GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said rising regional tensions are a major test for member states’ stability and vital sectors, warning tourism could fall by 8–19 million visitors, risking $13–$32 billion in losses.
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Expo 2030 Riyadh signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing joint cooperation in promoting Saudi tourism and attracting visitors to Expo 2030 Riyadh.
The Spring Rose Season in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, is witnessing growing visitor turnout, reaffirming its status as one of the most prominent tourist seasons in Oman.
Saudi Arabia reported strong domestic tourism growth in Q1 2026, with 28.9 million tourists, up 16% year-on-year, and spending reaching SAR34.7 billion ($9 billion), an 8% increase, highlighting sustained demand supporting the tourism sector.
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'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.
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.
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.
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 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.
