Travel in Saudi Arabia

New data from Brand Finance reveals US airline brands soar in brand value and brand strength on post-pandemic air travel uplift.

The agreement is seen as an incentive to facilitate the digital donation process for AlFursan members through the Saudia website and mobile application.

High in the mountains of Oman and along its pounding shoreline, I stumbled onto an unexpected slice of heaven thanks to a friend’s recommendation. I even sprang for a few extra amenities for a mash-up of pauper meets paradise.

A job ad posted by Neom suggests the Saudi development could be working on its own e-visa program for travelers and residents. Neom is a flagship project from the Saudi Arabian crown prince – a $500 billion development.

Luxury hospitality brand Raffles has a new operations vice president for the Middle East. Ayman Gharib, who was earlier the managing director of the brand’s flagship hotel in Dubai, moves up to the role.

The Saudi Tourism Authority has said that the kingdom aims to make India its top source market. The country is seeking to bring in 7.5 million Indian visitors over the next seven years. 

The recently opened Red Sea International airport (RSI) in Saudi Arabia will welcome its first international flight on April 18 from Dubai.

Flydubai has announced twice-weekly flights from Dubai to The Red Sea – the luxury archipelago project Saudi Arabia is building along the coast. The route is due to start on April 18 and marks the first international flight to The Red Sea project.

Some of the shiniest luxury tools in Accor's brand toolbox are overseen by Omer Acar, the CEO of two of Paris-based Accor's glitziest brands: Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

CitizenM, a premium economy hotel chain, has engaged bankers to review a possible sale of either a minority stake or the entire company, according to a report in the Financial Times Wednesday. The owners are being advised by Morgan Stanley and Eastdil Secured.

Indians have budgeted more for travel in 2024, according to Skyscanner Horizons 2023-2024 report. According to Skyscanner, 63% of Indians are planning to spend more on travel this year, the highest of any country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is number 2, with 56% of travelers planning to spend more. 

Chinese outbound tourism is steadily rebounding from the effects of the pandemic, with projections indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has reached a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort, starting with the initial rock excavation in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. This step marks the beginning of a project that merges Jean Nouvel’s architectural vision with Bouygues Construction’s engineering prowess, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and technologically advanced building practices.

According to research by Oxford Economics, outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be 22% below its peak pre-pandemic numbers of 155 million tourists in 2019, who spent over $250 billion overseas.

NEOM’s Board of Directors has introduced Treyam, a top-tier resort situated at the intersection of breathtaking desert vistas and the serene sea. With a bold design that minimises its impact on the land, Treyam provides guests with a refined sanctuary to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the splendor of nature. As the newest addition to NEOM, the dynamic regional development unfolding in northwest Saudi Arabia, Treyam occupies a strategic position overlooking one of the most stunning azure lagoons at the southern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Football icon and Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo is currently staying at – and promoting – The Red Sea. The coastal destination is a flagship project of Saudi Arabia’s tourism dream, expected to house 50 luxury hotels by the end of the decade.

Marriott International has announced the signing of its debut Ritz-Carlton property in Jaipur, Maharashtra. The 250-key hotel is expected to open in 2028. Currently, the hospitality company operates five hotels in the city. Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, said that the Indian market is flourishing and its interest in luxury travel is leading to a growth in demand for global luxury brands. 

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders and incredible culture, and it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers of all kinds — check out new developments, quick figures and some important information on traveling to Egypt this year. 

Saudi Arabia's futuristic capital, Riyadh, is a major commercial and financial hub set on a desert plateau in the centre of the country.

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$3,431: That’s how much it will cost to stay at the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in Saudi Arabia for a night. The super-exclusive, small key-count resort opens for bookings on May 26, hitting the market with the highest rates in the region.