Category Archives: Govt

The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Norlana situated on the Gulf of Aqaba’s coastline. Norlana boasts a state-of-the-art 120-berth marina that will serve as an international hub for superyachts, with water taxi services available for residents and guests. The superyacht members club will be a place where like-minded yachting enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy exceptional dining experiences and service while taking in stunning waterfront views. 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 standard for sustainable modern living. Within this contemporary community portfolio of 711 residential properties, Norlana offers deluxe mansions, spacious apartments and beach villas integrated with the surrounding dunes, bringing residents closer to serene nature. A spectacular 18-hole golf course is nestled among rugged mountains, with an equestrian and polo center with world-class facilities nearby. Norlana’s amenities also cater to a diverse range of water sports including sailing and diving, for residents and guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural environment. Norlana has been designed to redefine contemporary and active living. With sport, health and well-being at the core of this cutting-edge community, residents and guests will have every opportunity to experience their passions in this magnificent and environmentally sustainable setting. Aligned with NEOM’s commitment to conservation, Norlana will complement its coastal location and be delivered innovatively and sustainably. With a focus on preserving the surrounding land and marine environments, Norlana will offer the pinnacle of ultra-luxury modern living through a harmonious blend of nature …

H.E Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a major role in investing in the talent required to meet the needs of this thriving sector. This is strategically aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals in relation to youth empowerment and women. As an illustration, we have increased female labour force participation by 64% since 2021. Providing insights and data on the sector’s status quo, the report allows countries and regions to set clear goals to empower women and engage youth. ” According to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, reveals that the global Travel & Tourism sector is delivering soaring employment opportunities to women and young people around the world. The report shows that the Travel & Tourism sector directly employed a rapidly rising number of women between 2010 and 2019, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million, an increase of 24%. It also found hospitality to be the leading employer of women within the sector, accounting for more than half of female employment. Young workers are shown as an important component of the sector’s workforce, representing 15% of all jobs in the sector in both 2010 and 2021. By contrast, the share of young workers in overall global employment fell from 16.5% in 2010 to 12.5% in 2021, highlighting the importance of Travel & Tourism to youth employment. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As part of our Environmental & Social Research, we are incredibly proud to have worked alongside the Sustainable Tourism Global Center and to be releasing this incredibly …

In order to boost tourism Turkey grants visa free entry to six countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain in the GCC and Canada and United States published in the official gazette of Turkey. According to the decree holders of ordinary passports of these six nations is granted privilege of visa free entry for tourist visits up to 90 days within any 180 day period.

Saudi tourism statistics achieved positive results during this year, with total number of tourists (overnight visitors for all purposes) reaching (53.6 million), including (39.0 million) domestic tourists and (14.6 million) inbound tourists. The Ministry of Tourism is delighted to announce the preliminary data for the first half of 2023 tourism statistics, which demonstrates the continuous achievements following 2022’s remarkable growth within the tourism sector, in addition to informing local and international investors on the sector’s latest updates, this confirms the effectiveness of the Ministry of Tourism and its partners efforts in attracting visitors by enhancing the tourism products and quality of services, in addition to improving visa structures. Saudi tourism statistics achieved positive results during this year, with total number of tourists (overnight visitors for all purposes) reaching (53.6 million), including (39.0 million) domestic tourists and (14.6 million) inbound tourists. The total tourism spending reached (SAR150 billion), of which (SAR 63.1 billion) came from domestic tourism and (SAR 86.9 billion) from Inbound tourism, that indicates a new historical record for Saudi tourism. Inbound tourism achieved historical record numbers in the first half of 2023, recording an increase of (142%) in number of tourists and (132%) in total tourism spending vs. the first half of 2022. With the continuous development of the tourism sector, there has been an increase in the number of tourists for all purposes with leisure tourists showing the highest growth (347%) vs. the first half of 2022. Domestic tourism in the first half of 2023 recorded a growth of (16%) in tourism spending, due to the average length of stay increasing from (4.6) nights in the first half of 2022 to (6.3) nights in the first half of …

The 4th Abu Dhabi Family Forum 2023, organised by the Family Development Foundation (FDF), continues to attract visitors, heritage lovers and people interested in learning about the cultural and popular heritage through a variety of cultural activities, performances and sessions that are being organised in collaboration with various entities. A number of events and activities were organised at the Emirati Heritage Station, including ‘Saf Al Khos’ organised by the UAE Heritage Club, ‘Old Emirati Wedding’ organised in cooperation with the Women’s Association Sanad Al Watan, as well as the ‘Al Sanaa Al Emirati’ organised by the Sharjah Heritage Centre. Numerous visitors of different ages visited the Event Theatre at the Emirate Heritage Station, which featured heritage and entertainment competitions with a wide audience participation. The competitions included the Emirati Popular Proverbs and Wedding Competition, UAE History Workshop, Bakery Workshop, and Children’s Popular Games Workshop. The station offers tourists with an immersive experience of UAE heritage and culture through the ‘Al Nabti Poetry’ competition, which is jointly organised by the Family Development Foundation schools in collaboration with ADNOC schools, in which participants can delve into the local food culture through the engaging cooking corner and its competitions. Additionally, the ‘Coffee Corner’ showcases authentic UAE hospitality and welcoming rituals, emphasising the significance of Arabic coffee in the lives of Emiratis. For those interested in the historical aspects, ‘Cinema Al Awal’ presents an opportunity for visitors to enjoy old shows and series produced by Abu Dhabi TV. Aisha Salem Al Kaabi, Senior Organiser and Head of UAE Heritage Station, said: “Through the Emirati Heritage Station and with strategic partners and entrepreneurs, our efforts have been dedicated to imparting the rich cultural heritage of …

