Oberoi unveils plans for luxury resort in Saudi Arabia’s Wadi Safar
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has unveiled details of The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar, a luxury resort under development in one of Diriyah, a historic town in the northwest of Riyadh and an emerging Saudi tourism destination. The property is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027 and will be the first hotel to welcome guests in Wadi Safar.
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.
Saudi GACA signs aviation MoUs, grants AlUla cargo handling licence
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has advanced a series of aviation sector partnerships and agreements, including new MoUs with European air navigation organisations and an economic licence for air cargo handling at AlUla International Airport.
Jayasom opens wellness resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Jayasom has opened its Jayasom Wellness Resort, AMAALA, on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, introducing a luxury integrative wellness destination focused on personalised programmes for long-term health and wellbeing.
Air Arabia-led consortium gets green light for new Saudi budget carrier in Dammam
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted a consortium led by Air Arabia an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to launch the Kingdom’s new national low-cost carrier, based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
AMAALA Yacht Club sets sail as new global hub for luxury marine tourism
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced the opening of AMAALA Yacht Club, marking a step in establishing Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast as a global destination for luxury yachting, sailing and marine tourism.
Saudi visitors stay longer, spend more as AI reshapes travel habits: Visa
Sun, 13 Sep 2026
International visitors to Saudi Arabia are staying longer, spending more and increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and digital payment tools throughout their travel journey, according to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study.
Saudi Arabia approves 4,310 sq km nature reserve near Riyadh
Sun, 13 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Nature Reserve, a protected area covering 4,310 sq km across Dhurma, Al Muzahimiyah and surrounding areas. The reserve features the Tuwaiq Mountains, sand dunes and traditional rural landscapes.
Saudi Arabia updates tourism regulations to modernise sector
Sun, 13 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced updates to four regulations governing travel and tourism services, tour guiding, hospitality facilities, and private hospitality units, as part of efforts to modernise the Kingdom’s tourism regulatory framework and improve the visitor experience.
Saudi Arabia expands AI in aviation while safeguarding safety, enhancing human skills: GACA President
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia is pursuing a two-track approach to adopting artificial intelligence and automation across its aviation sector, balancing technological innovation with safety and human oversight, according to General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.
Saudi outbound travel market could exceed $60bn by 2030
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market, currently valued at around $35 billion, could exceed $60 billion by 2030-2034, industry leaders said at WTM Spotlight Riyadh, urging destinations and travel brands to focus on converting traveller interest into bookings.