Tourism

FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities

Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath addresses the media in Colombo on Oct. 24, 2024.

Sri Lanka arrests 3 men in plot to attack Israeli-run Jewish center: What we know

Three Sri Lankan nationals were arrested on Thursday after Israel's National Security Council urged Israelis to leave certain areas of the country due to "credible terrorism threats."

Rosaleen Carroll

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in the Oval Office on January 31, 2022 in Washington, DC. The two leaders were expected to discuss a range of issues, including global energy security as concerns about Russian natural gas supplies continue. (Photo by Tom Brenner-Pool/New York Times/Getty Images)

Qatar to join US visa-free travel list in first for Arab country

Qatar is set to become the second Middle Eastern country, behind Israel, to join the US Visa Waiver Program.

Employees of Aramco oil company work in Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq oil processing plant on September 20, 2019.

Analysis

Can Saudi Arabia afford giga-projects with oil prices under $75 per barrel?

Riyadh could soon run a current account deficit as oil revenue declines amid huge spending commitments toward ambitious Vision 2030 projects. Saudi-led OPEC has also deferred an output increase plan to allow more time to reach desired oil prices.

Jennifer Gnana

Samuel Wendel

By Jennifer Gnana , Samuel Wendel

Latest News

Saudia inks deal for electric flying taxis from Germany amid airline order spree

Media image of a Lilium eVTOL jet, download July 18, 2024.

Qatar Airways sees annual profit climb by 39% to record $1.67B

Reporters gather near a Qatar Airways cargo airplane on the tarmac of Hamad International Airport, as the first commercial flight to Saudi Arabia in three and a half years following a Gulf diplomatic thaw prepares for take-off, Doha, Qatar, Jan. 11, 2021.

Sign up to our Daily Briefing

Keep up with Al-Monitor's top stories with a morning digest from across the region.

Turkey: UK issues sex-crime warning for travelers, reports 42 cases in 2023

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector

FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Golden Triangle to boost development, increase investments in Upper Egypt

Egypt is preparing to launch work on the Golden Triangle project in Upper Egypt, with the aim to develop the region, boost the economy and create job opportunities.

An Iraqi passenger walks at the Shalamcha Border Crossing, Iraq November 4, 2018. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani - RC1F15757040

Iran grants additional visas to Iraqis to boost its economy

In order to overcome US sanctions and boost its economy, Iran is increasing tourist visas to Iraqis.

An Iranian police woman checks a passport at the Imam Khomeini International Airport 45 km (27.96 miles) south of Tehran April 30, 2005. Iran opened its new main international airport on Saturday, despite warnings from at least two countries that the runway may be unsafe. The Imam Khomeini International Airport, built to serve the capital Tehran, received a first commercial flight from Dubai almost exactly a year after its inauguration was aborted when the military closed it down because of concern over sec

Iran stops stamping passports

To alleviate concerns that a visit to Iran might complicate foreigners being able to enter the United States at a later date, Iran reiterated that it will allow tourists to enter the country through its international airports without having their passports stamped.

Palestine aims to triple number of Russian tourists

Palestinians aim to lure more Russian tourists by providing new tourism infrastructure, ecotourism and historic Orthodox churches.

An EgyptAir A320-200 plane is pictured through the window of an Etihad Airways plane after it landed on the runway at Cairo International Airport, Egypt December 16, 2017. Picture taken December 16, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - RC140A9C9210

Does Cairo need third airport?

The Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that it will soon open an international airport in the new administrative capital east of Cairo, a move that was widely criticized.

Egypt to boost spiritual tourism through the Holy Family trail

The Egyptian government plans to revive the Holy Family trail, connecting locations visited by Jesus, Mary and Joseph some 2,000 years ago while fleeing King Herod’s soldiers.

Tourists are seen on a beach at the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt July 12, 2018. Picture taken July 12, 2018. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - RC16DE463370

Sinai magic draws Israelis despite the terror threats

For Israelis, the magic of the Sinai Peninsula, with its beautiful sand beaches and low prices, is strong enough for them to ignore official travel warnings.

What does timing of Lavrov’s visit to Cairo mean?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials during his visit to Cairo, focusing on political, economic and security ties between the two countries.

Women lead the way in Sinai hike

A new hiking initiative in Egypt's Sinai governorate, where hikes are led by local Bedouin women, creates new opportunities and showcases compelling narratives.

Sisi's moves to restore Jewish heritage get international applause

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to restore Jewish heritage sites may promote tourism and the image of his country.

This picture taken on December 29, 2018 shows tourist horse-drawn carts waiting by the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops) at the Giza necropolis on the southwestern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo on December 29, 2018. (Photo by MOHAMED EL-SHAHED / AFP) (Photo credit should read MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images)

Visiting Egypt, Israelis thrilled by warm welcome

Egyptian intellectuals and politicians are disappointed over the refusal of the Israeli leadership to advance Palestinian statehood as promised in the peace treaty, but the people in the streets of Cairo welcome Israeli tourists.

Egypt eyes Asian tourists

Almost four years after the Russian plane crash over Egypt’s Sinai, the country’s recovering tourism sector is moving to expand the Asian markets.