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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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Heading to Abu Dhabi this weekend? What motorists need to know about road closures 

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Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.

The closure schedule:

To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:

  • Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
  • Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.

Guidance for motorists

Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:

  • Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
  • Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
  • Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.

These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.

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Dubai ad agency turns billboard into a self-funded tribute of gratitude and love for the UAE

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As global markets navigate a landscape of uncertainty, the UAE continues to stand as a beacon of stability and resilience. While business leaders across the region have applauded the nation’s defence mechanisms and leadership, one Dubai-based advertising firm is moving beyond words and into action.

NextWhat Advertising has unveiled a massive, self-funded tribute billboard at the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout. In a move that breaks industry norms, the agency has bypassed commercial revenue to dedicate one of the city’s most premium outdoor spots to a message of solidarity and love for the UAE leadership.

The billboard, strategically located in the parking area facing the flow of traffic from Emirates Towers toward Zabeel Road and facing the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, carries a heartfelt message honouring the strength, wisdom, and commitment to unity that defines the UAE’s path forward.

Gratitude for leadership

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns are common, they are almost exclusively funded by clients. NextWhat is pioneering a different path: the billboard owner acting as the benefactor.

“Typically, we see clients using CSR funds for these types of messages. Among outdoor media players, we are amongst the first few to have done this entirely on our own,” says Tanvir Shah, Founder and Managing Director of NextWhat Advertising. 

“We’ve spent our own money and used our own premium space, no sponsorship, no clients, to show our genuine gratitude for the safety and leadership the UAE provides.”

From Mumbai to the world stage

The man behind the move, Tanvir Shah, is a first-generation entrepreneur with a legacy of Thinking Big. A graduate of Mumbai’s prestigious Sydenham College and a veteran of The Times of India, Shah launched his first venture in 1992. Today, his footprint spans India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

Under Shah’s leadership, NextWhat has become synonymous with unmissable brand experiences. By dedicating their state-of-the-art digital and large-format sites to a national cause, the company is demonstrating that in the UAE, the bond between the private sector and the state is built on more than just commerce; it is built on shared resilience.

United we stand as a family

Today, as business leaders and residents alike confront uncertainty, they do so not as guests in a foreign land, but as a united family standing in defence of the home that has embraced them. This bond has been forged through years of shared milestones and a collective belief that, regardless of origin, hearts can beat as one for the Emirates.

“The UAE has given us extraordinary opportunities and unwavering support. Just as it welcomed us during times of prosperity, we stand with it now in moments of challenge. We are not merely expatriates or guests; we are family. Irrespective of nationality, we have consciously chosen this country as our home, and we hold it close to our hearts. Our loyalty has only grown stronger through the trust and confidence shown by the nation’s leadership. This land has embraced us with dignity, and the least we can do is stand by it. At the end of the day, we are one,” concluded Shah.

Click on the link to see a video of the ad: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWqPp7EjKCU

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Dubai Ruler calls on citizens and residents to raise UAE flag in nationwide show of unity and resilience

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In a powerful message of national unity, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called on everyone across the nation to raise the UAE flag over homes, buildings, and institutions.

The call underscores a renewed emphasis on national identity, collective responsibility and social cohesion, reinforcing the flag’s role as a unifying symbol across the country.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE had navigated recent challenges with strong unity, emerging more cohesive and aligned across all segments of society, including citizens and residents, as well as public and private sectors.

“The UAE faced recent challenges united and has come through them stronger and more cohesive. Everyone stood behind one flag,” he said.

“The UAE flag reflects our strength and what we have built as a country. I invite everyone to raise it across homes and workplaces.”

He added: “We take pride in our country, our President, our Armed Forces, our economy, and all citizens and residents who move this country forward every day.”

Sheikh Mohammed further urged that the flag be raised across every home and building, describing it as a reflection of unity and a shared sense of belonging.

The initiative highlights the importance of national identity and shared values, while recognising the contributions of individuals and institutions across the country, including frontline teams and those supporting the UAE’s continued development.

It also reinforces that raising the flag is a collective expression of solidarity, reflecting cohesion across society and a shared sense of belonging.

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