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

Almosafer partners with Saudi Arabia Railways to provide access to the Haramain High-Speed Railway network to a wider base of travelers
The partnership forms part of Almosafer’s strategy to boost tourism in the Kingdom by offering safe and convenient modes of transportation to residents and visitors. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; January 25, 2024: Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company (part of Seera Group), has signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to enhance travel across […]

Rotana Highlights Aggressive Expansion Plan in the Kingdom at the Saudi Tourism Forum 2024
• The leading hospitality group’s is set to launch eight properties in the kingdom in the next 4 years. • Key count is set to double exceeding 4,400 in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2024 – Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye (MENAT), announced its […]

Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia takes a major step forward with Zardun
The latest announcement from the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed as a restorative nature and wildlife retreat for discerning guests NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, January 24, 2024 – Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Zardun, an exclusive sanctuary resort developed by NEOM, the sustainable […]

Address Jabal Omar Makkah Unveils its Sky Mussallah, the World’s Highest Prayer Room Overlooking the Holy Kaaba
Makkah, Saudi Arabia (17th January 2024): Address Jabal Omar Makkah, the iconic luxury hospitality destination in the heart of Makkah, is proud to announce the opening of its Sky Mussallah, a stunning prayer room that encapsulates sheer opulence. Designed to excel on every metric, the new Sky Mussallah is a perfect embodiment of the hotel’s unparalleled architectural excellence. The mussallah stands as a […]

Royal Commission for AlUla’s Governor formally inaugurates Qatar Airways Direct Flight connecting Doha and AlUla
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – January 2024: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced today the official inauguration of direct flights between Doha and AlUla by Qatar Airways. The ceremony was presided over by His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Governor of the Royal […]

NEOM announces Aquellum, a futuristic lifestyle community within a mountain haven
NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, January 10, 2023 – The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Aquellum, a luxury and experiential space embedded within the mountains, and the latest striking addition to the ongoing regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia. With its foundations steeped in cutting-edge technology, avant-garde architecture and forward-thinking concepts, Aquellum will offer […]

Careem and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) expand their partnership to streamline travel for intercity commuters
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 31st December 2023: Careem, the leading multi-service app in the region, announces the expansion of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to facilitate a smooth and seamless transportation experience for railway passengers to and from its North and East lines. As part of the agreement, Careem will expand its presence […]

Rotana concludes 2023 with 74 operational hotels and a bolstered pipeline of 50 properties.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 2023: Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT), concludes the year and its third decade of successful operations, with nine property signings in 2023 alongside a healthy pipeline of 50 scheduled openings. […]

NEOM announces Norlana, its coastal wellness-focused community
NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, December 27, 2023 – The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Norlana, an ultra-modern active lifestyle community, as the latest addition to the evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia. Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba’s coastline, Norlana creates a unique environment where an exclusive community of 3,000 residents will enjoy contemporary luxury fused with advanced technology, setting a pioneering […]

ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA AND KING FAISAL CENTER FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 26 December 2023: Marking a new chapter in cultural stewardship, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has formalized a strategic partnership with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS). The signing, attended by RCU’s Executive Director of Archaeology, Conservation and Collections, Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani and KFCRIS’ Assistant Secretary-General Ibrahim […]

WIZZ AIR WELCOMED MORE THAN 1 MILLION PASSENGERS TO AND FROM SAUDI ARABIA IN 2023
The leading ultra-low-cost carrier offered more than 1.2 million affordable travel opportunities between the Kingdom and 23 European destinations in 2023 22 December 2023, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable airline globally, is proud to announce a significant milestone on its operational results for 2023 in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, […]

Makarem Hotels Inks Agreement with Saudi Edarah Co to Manage and Operate Rwaya Hotel in Makkah
Makarem, Dur Hospitality’s leading hotel brand specialized in serving visitors of Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, has signed a management and operation agreement with Saudi Edarah Co to operate Rwaya Hotel in Makkah. Located in the vibrant Khalidiya neighborhood, the 31-story Rwaya Hotel is set to commence operations in the first quarter of 2024. A mere […]

Airbus Secures Communications at Historic COP28 in Dubai with Advanced Agnet Solution
Explore how Airbus enhanced communication security at COP28 in Dubai using their innovative Agnet solution, a pivotal move that ensured safety and operational efficiency for over 97,000 delegates, including world leaders.

NEOM announces Utamo, its immersive destination for art and entertainment
NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, December 13, 2023 – The Board of Directors of NEOM has unveiled Utamo, its immersive destination for art and entertainment. An innovative event space to host global artists, Utamo is the latest destination to be announced by the sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. Cocooned in a mountain located along the Gulf […]

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s New National Airline, Partners with Swiss Aviation Software for Enhanced Engineering and Sustainability Initiatives
Swiss-AS is very proud to officially announce the signing of a strategic agreement with the emerging Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, for the implementation of our Aviation Maintenance and Engineering software solution AMOS. As a national carrier, Riyadh Air will play a significant role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s economic and cultural interests globally, aiding in the […]

Qatar Airways Launches Flight to NEOM, Its Ninth Gateway in Saudi Arabia
The national carrier of the State of Qatar operates two weekly flights to NEOM on A320 aircraft Passengers flying from NEOM will benefit from the airline’s extensive global network, comprising over 170 destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways, the multiple award-winning airline, is pleased to announce the expansion of […]

VFS Global appointed to deliver UK Government visa and passport services across 142 countries, including Saudi Arabia
VFS Global, which has been a trusted partner for the UK Government since 2003, has won the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services. This award is the latest in a long line of wins for the world’s leading visa, passport and citizen services provider. During 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa […]

Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and LOT Polish Airlines Launch Direct Flights from Warsaw to Riyadh
• New agreement marks LOT Polish Airlines’ entry into the Saudi air travel market• Warsaw-Riyadh route to strengthen EU connectivity with the Kingdom• Route will offer three flights per week, with over 58,000 seats annually Riyadh, December 6, 2023: The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and LOT Polish Airlines have entered into a new agreement […]

Intersec 2024 experts affirm Middle East aviation’s resilience, prioritizing passenger safety through adaptability.
Amidst a robust post-pandemic surge in passenger traffic, regional airports commit substantial investments in cutting-edge tech and infrastructure Geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and rising cyber threats drive significant aviation security upgrades across the Middle East The vision for the future of aviation security in the Middle East is to be discussed at the Security Leader’s Summit […]

DIRIYAH UNVEILS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SAUDI CULTURAL CALENDAR: DIRIYAH SEASON 2023/24
DIRIYAH, December 5, 2023 – Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has unveiled its highly-anticipated Diriyah Season 2023/24. The Season celebrates Diriyah’s living heritage with a three-month extravaganza of events and experiences starting Tuesday, December 12, 2023. This year’s program positions Diriyah Season as the highlight of the Saudi cultural calendar and honors Diriyah’s origin […]

HDC.Together HUAWEI MEA Ecosystem Summit Collaborates with Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to Strengthen Global Partnerships during its first forum held in Saudi
Alriyadh, 5 December 2023: The HDC.Together HUAWEI MEA Ecosystem Summit continued its mission to foster collaborations between local and global markets, reaching its pinnacle at the Saudi Arabia Forum, at the Roshn Front, Huawei future space exhibition, on November 30th. In collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), and for the first time in Saudi, this […]

TURKISH AIRLINES AND RIYADH AIR SIGN STRATEGIC COOPERATION MoU
Airlines signed an MoU to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests travelling between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and points beyond Broader strategic benefits also expected along the value chain include aviation related services, cargo and digital development First major agreement for Riyadh Air with an airline outside Saudi Arabia and was signed on […]
