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.
Omran Group, the Oman Tourism Development Company responsible for major national tourism infrastructure, has issued an invitation to experienced contractors to participate in the re-tender for detailed design and construction of the Ras Al Shajar Main Construction Package.
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.
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.
Aroya Cruises, a subsidiary of PIF-owned Cruise Saudi, has officially launched its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf. Running from February 21 to May 8, the season marks a milestone in regional tourism by blending authentic Saudi hospitality with global maritime standards.
K Hovnanian ME Investments (KHME), a subsidiary of Hovnanian Enterprises, and the majority shareholder of Al Tahaluf Real Estate Company, CJSC, has signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and Emaar, The Economic City (EEC) to enable high-quality tourism investment and lifestyle-focused residential opportunities in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
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.
Türkiye welcomed 64 million visitors in 2025 and recorded tourism revenues totalling $65.231 billion for the previous year, Mehmet Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, revealed at a press conference held in İstanbul. He said Türkiye is aiming for $68 billion in 2026.
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, which will take place from September 8 to 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center (RFECC), will focus on the large-scale hotel development, and the increasing influence of Saudi travellers at home and abroad.
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.
