His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved the Abu Dhabi Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs, and increase the sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP to AED90 billion annually by 2030 to further enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations. His Highness praised the efforts of relevant entities in the tourism sector, which have resulted in an exceptional performance in 2023, including welcoming nearly 24 million visitors; a more than 30 per cent increase from 2022. In addition, the tourism industry significantly bolstered Abu Dhabi’s economy in 2023, contributing AED49 billion to GDP, a more than 22 per cent increase from 2022. The hotel sector alone contributed AED6.4 billion. This remarkable growth reflects the emirate’s rising profile in the global tourism sector and lays a solid foundation from which to achieve objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030. The strategy reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to transform the emirate’s social and economic landscape through sustainable development in line with the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. The strategy also aims to develop talent in the tourism sector and strengthen the sector’s role in supporting the emirate’s economic growth. The approved strategy will continue to support and encourage private sector investment in tourism development through a range of incentive initiatives and programmes, including facilitating and simplifying regulatory procedures. The strategy will also support sustainable tourism initiatives and drive innovation and technology integration to enhance tourism services and the development of unique attractions and experiences. These are among other strategy …

Rotana announced the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Khobar, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The opening is in line with Rotana’s ambitious goal of launching eight properties in the Kingdom over the next four years, bringing the total key count to 4,400 across 16 properties. The new property also increases Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts’ key count to 2,080 keys currently in operation across six hotels – a significant milestone for Rotana’s modern-design hospitality brand. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, Rotana CEO, said: “The Kingdom’s emphasis on diversifying its economy and welcoming tourism has generated extensive opportunities for growth and development. The inauguration of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Al Khobar marks a significant milestone and holds a crucial role in supporting the Kingdom’s growth strategy. The four-star property caters to the evolving travel preferences of our guests within this important market segment, reinforcing our dedication to delivering ‘Treasured Time’ for all. As we continue with our expansion strategy, we are thrilled about the prospect of enhancing our array of offerings in the Kingdom and contributing to the development of this dynamic market.” Located only 30 minutes from King Fahd International Airport, Dar Rayhaan by Rotana offers 133 keys, including 113 rooms and 20 suites, each meticulously crafted for the utmost convenience. Equipped with modern fittings and furnishings, each room affords guests beautiful views of the city. The property offers a range of versatile recreational amenities, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, and a 24-hour gymnasium. The hotel also boasts three well-appointed meeting rooms, each equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Catering to business travellers, one meeting room also has a spacious pre-function area …

It has been announced that Oman is gearing up to open the country’s largest zoo, located in Ibra, north Sharqiyah on the second day of Eid Al Fitr. Safari World will showcase a diverse collection of over 300 animals across 120,000 square meters of the zoo’s total 286,000 square meter area. Apart from the animal exhibits, Safari World will also offer entertainment with its water park and family activity areas. It will also aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, especially among school children. In the second phase within the next few years, Safari World is set to expand its offerings to introduce more exotic species and enhance attractions with a key goal to solidify Oman’s position as a top tourism destination.

