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Saudi Arabia Showcases Strategic Tourism at IHIF Asia

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Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in tourism, with the Kingdom’s remarkable achievements in 2023 setting a new benchmark for the industry. This progress was on full display at the IHIF Asia International Hospitality Investment Forum in Hong Kong, where the Saudi Ministry of Tourism highlighted the vast potential for international investors to capitalize on the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding and diverse tourism sector.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents and its strong economic ties with Asia underscore its potential as a global tourism hub. In 2023, the Kingdom welcomed over 20.9 million tourists from Asia, who collectively spent $25.7 billion. This significant influx highlights the increasing confidence Asian markets have in Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential and the lucrative opportunities it presents for investors. The Kingdom’s appeal to Asian travelers is further evidenced by the substantial growth in tourism receipts, reflecting the strong demand for Saudi Arabia as a diverse and culturally rich destination.

To capitalize on this momentum, the Kingdom has introduced the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), with the Hospitality Investment Enablers (HIE) initiative serving as a cornerstone. HIE is designed to significantly boost accommodation capacity in key tourism areas, driving private investments up to $ 11 billion and increasing the annual GDP by $4.3 billion by 2030. The initiative also aims to create 120,000 new jobs, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals. Key incentives include corporate tax exemptions, VAT reductions, and access to government-owned land under favorable terms, making it easier and more cost-effective for investors to enter the market.

A highlight of Saudi Arabia’s participation at IHIF Asia was the panel discussion titled “Invest, Enable, Prosper: Empowering Tourism Destinations.” This fireside chat, led by Mr. Tareq Al-Shaghrood, General Manager of Investment Planning & Attraction at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, explored the Kingdom’s strategic approach to developing a world-class, diverse tourism ecosystem. “Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a wide array of tourism experiences—from cultural heritage and adventure tourism to luxury and eco-tourism—is underpinned by a robust framework of incentives and support for investors. Our vision is to enable and empower those who join us in this transformative journey, ensuring prosperity for all stakeholders,” Al-Shaghrood stated.

Saudi Arabia’s international tourism performance in 2023 was impressive, ranking 14th globally in international arrivals—an improvement of 11 positions since 2019. The Kingdom also ranked 12th globally in international tourism receipts, moving up 15 positions compared to 2019. According to the UN Tourism Barometer (May 2024), Saudi Arabia ranked first among the best-performing large tourism destinations in terms of the growth rate of international arrivals and tourism receipts compared to pre-pandemic levels.

As Saudi Arabia continues its ascent as a leading tourism destination, the Kingdom invites investors worldwide to seize the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary transformation. With its robust infrastructure, strategic location, and unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, Saudi Arabia offers unmatched prospects for those looking to invest in a rapidly evolving and highly rewarding market.

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UAE sends strong message: No food shortages, prices under watch amid massive market crackdown

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Amid global uncertainty, the UAE is making one thing crystal clear: there is no shortage of food, and authorities are stepping up efforts to keep it that way.

During a recent market inspection, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri reassured residents that food supplies across the country remain stable, with warehouses fully stocked and daily imports flowing without disruption.

Speaking after a visit to a key market in Al Ain, the minister emphasised that safeguarding food availability and protecting consumers are top national priorities. The visit is part of a wider push to monitor prices, ensure fair trade practices, and maintain stability in the market.

Strict monitoring

Officials confirmed that supply chains are operating efficiently, backed by strong strategic reserves and advanced logistics systems. Behind the scenes, authorities are working continuously to redirect supplies when needed and prevent any disruptions.

At the same time, enforcement has ramped up. Since the start of the current period, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has carried out over 12,000 inspection campaigns, uncovering violations such as unjustified price hikes and issuing hundreds of warnings to businesses.

Warning against panic buying

Authorities also issued a clear message to the public: buy responsibly. Excessive purchasing and stockpiling can lead to waste and unnecessary price pressure, even when supplies are stable.

Strengthening local food production

The UAE is also boosting its domestic food production. During a separate visit to Grand Mills, officials reviewed flour production and strategic stock levels, highlighting the growing role of local industries in securing the nation’s food future.

With advanced infrastructure, flexible supply chains, and strict market oversight, the UAE is positioning itself as one of the most resilient food systems in the region.

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UAE’s mega highway plan: A new public transport system could change your daily commute forever

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The UAE is gearing up for a massive transformation in how people move across the country, and it could redefine your daily commute.

In response to rapid population growth and rising traffic pressure, the government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure plan that includes a game-changing addition: a new national highway designed to ease congestion and supercharge connectivity.

Announced by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council meeting, the project signals a bold new phase in the nation’s mobility strategy, one that aims to make travel faster, smoother, and far more efficient.

Game-changer for Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman commutes

One of the biggest highlights is a new public transport system connecting Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, one of the busiest commuter corridors in the country.

The plan includes 10 major routes powered by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a high-capacity system that runs on dedicated lanes, offering metro-like speed but with greater flexibility. With direct links to metro stations and key city hubs, the network aims to cut travel time and reduce reliance on private cars.

Officials say the move could significantly ease daily congestion while improving connectivity across densely populated areas.

Fourth federal corridor takes shape

Alongside public transport upgrades, progress is underway on the Fourth Federal Corridor, a major new highway set to stretch 68km with up to 8 lanes in each direction.

Designed to boost capacity and improve traffic flow, the corridor will feature 10 major intersections and four flyovers, strengthening links between emirates and supporting smoother movement of goods and people.

Once complete, it will join the UAE’s key highways: E11 (Al Ittihad Road), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road), and E611 (Emirates Road).

Crack down on rising car numbers

Beyond infrastructure, authorities are also looking at ways to curb the rapid rise in vehicle ownership.

According to Al Mazrouei, car growth in Dubai has surged past 8%, far exceeding the global average of around 2%. This has prompted discussions around stricter ownership policies, alongside expanding road networks and integrating smarter transport systems.

If these plans move forward as expected, daily commutes between emirates could soon look very different, faster, more connected, and far less stressful.

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Dubai Police alert: Fake insurance scams are exploding, don’t pay until you read this

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A new warning from Dubai Police is putting residents on high alert as fraudulent insurance schemes surge across the emirate, many of them spreading rapidly through social media.

As part of its ongoing BewareofFraud campaign, authorities revealed that unlicensed companies are luring victims with “too-good-to-be-true” deals, often advertising heavily discounted vehicle and health insurance packages designed to trick unsuspecting buyers.

These fake operators typically promise quick, hassle-free policies at prices far below market rates—pushing some residents to make payments without checking whether the company is legitimate. By the time doubts arise, the money is often gone.

Officials stressed that all legitimate insurers in the UAE are tightly regulated and must follow strict procedures to protect customers. Any offer that seems unusually cheap or rushed should raise immediate red flags.

Despite ongoing monitoring and legal action against fraudsters, Dubai Police made it clear: awareness is your strongest defence. Residents are strongly urged to verify licences, double-check documentation, and avoid engaging with suspicious online ads.

Anyone who encounters potential scams is encouraged to report them immediately via the eCrime platform or by calling 901, the dedicated non-emergency helpline.

With scams becoming more sophisticated, one simple rule could save you: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

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