Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations. Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences. The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine. We are excited …

flydubai and SriLankan Airlines have announced an interline agreement commencing September 2024, introducing more travel opportunities between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond on select routes on the carriers’ networks. This interline agreement will offer flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. In addition, the interline will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent and Zanzibar. Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.” SriLankan Airlines and flydubai are committed to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers. Passengers can expect the signature hospitality and onboard services that both airlines are renowned for when travelling with SriLankan and flydubai. “We are excited to partner with flydubai to provide our passengers seamless connections and greater convenience. This partnership reinforces our strategy to broaden our network and global reach, presenting customers with more …

flynas launched its first direct flight between Jeddah and Berlin aligning with flynas growth and expansion plan under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, in partnership with Air Connectivity Program (ACP), with support of Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The new Berlin-Jeddah route, launched in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), will offer three weekly flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah to Berlin International Airport (BER). An inaugural ceremony was held at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the presence of representatives from flynas, Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), the ACP, and Consulate General of Germany in Jeddah. On the other side, the maiden flight was welcomed Berlin Brandenburg Airport with a reception ceremony in the presence of representatives from ACP, Berlin airport. On the next day, September 5, flynas organized a ceremony on this occasion in Berlin that was attended by and stakeholders of flynas in Germany. This Expansion in the European market is in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, and in parallel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. The CEO of Jeddah Airports, Engineer Mazen Johar, said “the launch of the first flynas flights between the German Capital “Berlin” and King Abdulaziz international airport in Jeddah supports Jeddah Airports Company’s strategy of increasing the number of destinations connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport . This …

Etihad Airways continues its global expansion with the launch of two new routes — Warsaw in Poland and Prague in Czechia, marking the first time the airline has flown directly to these countries. Starting from 2 June 2025, Etihad will launch four weekly flights to both Warsaw and Prague, providing business and leisure travellers with convenient access to these vibrant European capitals. This milestone expansion is part of Etihad’s ongoing efforts to diversify its European network. These routes will be operated by Etihad’s modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ensuring the highest level of comfort with 28 Business Class and 262 Economy Class seats available on every flight. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are proud to introduce Warsaw and Prague as our newest destinations, reflecting our commitment to expanding into new and exciting markets. These routes not only enrich our network but also offer a great opportunity to strengthen ties with these countries and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi. We see this as a key part of our growth strategy, helping to drive tourism and support the UAE’s vision for the future.” Both Poland and Czechia have been growing sources of visitors to the UAE. The introduction of direct flights from Warsaw and Prague is set to enhance travel options, offering travellers from these regions a new and convenient way to experience Abu Dhabi’s stunning attractions, from its beautiful beaches to its rich cultural heritage and world-class entertainment. As a key global hub, Abu Dhabi provides seamless connectivity to Etihad’s extensive network, with these new flights scheduled to connect seamlessly to key destinations across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia. Whether travelling for …

The Saudi tourism system and its partners from the private and public sectors attended a workshop under the patronage of HE Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). This year’s Saudi Winter 2024-2025 program is expected to launch across seven destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Province, Hail, and Madinah. The workshop reviewed achievements in the tourism sector, areas of collaboration with the private sector, and preparations and expectations for the upcoming Saudi winter season program. The program will include activities such as desert and beach camping, sports competitions, cultural and entertainment events, and shopping exhibitions. It will also focus on developing unique offers, packages, and programs in collaboration with the commercial sector to align with the expectations of domestic tourists and target regional and global markets. “The tourism sector is receiving unprecedented support from the wise leadership, with close collaboration between the Saudi tourism system and private sector partners,” the tourism minister said, noting that the number of partners in Saudi Summer has exceeded 700. “This year’s Saudi Winter program includes several global promotional campaigns targeting various international markets, raising our ambitions and expectations to achieve outstanding results and set new records while enhancing what we offer to the tourists of our dear Kingdom,” the minister said. Meanwhile, STA Chief Executive and board member Fahd Hamidaddin said, “We are proud of the achievements and results of the Saudi Summer program so far.” Hamidaddin said that, in partnership with both the private and public sectors, we aim to offer a range of high-quality products during the upcoming Saudi Winter program. He indicated that …

Red Sea Global (RSG)  the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea announced that Triple Bay Marina Village, Wellness Core, and luxury resorts are moving toward completion, and they expect to welcome their first guests in 2025. “We have achieved remarkable progress across every aspect of AMAALA, from our signature resorts and immersive experiences to essential utilities and infrastructure. Our unwavering focus is on infusing sustainability and regenerative principles into every facet of the development. Once complete, AMAALA will present an extraordinary collection of assets and experiences that will elevate wellness, lifestyle, and human connection” John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global To date, RSG has awarded more than 600 contracts on AMAALA worth nearly SAR 23 billion ($6.13bn) to world-leading partners including Al Rawabi Hassan Allam, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, DEPA Group, Alec Engineering and Contracting, Havelock One and AL-AYUNI Investment and Contracting Company. These partners share RSG’s ambition to co-create luxury and wellness destinations that are developed in line with responsible development practices, prioritizing regenerative initiatives and collaboration with local communities. As development advances, a number of key areas of AMAALA are moving toward completion, each one bringing the destination closer to welcoming guests: Triple Bay Marina Village: The Equinox Resort is now topped out and concrete structure work on the Village Boutique Hotel main building, condos and villas is nearing completion. This bustling hub will soon offer guests a haven of scenic boardwalks, waterfront restaurants, luxurious boutiques and well-known retailers, plus a vibrant year-round events program, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea. The Marina: Flooding of the marina basin was complete at the end of 2023, and contracts for the …

