Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted an exclusive Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Romania) Marketplace in Al Ain Region, connecting over 200 travel trade partners from each country with more than 50 Abu Dhabi-based stakeholders, including hotels, attractions, and destination management companies. It forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with industry partners from key markets and boost visitor numbers to the emirate. Abu Dhabi has experienced a robust increase in visitors from Europe, with overnight guests increasing by 8% year-to-date compared to last year. This positive trend is further bolstered by enhanced accessibility, as flight connectivity from Europe has seen an 18.4% year-on-year increase in total seat capacity to over 3.24 million seats in 2025. These figures, coupled with high visitor satisfaction rates, paint a clear picture of European travellers eager for more of what Abu Dhabi has to offer. The event featured a range of discussions, networking opportunities, and familiarisation activities designed to ignite collaboration and educate Europe travel partners on Abu Dhabi’s extensive offering. From the vibrant capital city to the historic sites of Al Ain Region, the array of diverse experiences makes Abu Dhabi a destination with endless travel possibilities. Attendees also experienced traditional Emirati performances and engaged in cultural workshops. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Europe represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market for Abu Dhabi, and our commitment to fostering robust partnerships within this region is paramount. This marketplace is designed to be an invaluable platform for direct engagement, allowing us to not only showcase the breadth of Abu Dhabi’s unique offerings but to also listen, collaborate …

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.

Zayed National Museum will open for visitors in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. The museum will provide visitors with an immersive journey through the history and heritage of the UAE, complementing existing landmarks such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Travel trade partners and destination management companies are expected to benefit from increased demand for cultural itineraries and experiential travel packages. Designed by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum’s opening reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to position itself as a global cultural destination, attracting both leisure and business travellers. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) unveiled a new and innovative suite of digital services, projects and initiatives during its participation in GITEX Global 2025 through the Ajman Government pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The move comes in line with the Department’s commitment to foster smart and digital transformation in the tourism sector and its continuous efforts to reinforce the industry’s position in the emirate. The Department’s participation in a globally renowned event signifies its dedication to leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create a smart and sustainable tourism sector. The initiatives and technologies include interactive tools for generating images, videos, and 3D models, converting written ideas into visual or audio content. ADTD has also introduced an intelligent system for evaluating and categorising ideas and a comprehensive digital registry to track future initiatives. In addition, the Department is promoting collaborative innovation through a secure digital platform for submitting and assessing entries for the Tourism Innovator Award. This cutting-edge platform enables the community to express their ideas in different ways, and it fosters creative engagement and contributes to shaping a future tourism innovation pathway that supports the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. It also contributes to the goals of Ajman Vision 2030 to position the emirate as a smart and attractive global tourism hub. Commenting on ADTD’s active participation in GITEX Global 2025, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the ADTD, highlighted the Department’s commitment to fostering digital transformation in the tourism sector and boosting the adoption of advanced technological solutions that support sustainable development goals and strengthen Ajman’s tourism economy. H.E. Alhashmi said: “At the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, we are committed …

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) showcased the Saudi Red Sea’s luxury experiences, yachting readiness, and investment opportunities as the next frontier in superyachting at the Monaco Yacht Show. With state-of-the-art marinas, luxury yacht clubs, and a world-class, growing coastal infrastructure, the Saudi Red Sea is emerging as the next must-visit destination for superyachts and luxury maritime experiences. Commenting at the Monaco Yacht Show, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “With $22.4 billion already committed, the Saudi Red Sea is backed by unprecedented investment and a clear ambition to set new standards in luxury and hospitality. Boasting over 1,800 KM of pristine coastline, we are ready to welcome the global yachting community with world-class infrastructure, pristine cruising grounds, and ultra-luxury experiences. The Monaco Yacht Show has been an excellent platform to highlight the Saudi Red Sea as the next frontier for superyachting – from the Med to the Red – and we look forward to welcoming more captains, crews, and visitors to our shores.” By 2030, the Saudi Red Sea will offer 80 hotels across The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, alongside the exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat. This year, new openings on Shura Island include the SLS, EDITION, and InterContinental resorts, all set to welcome guests in the coming weeks and mark a new era of luxury. Additionally, Shura Links, an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that hugs the coastline, recently opening this September, underscoring the Saudi Red Sea’s emergence as a premier destination for luxury experiences. At its 300 sqm pavilion, STA demonstrated Saudi’s advanced yachting infrastructure, including purpose-built facilities and fully serviced marinas designed for smooth operations and effortless arrivals. With streamlined entry, flexible routing, and luxury …

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 …

In line with its mandate as the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development OMRAN Group participated in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning’s Urban October event from 6–9 October 2025. During the event, the Group presented a portfolio of current and future projects that aim to support efforts in advancing Oman’s tourism and urban development landscape. Port Sultan Qaboos Waterfront, a landmark redevelopment project that will transform Muscat’s historic port into an integrated, mixed-use tourism destination. The project seeks to preserve the site’s cultural and architectural heritage, while opening new horizons for tourism and modern lifestyles, and strengthening investment opportunities within a framework of balanced and sustainable development. Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences, Muscat a luxury beachfront resort on the Al Bustan coast featuring 200 hotel rooms, 100 hotel apartments, five restaurants, and premium leisure and sports facilities. This project marks the first entry of the Four Seasons brand into Oman, reflecting a promising, attractive, and distinctive investment environment. Club Med Musandam Resort, a 215,000 sqm beachfront development in Khasab with 300 rooms and extensive leisure amenities, blending authentic Arabian hospitality with world-class family and leisure tourism experiences , while representing the first Club Med resort in the Middle East. This participation underscores OMRAN Group’s pivotal role as a catalyst for tourism infrastructure and Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), creating destinations that seamlessly combine hospitality, lifestyle, and sustainability. It also reinforces the Group’s contribution to Oman Vision 2040 and the National Tourism Strategy, while enhancing the Sultanate’s competitiveness on both regional and global levels.

The Arabian Travel Awards is delighted to announce Malaysia Tourism as the Platinum Partner for its highly anticipated 8th edition, set to take place on 25th November 2025. An invite-only, red-carpet affair, the Arabian Travel Awards brings together the most influential names in travel, tourism, and hospitality—a distinguished gathering that celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership across the industry. As Malaysia prepares to unveil its grand Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, this partnership presents an ideal platform to showcase the country’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and luxurious travel experiences. The collaboration is poised to inspire high-value travellers from the Middle East to explore Malaysia’s islands, rainforests, and cosmopolitan cities. “Partnering with the Arabian Travel Awards as Platinum Partner marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Middle East. As we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, this collaboration allows us to highlight Malaysia’s timeless appeal and our readiness to welcome discerning travellers seeking authentic, world-class experiences.,” said Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director Tourism Malaysia in Dubai. San Jeet, Convener of the Arabian Travel Awards, added, “We are thrilled to have Malaysia Tourism join us as our Platinum Partner. Their participation reflects our shared vision to elevate global tourism and spotlight destinations that blend tradition, innovation, and luxury with a sustainable outlook.” Now in its 8th year, the Arabian Travel Awards continues to honour outstanding contributions that define the future of global tourism, setting new benchmarks of quality and inspiration for the industry’s finest.