logo
Riyadh Air and Ministry of Culture partner to elevate Saudi heritage

Riyadh Air and Ministry of Culture partner to elevate Saudi heritage

Riyadh Air and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture partner to embed authentic Saudi heritage into the airline's operations, enhancing global cultural engagement.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national airline, has signed a landmark strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture to transform the travel experience by embedding authentic Saudi culture into every aspect of its operations. The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh, with Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Vice Minister of Culture, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. This collaboration will highlight the Kingdom's unique identity while promoting its diverse heritage to travelers worldwide.
Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Vice Minister of Culture, said: 'This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of making Saudi culture a central part of everyday life. Together with Riyadh Air we are transforming air travel into a platform for cultural discovery, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and ensuring that every traveler experiences the richness of Saudi heritage.'
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, echoed these sentiments: 'At Riyadh Air, we take pride in being more than just an airline—we are ambassadors of Saudi culture. This partnership allows us to bring the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia to life through every detail of the travel experience, from our branding to the services we provide onboard and in our lounges. Through this collaboration, we are not only elevating the travel experience but also contributing to the broader goals of Vision 2030 by promoting Saudi Arabia's creative economy and supporting local talent.'
The agreement includes several key initiatives designed to enrich the passenger journey:
Seasonal Cultural Campaigns: Riyadh Air terminals will be transformed into dynamic spaces celebrating Saudi heritage, featuring interactive displays, art installations, and live performances.
Immersive In-Flight Content: Travelers will enjoy curated content that showcases Saudi Arabia's historical sites, cultural festivals, and artistic achievements.
Special Event Flights: Dedicated flights will coincide with major cultural events, offering passengers exclusive access to Saudi Arabia's most iconic celebrations.
As part of the partnership, Riyadh Air will collaborate with Saudi designers, artists, and musicians to incorporate contemporary interpretations of Saudi culture into its operations. Recent examples include the airline's collaboration with renowned Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi, whose work has influenced everything from cabin interiors to staff uniforms.
Additionally, Riyadh Air recently unveiled its auditory identity, 'The Sound of a New Era of Travel,' developed in partnership with the Music Commission and performed by the Saudi National Orchestra. This initiative blends traditional Saudi melodies with modern arrangements, creating a soundscape that resonates with both local and international audiences.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air's journey to become a global leader in culturally enriched travel. By aligning with the Ministry of Culture's objectives under Vision 2030, the airline is setting a new standard for how aviation can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Miraval Resorts & Spas unveils luxury residences on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast
Miraval Resorts & Spas unveils luxury residences on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast

Travel Daily News

time9 hours ago

  • Travel Daily News

Miraval Resorts & Spas unveils luxury residences on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast

Miraval launches its first international residences in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, offering luxury beach villas focused on wellbeing, mindfulness, and regenerative living. CHICAGO – Miraval Resorts & Spas, an industry leader and pioneer in transformative wellbeing and personal growth within the luxury hospitality space, in collaboration with Red Sea Global, a visionary developer shaping the future of regenerative tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announces the launch of Miraval The Red Sea Residences. This collection of only twenty exclusive beach villas are designed for holistic living with a dedicated focus on wellbeing and life in balance. With plans to launch in late 2025, the residences will debut alongside the highly anticipated Miraval The Red Sea, the brand's first full-service, adults-only (18+) resort outside of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the brand's legacy of redefining the intersection between luxury hospitality, personalized wellbeing, and purposeful living. Marking the brand's newest residential offering, this extraordinary development represents a new, global chapter for the Miraval Resorts & Spas brand, bringing its signature blend of mindfulness, luxury and intentional living to the shores of Shura Island on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Coast. Nestled on a pristine white sand cove with mangrove forests stretching out to the sea, residents will experience private oasis rooted in integrated wellbeing in the comfort of their home. Designed by the award-winning Foster + Partners, the twenty beach villas are situated on the shore as lightly and naturally as driftwood. Each fully furnished, one-to-four bedroom residence ranging in size up to 5,000+ square feet, feature spacious living and dining areas, expansive terraces, and private swimming pools. With interiors by the globally renowned Rockwell Group, inspiration was taken from the natural world in form and texture, bestowing each residence with understated elegance enriched by the opulence of nature. Spacious and organic, embracing the beach, sea, and sky, each villa is a secluded sanctuary offering special access to this exclusive resort. Residents will enjoy ease of ownership where needs are met with dedicated residential services at the ready. Offering an exceptional peace of mind, focused on comfort and privacy, along with tailored experiences. Whether in-residence or away- ensuring every detail of their villa is always well looked after and maintained. Time at home is geared towards life exploration and unparalleled moments to cherish for true well living. For those seeking a rejuvenating year-round retreat within the vibrant Shura Island community, Miraval The Red Sea Residences offer access to wellbeing activities designed to foster self-care, balance, and mindful living. A private host dedicated to each villa will support residents and their guests with creating personalized itineraries and selecting life-enhancing moments from the extensive menu of signature treatments and innovative wellbeing programs that pay homage to the rich local culture and heritage of the Middle East. Complementary to the exclusive community of twenty beach villas, Miraval The Red Sea will feature 160 suites and guestrooms seamlessly integrated into the pristine landscape of Shura Island. Anchored by the Life in Balance Spa, a 40,000-square foot haven, with 39 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, Miraval The Red Sea is the largest spa on the island and offers a serene sanctuary designed to inspire relaxation, restore balance, and elevate wellbeing. Miraval The Red Sea forms an integral part of The Red Sea Project, one of the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism developments. Expected to become the Kingdom's premier international leisure destination, this luxury destination is committed to preserving and actively enhancing the natural environment, which spans 10,800 square miles. Boasting 124 miles of pristine coastline and an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands, dormant volcanoes, desert, mountains, and a wide variety of wildlife, the destination is rapidly becoming one of the world's most sought-after locations. Residents can access their private property from the dedicated international airport, Red Sea International. 'It is an honor to celebrate 30 years of the Miraval brand's transformative wellbeing and life-enriching moments on a global stage through Miraval The Red Sea and its residences,' said Juan Paolo Alfonso, General Manager, Miraval The Red Sea. 'The launch of Miraval The Red Sea not only represents our first Miraval-branded development outside of the United States, but our latest foray into branded residences that offer a rare opportunity to invest in a sanctuary dedicated to a life of wellbeing and intention.' Hyatt is redefining branded residences with experiences shared by comfort, care and connection. The branded residential portfolio is enlivened by the expressive qualities of Hyatt's iconic brands, such as Miraval, that transform luxury living for residents who are investing in creating memories that last a lifetime. Today, and with more than 50 branded residential projects open or in development around the world, Hyatt's rich legacy enables us to redefine residential living excellence.

