Gulf tourism faces short-term losses, but recovery will be quick
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
The Gulf’s tourism sector is expected to take a significant short-term hit as regional conflict disrupts air travel, weakens traveller confidence and forces widespread flight cancellations, but analysts say regional markets retain the financial strength and infrastructure needed for recovery once hostilities ease.
Oman’s ancient quarters undergo tourism-led revival
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Oman's ancient quarters are experiencing a renaissance, with intensifying restoration and development efforts transforming these heritage sites into vibrant tourism destinations that seamlessly blend authenticity with contemporary renewal.
War is costing region's Travel & Tourism sector $600 million a day
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector about $600 million a day in lost international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, declining traveller confidence and weakened regional connectivity begin to hit demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
$12.5trn in travel, tourism investment to boost G20 competitiveness through 2035: WTTC
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says $12.5 trillion in travel and tourism investment across major economies will shape competitiveness and growth through 2035, with capital investment expected to grow 4.6% annually, stressing the need to align spending with demand.
Oman issues 12 licences for tourism, commercial berths
Mon, 09 Mar 2026
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology issued 12 licences to 11 companies over the past year to manage and operate tourism and commercial maritime berths outside ports, after the firms met regulatory requirements.
Dubai issues new public safety law to support tourism, sustainable growth
Sun, 08 Mar 2026
Dubai's ruler has issued a new law aimed at establishing a clear legislative framework to ensure high safety standards for individuals and property. Effective June 1, the new law also aims to strengthen safety standards at venues and events in support of Dubai’s tourism and leisure sectors.
UAE tourism operations remain safe, ongoing despite regional events
Sun, 08 Mar 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism confirmed that, despite regional developments, hotels, resorts, landmarks, and shopping centers remain open, operating under regulatory guidelines with continuous monitoring and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
Mideast airspace crisis puts aviation, tourism on edge, says expert
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
The duration of the aviation disruption following the joint Israel-US strike on Iran and its subsequent attacks on countries in Gulf region, will be fundamental to determining the implications for affected sectors, including airlines, airports, lodging and lessors, said an expert.
Saudi Red Sea Authority appoints new CEO
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has appointed Dr Maryam Ali Ficociello as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 22. Her appointment marks a new phase in the authority’s continued mandate to regulate and enable navigational and marine tourism activities across the kingdom’s Red Sea.
Omran seeks consultancy bids for Wadi Shab adventure destination
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Omran Group, the executive arm of Oman's tourism development, has invited bids from multidisciplinary engineering consultancy firms to provide masterplanning, detailed design and construction supervision services for the development of Wadi Shab as an adventure destination.
Strong Oman presence at ITB Berlin
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Oman has reinforced its position as one of the Middle East’s most compelling tourism destinations with a strong and strategic presence at ITB Berlin 2026, leveraging the world’s largest travel trade platform to deepen partnerships, showcase its diverse tourism offerings and consolidate Germany’s place as a key European source market.
Ajman Tourism, Vtours sign agreement to promote emirate in Germany
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media signed a strategic agreement with Germany’s Vtours to boost Ajman’s promotion in Germany, expand international partnerships, support sustainable tourism growth, and strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness in European markets.
17,500 stranded passengers leave UAE, flights to increase
Wed, 04 Mar 2026
The UAE said yesterday that 17,498 passengers have been transported on 60 flights operated by national carriers since March 1 as part of its emergency flights plan.
Bahrain continues to strengthen cultural, Arab tourism ties: Tourism Minister
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
Bahrain’s Tourism Minister, Fatima Al Sairafi, highlighted efforts to boost Arab tourism, using it to promote cultural exchange, support creative industries, showcase cultural identity, and contribute to sustainable development on Arab Tourism Day.
UAE solidifies global leadership in aviation, tourism in 2025
Sun, 15 Feb 2026
In 2025, the UAE aviation sector hit record milestones, with DXB handling 95.2 million passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports over 33 million, and Sharjah 19.48 million. Ras Al Khaimah surpassed one million passengers. Expanded connectivity, cargo growth, and technological upgrades reinforced the UAE’s global aviation and logistics leadership.
GCC tourism growth boosts Asian presence at ATM 2026
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May, is projecting a significant increase in exhibitors from Asia-Pacific countries, underpinned by a strong 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asian exhibitors over the 2024–2026 period.
Saudi TDF, Palladium Hotel Group sign tourism development pact
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) signed a MoU with Palladium Hotel Group to explore development opportunities across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation, assessing potential projects, conducting feasibility studies, identifying suitable investment structures, and reviewing technical and operational frameworks.
Vietnam tourism hits record with 2.5m visitors in January 2026
Tue, 10 Feb 2026
Vietnam’s tourism sector recorded a monthly high for international arrivals in January, welcoming nearly 2.5 million visitors, official data showed, signalling strong momentum at the start of 2026. International arrivals rose 21.4% month on month and 18.5% year on year. Asian visitors accounted for more than 73% of arrivals, or about 1.8 million.
Dubai sets third consecutive tourism record with 19.59m visitors in 2025
Tue, 10 Feb 2026
Strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns and major events contributed to Dubai welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and a third successive year of record-setting figures.
Saudi tourism aims to double GDP contribution to $160 billion
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the sector aims to double its contribution to the kingdom's GDP from SAR300 billion ($80 billion) to SAR600 billion ($160 billion), while continuing to create jobs as the private sector recruits national talent.
UAE Economy & Tourism Ministry honours 11 entities for supporting Emirati SMEs
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism honoured 11 federal entities and national companies at the second National Forum for SMEs – Government Procurement for supporting Emirati SMEs and facilitating their access to government contracts and tenders in 2025.