Saudi international leisure tourism set to grow 93% by 2030, says report
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism is set to grow by 93% by 2030, outpacing growth across the Middle East and globally, said a report. The leisure's share of international visitor spending in the kingdom increased from 9% in 2019 to 28% last year and is now forecast to reach 31% by 2030.
Saudi carrier flynas inks strategic equity deal with Swissport
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
flynas and Swissport have entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership that represents a significant milestone for both companies and further strengthens Swissport's position as a market leader in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally.
Safari Construction lands Hail airport expansion project deal
Wed, 02 Sep 2026
Saudi builder Safari Construction has secured the main contract for the expansion of Hail International Airport. The scope of work includes rehabilitation of the existing terminal, construction of new airport facilities as well as development of associated infrastructure.
Accor, Al Qimmah boost Saudi hotel pipeline with 850-key Makkah Novotel
Thu, 27 Aug 2026
Global hospitality group Accor has announced that it has sealed a partnership deal with Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of Bin Dawood Investment Company, to develop a portfolio of more than 4,000 keys across Saudi Arabia, including an 850-room Novotel property in Makkah.
Saudi Arabia to invest $7bn in three theme parks near Paris
Tue, 25 Aug 2026
Saudi Arabia is set to invest about €6 billion ($7 billion) in the development of three theme parks near Paris, in one of the kingdom’s latest major overseas investments through its Public Investment Fund-backed entertainment sector.
Saudi F&B market soars to $58.3bn amid demand for alternative restaurant
Tue, 25 Aug 2026
Saudi Arabia's food and beverages (F&B) economy is poised for solid growth over the next few years with its market projected to hit $58.3 billion by 2033 amid growing demand for alternate financing from fine dining restaurants and cafes, said a report.
Visa Destinations connects Saudi travellers to top spots with new insights
Tue, 18 Aug 2026
Visa is highlighting the continued growth of Visa Destinations, its global travel inspiration platform that helps travellers discover unique experiences across some of the world's most vibrant destinations, including Dubai, London, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, New York and Sydney.
Saudi RGA outlines key routes linking Riyadh to Hail heritage sites
Wed, 29 Jul 2026
The Roads General Authority (RGA) has outlined two main routes linking Riyadh to Hail as part of its efforts to improve access to one of the kingdom's major tourism destinations located in the northwestern region, known for its mountain landscapes and historical sites.
Hassan Allam-UCC seal contract for Waldorf Astoria Superblock in Diriyah
Tue, 28 Jul 2026
Hassan Allam, a leading engineering and construction group, said its subsidiary, Hassan Allam Construction Saudi along with its joint venture partner UCC Holding Saudi, has officially signed the contract for Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Residences, & Mixed Use Superblock in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Manazel Al Naqaa in deal to rebrand Jeddah property as Autograph Collection hotel
Tue, 14 Jul 2026
Saudi-based Manazel Al Naqaa has signed an agreement with Marriott International to rebrand Shirvan Hotel City Yard Jeddah as an Autograph Collection Hotel. The property will undergo visual identity development and selected enhancement works ahead of its opening in December.
King Saud Airport in Al Baha records strong passenger growth
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al Baha Region of Saudi Arabia, one of the airports operated by Cluster2 Airports, has handled nearly 700,000 domestic passengers since the start of 2025, underscoring growing demand for regional air travel.
Almabani consortium secures King Salman airport project contract
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Leading Saudi contractor Almabani, along with its consortium partners - CarbonCure, a Canadian clean technology company and Spanish construction group FCC - has been awarded the contract to supply lower carbon concrete for the mega King Salman International Airport (KSIA) project in Riyadh.
Blacksand, Marriott sign deal to develop 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia
Tue, 23 Jun 2026
Saudi-based Blacksand has announced a landmark agreement with Marriott International to develop 10 hotels in the kingdom over the next four years. Featuring over 1,300 rooms, it will be developed under a range of Marriott brands spanning the luxury, select-service and extended-stay segments.
Hassan Allam JV lands Waldorf Astoria superblock contract in Diriyah
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
Hassan Allam Holding, a leading engineering and construction company in the Mena region, said one of its key subsidiaries, in a joint venture with UCC Saudi, has secured the contract for Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Residences & Mixed Use Super Block located within the kingdom's mega development Diriyah.
RCU approves design for new astro-tourism project in AlUla
Thu, 18 Jun 2026
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has approved the design of AlUla Manara, an astronomical discovery and astro-tourism hub coming up in the ancient Saudi city. The facility will feature an observatory, a world-class research centre, advanced telescopes and observation platforms for stargazing.
Rikaz consortium lands $566m Makkah mixed-use project contract
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Leading Saudi developer Rikaz said its consortium comprising Aljada First Development and AlMajdiah Real Estate has been awarded a key contract to develop East Hindawiyah, a SAR2 billion ($533 million) mixed-use project coming up near the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Red Sea Global achieves major carbon reduction milestone
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Red Sea Global, the Saudi developer behind the key tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, said it has secured an independent third-party verification from DNV confirming that the company avoided 117,879 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO₂e) in 2024 through its renewable energy operations.
Jazeera Airways resumes full operations from T5 in Kuwait Airport
Sat, 02 May 2026
Leading low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced the full resumption of operations from its dedicated Terminal 5 (T5) at Kuwait International Airport following the partial resumption of direct flights last week after 57 days of airport closure and conclusion of its service from a temporary base in Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain airspace reopens: Gulf Air takes off with Riyadh flight
Thu, 09 Apr 2026
Following the recent announcement from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs regarding the reopening of the of airspace of the Bahrain, Gulf Air, the national carrier of the kingdom, resumed its operations from Bahrain International Airport after 40 days of airspace closure with its inaugural flight to Riyadh.
Saudi entertainment facilities draw 89m visitors in 2025
Sun, 05 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority reported over 89 million visitors to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector in 2025, highlighting strong growth under regulations designed to improve experience quality.
Jazeera Airways announces resumption of Jeddah flights
Sun, 29 Mar 2026
Kuwaiti low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced the resumption of its flights to the Saudi port city of Jeddah via Qaisumah Airport (AQI), as part of the airline’s expanded dual-base operations. This route will support both passenger travel and the continued movement of essential goods.