Tourism spending in the Middle East to reach US$350b. by 2030
Tourism spending in the Middle East to reach US$350b. by 2030

Travel Daily News

time13 hours ago

  • Travel Daily News

Tourism spending in the Middle East to reach US$350b. by 2030

According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics, inbound travel to the region will increase by 13% annually from 2025 to 2030, with key source markets including Asia and Africa. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that by 2030, total tourism spend in the Middle East will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly US$350 billion. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13% annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: 'At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from 4-7 May 2026.

Wego: 96% of Eid Al-Adha travel searches target international destinations
Wego: 96% of Eid Al-Adha travel searches target international destinations

Travel Daily News

time2 days ago

  • Travel Daily News

Wego: 96% of Eid Al-Adha travel searches target international destinations

Saudi Arabia's Eid Al-Adha holiday drives 96% surge in international travel searches, with top destinations spanning culturally linked and emerging global hotspots. As Saudi Arabia prepares for an extended Eid Al-Adha holiday from Thursday, June 5 (Dhul Hijjah 9) through Monday, June 9 (Dhul Hijjah 13), travel activity across the Kingdom is witnessing a significant surge. Citizens and residents alike are seizing the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, ranging from global cities with deep cultural ties to domestic hotspots rich in natural and spiritual heritage. According to the latest insights from Wego, the number one travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), there has been a remarkable shift towards international travel. A staggering 96.12% of Eid Al-Adha-related travel searches from Saudi users are for international trips, a notable increase from 87.34% during the same period last year. This trend reflects a growing appetite among Saudi travelers for global experiences, buoyed by the extended public holiday and facilitated entry requirements. Strong Preference for Culturally Linked Destinations Wego data reveals that countries with longstanding familial and cultural ties to the Kingdom continue to dominate search trends. Egypt, India, the UAE, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Bangladesh top the list, highlighting a preference for destinations where travelers can reunite with family and celebrate Eid in a spiritually familiar setting. European destinations such as Italy, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and Russia are also rising in popularity. These countries offer a compelling mix of cooler climates, scenic views, and historical richness. In Asia, Saudi travelers are increasingly drawn to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Japan, which offer immersive nature escapes, wellness experiences, and family-friendly resorts. Domestic Travel Retains Its Appeal While international destinations are gaining prominence, domestic travel continues to play a significant role in Eid plans for Saudi citizens. Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, and Abha remain among the most searched local destinations. These cities attract visitors with their festive atmospheres, cultural events, and temperate weather—particularly in Abha—along with providing unique spiritual experiences in cities such as Madinah. Cultural Exploration Drives Destination Choices Cultural tourism is emerging as a key factor in travel decisions. Cities like Istanbul, Cairo, Jakarta, and Tbilisi are increasingly favored for their rich blend of Islamic heritage sites, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. According to Wego, these destinations resonate strongly with Saudi travelers seeking authenticity and meaningful cultural engagement during the Eid season. Simplified Access to Global Travel for Saudi Citizens The growing preference for international travel is significantly supported by simplified visa policies for Saudi passport holders. Türkiye, Thailand, Georgia, the Philippines, and Malaysia currently offer visa-free access. Meanwhile, other popular destinations provide efficient electronic visa systems, visa waivers (such as the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization), or visa-on-arrival facilities, making it easier than ever for travelers to make spontaneous plans. Expert Travel Tips from Wego To help travelers make the most of the Eid holiday, Wego recommends planning and booking at least a month in advance. Setting up fare alerts and utilizing flexible date searches can lead to significant savings. For those planning closer to the holiday, the platform offers real-time deals and last-minute hotel booking options, catering to both families and individual travelers. Wego continues to invest in smart booking technologies, real-time price comparisons, and a robust partner network comprising airlines, hotels, and rental providers. These tools empower users to craft personalized, seamless, and cost-effective travel experiences that cater to diverse travel styles and preferences.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store