Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid airport sets record with 3.9M passengers in July Air travel is a part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, though challenges remain in attracting tourists and catching up to other Gulf airports. Saudi Arabia
Mideast airlines see 0.4% dip amid Iran, Gaza wars, as global demand up 2.6% Conflict-related airspace closures and regional tensions disrupted airlines based in the Middle East. Iran
Wildfires spread across Turkey’s tourism hub Izmir amid regionwide heat wave Wildfires rage in Turkey’s tourist heartland, forcing airport closures and evacuations amid fierce winds. Turkey
From Lebanon to Qatar, Israel-Iran war disrupts flights, airport traffic: What to know Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines canceled all flights to Iraq through Thursday as the ongoing Israel-Iran war forces widespread disruptions across Middle East aviation. Israel
Could Etihad Airways become first Gulf airline to launch IPO? The airline reported on Wednesday that it made a net profit for 2023 and 2022 after a string of substantial losses since 2016. United Arab Emirates
One year after earthquake, Turkey's ancient Antioch still devastated Scars of the quake that killed 53,000 people and displaced millions run deep, and the road to restoration is fraught with political bickering. Turkey
Analysis Egypt's tourism boom offers respite from foreign currency woes, Gaza war Egyptian tourism revenues and the number of holidaymakers visiting reached record highs in 2023 but will unlikely be enough to cure Cairo’s financial problems. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israeli Tourism Ministry shifts focus to evacuees Israel’s Tourism Ministry took the lead in housing tens of thousands of people who fled their homes in the south and the north of the country following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Israel
What the Gulf states new unified visa means for Saudi, UAE, other citizens The new Schengen-like visa — allowing seamless travel between members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will be introduced during 2024-25. Legacy: Gulf
In a first, Israeli minister arrives in Saudi Arabia as envoy visits West Bank Tourism Minister Haim Katz is the first Israeli minister to lead a delegation for an official United Nations event in Saudi Arabia. Israel
Analysis Saudi Arabia hosts first UNESCO session amid massive tourism drive Recognition of more sites by the global heritage organization may help the kingdom reach its goals of more jobs and revenue from tourism. By Salim A. Essaid
Israel to include Gaza Americans in US visa waiver trial After agreeing to facilitate the passage of American-Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel has agreed to similar conditions for those residing in Gaza. Israel
UAE passport ranks among world's 'most powerful,' Iraq, Syria at bottom of list The 2023 Henley Passport Index features the world’s most powerful passports based on the number of destinations passport holders can access visa-free. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia outranks US for expat life, Kuwait ranks worst Saudi Arabia was found to be the 28th best country to live in as an expatriate while the United States ranked 30th, according to a Tuesday report. Saudi Arabia
3 British tourists killed in boat fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coast The fire comes days after a Russian tourist was killed during a shark attack in the Red Sea, a popular destination for European tourists. Egypt
UK introduces $13 online visas for GCC, Jordanian nationals Gulf nationals previously paid £30 ($37.63) per visit to the UK, while Jordanians paid £100 ($125.42) for a visit visa. Legacy: Gulf
