Saudi Arabia approves 19 hospitality projects worth $1.8bn
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia has approved the first batch of 19 hospitality projects expected to attract SAR6.7 billion ($1.8 billion) in investment and create more than 17,000 jobs across five high-potential tourism destinations, as the Kingdom seeks to expand its tourism infrastructure ahead of major international events.
Riyadh Season reschedules Six Kings Slam to December 2026
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Riyadh Season has postponed the third edition of the international Six Kings Slam tennis tournament from October 21, 22 and 24 to December 27–30, 2026.
Saudi Arabia extends Riyadh Airport suspension for safety checks
Mon, 12 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as authorities continue safety checks and assessments of the airport’s operational readiness.
Riyadh to host Stadiums & Arenas Summit as Saudi sports market targets $22bn by 2030
Sun, 11 Oct 2026
Riyadh will host the second edition of the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit on October 14–15, 2026 at Hilton Riyadh, bringing together government officials, investors, developers and industry experts to explore opportunities in sports infrastructure development and investment.
Rixos Murjana unveils Saudi Arabia’s first adults-only overwater villas
Sun, 11 Oct 2026
Rixos Murjana has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s first adults-only Overwater Villas, introducing an exclusive luxury accommodation experience on the Red Sea coast at King Abdullah Economic City.
Ajdan unveils $1.5bn Khobar Pier to boost Saudi coastal tourism
Thu, 08 Oct 2026
Ajdan Real Estate Development Company has unveiled its SAR5.6 billion ($1.5 billion) Khobar Pier project, a major coastal destination in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The 671,000-sq-m development will feature 690 hotel rooms, 689 residences and 33,000 sq m of retail space along an 850-m waterfront.
Saudi GEA reveals details of 100,000sqm Najran entertainment destination
Thu, 08 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki Alalshikh has unveiled details of “Najran Destination,” a new 100,000-square-metre entertainment complex scheduled to open in 2027.
Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua sign bilateral air transport agreement
Thu, 08 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua have signed a bilateral air transport services agreement to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation and expand air connectivity between the two countries.
Air India Express expands winter West Asia network with 135 daily flights
Tue, 06 Oct 2026
Air India Express is expanding its India–West Asia network under its Winter 2026 schedule, with up to 135 daily departures connecting 23 Indian cities with 12 gateways across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Oberoi unveils plans for luxury resort in Saudi Arabia’s Wadi Safar
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has announced The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar, a luxury resort under development in Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh. Scheduled to open in Q1 2027, the property will become the first hotel to welcome guests in Wadi Safar, an emerging Saudi tourism destination.
Swissport, Riyadh Air to launch Saudi Arabia’s first load control centre
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
Swissport and Riyadh Air have signed a long-term strategic partnership to establish Saudi Arabia’s first Centralised Load Control (CLC) centre in Riyadh, supporting the airline’s expanding domestic and international network.
AlUla’s luxury hospitality scene gains 10 MICHELIN guide mentions
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
AlUla has strengthened its position as a luxury hospitality and culinary destination after 10 hotels and restaurants were featured in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia eyes $479m returns from Red Sea Yacht Show
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia will host the first Red Sea Yacht Show from October 14 to 17, 2027, as Sela and Tahaluf seek to boost the Kingdom’s luxury yachting sector and generate investment returns exceeding SAR1.8 billion ($479 million).
King Salman Reserve advances Saudi adventure tourism with accredited trails
Tue, 29 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve has secured international accreditation for 10 hiking trails, marking the first such recognition in the Kingdom and strengthening its position as a growing destination for adventure tourism and ecotourism.
UAE, Saudi travellers shift towards flexible, wellness-focused holidays in 2027: Hilton
Tue, 29 Sep 2026
Travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to adopt a more flexible and intentional approach to holidays in 2027, prioritising personal growth, wellbeing, discovery and meaningful experiences over the pursuit of a “perfect” trip, according to Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report.
World Economic Forum, Saudi Arabia launch first Beyond Tourism Impact Stars
Sun, 27 Sep 2026
The World Economic Forum has announced the inaugural cohort of Beyond Tourism Impact Stars, recognising six private-sector initiatives using tourism to strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity and protect the environment.
TOURISE reveals 2027 summit theme: “Alliances That Move the World”
Sun, 27 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia will host the second TOURISE Summit in Riyadh from March 23-25, 2027, under the theme “Alliances That Move the World,” Tourism Minister and TOURISE Chairman Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
MYS brings its experience to Saudi Arabia with Red Sea Yacht Show
Fri, 25 Sep 2026
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is taking its vision for yachting beyond Monaco with the debut of The Red Sea Yacht Show in Jeddah in October next year.
Wego reveals 42pc spike in domestic flight searches for Saudi National Day
Tue, 22 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant surge in domestic tourism ahead of the upcoming National Day, with travel platform Wego reporting a 42% spike in domestic flight searches and a 62% increase in hotel searches year-on-year.
Air Arabia-led consortium launches first flight from Dammam Airport
Mon, 21 Sep 2026
The Air Arabia-led consortium, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has commenced operations from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, launching its inaugural flight to Riyadh and marking the start of services from the Eastern Province.
Desert Rock becomes Saudi Arabia’s first Three MICHELIN Key resort
Mon, 21 Sep 2026
Desert Rock Resort has become the first resort in Saudi Arabia to receive Three MICHELIN Keys, the highest distinction in The MICHELIN Guide’s global hotel selection. Red Sea property Shebara Resort has retained its Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 selection.