Saudi ministry issues global alert against fake Hajj permits
Tue, 12 May 2026
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a global awareness campaign warning pilgrims against falling victim to fraudulent advertisements and "fake" Hajj permits.
Visa-free travel takes effect between Saudi Arabia, Russia
Mon, 11 May 2026
Building on the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 11, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing tourism and cultural exchange.
Saudi entertainment sector surpasses 320m visitors
Sun, 10 May 2026
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has recorded one of the region’s fastest growth rates in less than a decade, surpassing 320 million visitors through more than 60 entertainment seasons and programmes.
Bahrain Airport Services set to launch Saudi operations
Sun, 10 May 2026
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has announced plans to launch operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a strategic move that reflects the company’s drive to expand beyond Bahrain and solidify its position as a leading regional aviation services provider.
Key entertainment destination Al-Khobar Terrace opens
Wed, 06 May 2026
Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region Municipality has inaugurated Al-Khobar Terrace, a landmark waterfront development project, which aims to enhance Al-Khobar’s position as a leading tourism and entertainment destination.
Sumou seals lease agreement with Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development
Tue, 05 May 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Sumou Real Estate has signed a 35-year-long lease agreement with Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development Company (SARED) for a 78,374 sq m land plot in Jeddah. As per the deal, Sumou will develop an integrated mixed-use project on the land, located in the southwestern corner of a master-planned area.
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah route gateway in Morocco
Tue, 05 May 2026
Saudi Arabia launched the second gateway of the Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco at the initiative’s hall at Rabat-Salé International Airport. The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries travelling to the Kingdom.
Saudi Airports Cluster 2 sees 7pc rise in passengers in Q1 2026
Tue, 05 May 2026
Airports Cluster 2, operating 22 Saudi airports, reported strong Q1 2026 growth. Passenger numbers reached nearly five million, up 7% year-on-year, while flights exceeded 37,000, marking a 9% increase.
TDF launches hackathons to boost Saudi tourism solutions
Mon, 04 May 2026
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its Tourism Hackathons Programme on April 28, 2026, through TDF Grow, to foster innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and contribute to Vision 2030 economic goals.
Saudi GACA logs 2,033 airline complaints in March 2026
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its March 2026 classification index for airlines and airports based on passenger complaints, reporting a total of 2,033 complaints filed against airlines during the month.
Kempinski Residences expands into Saudi Arabia with Makkah project
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Kempinski Group has announced its first branded residences in Saudi Arabia, Kempinski Residences at Masar, Makkah. The project includes 302 serviced units with flexible ownership options targeting high-end buyers and investors.
Vision 2030 turns Saudi Arabia into tourism hotspot
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s tourism, hospitality, and events sectors have transformed under Vision 2030. By 2025, tourism contributed 5% of GDP, attracted 123 million visitors, generated SAR300 billion ($80 billion), and supported strong non-oil economic growth.
Saudi Arabia drives Mideast tourism growth with $178bn contribution: WTTC
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that Middle East Travel & Tourism grew 5.3% in 2025, surpassing global rates. Strong visitor spending lifted the GDP contribution to $385.8 billion and supported 7.1 million jobs, with Saudi Arabia leading regional growth, accounting for $178 billion in GDP.
Saudi Arabia joins Beijing Convention to boost aviation security
Mon, 27 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia has joined the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation (Beijing Convention, 2010), affiliated with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
GACA allocates dedicated lounges for Makkah Route Pilgrims
Sun, 26 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has allocated specialised reception lounges at Jeddah and Madinah airports for pilgrims participating in the Makkah Route Initiative for the 2026 Hajj season.
Aquarabia, Saudi Arabia’s first water theme park, opens in Qiddiya City
Fri, 24 Apr 2026
Aquarabia, Saudi Arabia’s first and largest water theme park, opened to fun-seekers in Qiddiya City on Thursday (April 23).
Saudi Arabia civil aviation expects 12,000 flights during Hajj season
Wed, 22 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has affirmed its full readiness to enhance operation during this Hajj season by providing more than 3.1 million seats for inbound and outbound flights and operating more than 12,000 scheduled and charter flights through six main airports.
Saudi Tourism Ministry welcomes first pilgrim groups to Makkah, Madinah
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, organising reception events that reflect Saudi hospitality and the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims.
PIF to support development of 100,000 hotel rooms, 70 tourism experiences
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) tourism, travel, and entertainment ecosystem aims to capitalise on the growing Saudi tourism industry by developing strategic assets that generate reliable returns, improving air‑connectivity and leveraging world‑class events to attract visitors.
flyadeal to launch flights from Jeddah to Dubai
Mon, 13 Apr 2026
flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, is launching scheduled flights between Jeddah and Dubai, and reinstating services between the Saudi capital and Dubai, effective 15 April 2026.
Saudia, Neo Space Group launch advanced in-flight connectivity
Mon, 13 Apr 2026
Neo Space Group (NSG), a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial space services provider, has launched one of the region’s advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) services in partnership with Saudia, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier.