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.

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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

US sanctions threaten Iran’s high hopes for tourism

While the reimposition of US sanctions is likely to damage the revival of Iran’s tourism sector at least in the short term, the country’s ambitious plans to attract foreign visitors should not be written off.

Football Soccer - Egypt v Tunisia - International Friendly Match - Cairo Stadium, Egypt - 8/1/17- Team Egypt listens to the national anthem behind an Egyptian national flag ahead of the match. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - RC1D261A9970

Egypt eyes World Cup as golden opportunity for economy

After a 28-year absence, Egypt hopes to take advantage of its participation in the 2018 World Cup, hosted by Russia, to achieve some economic gains.

Egypt's new law to prevent harassment of tourists gets mixed reaction

In an effort to curb aggressive vendors and beggars, Egypt imposed heavy fines on those who harass tourists, but could it work on the ground?

Sinai Trail leads to new tourism experience in Egypt

To boost tourism, eight South Sinai tribes have joined together to create a long-distance hiking trail that crosses South Sinai.

Shared airspace helps Egypt, Russia gain common ground

Tourism and joint development projects should get a boost from recently resumed flights between Cairo and Moscow.

Russia resumes flights to Egypt

Russia resumed flights to Egypt today after two years of suspension in a move expected to give a massive boost to tourism.

Can festivals revive tourism in Egypt's top Red Sea resort?

In an effort to attract tourists, Sharm el-Sheikh turns to international film and theater festivals, but the jury is still out on whether these will positively impact the local economy.

The sign of Walt Disney Studios Park is seen at the entrance at Disneyland Paris ahead of the 25th anniversary of the park in Marne-la-Vallee, near Paris, France, March 21, 2017. Picture taken March 21, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1FEF0F6610

Old meets Magic Kingdom: Disneyland-style park comes to Egypt

After years of planning, Egypt is finally making progress toward establishing its own Disneyland-style theme park.

Turkey eyes Indian weddings to prop up tourism industry

The Turkish tourism industry, scrambling to recover from its worst crisis in years, seeks to grab a share from India’s lucrative wedding market.

Can Brad Pitt save Turkey’s tourism industry?

Turkey is looking to Hollywood for support as its tourism industry struggles to rebound from terrorism, last year's coup and a decline in tourist spending.

Israeli government may step back from new national trail

Many oppose an Israeli government proposal to develop a new national trail that would pass through the West Bank and the Golan Heights; the government may now only develop local trails instead.

Gaza's dismal tourist sector sees hope in reconciliation

Tourism officials in Palestine's national consensus government are planning to revive the Gaza Strip's ailing tourist sector — once they have permission to start work.