Genesis announced the renewal of its partnership with the third edition of the Saudi Games 2024. This reinforces its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vibrant sports culture. The official signing ceremony was held at Matal Al-Bujairi in Diriyah to announce the renewal of cooperation between the brand and the organizing committee of the Saudi Games, in order to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in supporting sports excellence and building a vital and stimulating sports sector for youth. Following the impressive success of the Genesis sponsorship of last year’s Saudi Games, this year it will also play a key role in this larger sporting event, which will take place from 3 October  to 17 October 2024, and will witness a distinctive presence for Genesis, providing a fleet of 250 luxury cars, in order to support the operational logistics of the event and ensure the smooth movement of participants, officials and VIPs between the host facilities. This is the largest multi-sport event held in Saudi Arabia, in which more than 9,000 athletes will compete in 52 different sports, and this partnership underscores the brand’s commitment to contribute with the Saudi Games in supporting the sports movement in the Kingdom. This edition is the largest national sporting event in Saudi Arabia, and as such, it will contribute to uncovering the talents of the elite athletes in Saudi Arabia in a variety of sports. It is expected to bring together thousands of participants from different regions, to compete with high sportsmanship and hearts eager to achieve excellence. Commenting on the partnership, Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: “We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Saudi Games, …

Chandramari Group, renowned for its diverse portfolio of successful dining ventures, announced the launch of its latest culinary concept, Zordaar, backed by substantial investment of AED 5 million. This innovative Indian restaurant is set to redefine the dining experience by blending traditional flavours with contemporary culinary techniques, offering a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of India’s cuisines across districts. In addition to the UAE expansion, Zordaar is also launching new restaurant brands, including Lebanese concepts and renowned Indian brands. In the coming months, Chandramari Group plans to invest an additional AED 20 to 25 million to drive their F&B division across the region. The expansion strategy will initially focus on opening four to five outlets of Zordaar across the UAE before venturing into key markets as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. “At Zordaar, we’re redefining Indian dining by blending tradition with innovation. Each dish is a celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, crafted with a modern twist to surprise and delight our guests. We aim to create an unforgettable dining experience where every bite tells a story of flavor and creativity,” said Mr. Muralikumar, Chairman of Chandramari Group and Founder of Zordaar. Zordaar stands out by showcasing 75 types of dishes from 16 States and Districts in India, each meticulously crafted to offer a unique flavour profile. Unlike traditional North Indian restaurants that often focus on a narrow range of dishes, Zordaar breaks the mold with its diverse and dynamic menu. From the streets of Mumbai to the coastal kitchens of Goa, every dish at Zordaar is a testament to the authenticity and innovation that the restaurant embodies. Mr. S.C. Suresh Babu, Founder of Zordaar, further added – “Zordaar …

Elaine Sun, Regional Director Middle East, Trip.com shared that the Chinese outbound tourists are projected to reach 130 million this year and in terms of the MENA region it has already surpassed 100% in terms of outbound flight and hotel growth. In her presentation, she revealed that according to the global market review international tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. Middle East with 136% followed by Africa with 105% and Europe with 101% while Americas was 100% and APAC at 82%.

Starting 2 June 2025, Wizz Air will commence daily direct flights between Milan and Abu Dhabi, This route is the first of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionising intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only AED 429, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. Wizz Air announced the first route for its brand new Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, unlocking a new era of ultra-low-fare travel on long haul routes. This new aircraft, enables Wizz Air to offer unbeatable fares, extending its affordability to intercontinental travel while connecting more people, cultures, and economies. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and Wizz Air’s official app, both accessible in Arabic, from as low as AED429. “We’re excited to build up on the momentum from launching our new routes from Abu Dhabi to Chisinau and Cluj and announce the first destination for the Airbus A321XLR, the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class. The enhanced range capability will connect Abu Dhabi to new and exciting destinations across our ever-expanding network. This announcement to operate the Airbus A321XLR to Zayed International Airport, reaffirms our commitment to connecting cultures and continents. We’re delighted to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to Milan, while offering the most sustainable option for flying. We look forward to welcoming you on the A321 XLR for a well-deserved vacation soon.”- commented Tamara Vallois, Head of Commercial at Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Nathalie Jongma, Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We welcome Wizz Air’s announcement and the expansion of …