and accommodation managers to manage their day-to-day operations, including inventory, housekeeping, finance, HR, reservations, check-in and check-out, room allocation, and more through an easy-to-use system, all dynamically linked to manage any size of accommodation. Under the partnership, Almosafer will integrate ZAAER’s serviced apartment offerings within its extensive portfolio of travel businesses through an API solution to enhance the travel experience for both B2B and B2C customers across domestic and international markets. This move will significantly expand Almosafer’s comprehensive offerings with a wider range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. ZAAER, which currently manages 700 serviced apartments, aims to ambitiously scale up its short-term rental stock to 2,000 high quality accommodation spaces in 2024. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “As Saudi Arabia grows in appeal for the global traveller, the partnership with ZAAER builds on our digital capabilities to help address the upscale accommodation needs of a growing number of domestic and international tourists. Integrating the accommodation content of ZAAER on our state-of-the-art digital-first B2B and B2C platforms will facilitate real-time data exchange, ensuring a smoother and more interconnected experience for property owners, guests, and the travel ecosystem.” : Dr. Mohammad Almubarak, CEO, ZAAER, said: “We are excited to partner with Almosafer to expand our reach to a broader audience across its integrated and high-performing digital platforms. The partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia as we …

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Saudi Arabia initiative, developed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), is an ambitious roadmap to make the Saudi air transport sector the safest and most developed in the Middle East region. This includes a wide range of innovative solutions ranging from small unmanned aircraft to aircraft with vertical take-off and landing. These technologies will be able to provide safe, sound, sustainable and faster means of transport for people and goods, characterized by high technical capabilities that contribute to alleviating congestion on the roads and facilitating easy access to remote areas in the country, and thus contributing to achieving overall economic and social development. Capt. Sulaiman Al-Muhaymedi, executive vice president of GACA for aviation safety and environmental sustainability, said the AAM initiative in Saudi Arabia includes the steps that must be taken to draw a comprehensive road map that places AAM at the forefront of the aviation industry. The AAM is transforming the future of the transportation sector, offering innovative solutions, from small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. He stated that these developments contribute to revolutionizing the movement of passengers, transportation of goods, emergency response, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. He drew attention to environmental sustainability, in addition to the initiative’s inclusion of the foundations for building a successful system for advanced air transport. Al-Muhaymedi indicated that tests were conducted in the Kingdom that included diverse terrain and multiple climatic conditions, which resulted in positive results that can be achieved in various transportation sectors thanks to reliance on advanced air transport, such as reducing traffic congestion and road accidents, as well as contributing to the Kingdom’s achievement of …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) announced a new partnership with Formula E to build the world’s first Formula E branded indoor karting attraction across multiple SEVEN entertainment destinations across the Kingdom. The announcement was made from the site of the Diriyah E-Prix where the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship double-header of races will take place on the spectacular illuminated race track this Friday and Saturday. Formula E was created to disrupt elite motorsport with a bold vision of using electric racing to accelerate sustainable human progress. What followed was the development of never-seen-before electric racing technology and pioneering race formats to create a sport unrestrained by tradition or expectation. Abdulla Nasser AlDawood, Chairman of SEVEN, commented: “Our strategic partnership with Formula E to bring never seen before Formula E branded racing tracks within our Entertainment destinations, strategically complements our mission of creating a Multiverse of entertainment offerings that cater to the different needs of our future guests that build and nurture their skills and evokes growth. We aspire to have the 1st Saudi car racing champion coming from our Formula E attraction. Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside SEVEN, the entertainment champion in KSA. Our objectives and goals align in bringing the excitement of Formula E to the kingdom and taking fans closer to real racing action through the Formula E Karting experience across the SEVEN destinations. I am confident this incredible initiative will accelerate the potential of Saudi Arabia’s promising young drivers and create a future world champion.” The license agreement was signed by Eng. Essam Othman Al Jubair, Chief Operating Officer at SEVEN and Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief …

