Sharjah focuses on Faya UNESCO Site
One year after Faya Palaeolandscape was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Sharjah has expanded research, conservation and visitor engagement at the site. The Emirate established a dedicated World Heritage Office to coordinate conservation, research, documentation and international cooperation. It also launched the Dh2 million Faya Research Grant Programme, which attracted 49 applications from universities and research institutions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America.
Researchers are undertaking studies covering ancient environments, prehistoric settlement, palaeogenomics, human mobility and geological landscapes. Public engagement has also increased, with Faya’s website recording more than 7,000 active users and 41,000 interactions in 2026. Visitor experiences have been enhanced through a new interactive exhibition at Mleiha Archaeological Centre, improved signage and the installation of the official UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Georgia strengthens appeal among GCC
Georgia is emerging as a fast-growing destination for GCC travellers, welcoming 145,513 visits from Gulf countries in 2025, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year. Overall, Georgia received 7.8 million international tourists during the year, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA). Its appeal to GCC travellers is supported by a roughly four-hour flight from major Gulf hubs, visa-free entry for GCC nationals and competitive value compared with European destinations.
Georgia also offers year-round experiences, from the Black Sea coast in Batumi and mountain retreats in Gudauri and Svaneti to wine tourism in Kakheti. The GNTA is strengthening partnerships with regional travel agencies to develop tailored packages combining luxury, culture and nature. More than 300 new hotels are projected to open across Georgia by 2028, further supporting the country’s expanding tourism sector.
Vietnam Golf Coast gears up for 2026 Season
Vietnam’s Golf Coast is preparing for a strong 2026 season as Da Nang records significant tourism growth. The city welcomed 7.74 million overnight visitors in the first five months of 2026, up 20.9 per cent year-on-year. International arrivals increased 23.6 per cent to 4.18 million.
Central Vietnam is strengthening its position as a leading Asian golf destination. It combines championship courses with luxury resorts, beaches, heritage attractions and cuisine. Courses feature designs by Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club continues its Night Golf experience and will host the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 in September.
Dhofar Khareef visitors rise 6.9 PC
Oman’s Dhofar Khareef season attracted 472,449 visitors between June 21 and July 31, 2026, up 6.9 per cent from 442,100 during the same period last year, according to preliminary NCSI data. Omani visitors accounted for the largest share, reaching 360,531, or 76.3 per cent of the total. GCC visitors increased to 78,356, representing 16.6 per cent, while visitors from other nationalities totalled 33,562.
Air arrivals rose 9.6 per cent year-on-year to 117,551, while arrivals through land ports increased 5.9 per cent to 354,898. July accounted for most of the season’s traffic, with 451,355 visitors recorded during the month, 7.1 per cent higher than July 2025. The continued growth highlights Dhofar’s appeal during the annual monsoon season, which transforms the region’s landscape and remains a major tourism draw for domestic and regional travellers.