Sav announced a groundbreaking partnership with Desert Adventures. This alliance is set to redefine destination experiences, offering Sav users unparalleled access to a diverse array of leisure and adventure services. With over 75% of residents prioritizing spending on new and memorable experiences, Sav and Desert Adventures are well-positioned to capitalize on this expanding market. Through this partnership, Sav users can now explore the range of Desert Adventures’ offerings directly from the Sav app. This includes guided city tours in multiple languages, desert safaris, attraction and theme park tickets, sea cruises, aerial tours, dining experiences, and exciting sports and adventure activities. Additionally, users will benefit from exclusive discounts and offers when booking Desert Adventures experiences through the Sav app. “We are thrilled to join forces with Desert Adventures to redefine destination experiences for our users”, said Purvi Munot, Co-founder and CEO at Sav. “At Sav, we believe in empowering our users not just financially but also in every aspect of their lives. This collaboration is a significant stride towards enhancing our users’ leisure experiences, offering them unique opportunities to explore the destinations and save.” “As one of the most reputable Destination Management Companies in the region, we are very excited to combine our services with Sav’s innovative platform. ” said Samir Mehta, COO at Desert Adventures. ” This collaboration allows us to effectively distribute our wide range of destination services to the local UAE market, offering unique value propositions for ‘must-do’ experiences.” The integration of Desert Adventures’ offerings into the Sav app is now live, allowing users to explore a diverse range of experiences with ease. Both companies are committed to deepening their collaboration, promising users even more innovative features, broader …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it is preparing to welcome its first international flight to Red Sea International Airport (RSI). Operated by flydubai, the flight will arrive from Dubai International (DXB) on Thursday, 18 April, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route to The Red Sea destination. A regular schedule of domestic flights operated by Saudia have been servicing RSI since September 2023. With the launch of flydubai, there will now be eight flights per week to RSI. “Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve one million guests a year at full capacity. Our inaugural flight just six months ago was the start of our journey towards reaching that goal, and this first international flight is a further step in making Saudi Arabia one of the top tourism destinations globally. We are looking forward to truly opening up to the world and welcoming visitors from the UAE, wider Middle East region and beyond,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “RSI is also essential for providing connectivity for our employees, partners, and the wider local community,” added Pagano. RSI was built to provide an easy route for guests travelling to The Red Sea. Today, two luxury resorts are open at the destination: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which recently welcomed legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his family. Three more resorts are on track to open this year, including Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – one of only seven worldwide – in the coming weeks. This will be followed by Shebara, featuring a remarkable array of overwater, stainless steel villas, and Desert Rock, a spectacular resort …

According to Saudi Gazette, at the recent Manafea Forum in Madinah reported that Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Saudi Arabi, Ahmed Al-Khateeb stated that Saudi Arabia pumps SR375 million annually to support enhancing the skills of Saudis in the tourism sector. He shared, “This contributed to raising their rates to 40 percent and we are targeting 50 percent. We are also working to facilitate the issuance of licenses instantly instead of the current duration of five days.” Al-Khatteeb said that the tourism sector is on its way to enter the club of the top ten globally and contribute to about 10 percent of the economy by 2030 after reaching its contribution five percent last year. Speaking at the forum, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that the year 2023 witnessed the greatest increase in history in the number of Umrah pilgrims, reaching five million pilgrims, an increase of 60 percent over the previous year. “We began preparing for the Hajj season, with the end of the last day of the last season, and we launched a center for managing Hajj projects and following up with all the relevant parties,” he said. The Madinah Chamber, in cooperation with the Makkah Chamber and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, organized the second edition of the Manafea Forum under the slogan “An ambitious investment for a promising future vision.” The forum aims to contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the goals of the Doyof Al Rahman Program, which target to enrich the visitor experience, and reach 30 million Umrah pilgrims and five million Hajj pilgrims by 2030, in addition to empower the private …

Madinat Jumeirah is welcoming THE ICON, An invite-only experience, the yacht can be experienced with a luxury cruise from the D-Marin Marsa Al Arab Marina, exclusively for residents staying in the Malakiya Villas at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, the Presidential or Royal suites at the resort’s four hotels, or Jumeirah One members. a spectacular 13.5 metre, 100 percent sustainable watercraft that has been brought to life by Design by Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, and German tech start-up, TYDE. The arrival of THE ICON is the latest in Madinat Jumeirah’s environmental initiatives, which also include the cherished Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, an educational and environmental initiative in which turtles are nurtured back to good health and reintroduced to the wild. The world’s first inaugural battery-powered, emissions-free yacht, THE ICON emits zero noise or pollution. Its chic, cutting-edge design offers an immersive experience with 360-views of the ocean from a twenty-one square meter lounge-like interior, adorned with blue and gold, reinforcing Jumeirah’s reputation for creating ultra-luxurious, one-of-a-kind experiences. Using leading technology to combine climate-friendly mobility, the vessel operates with up to 80 percent energy savings compared to conventional yachts, while maintaining a luxurious ride experience. A true display of innovation and craftsmanship, despite reaching a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h), 50 nautical miles range (>90 km) at 24 knots (46 km/h), the yacht glides silently over the water. THE ICON’s only output is an orchestrated suite of ambient sounds and music, composed by Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer, Hanz Zimmer. THE ICON arrives at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the state-of-the-art luxury marina operated by D-Marin, which is home to 82 yacht berths and offers spectacular views of …

