Hilton launches women in leadership programme in Saudi Arabia
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
Hilton has announced the launch of Raeidat (meaning Pioneers), its new Women in Leadership programme in Saudi Arabia – a development journey created to prepare women for future leadership roles within the hospitality sector. The inaugural cohort brings together 25 women from 10 Hilton hotels across the Kingdom,
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to explore hotel growth, influence of Saudi travellers
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, which will take place from September 8 to 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center (RFECC), will focus on the large-scale hotel development, and the increasing influence of Saudi travellers at home and abroad.
Saudi Arabia’s air passenger numbers top 140m in 2025
Thu, 29 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector achieved exceptional growth in 2025, setting record figures in air traffic statistics. The number of passengers exceeded 140 million, up about 9%.
UAE, Saudi Arabia among largest wellness markets: GWI
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
The Global Wellness Institute reports that the largest wellness markets and standout five-year growth leaders include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Mexico, Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, the US, and Australia, according to its annual Country Rankings report covering wellness data from 145 countries worldwide.
W Hotels to debut in Saudi Arabia with W Riyadh – KAFD
Tue, 27 Jan 2026
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, is set to enter Saudi Arabia with the opening of W Riyadh – KAFD this spring. Located in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh’s landmark urban development, the hotel will feature 210 guestrooms, including 17 suites, two penthouses, and the W Penthouse.
Saudi Arabia invests $400bn in tourism sector: Minister
Fri, 23 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia has become a major global player in tourism, with the sector now contributing approximately 5% of the kingdom’s GDP and accounting for nearly 5% of total employment, said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia leads new global push to protect coral reefs
Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia will host the first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, bringing together global leaders, scientists, and investors to drive solutions for the protection and recovery of coral reef ecosystems.
64pc surge in domestic travel in Saudi Arabia this winter: Wego
Wed, 21 Jan 2026
Recent Wego data shows domestic winter travel in Saudi Arabia surged, with local flight bookings up 64% year-on-year. Residents increasingly favour short, experience-focused trips exploring the Kingdom’s cultural, recreational, and natural attractions.
ENVI to develop wellness mountain retreat in Taif, Saudi Arabia
Wed, 21 Jan 2026
ENVI Lodges, the outdoor hospitality brand specialising in experiential lodges, has signed a management agreement to develop ENVI Al Shafa, a mountain retreat nestled in the serene hills near Taif, Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to open in December 2026.
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: community, nightlife, culture come alive
Wed, 21 Jan 2026
For one month each year, Saudi changes its rhythm entirely. Days grow quieter and slower, and then, as the sun sets, Saudi comes alive. Streets fill, tables stretch long, music and storytelling echo through historic districts, and cities transform into social spaces shaped by food, family, and shared moments.
Dusit marks first operational hotel in Saudi Arabia
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
Dusit International is advancing in the Middle East with the phased 2026 opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah in Riyadh, marking the group’s first operational hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Rotana expands in Saudi Arabia with Centro Hail signing
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, has announced the signing of Centro Hail, a new lifestyle hotel developed with Alkhorayef Investment and Development and the Tourism Development Fund.
Saudi Arabia updates beach regulations to boost tourism
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched requirements and regulations for beach operators that redefine beaches as regulated operational environments rather than mere public spaces, establishing a unified national framework to develop the coastal tourism sector by managing risks, enhancing quality, and prioritising the protection of life.
Al Arabia lands Saudi Cluster 2 Airports digital billboard contracts
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Arabian Contracting Services Company (Al Arabia) has announced that it has won Cluster 2 Airports Company's bid for setting up billboards (digital interactive and digital screen structures) at 18 airports across the kingdom in addition to its operation and maintenance for a 10-year period.
Al Qimmah Hospitality, Marriott to add over 2,700 hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International signed five new hotel projects, adding over 2,700 rooms in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The move reinforces their commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector, featuring four of Marriott’s well-known brands.
ICCA brings CICS professional development programme to Saudi Arabia
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
ICCA has announced the official approval of its Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) programme in Saudi Arabia. The programme is designed to equip emerging professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical competencies required to operate successfully in the international meetings industry.
Red Sea Global, Bunat VC launch fund to empower AI innovations
Tue, 06 Jan 2026
Red Sea Global, the Saudi developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has joined hands with Bunat Ventures (Bunat VC) to launch an investment fund - a first of its kind in the kingdom - dedicated exclusively to empowering startups specialised in artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies.
Qatar Airways lands inaugural flight in Hail, Saudi Arabia
Tue, 06 Jan 2026
Qatar Airways marked the launch of three non-stop weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Hail International Airport (HAS), its 13th destination in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's Qassim region welcomes 3.7m tourists
Wed, 24 Dec 2025
Qassim Region in Saudi Arabia saw strong tourism growth by Q3 2025, driven by hands-on experiences, nature exploration, and local heritage initiatives. Ministry of Tourism data shows about 3.7 million domestic and international visitors, with inbound tourism rising 4% compared with the same period in 2024, overall growth.
Universal Studios in early planning stages for theme park in Saudi Arabia, says report
Tue, 23 Dec 2025
Universal Studios is in early planning stages to build a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The Comcast unit is doing initial concept work for the park.
Adeera, ZADK to advance culinary careers in Saudi Arabia
Sun, 21 Dec 2025
Adeera, a PIF-owned hospitality company aiming to be Saudi Arabia’s national hospitality champion, signed an MoU with ZADK – The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy – to form a strategic partnership focused on developing Saudi talent in the culinary sector of the hospitality industry.