Category Archives: Govt

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind ultra-luxury tourism destination AMAALA, has announced tangible progress across the development, with over 300 contracts signed to date, worth in excess of SAR 6.62 billion ($1.7bn). More than 98 percent of the total contract value has been awarded to Saudi firms, highlighting the organizations commitment to strengthening the local economy. These include agreements for the design and build of state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities at the destination for future employees. An additional 6.1 billion riyals of contracts is currently out to tender, across 54 proposals. “Surpassing 300 contract awards underscores the scale of this project and the significant progress being made as we press ahead with activity on the ground to bring our destination to life. At AMAALA, we are working to create a sustainable, purpose- and meaning-driven destination for the discerning traveler, and remain closely aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as we develop one of the top global tourism destinations of the future. I am delighted to be able to showcase the results achieved by our brilliant team and partners,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of TRSDC. Spanning over 4,155 square kilometers of pristine terrain and set within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, the first phase of AMAALA is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan. Eight hotels and upwards of 1,200 hotel keys are set for completion in 2024. Work is well underway on-site to progress the enabling infrastructure and groundwork required to develop the destination, with more than 2,400 staff already on site and 9.9 million manhours logged to date. This includes the successful completion of 11 km of roads ahead of schedule to …

SAUDIA announced the start of shuttle flight bookings to and from Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup via “FLY TO QATAR WITH SAUDIA” flight booking page at saudia.com The move comes as part of the airline’s recent MoU with Qatar airways and Its commitment to bringing greater convenience to soccer fans in the Kingdom by helping them plan their travel arrangements early, while offering services of the highest standards. SAUDIA’s shuttle flights aim to boost tourism to the Kingdom by enabling international soccer fans to travel to Doha via connecting flights out of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, presenting exciting opportunities for travelers to tour the Kingdom as part of their journey. The shuttle service also makes it easy for Saudi and expatriate fans to travel back and forth on single-day trips for the World Cup matches. SAUDIA’s ongoing marketing campaign for its World Cup services kicked off last month and is targeted for soccer fans in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and South Korea. The airline has launched a special website that travelers can use to plan their entire trip, while also learning more about the Kingdom’s many tourism attractions through exclusive promotional content. SAUDIA’s network spans more than 100 destinations across four continents. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the national carrier’s guests benefit from access to 1,036 destinations in 170 countries. SAUDIA’s fleet of 144 aircraft is set to be further expanded with an additional 38 aircraft, all of which offer a luxurious guest experience. Travelers can arrange their journeys through the www.saudia.com website or by using the SAUDIA app on their smartphones.

Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability movement launched on 15 February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 3.5 million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles. The movement has achieved this extraordinary success as measured by water consumed from Dubai Can water fountains installed throughout the city. During the last six months, 46 fountains have been installed in various locations across the city, including public parks, beaches and tourist attractions, with the help of the initiative’s stakeholders, sponsors and partners. The fountains are now in various Dubai neighbourhoods, including Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City, Khawaneej, and others. Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director – Tourism Development & Investments  Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a sustainability champion, the Dubai Can movement has made remarkable progress during the last six months. We could not be prouder of this achievement. While encouraging residents and visitors to commit to a paradigm shift in their lifestyles, this initiative has a larger goal: creating a city that is the world’s most visited and the best place to live and work in, as envisaged by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. “The strength of the city’s public-private partnership is essential to realising the Dubai Sustainability Strategy. As we look forward to the campaign’s continued success, this excellent collaboration model will …

Saudi Tourism Authority welcomes the Ministry of Tourism’s decision to allow residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi. Further extension of the new regulations will additionally enable residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a Visa on Arrival. Visitors will be able to enjoy and explore Saudi’s many unique tourist destinations, its stunning diversity of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people. The new eVisa announcement, and the extension of the visa on arrival is a solid step forward in making it even easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Saudi. With an extensive variety of packages and full calendar of events taking place throughout the year, Saudi is creating exciting opportunities for travelers to experience the authentic home of Arabia. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement; it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector. We welcome our neighbors, and the world, to experience the authentic home of Arabia.” UK, US and EU residents who hold an eligible passport can now get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa on the official website ‘Visit Saudi’ and view …

