Tourism & Aviation
Tourism and aviation news — covering travel technology, airline updates, Saudi tourism developments, and hospitality innovations in the Kingdom and the region.
Boeing at WDS 2026: Strengthening the “Family of Systems” and Saudi Localization
Exclusive coverage of the Boeing roundtable at WDS 2026. Insights on F-15EX, MQ-28 Ghost Bat, and Boeing’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 localization featuring Zamil Safwan.
AutoFlight Unveils World’s First 5-Ton Electric Vertical Take-Off Aircraft Matrix
AutoFlight unveils Matrix, the world’s first 5-ton class eVTOL aircraft, successfully completing full transition flight with 10-passenger capacity and 1,500 km range.
Riyadh Air and Mastercard Launch Strategic Partnership to Transform Global Travel Experience
Riyadh Air and Mastercard unveil strategic partnership introducing airline-branded credit cards, virtual B2B payment solutions, and joint innovation center to transform global travel experience.
Black Eagles Aerobatic Team to Showcase Precision Flight at World Defense Show 2026
The Black Eagles Aerobatic Team of the Republic of Korea Air Force will perform at World Defense Show 2026, featuring eight T-50B supersonic aircraft in precision aerial displays.
DZYNE’s ULTRA Turbo UAS Achieves Historic 60-Hour Flight Endurance Record
DZYNE Technologies’ ULTRA Turbo UAS sets new Group 5 unmanned aircraft endurance record with 60-hour flight at 25,000 feet, revolutionizing persistent surveillance capabilities.
Singapore Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Riyadh Starting June 2026
Singapore Airlines will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh starting June 2026, operating Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 303 seats.
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Tourism Development Fund Signs Two MoUs to Enable High-Quality Tourism Projects in King Abdullah Economic City
Tourism Development Fund signs two strategic MoUs to accelerate high-quality tourism development in King Abdullah Economic City, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading Red Sea destination.
Historic Jeddah Celebrates Maritime Heritage with Red Sea Museum Launch
Jeddah’s historic waterfront welcomes the newly restored Red Sea Museum, showcasing maritime heritage through rare exhibits of navigation, trade, and pilgrimage journeys.
Sofitel Riyadh Hotel Opens as Largest Luxury Conference Center in Saudi Capital
Sofitel opens its first Riyadh property with 388 luxury rooms and the city’s largest conference center. The French hospitality brand brings Parisian elegance to Saudi Arabia’s dynamic capital.
Türkiye Archaeological Discoveries Unveil 2025’s Most Significant Historical Finds
Türkiye’s 2025 archaeological season unveiled extraordinary discoveries from Neolithic idols to Ottoman shipwrecks, reshaping our understanding of ancient civilizations across Anatolia.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Concludes Fifth Edition with Record 20,000 Visits
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes its fifth edition with record 20,000 visits and announces championship winners. Fifty percent of exhibition space for 2027 is already booked, with Brazil and other countries expanding their pavilion spaces.
Domestic Travel Saudi Arabia Surges 64% This Winter
Domestic travel in Saudi Arabia surges 64% this winter, with Riyadh leading destinations at 59.44% growth. Scenic mountain cities Taif and Tabuk also see significant increases, reflecting strong demand for domestic tourism experiences.
Saudi Airlines Launches Spirit of Saudi Arabia Tourism Aircraft
Saudi Arabian Airlines and the Saudi Tourism Authority have unveiled the Spirit of Saudi Arabia, a specially branded Boeing 787-9 aircraft designed to promote the Kingdom as a world tourism destination. The aircraft will operate on international routes to over 100 destinations across four continents.
14 Million Riyadh Season Visitors Confirm its Leading Entertainment Status
Riyadh Season attracts 14 million visitors, confirming its status as a leading global entertainment destination. The season’s diverse events and experiences contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment sector.
Saudi Airlines Tourism Boom: 27 Million Visitors in 2025
Saudi Airlines and the Saudi Tourism Authority’s partnership resulted in 27 million tourists in 2025. The “Spirit of Saudi Arabia” campaign aims to boost tourism and support Vision 2030.
Bridgestone and Ethiopian Airlines Partner on FOD Reduction for Safe Aircraft Operations
Bridgestone Corporation launches a co-creation initiative with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports to reduce Foreign Object Debris (FOD) at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The partnership has significantly decreased aircraft tire issues and improved operational efficiency through data-driven FOD management strategies.
Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh and Hampton by Hilton Olaya Announced
Hilton announces partnership with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners to open Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya and Hampton by Hilton Riyadh Olaya. The two midscale hotels will strengthen Hilton’s presence in Saudi Arabia’s capital, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
Six Flags Saudi Arabia Opens at Qiddiya City with World-Record Breaking Attractions
Six Flags Saudi Arabia opens at Qiddiya City with five world-record breaking attractions, marking the first Six Flags park built outside North America and a major milestone for Vision 2030 entertainment goals.
Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Returns to Riyadh for Seventh Edition Under ‘Traces of What Will Be’ Theme
Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 returns to Riyadh’s Tahlia Street from January 12 to February 22, featuring 25 international artists creating public artworks through live sculpting under the theme ‘Traces of What Will Be.’
flynas Launches New Abha Operations Base Connecting 11 International and Domestic Routes
flynas establishes fifth operational hub at Abha International Airport starting March 29, offering 11 international and domestic routes in partnership with Cluster2 and Aseer Development Authority, becoming first Saudi airline with five operational bases.
Alike Launches Customisable Digital Tourist Passes for Dubai, London, Paris, and Singapore
Alike launches customisable digital tourist passes for Dubai, London, Paris, and Singapore, allowing travellers to build their own itineraries with up to 50% savings compared to traditional fixed bundles.
Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe Achieves EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating
Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe achieves EcoVadis Gold sustainability rating, placing the company among the top 5% of 130,000 companies globally evaluated across 220 industry sectors, marking significant progress from bronze rating in 2023.