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Buraidah, March 22, 2026, SPA -- Public parks and rural recreational areas in Qassim Region attracted large numbers of residents and visitors during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, amid moderate weather conditions in the region, which contributed to providing a suitable environment for spending enjoyable times with family and friends.
The Qassim Municipality worked on preparing parks, recreational areas, walking tracks, and municipal plazas, and on ......read full article
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Jizan, March 23, 2026, SPA -- Beaches in Jazan Region are among the preferred destinations for residents and visitors during the days of Eid Al-Fitr, offering moderate marine weather, coastal scenery, and facilities and services that meet the needs of beachgoers.
Among these locations is the swimming beach, considered one of the region's most promising tourist destinations, where the municipality is working to provide modern facilities ......read full article
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Jeddah, March 17, 2026, SPA -- As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, Historic Jeddah awakens with its rich cultural and human spirit. Its narrow alleys and old buildings, adorned with traditional wooden lattices, known as rawasheen, pulse with life, evoking scenes of the past deeply rooted in the memories of locals and visitors alike. The scene offers a window into centuries of social and cultural heritage that have shaped the district’s unique ......read full article
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17 March 2026 (Geneva) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its Long‑Term Demand Projections (LTDP) for air travel, showing that global air passenger demand is expected to more than double by 2050.
Under the mid‑range scenario, demand is forecast to reach 20.8 trillion revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% (2024-2050) from the 9 trillion RPKs ......read full article
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Al-Baha, March 15, 2026, SPA – During Ramadan, farms in Al-Baha Region host communal iftar meals that bring together locals and visitors in an atmosphere of harmony and social interaction. The gatherings take place amid the region’s agricultural landscape, where farms are spread across villages and valleys and surrounded by traditional Bedouin tents that add an authentic character to the setting.
Many farmers and residents ......read full article
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Riyadh, March 16, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Tourism has intensified inspection tours of licensed hospitality facilities to monitor compliance with staff data registration and updating requirements, which must be updated every three months.
The tours aim to enhance compliance with sector regulations, raise service quality for tourists, and ensure operational data clarity and monitoring efficiency.
The ministry affirmed its intention to ......read full article
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13 March 2026 (Lima) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched DG Digital, IATA's digital Dangerous Goods Declaration solution, as a feature of DG AutoCheck. The new tool fully digitalizes the creation and approval of shippers' declarations for more than 3,800 dangerous items—from lithium batteries to explosives and chemicals. This results in faster document sharing, improved safety, and a ......read full article
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Al-Baha, March 11, 2026, SPA The Ramadan Nights Festival held at Souq Al-Balad is attracting large numbers of residents and visitors who come to enjoy the Ramadan atmosphere and the diverse activities offered by the festival, reflecting the vibrant social and cultural movement in the region during the holy month.
The festival includes several sections showcasing traditional products, handicrafts, and popular foods, in addition to the ......read full article
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Jeddah, March 13, 2026, SPA -- Saudia has added 20 flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea destination during Eid Al-Fitr, in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Red Sea destination, as part of a partnership aimed at promoting tourist destinations and supporting the development of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. This brings the total number of flights in both directions to 44.
The long-term partnership ......read full article
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12 March 2026 (Lima) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in air cargo with three initiatives to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and compliance, and accelerate innovation across the global air cargo value chain:
Making publications more efficient: IATA is launching an AI Subject Matter Expert (AI SME), a mobile and web-based ......read full article
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Riyadh, March 12, 2026, SPA -- The Roads General Authority has affirmed the full preparedness of the Kingdom’s road network to serve citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as part of RGA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for all.
The RGA said these efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s leading global position in the road network connectivity ......read full article
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11 March 2026 (Lima, Peru) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released a report, showing air cargo’s vital role in sustaining global trade and supporting economic growth in 2025 amid severe trade policy uncertainty. Two key report findings are that:
Air cargo enabled the frontloading of $157 billion US imports in the first quarter of 2025.
Air cargo transported more than two thirds of global ......read full article
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11 March 2026 (Lima) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted three priorities for the global air cargo industry:
Accelerating digitalization
Strengthening global standards
Enhancing safety and security
"Air cargo plays a critical role in connecting businesses to global markets and keeping supply chains moving, even as the operating environment becomes more complex. With so many external events ......read full article
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Dammam, March 09, 2026, SPA -- Tourism activities in Jubail Industrial City have witnessed increased economic and recreational momentum during Ramadan, particularly through iftar cruises that have enhanced the activity of local marinas and highlighted the city’s beaches as attractive destinations for relaxation and leisure.
