Category Archives: Govt

The Ministry of Tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Minister Hon. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has approved new policies and regulations to register workers and localise activities across all licensed tourism facilities in the Kingdom. The move aims to strengthen the contribution of Saudi nationals to the tourism sector, create new employment opportunities, and enhance overall service quality in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Under the new regulations, all employees at tourism establishments, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s systems before commencing work. Contracts, whether contractual, seconded, or seasonal, are to be documented via the Ajeer platform or other approved systems. Facilities with multiple branches must ensure employee records are linked to the correct licensed location. The policies also mandate that all tourism hospitality facilities have a Saudi receptionist on duty during working hours and prohibit outsourcing positions subject to Saudization decisions to entities or workers outside the Kingdom. Compliance will be strictly monitored, with penalties applied for violations in coordination with relevant government agencies. These measures are expected to empower national talent, improve service standards, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.

The Jazan Municipality is actively implementing various development and recreational projects in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These include the maintenance and rehabilitation of 556 municipal and tourism facilities, encompassing 16 waterfronts, 235 public parks, 115 walkways, and 190 sports grounds. As Saudi Arabia journeys towards its Vision 2030, these efforts aim to showcase the region’s natural beauty while enhancing its appeal to tourists. The municipality emphasized that these projects are designed to create modern recreational spaces that meet the needs and aspirations of both residents and visitors, support tourism growth, and improve the urban environment, aligning with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, a key initiative under Saudi Vision 2030 according to SPA. Jazan Region boasts a unique natural landscape, stretching from its serene coastlines to lush mountain peaks, making it a vibrant destination rich in tourism and development potential.

Oman’s tourism activity offerings highlight the country’s strongest assets: a rich local cultural heritage and an extraordinary variety of landscapes, as shown by an analysis carried out by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence and tourism advisory partner. The study indicates that cultural experiences remain a central pillar of the offer, yet nature and active lifestyle activities together now surpass culture as the main source of discovery and enjoyment for travellers exploring the Sultanate. Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, examined supply and demand trends for experiences marketed through major online activity platforms across Oman’s 8 regions, using data from August and September 2025. “Our data intelligence shows clear opportunities to broaden Oman’s tourism offer around experiences beyond its cultural core, a particular yet relevant element of its tourism value proposition. Strengthening nature and active experiences in underrepresented regions, and making more family-oriented products available online, can help the country reach new segments and extend visitor stays,” says Sonia Huerta, Director of Insights & Tourism Advisory at Mabrian, and supervisor for this in-depth analysis. Mabrian’s data reveals that 37% of all activities and experiences available in Oman are concentrated in cultural tourism, linked to local heritage and monuments. This is followed by nature (28%) and active tourism (17%), which combined account for 45% of total activities offerings in the Sultanate. In terms of sub-products, the top three categories are local heritage, natural landscapes, and active tourism by the sea. Family-oriented activities still hold a limited share of the total portfolio, suggesting an opportunity to expand and reinforce segmented offerings specialised in this segment ,or better highlight existing options suitable for families with children of different ages. In terms …

The workshop discussed the concepts and methodological frameworks for measuring tourism in line with international standards, along with mechanisms for linking statistical data and administrative records related to visitors and tourism expenditure. It also highlighted the importance of integrating national data sources to assess both the direct and indirect impact of tourism on GDP and employment. The event brought together experts and specialists from national statistical offices and tourism authorities across GCC member states, in addition to representatives from regional and international organisations. The regional workshop on ‘Measuring the Contribution of Tourism to the Economy’, hosted by the Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) concluded under the patronage of Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism, underscored the importance of adopting comprehensive methodologies to measure tourism’s total contribution to the economy. Such an approach provides a more accurate and holistic picture of the sector’s true role in supporting GCC economies and assists in formulating effective, evidence-based policies founded on reliable statistical data. Al Mahrouqi stated that the workshop comes at a particularly significant time, as the tourism sector in the region is witnessing rapid growth and qualitative transformation in infrastructure, services, and investment. He noted that Oman and other GCC countries attach great importance to tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification, recognising its role in job creation, stimulating productive and service sectors, and enhancing sustainable development. However, he stressed that achieving this potential requires accurate and reliable statistical systems capable of measuring the true value of tourism’s contribution to GDP and to the national economy as a whole. He added that this workshop, organised by GCC-Stat, serves as a platform for experience sharing, capacity building, …

These projects form part of a comprehensive strategic portfolio of 52 developments spanning 60 million sq. ft. across Sharjah, with total investments and partnerships exceeding AED 7.2 billion. The five projects that anchor Shurooq’s achievements in this sector are the Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Al Noor Island, Maraya Art Centre and 1971 Design Space, and Mleiha National Park. Collectively, they reflect Shurooq’s commitment to fostering a thriving cultural economy rooted in heritage, creativity, and sustainability. Over the past 15 years, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has advanced beyond traditional urban development to firmly establish Sharjah as a global centre for culture and the arts, a sustainable platform for knowledge, and a dynamic destination for the creative economy in the region. According to Shurooq’s recently issued 15-year progress report, the authority has delivered five major projects in the Arts & Culture sector, with total investments and partnerships amounting to AED 447 million. These are part of a comprehensive strategic portfolio that includes 52 projects across various sectors, spanning a total area of 60 million square feet throughout the emirate, with total investments and partnerships exceeding AED 7.2 billion. These efforts align with UNESCO reports, which emphasise that cultural and creative projects are a significant economic and social driver, contributing meaningfully to GDP, creating job opportunities, and strengthening social cohesion, while also having a positive impact on sustainable development. This underscores the sector’s strategic importance as a key element in supporting sustainable growth and economic diversification, particularly in cities that adopt cultural identity as a central part of their urban fabric. These investments also support the UAE’s drive to position the creative economy as a cornerstone of its …

