Saudia has entered the world’s top 15 airlines after achieving another major improvement in the 2026 Skytrax rankings. The Saudi Arabian flag carrier secured 15th place globally, strengthening its position among leading international airlines. The result continues a steady upward movement for Saudia. It ranked 17th in 2025 and 20th in 2024. Therefore, the airline […]
Riyadh Air has launched nonstop flights between Riyadh and Manchester, giving Northern England a new direct connection with Saudi Arabia. The three-times-weekly service expands the Saudi carrier’s UK network beyond London. It also creates new travel opportunities for leisure visitors, business passengers and customers connecting through Riyadh. Flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The
Gamra Mountain Resort is positioning Saudi Arabia’s Al Baha province as a compelling sustainable luxury destination for travellers in 2026. Located on Khairah Mountain, the high-altitude retreat combines environmentally responsible hospitality with cultural immersion, outdoor adventure and dramatic mountain scenery. The resort stands approximately 2,260 metres above sea level in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands. Its
Saudi Arabia is accelerating the development of an artificial intelligence-powered tourism ecosystem as stronger connectivity with Bahrain, the UAE and other Gulf countries expands regional travel opportunities. The Kingdom’s ambition now extends beyond increasing visitor arrivals. It is building digital infrastructure capable of improving government services, understanding traveller behaviour and supporting more personalised journeys. Regional
China, India and Saudi Arabia have advanced three major luxury hospitality developments, adding new urban, nature-based and wellness-led tourism opportunities across Asia. Financial City Chengdu – MGallery Collection opened on August 27, 2026, with 155 rooms and suites. Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas was announced for Lonavala on August 26, while Equinox Resort AMAALA
Egypt is joining Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern destinations in accelerating the use of artificial intelligence across tourism. Governments and travel businesses are exploring AI-powered tools to improve visitor services, manage demand and deliver more personalised journeys. The technology is moving beyond promotional campaigns to influence airports, hotels, attractions, cultural
Qatar Airways will restore nonstop flights from Doha to Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk through a phased winter programme beginning October 25, 2026. Each destination will receive two weekly return services, adding eight weekly departures from Doha and eight corresponding flights from Saudi Arabia when the complete schedule becomes operational. Qassim will return first on
Saudia is preparing to launch three weekly nonstop flights between Muscat and Riyadh from October 27, 2026, strengthening tourism, business and family connections between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The planned route will connect Muscat International Airport with King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. Operations remain subject to approval from Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Riyadh Air is preparing to celebrate a major loyalty milestone as its Sfeer lifestyle membership programme approaches one million members, highlighting growing international engagement with Saudi Arabia’s emerging national airline. The Public Investment Fund-backed carrier is marking the occasion with substantial rewards. The one millionth Sfeer member will receive one million Sfeer Points and become
Saudi Arabia is strengthening its global tourism ambitions through a partnership with Mastercard focused on digital technology, traveller insights and data-led destination planning. The collaboration will support the Saudi Tourism Authority as it works to attract more visitors from established and emerging international markets. Mastercard’s analytical capabilities will help tourism planners understand spending patterns, visitor
Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA Triple Bay is preparing to welcome a flagship Jayasom wellness resort designed to advance the Kingdom’s position within the global luxury health tourism market. The resort will bring integrative wellness, personalized retreats and restorative coastal experiences to one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious tourism developments. Located beside the Red Sea, the property
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air has received its first newly built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a major step toward full commercial operations and a wider international route network from the Kingdom’s capital. The aircraft arrival strengthens Riyadh Air’s long-haul ambitions as the airline prepares to connect Riyadh with major business and tourism markets.