Zardun in NEOM will comprise three distinct and luxurious boutique hotels, offering in total 100 rooms and suites, all of which are informed by a vision of a more sustainable future within this newly restored environment. Each hotel will have a different theme so that guests can enjoy an array of experiences that take in amazing views down a stunning valley and out over the sea. Zardun will offer trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and a variety of other sports and leisure pursuits, including stargazing, meditation and yoga. In addition, guests will be invited to join in educational and field programs on nature protection, conservation and re-wilding. Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Zardun, an exclusive sanctuary resort developed by NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in the northwest of the Kingdom. Announced by the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed to seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with nature. The unique destination is the latest in a series of coastal assets that form part of the ongoing development taking place across the NEOM region. Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun is a nature-based resort that will host four ultra-luxury signature buildings, all of which will merge harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Intended to redefine luxury within an environmental context, Zardun aims to offer the ultimate premium ecotourism experience for discerning guests. Covering an impressive four square kilometers, Zardun will be a carefully restored haven filled with native plants and animals. Stretching down from the mountains to the seashore, its breathtaking beauty will be experienced on arrival by visitors at its state-of-the-art experience center, which includes a …

Saudia, the official airline partner of the all-electric Formula E series, will bring car racing fans from around the globe to the Diriyah E-Prix on 26 and 27 January, in the nation’s capital of Riyadh. The race was first held as part of the 2018–19 season and was the first Formula E race to be held in the Middle East. Diriyah plays host to a pair of night races as Formula E illuminates the historic desert surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage site on the 26th and 27th of January. Season ten of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship gets into gear with 21 twists and turns across the 2.495km Diriyah Circuit. Visitors to the race weekend will be treated to a fusion of the old and new, as the extraordinary destination acts as the backdrop against which cutting-edge all-electric racing cars will compete for victory – including the DS Penske DS E-Tense FE23 driven by former Formula E World Champion, Stoffel Vandoorne, whose position as Global Ambassador for Saudia has been continued for 2024. During the race weekend, fans will have access to an expansive E-Village, wherein Saudia will have a dedicated, newly developed Discover-E Zone. The E-Zone features a variety of interactive experiences designed to educate and excite fans in new and innovative ways including the revamped ‘Evolution in Your Hands’ virtual quiz and the enhanced ‘ReGen3rate’ game that allows fans to experience the exhilaration of racing on the Diriyah racetrack whilst controlling the battery levels in their car as they steer to pole position. For the first time ever, fans unable to attend the Diriyah E-Prix will be able to visit Saudia’s Discover-E Zone in an …

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with Mabaat to bridge the gap in the demand for more flexible accommodation options to service the growing number of domestic and international tourists in the Kingdom. The partnership will transform the travel experience for diversified market segments across Almosafer’s omnichannel networks by connecting them to mid and high-end private homes and compounds onboarded on Mabaat’s unique digital platform. With Saudi Arabia planning to invest USD1 trillion in the tourism sector and aiming to attract 150 million tourists a year by end of the decade in line with its ambitious Vision 2030, the collaboration between Almosafer and Mabaat signifies a commitment to deliver unparalleled and seamless travel services in a rapidly evolving market. The renaissance in tourism that Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing has led to a vibrant market for serviced apartments, and increased growth in this segment will be critical in meeting the anticipated demands that Vision 2030 will deliver. Catering to the high-quality accommodation requirements of a growing number of MICE and leisure visitors has also opened vast opportunities in the short and medium-term rental segment and across key markets in the Kingdom. Mabaat onboards properties on its digital platform and other platforms and manages them on behalf of their owners under a high level of transparency and efficiency. Property partners and guests receive real-time information, and the platform has streamlined vital operations like booking and payment, cleaning schedules, property maintenance updates, and much more. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “The partnership with Mabaat platform, the first platform specialised in managing properties on behalf of their owners and operating them in short, medium and long-term rental operations, is part of our strategy to continuously …