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has opened its first representative office in Tehran, Iran earlier this month, adding to QT’s vast and growing network of offices around the world. Marked as QT’s13th global opening, the office will lead various promotional activities, including tour operator partnerships, travel agent destination training, media visits and campaigns, all of which will serve to highlight Qatar as a cosmopolitan and culturally rich destination for travellers from Iran. Qatar makes for an attractive and convenient destination for tourists from Iran, owing to weekly direct flights from the Iranian cities of Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan to Doha in less than three hours and visa-free entry for Iranian citizens. In addition, both countries follow Islamic calendars and can see synced holiday seasons, allowing visitors from Iran to travel to Doha for a last-minute getaway or luxurious city break. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar Tourism’s choice in the location of its latest office opening is a testament to the decades-long cultural and trade ties between the two countries. Iran is one of 15 target markets identified by Qatar Tourism as a primary source for tourists looking to relax, rejuvenate and soak in some culture. Opening a representative office in Iran will help support Qatar Tourism’s strategic goals to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold, increase spending by 3 to 4 times, and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12% by 2030.” In addition to holidays in which Qatar is the end destination, the country makes for an excellent stopover retreat for Iranian travellers set to …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced that construction work on the Kalba Waterfront in Sharjah’s Eastern Region, the largest retail and first inclusive waterfront destination in Kalba is 100% complete in construction, while the units are in the last stages of finalising their interiors. Developed by ‘Eagle Hills Sharjah Development, a joint venture between Shurooq and Eagle Hills, the waterfront destination with integrated services is scheduled to welcome visitors in Q4 2022. A few investment opportunities are still available in the AED 119 million project which has seen high investor demand owing to its status as a premiere tourism and retail destination in the Eastern Region. Shurooq’s latest world-class development extending over 183,000 sqm, introduces new family-friendly concepts in retail and entertainment sector, and provides a distinctive touristic experience. H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting CEO of Shurooq, revealed details of the project during (Al Khat Al Mubasher Program) on Wednesday, 31st August. He highlighted that Kalba Waterfront, is set in one of the most beautiful and tranquil areas in the country, that overlooks a serene lagoon lined by mangroves, the go-to destination for nature lovers. Al Qaseer remarked that the contemporary architectural design project offers a convenient and compelling shopping experience that caters to all guests and residents. He also noted that the project will feature 80 units, a variety of indoor and outdoor dining outlets, as well as an expansive promenade that lines the lagoon. Shurooq’s Acting CEO stated that “the project comprises a 1,600 sqm play area that caters to the interests of visitors of all age groups, and features a trampoline, skating tracks, and free-fall platform. Extreme adventure enthusiasts will have a unique …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem is undergoing a major overhaul with the announcement of a New Tourism Law approved this week by a Council of Ministers Resolution. The law will accelerate the development of an internationally competitive tourism sector in the Kingdom which will drive business, innovation, and investment. The New Tourism Law will establish new regulatory environments in the Kingdom to attract tourism innovators and improve ease of doing business. This allows new or experimental tourism businesses to receive special licenses and support from the Ministry, allowing them to flourish. It will also streamline licensing processes and procedures by creating a one-stop-shop platform for all tourism stakeholders. Both initiatives were announced in February 2022 as part of the Ministry’s Digital Tourism Strategy. With the new legal framework, the Ministry of Tourism will have greater control of the quality of tourism services offered within the Kingdom, ensuring the highest standards possible for both tourists and businesses while also strengthening destination development. The law also extends the Ministry’s remit for swift collaboration with government entities to mitigate risks and manage crises. The Council of Ministers further approved a resolution that empowers the Ministry of Tourism to enable sector growth. The resolution gives the Ministry permission to facilitate tax and custom exceptions or reductions with related government entities, creating powerful incentives for businesses to invest into the Kingdom’s growing tourism sector. It also enables the Ministry to work collaboratively with other private sector entities to establish work plans and training programs, enabling job creation and training for Saudis and boosting human capital development in the Kingdom. This new framework for collaboration with the private sector and relevant government entities will …

As part of its endeavours to enhance cooperation with various stakeholders and achieve comprehensive tourism development objectives, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Al Dakhiliyah Governor to develop several tourism projects in numerous tourist destinations in the governorate. The agreement was signed by H.E. Hilal bin Saeed Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dhakiliyah, and Eng. Mohammed Abu-Bakar Al Ghassani, Vice Chairman of OMRAN Group, in presence of senior officials from both parties in dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar. OMRAN Group continues to explore tourism development prospects in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and various stakeholders. As part of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, ongoing efforts are being made to increase the tourism offerings in the Sultanate and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. By introducing novel experiences offered by Al Dakhilyiah governorate through various projects, OMRAN Group continues to foster the tourism sector in the governorate since it is considered as one of the main tourist destinations. Furthermore, it strives to promote qualitative experiences in the group’s projects and investments in the governorate, including Alila Al Jabal Al Akhdar, dusitD2 Naseem Resort Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa fort, Al Hoota Cave, Harat Al Bilad and Bahla Fort and Oasis.  

It was shared by the Saudi Tourism Authority that it welcomes the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduction of a new multi-entry visa to Saudi, available to visitors holding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya Card. The Hayya Card is required for all World Cup attendees and provides entry into Qatar and the stadiums. Saudi is a gateway to the World Cup and home to destinations waiting to be explored. Holders of the Hayya Card will be able to apply for the new visa online and book a trip to the authentic home of Arabia with confidence, before, during and after the World Cup. Visas will allow a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament. The announcement encourages first time and returning visitors alike to explore destinations in close proximity to the World Cup. Saudi is a short hop away making it a practical and convenient destination for World Cup attendees to visit or make a home base during the games. Saudi is expecting to welcome football fans from around the world. Beyond proximity, travelers are looking to visit Saudi for authentic Arabian culture, adventure and to round out their experience while in the region. Saudi will be hosting a dynamic programme of entertainment events including MDLBeast, Red Sea Film Festival, Riyadh Season and Winter at Tantoura in AlUla, all of which take place during the World Cup. To increase air connectivity, Saudia will be operating 40 shuttle flights daily to Doha from both Jeddah and Riyadh, increased to 60 daily flights on the Saudi team’s match days. Doha is only a 90-minute flight from Riyadh. The Salwa Border Crossing between Saudi and Qatar will also …

At an exclusive interview with Abdullah Al-Zahrani, Brand and Marketing Executive Director The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) with TravTalk ME it was revealed that 2023 will witness a soft opening of the destination and by early 2024 will complete its first phase with a total of 3000 keys in terms of hotels within the project. Al-Zahrani reiterated, “Next year, The Red Sea will soft launch its first phase and by early 2024 will include 3,000 rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, luxury marina, and retail and entertainment facilities on a fully operational hub island. By then, The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) will also be operational. First hotels to open at The Red Sea in 2023 will include St. Regis Red Sea Resort with 90 keys, Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve with 82 keys, and Six Senses Southern Dunes, Red Sea with 76 keys. Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea is expected to host up to one million visitors each year with 8,000 rooms across 50 hotels, and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The RSI will also be fully operational, providing a luxury seamless experience where sustainability is embedded in every aspect.”