flynas to start direct flights between Riyadh, Aleppo
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
flynas will launch twice-weekly direct flights between Riyadh and Aleppo from August 1, expanding its regional network, improving Saudi Arabia-Syria air connectivity, and supporting tourism.
Madinah leads Saudi Arabia in hotel occupancy during Q1 2026
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Madinah recorded Saudi Arabia’s highest occupancy rate for tourist accommodation facilities in the first quarter of 2026, with hotels, serviced apartments and other lodging establishments achieving an 82% occupancy rate, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Abha Airport ranks first globally for on-time performance in June
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Abha International Airport, operated by Cluster2 Airports, ranked first globally in its category for on-time performance in June 2026, achieving a 93.84 per cent departure punctuality rate, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Abha Airport sets record with over 130 flights in a single day
Thu, 09 Jul 2026
Abha International Airport set a new operational record on 5 July, handling more than 130 flights in one day. The milestone included 117 domestic and 15 international flights, marking its highest-ever daily traffic volume.
flynas inaugurates direct flights between Riyadh, Alexandria
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
flynas has inaugurated its first direct flights between Riyadh and Alexandria, Egypt, further expanding air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and regional destinations. The airline will operate three weekly services between Riyadh and Alexandria International Airport.
flynas launches Saudi Experiences platform with Saudi Tourism Authority
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
flynas and the Saudi Tourism Authority have launched Saudi Experiences, a digital platform enabling travellers to discover and book tourism packages while promoting local businesses, creating economic opportunities and supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth and economic diversification goals.
Saudi Arabia signs MoUs with global hotels to train hospitality talent abroad
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism has signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading global hotel brands to launch the “Hospitality Ambassadors” programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s hospitality workforce through international on-the-job training (OJT).
Saudi Arabia unveils plan for $135m ferris wheel in Madinah
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia is looking for private investors to fund a $135 million ferris wheel in Madinah, as the kingdom pushes to expand attractions for pilgrims and domestic travellers beyond its holy sites, said a report. The project, Hijaz Eye, would be built on a 33,700 sq m plot, roughly the size of five football pitches.
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism facilities rise 22.7pc in Q1 2026
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism hospitality facilities increased 22.7% year-on-year to 6,122 in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
Qiddiya City expands Esports World Cup partnership with Paris showcase
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
The Esports Foundation and Qiddiya Investment Company have expanded their partnership for Esports World Cup 2026, with Qiddiya City showcased in Paris as the event’s founding partner and naming rights sponsor of a competition stage hosting leading esports titles.
Saudi Arabia launches Package Visa combining with hotels, flights
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia has taken another strategic step in transforming tourism access, with the launch of the Package Visa pilot. The Package visa will be offered through approved general travel and tourism service providers in several pilot markets.
Saudia Cargo expands network with four new Boeing 777-200 freighters
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Saudia Cargo, the leading national air cargo carrier in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced the expansion of its dedicated fleet with four Boeing 777-200 freighters.
Marriott signs deal to launch The Westin Abha by 2031
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Marriott International will open the 464-room The Westin Abha in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region by 2031 under a new agreement with Manarat Al Dheyafah Company. Located in Jabal Thah Valley, the hotel will provide easy access to the airport and city centre.
Six Senses AMAALA to open in mid-July on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Six Senses AMAALA is set to open in mid-July on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, expanding the brand’s wellness concept. The resort offers 100 suites, villas, and residences in a village-style setting between beaches, lagoon, and clifftop mesa.
Jazan tourism surges with 47pc visitor growth in 2025
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region recorded over 4 million domestic and international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 47% increase compared to 2024, according to tourism figures. Total visitor spending exceeded SAR3 billion, reflecting a 19% year-on-year rise.
Saudi Al-Baha farms attract growing tourism interest
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Rural farms in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Baha Region are emerging as a summer tourism attraction, offering nature and relaxation experiences. The ministry supports the sector, with 30 licensed farms and plans to reach 65.
Najran Airport records 13,000 flights, 1.7m passengers
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
Najran International Airport in Saudi Arabia handled around 1.7 million passengers and more than 13,000 flights from the start of 2025 through the end of Q1 2026, reflecting steady operational growth.
Saudi Arabia rising as top destination for Chinese tourists: report
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a fast-growing destination for Chinese tourists, according to Dragon Trail International’s research with WTM Spotlight Riyadh, driven by Approved Destination Status (ADS) status, Vision 2030 goals, stronger connectivity, and rising demand for cultural and luxury travel.
Riyadh Air adds Malaga, Kuala Lumpur to its growing network
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has announced the addition of two new destinations to its growing network, launching ticket sales for flights linking Riyadh with Málaga (Spain) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
IHG to bring all six luxury, lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce all six of its Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028, with each brand either already operating or in development.
Saudi Arabia rolls out AI tourism strategy to enhance visitor experience
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has unveiled its AI Tourism Vision, a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in tourism innovation.