Tourism & Aviation
Tourism and aviation news — covering travel technology, airline updates, Saudi tourism developments, and hospitality innovations in the Kingdom and the region.

Flynas Launches Regular Moscow–Riyadh Flights from Vnukovo
Flynas starts regular Moscow–Riyadh flights from Vnukovo, boosting tourism and business; Saudi visits to Moscow rose 5.7× in 2024 to 52,400.

DHL launches Xcelerate: a premium fast-track airport-to-airport cargo service
Introducing a must-fly cargo product that prioritizes shipments and enhances customer experience with exceptional service Bonn, Germany, July 25. 2025: DHL Aviation, the aviation business of DHL Express, has launched Xcelerate, a premium fast-track airport-to-airport cargo product designed to offer customers priority shipping and superior service. This innovative offering provides the fastest available shipping options […]

Saudi Fund for Development Participates in the Inauguration of New Expansion of Velana International Airport in the Maldives
Malé, Maldives – July 26, 2025 In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of the Maldives, The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, participated in the official inauguration ceremony of the new Expansion of Velana International Airport in Malé. Along with the Ambassador of […]

Visit Dubai and VOX Cinemas offer GCC moviegoers the chance to win an unforgettable Dubai trip
Five lucky moviegoers from across the GCC will win a fully paid luxury trip for two to Dubai for a summer holiday to remember. The prize package includes business class flights to Dubai, a stay at a five-star hotel, indulgent wellness treatments, fine dining at renowned restaurants, and access to attractions. This unmissable getaway is […]

JOHNSON CONTROLS–HITACHI AND ELSEWEDY MACHINERY WIN LANDMARK CONTRACT TO DELIVER EGYPT’S LARGEST VRF SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT
Strategic partnership to deploy over 3,000 high-efficiency Hitachi brand units across 21 stations along Egypt’s transformative 660 km HSR corridor CAIRO, Egypt, 17 July 2025 – Johnson Controls–Hitachi Air Conditioning Middle East and Africa (Johnson Controls–Hitachi Air Conditioning MEA), in partnership with Elsewedy Machinery, was awarded a major HVAC contract for Egypt’s flagship High-Speed Rail (HSR) […]

TDF Launches 3 Programs to Empower Tourism Entrepreneurs and Startups
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 9, 2025: The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) – the national enabler of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector- has announced the launch of 3 flagship programs designed to support and empower entrepreneurs and startups. The initiatives – the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, and Grow Tourism Accelerator – are delivered […]

TDF Opens Registration for Fourth Cohort of “Tourism Olou” Graduate Program
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 7, 2025: The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the opening of registration for the fourth edition of its flagship “Tourism Olou” program, a premier graduate training initiative designed to attract exceptional Saudi talent from top local and international universities. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and […]

77% of MENA content creators say GCC is leading positive transformation in tourism & entertainment
DUBAI, UAE – 25 JUNE 2025: Weber Shandwick MENAT has launched the second edition of InfluAnswer Arabia, a report informed by the perspectives of content creators, that delves into the MENA region’s evolving landscape of influencer marketing. The report also explores regional dynamics through the lens of its influencers, highlighting which countries they believe are […]

78.8% of Saudi Travelers Go Solo This Summer, Wego Reports
-Luxury Stays Dominate as 40.9% of Saudis Choose 5-Star Hotels in 2025 -Armenia’s 143% Search Boom: Saudi Tourists Flock After Visa Waiver As temperatures soar in the Kingdom during the summer, Saudi travelers are heading abroad in record numbers, not only to traditional destinations, but also to emerging tourism destinations that offer cooler weather, cultural […]

TDF Participates as “Strategic Partner” in Aseer Investment Forum
Abha – May 30, 2025: Under the patronage of HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) -the national enabler of the tourism sector- took part in the 2nd edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential […]
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Tires Recycled into New Heat-Resistant Roads for Pilgrims
Eco-conscious walkways made from recycled tyres offer cooler, softer routes in Mecca Mecca Saudi local authorities inaugurated an expanded, climate-controlled pedestrian walkway to prepare for the Hajj, which starts Wednesday, June 4th. This initiative aims to improve the comfort and accessibility of millions of pilgrims, including those with disabilities. Additionally, environmentalists commend the project for […]

“Najm” launches its operational plan for the Hajj season 1446 AH/2025 and announces its participation in the “Aoun” initiative to serve the pilgrims.
May 28, 2025 Najm continues its pivotal role in bolstering the traffic safety within the Holy Sites and Mecca by ensuring prompt arrival at accident scenes, initiating necessary procedures and alleviating traffic congestion. To undertake this role, Najm has announced its operational plan for the 1446 AH Hajj season, reinforcing national efforts to ensure the […]

In a Warming World, Mecca Cools Down: Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road’ Project
As temperatures soar, heat-reflective roads and soft walkways offer critical relief for millions during the Hajj. Overview Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, has launched a cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca that also enhances accessibility for people with disabilities. Cooled Roads Initiative […]

Emirates NBD partners with VFS Global to empower consumers with exclusive benefits and services
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 14 May 2025: Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region, has signed a partnership agreement with VFS Global — the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist — to offer consumers across the Kingdom access to exclusive benefits. The agreement was […]

Parsons Selected as Delivery Partner for King Salman International Airport
Parsons has been selected as the Delivery Partner for King Salman International Airport, providing project management services for airfield and landside assets.

Hilton Hotels in Saudi Arabia: A Milestone of 100 Properties
Hilton is on track to open 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia, expanding its luxury, lifestyle, and midscale brands and creating over 15,000 jobs.

Hilton Launches Spark by Hilton in Saudi Arabia, Expanding Premium Economy Hospitality
Hilton debuts Spark by Hilton in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Aziziyah, offering premium economy hospitality as it nears 100 hotels across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to Build 180,000 Hotel Apartments by 2034
Saudi Arabia plans to build 180,000 hotel and serviced apartments by 2034 for the FIFA World Cup, transforming its infrastructure and hospitality sector.

Travel Trends 2025: Wellness, Nature, and Culinary Adventures Lead EEMEA Travel Growth
The Mastercard Economics Institute has released its Travel Trends 2025 report, highlighting key travel patterns in the EEMEA region. Wellness retreats, nature adventures, and global culinary experiences are driving growth, with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Namibia, and Istanbul emerging as top destinations. The report offers insights into how these trends are shaping consumer preferences across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Region’s Tourism Boom Drives Record Growth in eSIM Adoption
The tourism boom in the GCC has driven a record 20% growth in eSIM adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2024. Saudi Arabia recorded a 15% increase in international flight bookings, while the UAE saw a 16% rise in international visitors. This growth has fueled the demand for seamless digital connectivity, making eSIMs the preferred choice for travelers.

Unmissable Summer Dining Offers at Address Jabal Omar Makkah
Address Jabal Omar Makkah presents an array of summer dining offers, including delightful dishes at the Lobby Lounge & Café and 24/7 in-room dining services. Guests can indulge in locally inspired dishes, signature Saudi coffee, and refreshing beverages, making their stay in the Holy City an unforgettable culinary experience.

St. Regis Jeddah: Marriott International Brings Iconic Luxury Brand to Saudi Arabia
Marriott International has signed an agreement to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Set to open in 2030, The St. Regis Jeddah will offer luxury accommodations, including 191 guestrooms and suites, five dining venues, and extensive facilities. The project also includes 92 branded residences, enhancing Jeddah’s luxury hospitality landscape in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