Red Sea Global (RSG) and Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) have agreed to collaborate on deploying eco-friendly mobility solutions in RSG’s luxury resorts in Saudi Arabia while exploring opportunities to implement innovative future mobility solutions. Under the MoU, RSG and the Group will jointly explore potential opportunities in various fields. In the short term, both parties will focus on validating and deploying the Group’s eco-friendly mobility solutions, such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In the mid to long term, they will explore future mobility solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and maritime vessels. “Hyundai Motor Company is a world leader in sustainable and luxury mobility. By working together and integrating its cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly mobility solutions into our destinations, we have the opportunity to set new benchmarks in carbon-neutral operations while exceeding our guests’ expectations for style, comfort, and environmental responsibility,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. RSG and The Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Dongkun Lee, Head of the Future Growth Strategy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, attending the ceremony at Red Sea Global Headquarters in Riyadh. Dongkun Lee, Head of the Future Growth Strategy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, said: “This partnership signifies our shared commitment to a sustainable and innovative mobility future for humanity. We will accelerate the validations and explore more long-term goals to build a greener and smarter ecosystem in the region.” The Group’s comprehensive eco-friendly business portfolio, ranging from individual mobility solutions to extensive charging infrastructure, provides a wide range of opportunities. Based on this, the partnership is expected to boost the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 …

Pulse Hotels & Resorts recently hosted an exhilarating late night Suhoor football tournament for its esteemed GCC travel trade partners. This unique event, held at the Al Rowad playground in Riyadh, sponsored by The Nautilus Maldives, Nova Maldives, Kandima Maldives and Manta Air – the domestic airline of Maldives, served as a platform for fostering camaraderie and strengthening relationships within the travel industry during the holy month of Ramadan. The matches, held amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Riyadh, showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and unity as participants from various GCC travel agencies competed in an action-packed tournament. Divided into two groups of four teams each, the tournament kicked off earlier this week with qualifiers, leading up to the semi-finals and finals. The event provided an opportunity for networking, friendly competition, and sharing moments of goodwill, reflecting the ethos of the 3 resorts under the Pulse Hotels & Resorts umbrella in creating memorable experiences for its partners and guests. The Nautilus Team 2 which included members from Al Sarh Travel and Tourism, Booking Express, TBO.com, Almatar, RezLive.com, Golden Vacation, Wosol Concierge and Lamar Travel emerged as winners and were awarded with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the game-changing active lifestyle resort, Kandima Maldives, known for its genuine hospitality with a human touch and innovative solutions that make use of the latest technology. Sharing his thoughts on organising the event, Mr Althaf Mohamed Ali, COO, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, said,” We are thrilled to have organised this special Suhoor football tournament for our esteemed GCC Travel Trade Partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each partner for their participation and offer heartfelt congratulations to The Nautilus Team 2 for clinching …

Atlantis Dubai announces that Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal have earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification marks the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to achieve this status. It reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences to guests with diverse needs and ensuring an inclusive environment. IBCCES awards the CAC™ designation to organisations that complete a training and review process to understand better and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and other persons of determination. This designation ensures that at least 80% (an IBCCES minimum requirement) of colleagues are trained in autism and sensory awareness and are fully equipped to provide service to people on the autism spectrum. In collaboration with IBCCES, Atlantis Dubai staff underwent extensive training to understand the range of potential guest needs. More than 90% of guest-facing colleagues across both resorts took training in Autism & Sensory Awareness (ASA). In addition, the Learning & Development team developed a Weekly Briefing Topic on Autism and Sensory Awareness, which an additional 1,500 colleagues completed across Atlantis Dubai. In addition to training, further achievements include: ● The Atlantis Dubai website hosts an accessibility tab that provides guests with downloadable sensory guides. Outlined for rooms and restaurants at Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, as well as experiences across Atlantis Aquaventure, these guides provide a sensory rating, allowing people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to pre-plan their visit to the destination. ● Allocated quiet zones are available across both resorts in case people need a moment of respite from sensory stimulation. Locations include the concierge lounge, outdoor cabanas, Imperial Club lounge, and the Explorers Club …