Saudi Arabia has accomplished an extraordinary achievement in tourism, achieving a full recovery and recording a 156% growth in international arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019(pre-pandemic year). This impressive recovery is highlighted in the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Barometer report released in January 2024. This achievement has not only contributed to the Kingdom’s economic growth but also positioned it as a key driver in the Middle East’s tourism recovery. The region, led by Saudi Arabia, is the only one to exceed pre-pandemic tourism levels, with a 22% growth in 2023 compared to 2019. Globally, the tourism sector is steadily rebounding. By the end of 2023 the global average achieved 12% below pre-pandemic levels in international arrivals, with about 1.3 billion international arrivals. The sector’s international revenues neared $1.3 trillion, reaching 93% of the 2019 figure of $1.5 trillion. The direct contribution of tourism to the global GDP was estimated at 3%, or $3.3 trillion, in 2023, based on the UNWTO’s preliminary indicators. Looking ahead, the UNWTO forecasts a complete recovery of global tourism from the COVID-19 pandemic by 2024, with an expected growth of 2% compared to 2019. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector stands out in the UNWTO reports, leading the G20 nations in the growth rate of international arrivals in 2023 and ranked 2nd as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination for Q1-Q3 2023. The Kingdom has seen remarkable growth in various tourist destinations, achieving a record in international visitor spending. The first three quarters of 2023 recorded an international visitor spending exceeding 100 billion Saudi riyals, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The travel item of the balance of payments showed a surplus of approximately 37.8 billion Saudi riyals …

Saudi Arabia’s government revised its combined domestic and international 2030 visitor target upwards from the previous 100 million to 150 million. Amid sustained investment in its tourism, hospitality and leisure segments, as well as a slew of ambitious gigaprojects, the Kingdom aims to increase the economic contribution of its tourism sector to 10% of national GDP by the end of this decade. Representing almost a 50% increase in KSA exhibitor participation, ATM 2024 will host a selection of high-profile exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, including SAUDIA, flynas, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality and the Royal Commission for AlUla. First-time exhibitors will comprise almost 17% of the total Saudi participation, which includes Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co., Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower, among others. KSA will represent a key focus for attendees as policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from around the world share insights, forge new relationships and showcase cutting-edge innovations with the potential to drive further growth within this burgeoning tourism market. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We plan to shine a spotlight on this exciting market at ATM 2024 with adedicated Saudi Village, which will be highlighted on the exhibition floor and will consist of a full showcase of Saudi products. With significant interest in this market, there will be a range of panel discussions that will enable attendees to identify and capitalise on new opportunities in the Kingdom.” Saudi Arabia is on course to welcome an estimated 30 million overnight tourists this year, according to research conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of ICAEW. Delegates from around the world are preparing to capitalise on this momentum and explore …

THE RIG. world’s first adventure tourism destination to be built on an offshore platform in the Arabian Gulf which will redefine the sea sports and leisure experience while celebrating the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s rich oil and gas heritage seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences. THE RIG., launches its Masterplan, an ambitious and unprecedented vision for tourism that will redefine adventure tourism in the world. The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy. THE RIG. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history. The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf. THE RIG. will seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers. The range of hospitality, leisure, entertainment and accommodation options provided by THE RIG. include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads. THE RIG. will feature a wide variety of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater and multi-purpose arena. THE RIG. will also celebrate the Kingdom’s rich oil and …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the opening of the first Radisson Individuals hotel in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the Group’s growing footprint in the region and Saudi Arabia, with a portfolio of 43 hotels in operation and development in the country, and five hotels in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline, Al-Balad, the historic UNESCO heritage site with gorgeous coral architecture, narrow alleys, and bustling souks, the world’s tallest fountain, the King Fahd’s Fountain, Tahlia Street, known for its prime shopping, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1), and for being a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. For adventurous souls, scuba diving offers a thrilling opportunity to explore fascinating underwater wonders like the Chicken Wreck. Strategically located in the prime area of Al Hamra, Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals is near many corporate businesses and just a short walk from Jeddah Corniche. King Abdulaziz International Airport, the busiest international airport in Saudi Arabia, is the largest hub for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and is only 22 kilometers away and a 26-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel boasts 339 elegantly designed rooms, including 30 exquisite suites, and a magnificent royal suite, providing guests unparalleled luxury and comfort. The rooms in the sea tower offer the most breathtaking views, allowing guests to witness stunning sunsets and indulge in mesmerizing sea vistas. The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Jasmine Restaurant, where you can greet the day with unexpected culinary delights the Vivid Lounge Café in the …