The third edition of the #DubaiDestinations winter campaign was launched to be held from 15th to 31st December 2023. The campaign puts the spotlight on the unique places, activities and attractions that make Dubai one of the world’s most-loved winter getaways. As part of the campaign, Brand Dubai announced that it has partnered with the Supreme Committee Overseeing Hatta Development to launch the inaugural edition of the Hatta Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, sports and family entertainment in the heart of Dubai’s picturesque mountain region. This launch was conducted under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO). Being held from 15-31 December at the newly-developed Leem Lake in Hatta and the Hatta Wadi Hub, the festival is the centrepiece of the third edition of the #DubaiDestinations winter campaign. Running until February 2024, the latest season of the campaign seeks to tell the story of Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s best winter destinations. Over the next two months, the campaign will unfold with captivating narratives from diverse sources on the emirate’s unique winter activities and experiences. Marking the launch of the campaign, Brand Dubai hosted a press conference at GDMO to outline the key activations at the Hatta Festival and the prominent attractions that capture the spirit of the larger winter campaign. The launch of the ‘Hatta Festival’ aligns with the leadership’s directives to transform Hatta into a prominent business, investment and tourism destination. It also aims to highlight the historical importance and natural and archaeological wonders …

Iran announced the removal of visa requirements for 33 nations, including Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics after years of strained relations and a recent thaw in ties. According to ISNA, the new countries under consideration for visa-free travel to Iran in the near future are Argentina, South Africa, Indonesia, Jordan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ecuador, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Paraguay, Peru, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand and Turkmenistan. In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement brokered by China to restore diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016. As part of this diplomatic thaw, citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, among other things, will now benefit from visa requirements being waived. As for Russians, they will only benefit from the visa exemption when travelling to Iran in groups. At the same time, Omani nationals enjoyed visa-free travel to Iran before this recent announcement. In a significant development, Iranian pilgrims are set to commence regular travel to Saudi Arabia starting on December 19, marking the first time in eight years for such a routine pilgrimage between the two nations. In January 2023, Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Iran’s vice president of tourism, proposed ​​waiving visas for travellers from 50 countries. However, this list now includes only 45 countries that will enjoy visa-free travel to Iran. Shalbafian also mentioned a previously signed program to waive visas for specific tourist groups between Iran and Russia, initiated in 2017 by former Iranian President Vladimir Putin. Furthermore, in November 2023, the Iranian government, following a proposal by the Ministry of Tourism, eliminated visa requirements for passport holders …

President William Ruto delivering a speech at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya during Jamhuri Day Celebrations on December 12, 2023 shared that starting January 2024, the government will abolish the requirement of visas for all visitors coming to Kenya. To implement the new policy, he said the state has developed a digital platform to ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform. This means that all travelers will only need to obtain electronic travel authorisation before visiting the country which is known for its tourist attraction sites. “It is with great pleasure, as president of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said. “It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: “Tobong’u Lorre!” Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!” he added. The move comes at a time when most countries are making progress towards simplifying entry processes and dropping restrictions on some other nations.

NEOM unveiled an exclusive tourism escape Siranna a sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. This ultra-luxurious destination will be home to a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences. Siranna is a space where elegant and innovative living meet to facilitate a lifestyle without compromise, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The destination offers uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, with its tiered design offering diverse views and perspectives. Emerging from the rugged coastal terrain, the hexagonal pillars are distinctive, yet complementary to the surrounding mountains and flora. Arriving via waterborne transportation to the secluded bay, guests will journey through the natural rock formations before reaching the enchanting entrance of the property. With a focus on fostering original thinking and relaxation, Siranna will offer visitors and residents the opportunity to escape the noise and disruptions of everyday life and surround themselves with like-minded people in an effortlessly chic setting. A signature beach club, spas, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities will be on offer for visitors to unwind. Those seeking a connection with the landscape during their stay will enjoy the winding discovery trails via foot or horseback to explore where the sea, mountain, and wadi meet. Sophisticated dining and entertainment options will also satisfy a wide range of tastes and interests among guests. The guiding principle underpinning the development is to ensure minimal intervention in nature, where thoughtful and deliberate techniques will be used to preserve the surrounding landscape. The architecture will pay homage to the heritage of the local area and seamlessly blend into the adjoining mountain and wadi. Siranna is another example of NEOM’s uncompromising efforts to create spaces in nature that support sustainable future living and …

A special event was held in Riyadh highlighting Berlin’s offerings in medical travel, showcasing a dedicated Arabic website catering to GCC travellers and providing information on accommodation and medical facilities. The Arabic site can be viewed at berlin-health-excellence.com/ar. It was held under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin last night hosted a special event in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The gathering aimed to showcase the allure of Berlin and highlight Germany’s tourism offerings for 2024. The exclusive event served as a platform to spotlight Berlin’s rich history, vibrant culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and diverse culinary scene, positioning it as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. In addition to this, recognising the popularity of football in the region, Berlin also promoted the highly anticipated European Championship, which will be held in 2024 across 10 German cities, including Berlin where the final game will be played. Another major date in 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with numerous events taking place in November next year to showcase the city of freedom Berlin. Additionally, Berlin also emphasised its commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and sharing information on where to find halal cuisine. The city’s family-friendly environment – featuring children’s museums and zoos – presents an ideal destination for families. Moreover, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and parks, Berlin offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – Gulf Countries at the GNTO, said: “Germany stands as an embodiment of cultural magnificence and this exclusive event in Riyadh …