Saudi Arabia Scraps Tourism Funding In Vision 2030 Shake-Up
This was going to be a new frontier of tourism and a pillar of Saudi’s future income outside of oil. It’s officially being scaled back.
Deepthi Nair is Skift’s Middle East Reporter, covering aviation, hospitality, tourism policy, and travel trends across the Gulf and wider region. Based in Dubai, she reports on how the region is reshaping global travel — from airline expansion and visa shifts to mega tourism projects. She regularly interviews top industry executives and government leaders. Outside of work, Deepthi is usually planning her next trip.
Saudi Arabia’s Hotel Boom Has a Catch: Rates Are Falling Fast
Saudi Arabia is building its tourism industry at remarkable speed, but room rates are falling, according to new statistics.
Skyscanner, Almosafer Launch ChatGPT Apps in Middle East, Where AI Booking Is Possible
Travel brands are implementing AI at scale, but there's a limit to what AI can manage when it comes to traveler sentiment and local regulations.
UAE Hotels Watch and Wait as Ceasefire Promises — But Doesn’t Yet Deliver
After the U.S. and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, UAE hoteliers and holiday home operators are cautiously optimistic about the region's recovery.
Kempinski Bets on Middle East Rebound as Occupancy Dips Below 20%
While most hospitality executives have been in damage-control mode, Kempinski’s CEO envisions an opportunity. With rates held, staff retained, and a development pipeline intact, the company is placing a long-term bet on the Middle East.
Gulf Events Market Splits. Regional Attendees Push On, Western Delegates Pull Back
The Gulf MICE industry says demand is deferred, not lost. But no one will know if it's true until after the summer when the region asks delegates to meet in 104°F heat.
UAE Moves to Rescue Tourism Sector as Iran War Hammers Demand
The UAE's rapid policy response — fee deferrals, a ministerial operations room, a broader support package in the works — signals that it is good at crisis management. But the real test is whether the tourism sector can hold on long enough for international confidence to return.
Saudi’s Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway Steps Down
This follows recent decisions by CEOs of Air Canada and Indigo.
Dubai Throws Hotels a Lifeline as Iran War Devastates Tourism
Support measures include deferring government fees and postponing the tourism dirham fee.
Saudi Hotels Show Strength While UAE Demand Sinks
UAE occupancy plunges while Saudi Arabia’s domestic demand and limited hotel supply provide resilience.