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

Qatar Airways Equips 150 Widebody Aircraft With Starlink
Qatar Airways has equipped 150 widebody aircraft with Starlink, introducing the technology to its Boeing 787-9 fleet as rollouts continue through 2026.

Vietnam’s Da Nang Tops Rising Saudi Summer Destinations with 117% Flight Search Growth
Wego data reveals a 117% increase in flight searches for Vietnam’s Da Nang as Saudi travellers turn toward secondary coastal cities for summer 2026.

King Khalid International Airport Begins First Phase of Silent Airport Project in Riyadh
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has started phase one of its Silent Airport initiative at Terminal 5, shifting flight announcements to digital screens.

SNB Group Introduces World Legend Mastercard for Private Banking
SNB Group has partnered with Mastercard to launch the first World Legend Mastercard in the MENA region, offering private banking clients exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Ford Hosts Art Exhibition in Abha
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Ford hosted the Where Beauty Tells Its Tale art exhibition in Abha, showcasing Asir artists through the Darb Al Fan Program.

Rosewood AMAALA Opens at Triple Bay Along the Red Sea Coast
Red Sea Global has announced the opening of Rosewood AMAALA at Triple Bay, featuring 110 keys, 26 branded residences, and extensive wellness facilities.

SEVEN Tabuk Entertainment Destination Opens in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Entertainment Ventures has officially opened its second indoor entertainment destination, SEVEN Tabuk, featuring global attractions and local concepts.

Barq and Riyadh Air Partner to Develop Digital Payment Infrastructure
Barq and Riyadh Air have signed a strategic partnership to develop a secure and scalable digital payments platform, enhancing the airline’s financial infrastructure.

SAL Becomes First Saudi Company to Obtain IATA SeMS Certification
SAL Logistics Services has become the first Saudi company to receive the IATA SeMS Level 1 certification for cargo security.

SEVEN ABHA Welcomes Visitors Following Opening Festival
SEVEN ABHA continues to welcome visitors following its successful five-day opening festival, offering Formula E Karting, bowling, and cinemas.

LG Electronics Expands Commercial Air Care Business Across Asia
LG Electronics expands its commercial air care business in Asia, securing major supply contracts in Taiwan and Thailand to meet growing demand.

The Space 14 Estate Launches New Warehousing Project in Dubai Investments Park 2
The Space 14 Estate has launched a new warehousing project in Dubai Investments Park 2, offering 14 flexible units scheduled for completion in September 2027.

Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Wins Marriott’s 2026 EMEA New Hotel Opening Award
Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh has won the 2026 EMEA New Hotel Opening Award from Marriott International, recognizing its operational excellence.

Amazon Outlines Smart Home and Reading Checklist for Summer Travelers
Amazon has detailed a summer checklist for Saudi travelers, focusing on remote home security automation and portable digital reading options.

Apparel Group and KEC Partner for Multaqa AlMadinah Mall Retail Expansion
Apparel Group has partnered with Knowledge Economic City to bring 24 international brands to Multaqa AlMadinah Mall, including ten making their debut in Madinah.

Golf Saudi Partners with Muslim Golf Association to Introduce 280 Women to Golf in London
Golf Saudi partnered with the Muslim Golf Association to introduce 280 girls and women to golf during the PIF London Championship.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Earns AI Ethics Label for Nusuk AI
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has received the AI Ethics Label from SDAIA for its Nusuk AI digital assistant, recognizing its commitment to responsible technology.

My Syria App Launches as Country’s First Tourism Super App
The My Syria app has officially launched as the country’s first digital tourism super app, enabling cross-border payments with Apple Pay and international cards.

Knowledge Economic City Signs LOI for SAR 7.5 Billion Real Estate Fund
Knowledge Economic City has signed a letter of intent to establish a SAR 7.5 billion fund for the Knowledge Gardens mixed-use project in Madinah.

SEVEN Abha Entertainment Destination Opens in Aseer
Saudi Entertainment Ventures has announced the opening of its first entertainment destination in the Aseer region, scheduled for August 5, 2026.

Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard Partner to Drive Tourism Growth
The Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard have signed an agreement to boost tourism using data analytics and curated cultural experiences.

SAL Completes Acquisition of Aviapartner Liège for SAR 120 Million
SAL Logistics Services Company has finalized its 100% acquisition of Aviapartner Liège SA for SAR 120 million, marking its first international expansion.
