Latest news with #SaudiTourismAuthority
Leaders
2 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
China Southern Airlines Launches Direct Flights between Guangzhou, Riyadh
China Southern Airlines announced the launch of a new flight route between Guangzhou in China and Riyadh, starting in September 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency. In collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program, the Saudi Tourism Authority, as well as Riyadh Airports Company, the new route will operate three flights weekly, providing more than 86,000 seats annually to this route. The new milestone aligns with the growing demand for more flights between the Kingdom and China as the cooperation between both countries has been witnessing unprecedented growth across various sectors. At the same time, the launch of the current route follows the notable success of the recently launched direct flights between Riyadh and Shenzhen by China Southern Airlines. Therefore, the new route will multiply travel options and further facilitate tourism, cultural exchange, and trade between both countries. This promising success highlights the tangible effects of the Saudi Vision 2030 on the tourism sector, indicating potential for continued growth and development. It also reflects the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring smooth access for all visitors who are excited to discover its enriching history and unparalleled cultural heritage. Related Topics: Flynas to Begin Direct Flights to Damascus on June 5 flynas Introduces Biweekly Direct Flights Between Jeddah, El-Alamein Direct Flights Between Warsaw, Riyadh to Start Next June Short link : Post Views: 18
Leaders
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Leaders
Uber Rolls Out 'Women Drivers' Option in Saudi Arabia
Uber has launched the 'Women Drivers' option in Saudi Arabia – a new feature that allows female riders to pair exclusively with female drivers. Following its introduction in other countries, including Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and several European countries, the unique feature has come to Saudi Arabia for safer rides and more inclusive experience. Announced during Uber's 'By Women, For Women' special event in Riyadh, the launch of the new feature coincided with the 7th anniversary of lifting drive ban for women in Saudi Arabia. Women Drivers Option The 'Women Drivers' feature is part of a broader effort to increase Saudi women's participation in the work force, particularly the mobility sector. Moreover, the women-only taxis feature underscores Uber's commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women, in line with the objectives of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. Women Empowerment On this occasion, Uber's General Manager in Saudi Arabia, Youssef Abouseif, said: 'The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're giving women more choice, more opportunity, and a strong sense of community.' The Kingdom has made major milestones toward empowering women and increasing their participation in the workforce, as part of its transformative Vision 2030. In the light of this, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving 7 years ago. The new feature will be gradually rolled out to Uber users across the Kingdom, allowing female drivers to accept exclusively female riders. Supportive Initiatives Additionally, Uber has announced ambitious programs to support obtaining licenses, as well as savings on vehicle access, offering more than 20 million subsidized rides for women. The platform has also launched communities for women drivers, where they can connect, receive top tips, and share their experiences. The #Gigsister initiative aims to empower women drivers and help them grow. Furthermore, the platform is partnering with Alnahda Society, a non-profit that supports women's empowerment, to promote women's financial literacy and economic independence in Saudi Arabia. Safer Rides As part of its safety measures, Uber has developed in-app emergency assistance, 24/7 incident support, as well as 'Follow My Ride' for a safer riding experience. In the light of this, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Fahd Hamidaddin, said: 'One thing we're not doing well is talking about safety for women. We're going to tell the world how safe Saudi Arabia is for our mothers, sisters and daughters, our female travelers.' Short link : Post Views: 23
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program. The program, launched in May with the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea's coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities. Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality. He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif's natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA. Al-Khateeb said at the program's launch in May: 'This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.' The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures. Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather. Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer. Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903. Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom's luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures. Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards. The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region's rich heritage. Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.
Arab News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon' collaborate on culture at Expo 2025
OSAKA: Visit Saudi, the brand identity of the Saudi Tourism Authority, is collaborating with the creators of the renowned Japanese anime 'Doraemon' at Expo 2025 Osaka, to promote the Kingdom's culture in a fun and engaging manner. The collaboration is a part of the Saudi Pavilion's 'Wonders of Arabia' exhibition launched on Thursday, which also celebrates the 70th anniversary of relations between the two nations. Taking place until July 16, visitors can follow the iconic blue robot cat named Doraemon as he explores the Kingdom's destinations throughout the exhibition. A QR code can be scanned to take a quiz on various Saudi destinations. The first 250 guests daily will receive a special 'Doraemon' tote bag after completing the experience. 「ドラえもん＆ @VisitSaudi」 大阪・関西万博でドラえもんがサウジアラビアの魅力を紹介するよ♪ ドラえもんとサウジアラビアを巡る冒険を体験しよう！ のび太を見つけて、ドラえもん限定トートバッグをゲットしよう 7月10日（木）から7月16日（水）まで開催！ 詳細は — 【ドラえもん公式】ドラえもんチャンネル (@doraemonChannel) July 5, 2025 In a video released by Doraemon's creators, the character is seen wandering around Saudi Arabia landmarks through his popular pink portal door that allows him to explore any place at any time. Surrounded by Saudi Arabia's majestic landscapes, the character searches for his best friend Nobita, who makes a quick appearance. He returns to the Saudi Pavilion at the end of his journey, encouraging people to visit it. 'That was amazing. Come see it for yourself — and don't forget to collect your limited-edition Doraemon tote bag after the experience,' the character says at the end of the video. Located inside the Osaka Expo Exhibition Center, the 'Wonders of Arabia' exhibition offers workshops, interactive presentations, photobooths, and live demonstrations of Saudi and Japanese calligraphy. The exhibition is also offering an interactive virtual reality experience simulating Formula 1 races, and highlights of the Esports World Cup currently taking place in Riyadh. Doraemon has become a cultural icon in Japan since the manga debuted in 1969, appearing in more than 40 feature films and 3,000 TV episodes. Expo 2025 Osaka began in April and concludes in October. • This article also appears on Arab News Japan
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dammam-London direct flights to start in November via Saudia
The Saudi Air Connectivity Program, in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority, Dammam Airports Company, and Sharqia Development Authority (SDA), announced the launch of flights connecting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with Heathrow Airport in London. The flights will be operated by Saudia, with three weekly flights each way starting in November, reported SPA. The launch of the new air route comes within the framework of close cooperation between Saudia and the Saudi Tourism Authority in marketing efforts to promote travel to Saudi tourist destinations and to include the Dammam–London route in promotional campaigns targeting international markets. The announcement comes as part of the Air Connectivity Program's efforts to expand the international destination network in cooperation with the tourism and aviation ecosystem, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global tourist destination and attract a wider range of international tourists. The expansion also reflects Dammam's status as an important economic and tourist hub and supports growth opportunities in the tourism and aviation sectors by enhancing air connectivity and boosting inbound tourism from European markets. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
