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

NSG and Saudia Launch In-Flight Connectivity on A321XLR
Neo Space Group and Saudia have activated the NSG Skywaves in-flight connectivity service on the airline’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

Dhofar Khareef 2026 Tourism Season Commences in Oman
The Dhofar Khareef 2026 tourism season has officially started in Oman, offering visitors a cool summer escape with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C.

Red Sea Vocational Training Program Graduates Fourth Cohort
Red Sea Global celebrated the graduation of 386 students from its vocational training program to support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.

AI-Assisted Attack Exposes Millions of Hotel Records
A security investigation has revealed how a Russian hacker used AI tools to breach multiple hotel booking platforms, exposing millions of guest records.

SAL Ground Handling Division Signs Strategic Agreement with Singapore Airlines
SAL Ground Handling has signed a strategic agreement with Singapore Airlines to manage cargo services at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Atheel KAFD Hotel to Open with Majority-Saudi Leadership Team
The Atheel KAFD Hotel in Riyadh is preparing for its launch with a leadership team comprised of 63 percent Saudi nationals.

Hajj Data Center Completes 100% Cloud Migration
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has completed the 100% migration of its data center to a cloud-based infrastructure to support over 20 million pilgrims.

Grow Tourism Incubator Completes First Cohort with 30 Startups
The Tourism Development Fund completed the first edition of its tourism incubator, supporting 30 startups with mentorship, workshops, and international training.

Tourism Growth Incubator Concludes First Cohort Supporting 30 Startups
The Tourism Development Fund has concluded the first cohort of its tourism incubator, supporting 30 startups with mentorship and international training.

Knowledge Economic City Showcases Madinah Investment Opportunities at FHS 2026
Knowledge Economic City presented its SAR 24 billion real estate portfolio at the Future Hospitality Summit 2026 in Riyadh.

Rotana Confirms 10-Property Pipeline and Strategic MoU with Saudi Tourism Authority
Rotana has confirmed a 10-property pipeline in Saudi Arabia, targeting 23 hotels by 2027 and signing a strategic MoU with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

ACCIONA Secures Cleaning Services Contract for Haramain High-Speed Railway
ACCIONA has been awarded a three-year contract to provide technical cleaning and housekeeping services for the Haramain High-Speed Railway network.

Global Investment Summit 2026 Launches in Paris
The Global Investment Summit 2026 will launch in Paris this September, targeting USD 28.59 billion in European investments into the GCC region.

Rosie Stancer Completes Historic 2,000 km Saudi Desert Crossing
British explorer Rosie Stancer and her all-female team have successfully completed a 2,000 km walk across the Saudi desert along the historic Incense Route.

Global Airports Forum Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition
The fifth Global Airports Forum will take place in Riyadh this November, focusing on airport infrastructure, smart technologies, and international collaboration.

Emirates Launches Updated Travel Insurance Product with Conflict Coverage
Emirates has updated its travel insurance product in partnership with Travel Guard, adding conflict-related medical coverage and trip extensions.

Knowledge Economic City to Showcase SAR 24 Billion Madinah Portfolio at Future Hospitality Summit
Knowledge Economic City will showcase its SAR 24 billion real estate portfolio and 42,000 hospitality keys at the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh.

OMODA & JAECOO Showcases Robotic Assistants and Parking Technology in the UAE
OMODA & JAECOO presented its AiMOGA humanoid robots and Valet Parking Driver technology in the UAE to demonstrate automated customer service and parking solutions.

Inaugural Red Bull Pool Clash Surfing Competition Debuts in Qiddiya City
The inaugural Red Bull Pool Clash surfing competition debuted at Surftopia in Qiddiya City, crowning Leila Zahid and Hugo Cardoso as champions.

Riyadh Air Opens New Technology Hub in KAFD Creating 300 Jobs
Riyadh Air has opened its new technology hub in KAFD, creating 300 specialized jobs in digital operations, AI, and aviation analytics.

Wego Reports 173 Percent Increase in UAE Travel Searches During May
Wego data reveals a 173% month-on-month surge in UAE travel searches during May 2026 as travelers secure bookings ahead of summer price increases.

Chasing Dakar Docuseries to Premiere in MENA on June 12
The new Chasing Dakar docuseries premieres on June 12, 2026, following driver Sara Price through the 8,000km rally in Saudi Arabia.