Several organizers told SPA that Fanateer Marina and Dareen Marina serve as the main departure points for these ......read full article
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0 March 2026 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2025 Annual Safety Report demonstrating a solid year of safety performance with the following highlights:
The all-accident rate of 1.32 per million flights (one accident per 759,646 flights) was better than the 1.42 recorded in 2024 but slightly above the 2021-2025 five-year average of 1.27.
There were 51 accidents in 2025 ......read full article
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9 March 2026 (Amman) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2026 edition of IATA Focus Africa Conference will convene under the theme 'Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29-30 April 2026, hosted by Ethiopian Airlines.
"Aviation has the potential to do much more to enable Africa's economic and social ......read full article
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Farasan, March 09, 2026, SPA -- The Farasan Islands, located in Jazan Region and known for their pristine nature, rich biodiversity, sandy beaches, and the Farasan Islands Protected Area, are attracting growing numbers of residents and visitors with the launch of the Ramadan market held alongside the “Layali Ramadan” (Ramadan Nights) events, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the holy month.
The market ......read full article
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Makkah, March 05, 2026, SPA -- The storyteller event revitalizes a traditional folk art that has historically provided education and entertainment. As part of the Hira Ramadan nights, the Hira Cultural District celebrates this heritage in a vibrant atmosphere, drawing families and children.
The event showcased essential Arabic oral traditions through stories rooted in folk narratives that highlight human values. Delivered interactively, the ......read full article
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Taif, March 5, 2026, SPA -- Some residents who are fasting in Taif Governorate choose to have iftar at open natural sites among mountains and highlands. Sunset moments blend with stillness and clear air. The Ramadan experience pairs the setting’s spirituality with the natural beauty that distinguishes the governorate.
One citizen said Taif’s mountain highlands, including “Dakkah Al-Halwani,” are a favorite destination ......read full article
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Riyadh, March 05, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Tourism has intensified its inspections of hospitality facilities, including hotels and serviced apartments, in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan.
In Makkah, teams conducted 1,166 inspections, identifying 762 violations, while in Madinah, they carried out 426 inspections and found 128 violations. Additionally, the ministry conducted 887 awareness visits in Makkah and ......read full article
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Madinah, March 03, 2026, SPA -- Madinah welcomes March 2026 with a diverse calendar of events as part of the Madinah Winter Season. This program includes culture, entertainment, adventure, sports, shopping, and Ramadan activities, providing an integrated experience for visitors and residents.
Key highlights include the 14th Cultures and Peoples Festival from March 29 to April 6 and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) Ramadan ......read full article
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Jeddah, March 03, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the facilities of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Monday.
He was accompanied by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej; CEO of Matarat Holding Raed Al-Idrissi; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Airports Company Eng. ......read full article
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26 February 2026 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards. The Awards recognize excellence in the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry in three categories:
The Inspirational Role Model Award recognizes a woman holding a senior position within the ......read full article
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Red Sea Museum hosted opening event on 25 February 2026 featuring welcome remarks, curator-led tour, and panel discussion on underwater archaeology
Evening programme brought together cultural leaders, archaeologists, scientists, and community partners to mark the launch of major temporary exhibition exploring Red Sea maritime heritage
Opening aligns with Ramadan programming and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 commitment to developing ......read full article
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Jeddah, February 26, 2026, SPA -- Jeddah Waterfront has emerged as a leading tourist destination during Ramadan. The site offers a comprehensive experience that combines entertainment, sports, arts and hospitality.
The promenade extends along the Red Sea. It provides visitors with an ideal setting for evening walks after iftar in a calm atmosphere and pleasant weather. Subtle nighttime lighting enhances the ambiance and reflects the spirit of ......read full article
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Designed around comfort, reliability and time gained
A calm option for commuters, business travellers and families
A passenger experience built for every-day and every-way of life
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 February 2026: Following the announcement of the UAE's national passenger rail network, Etihad Rail has revealed new details on what passengers can expect when services start operating later this year.
The passenger ......read full article
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Makkah, February 25, 2026, SPA -- Ramadan street stalls in the neighborhoods of Makkah are among the most prominent seasonal features accompanying the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.
They form a daily scene that reflects Ramadan’s distinct character and evokes elements of collective memory linked to the city’s culinary and social traditions.
These stalls spread across neighborhood surroundings ahead of the Maghrib call to ......read full article
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Makkah, February 22, 2026, SPA -- As part of the seasonal community events accompanying the “Makkah Winter” programs, the Lanterns Festival has emerged as a family-oriented entertainment event. It contributes to the vibrancy of Ramadan nights in Makkah, a city known for its spiritual atmosphere and deep-rooted social traditions.