Jamaica has officially launched a new era in tourism, welcoming 160 global buyers from regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to JAPEX 2025. The event signals a fresh path forward for the island’s tourism sector, centered on innovation, inclusivity, and a powerful new “local first” approach.  Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised Nicola Madden-Greig, Chair of JAPEX Planning Committee for her leadership in helping the Caribbean achieve the fastest tourism recovery post-COVID. He also emphasised the role of tourism as a key driver of the economy, powering growth and opportunity across Jamaica.  “This is the year of new thinking in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “We want to make the next five years a time of serious growth, development, and inclusive tourism. We aim to deepen local involvement in the rich and lucrative tourism value chain, so that tourism works even more for the people of Jamaica.”  He added that new policies and legislation will support this “local first” approach, with global partners playing a key role in making tourism more beneficial for Jamaicans than ever before. With global tourism expected to reach 3 billion travellers by 2035, Jamaica is preparing to redefine its role on the world tourism stage.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism, solidifying its position as a global tourism leader at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit held for the first time in South Africa (Mpumalanga and Cape Town, respectively). Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, represented the Kingdom at the events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism. “Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and embedding sustainability at the heart of our efforts. The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created TOURISE – the first-ever global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership,” said Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud during her address to G20 delegates. Her Highness further added: “Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Vision 2030, we are demonstrating that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.” As the only permanent Gulf Cooperation Council member of the G20, Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role on the global stage. Through its active participation in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting, the Kingdom has helped shape the final Ministerial Declaration ensuring its priorities – sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development – are reflected in global tourism policy. …

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council said that the hotel revenues have exceeded year on year and occupancy hit 80.5% during the first six months of this year. Speaking at the third meeting he shared : “Hotel establishment revenues in the country surpassed AED 26 billion in the first half of this year, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rate hit 80.5 per cent during the first six months, reflecting sustained growth in this vital sector, the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, and supporting the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion by the next decade.” His Excellency added: “Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the country by fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects. These efforts not only drive tourism growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, offer unique opportunities to Emirati talents, and strengthen our national tourism identity on the global stage.” The Emirates Tourism Council held its third meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Council, and attended by the chairpersons and directors general of the local tourism authorities across the UAE. During the meeting, H.E. affirmed that the UAE’s tourism sector continues to perform exceptionally under the guidance of the wise leadership, which prioritizes its development as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth and …

Since April 2023, the platform has processed an average of more than 60,000 applications per month until today, while the number of active users on the Hayya mobile app has reached 2.7 million to date. The Hayya platform, which has recently moved under the umbrella of Qatar Tourism, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing two million successfully processed e-visa applications in the period following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, from 2023 to the date. During that period, more than 1.5 million individual applications have been submitted, highlighting its capacity to handle large volumes efficiently. This achievement reaffirms Hayya’s position as a primary tool for facilitating visitor entry to the State of Qatar and enhancing the overall tourism experience. Continuing to advance its digital services, the Hayya platform is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading global destination for tourism and businesses by streamlining travel procedures and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda. Commenting on the milestone, Saeed Al-Kuwari, Director of Hayya, said: “Following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, we enhanced the Hayya system to accommodate and manage multiple types of visas. By implementing the right technologies and aligning them with security requirements, the system has proven highly effective, as reflected in recent statistics. These improvements have greatly supported the tourism sector by streamlining processes and elevating the overall visitor experience.” The Hayya platform has consistently demonstrated its scale and efficiency. During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, it received over 2.4 million applications and recorded a peak of 50,000 applications in a single day, with 49,155 visitor entries processed in just 24 hours. This milestone underscores Qatar’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure in …

The Embassy of Malaysia in the United Arab Emirates hosted a reception to promote an exhibition entitled “To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia: highlights from the AFK Collection” at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. This six month long exhibition underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its cultural and artistic presence in the UAE. The opening reception was attended by Their Excellencies ambassadors accredited to the UAE, prominent business leaders, members of the Malaysian community residing in the country, as well as cultural and media figures, including Emirati journalist Dr. Jamal Al Majaida. In his remarks, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE H.E. Tengku Sirajuzzaman Bin Tengku Mohamed Ariffin stated: “Art and culture serve as a vital window into Malaysia’s history and diverse heritage, which blends Asian and Islamic civilizations. We are delighted to present these elements in Abu Dhabi, a global cultural hub. The relations between Malaysia and the UAE are not limited to political and economic cooperation, but extend deeply into the cultural sphere. This exhibition opens new horizons for cultural exchange and greater understanding between our peoples.” The exhibition featured a rare selection of artworks and cultural pieces from the AFK Collection, a distinguished private collection that showcases Malaysia’s vibrant artistic traditions, from classical and Islamic-inspired works to contemporary cultural expressions. The collection has been internationally recognized for its role in promoting Malaysian heritage on the global stage. Guests expressed their admiration for the quality and uniqueness of the displays, emphasizing the role of such events in building bridges of cultural exchange and understanding. At the conclusion of the evening, members of the Malaysian community voiced their pride in seeing their culture represented in the heart …