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.
Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Manila
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Riyadh Air has launched its first direct flights between Riyadh and Manila, making the Philippine capital the airline’s 13th destination and seventh in Asia. The new route, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, initially runs four times weekly, increasing to daily service from October 19, 2026.
Saudi Arabia, Delta Air Lines sign agreement to boost KSA-US air connectivity
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
The Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) has signed a cooperation agreement with Delta Air Lines to strengthen direct air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the US and expand the Kingdom’s international aviation network.
Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis opens in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis has officially opened in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands of Al Baha, marking the Saudi debut of Mantis Collection, Accor’s community and conservation-focused hospitality brand.
NTT DATA, Red Sea Global sign strategic digital solutions partnership
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
NTT DATA and Red Sea Global (RSG) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate the development of next-generation digital solutions and managed technology services for hospitality, smart cities and connected industries in Saudi Arabia and international markets.
KEC in deal to develop $184m Madinah mixed-use project
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia's Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has announced that it had signed an agreement with Kaden Investment Company to develop a mixed-use project in Madinah with an estimated gross floor area of about 229,117 sq m.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens tomorrow to connect Saudi tourism with global markets
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
WTM Spotlight Riyadh, organised by RX, will open on September 8, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, launching a new platform aimed at connecting Saudi Arabia with international travel markets as the Kingdom accelerates its tourism transformation under Vision 2030.
Ink Innovation, solutions by stc partner to develop smarter travel experiences in Saudi Arabia
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Ink Innovation has partnered with solutions by stc to support digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s travel, tourism and smart city sectors. The agreement will strengthen digital capabilities across key infrastructure, including airports, hotels, public services and major events.
PIF launches integrated tourist, residential destination on the Al-Khafji coast
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) today launched Gulf Coast Development Company to create an integrated tourist and residential destination on the Al-Khafji coast overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
flyadeal launches Madinah-Karachi flights
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
flyadeal, a low-cost carrier of Saudia Group, has launched direct flights between Madinah and Karachi, strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The airline will operate two weekly flights on the new route using Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with 186 Economy Class seats.
Saudi Arabia launches Al-Rahhala adventure travel licensing service
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport launched “Al-Rahhala,” a new licensing service regulating organized adventure travel activities inside and outside the Kingdom. Introduced through the Riyadi platform, the service aims to unify procedures and ensure trips are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh Unveils inaugural conference programme
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the conference programme for its inaugural edition, bringing together tourism leaders from Saudi Arabia and international markets to explore opportunities created by the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding visitor economy.
Equinox Resort AMAALA opens on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has announced the opening of Equinox Resort AMAALA at Marina Village in Triple Bay, marking the fitness and wellness brand’s second hotel globally and its first outside the US.
Saudi Arabia, Nepal sign air transport services agreement
Wed, 02 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Nepal have signed an air transport services agreement aimed at strengthening aviation ties between the two countries.
Aseer showcases diverse tourism assets in three-day motorcycle tour
Wed, 02 Sep 2026
Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, is strengthening its position as a tourism destination after hosting a three-day motorcycle tour that brought together 354 riders from Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, alongside 22 international participants.
Almosafer partners with SAP, AWS to accelerate digital transformation
Tue, 01 Sep 2026
Almosafer Travel & Tourism, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company, has announced plans to migrate its enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to RISE with SAP on the AWS cloud, marking a major step in its digital transformation strategy.
Saudi Tourism Ministry, Accenture partner to advance AI in tourism
Tue, 01 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and Accenture Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the LEAP 2026 conference to explore artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Saudi Arabia breaks ground on new Westin Abha tourism project
Mon, 31 Aug 2026
Aseer Governor Prince Turki bin Talal laid the foundation stone for the “Westin Abha” project, spanning more than 153,000 square metres and featuring 330 hotel units, 52 villas and chalets, and 78 residential units, in a bid to strengthen the region’s tourism sector.
Holiday Inn launches Elite Gaming Pods across four Saudi hotels
Sun, 30 Aug 2026
Holiday Inn, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Essentials Collection, has partnered with global educational esports provider EStars to launch Elite Gaming Pods across four hotels in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi hotel sector defies travel disruptions as Makkah RevPAR rises 8.7pc: JLL
Wed, 26 Aug 2026
Saudi Arabia’s hotel sector has remained resilient despite broader international travel disruptions, supported by religious tourism, sustained domestic travel and revenue and cost optimisation, according to JLL’s KSA Hotels Market Dynamics Q2 2026 report.