The festival offers an open, community-oriented experience for families and children. It features ......read full article
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Riyadh, February 23, 2026, SPA -- The General Directorate of Passports marked the 299th anniversary of the founding of the Saudi state at international ports of entry across the Kingdom.
Founding Day embodies pride in the nation’s history and highlights the documented journey of its leaders and citizens. The occasion reflects the depth of the Saudi state and the enduring legacy of the heroes whose achievements have shaped a deep-rooted ......read full article
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Makkah, February 20, 2026, SPA -- The 13 minarets of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, ranging in height from 98 to 137 meters, stand as architectural masterpieces that blend traditional Islamic design with modern engineering, while their strategic placement across major entrances creates a harmonious skyline.
Each minaret follows a precise five-section anatomy: a sturdy base, a primary balcony, a slender shaft, a secondary balcony, and a crowning ......read full article
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Riyadh, February 16, 2026, SPA -- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Advisor Turki Alalshikh announced that the number of visitors to Riyadh Season in its sixth edition has reached 17 million, coinciding with the conclusion of the season’s activities, reflecting the significant turnout and wide public engagement witnessed since its launch.
Launched last October, Riyadh Season delivered an ......read full article
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18 February 2026 (Geneva/Madrid) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) called for an annual reduction of 4.9% (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges over the next five years (2027–2031), a level compatible with maintaining an airport investment plan of nearly €10 billion over the same period, and enhancing Spain’s economic competitiveness.
AENA, the ......read full article
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Makkah, February 16, 2026, SPA -- Makkah is witnessing a significant rise in economic activity in anticipation of Ramadan 1447AH. Market footfall, commercial centers, and hotel occupancy are rapidly increasing, highlighting the city's importance during this religious period.
Demand is strong in the retail and food sectors for essential goods, dates, beverages, and seasonal decorations. Traditional and modern markets report vibrant ......read full article
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Riyadh, February 13, 2026, SPA -- The Heritage Commission has concluded its second archaeological season at the Ra’s Qurayyah Port in Al-Ahsa Governorate, Eastern Region, uncovering 147 diverse architectural units, including large courtyards and ancient wells.
Located 26 km northwest of Al-Uqair Port, the site yielded significant artifacts, including an Abbasid dirham minted in 148 AH, bronze ornaments, and glazed ......read full article
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Al-Edabi, February 10, 2026, SPA -- Visitors to the Jazan Honey Exhibition, held as part of the Jazan Festival 2026, are enthusiastically sampling a wide range of honey varieties presented by 60 beekeepers from different governorates across the region.
Organizers implemented laboratory testing to ensure the safety and high quality of the honey offered to buyers. With strong attendance from residents and visitors, the exhibition seeks to ......read full article
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Hail, February 09, 2026, SPA -- The pleasant weather currently prevailing in the mountainous highlands of Saqf village in Hail Region has attracted visitors and picnickers eager to enjoy the stunning scenery, hike in the mountains, and capture photographs, significantly boosting tourism and showcasing the region's natural splendor.
Diplotaxis acris has spread remarkably across the mountains, transforming the area into a captivating ......read full article
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Makkah, February 06, 2026, SPA -- Makkah is undergoing a qualitative urban shift by integrating cultural and entertainment events to enhance the quality of life for residents and pilgrims, highlighted by the Makkah winter season.
The event attracted up to 400,000 visitors, over 60% of them locals, revitalized public spaces, increased recreational site visits by 35%, and created more than 1,200 temporary jobs.
In parallel with these ......read full article
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Riyadh, February 02, 2026, SPA -- A panel discussion held as part of the fifth annual Saudi Media Forum examined trends in the tourism media industry and its role in strengthening national identity and enhancing the competitiveness of the Kingdom's tourist destinations.
The session, titled “The Tourism Media Industry: Strategies and Trends,” featured Saudi Tourism Authority spokesman Abdullah Al-Dakhil, List Magazine ......read full article
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Saudi Arabia’s hospitality market is forecast to grow from US$27 billion in 2025 to over US$54 billion, driven by Vision 2030, premium hotel development, and evolving inbound travel demand
WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will unite the global and regional tourism and hospitality sectors through exhibition, conference, and networking opportunities
WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will make its debut from 8 - 10 September at the Riyadh ......read full article
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Makkah, January 3, 2026, SPA -- The mild winter weather currently prevailing in Makkah has contributed to enhancing residents’ quality of life by encouraging greater use of public facilities and increasing levels of social interaction. With temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, the weather has created ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Public parks and walking paths across various neighborhoods of Makkah have seen ......read full article
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