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Al-Baha’s Cool Summer Evenings Drive Tourism and Local Business Activity | 📷SPA AL-BAHA, July 22, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Al-Baha Region is attracting growing numbers of visitors during the summer season, with its cool climate, forests, parks and mountain landscapes supporting increased tourism after sunset. Mild evening temperatures encourage visitors to plan outdoor activities later in the day, when public parks, forest areas, walkways and tourist attractions record h

Air France Suspends Flights to Riyadh and Dubai as Regional Security Deteriorates PARIS, July 20, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Air France suspended flights to Riyadh and Dubai on Monday as the security situation across the Middle East continued to deteriorate. Flights to and from Riyadh will remain suspended through July 25, while services to and from Dubai have been halted through July 28, the airline said. Air France also extended its suspension of Beirut services until Aug

Mleiha National Park Shortlisted for Middle East Travel Award SHARJAH, July 16, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Mleiha National Park has been shortlisted for the “Middle East’s Leading National Park 2026” title at the 33rd World Travel Awards. The Sharjah destination is competing against four other protected national parks from across the Middle East and is the only UAE representative in the category. Mleiha is located within the core area of the Al Faya Landscape, a UNESCO Worl

Saudia to Launch Direct Riyadh-Tokyo Flights in November 2026 RIYADH, July 15, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Saudia will launch direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo in November 2026, adding Japan to the national carrier’s expanding international network. The new route will operate three times per week from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Tickets are now available through Saudia’s digital platforms and authorized sales outlets. The service is being launched in c

EASA Tells Airlines to Avoid Airspace Over Four Gulf States Until July 29 COLOGNE, July 14, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency advised airlines on Tuesday to avoid flying over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates amid renewed security risks across the Gulf. The advisory also covers part of the airspace above the Gulf of Oman, west of longitude 58°E. EASA said the recommendation applies to “all altitudes and flight levels” and

Emirates To Add A380 On Dubai-Delhi Route DUBAI, July 9 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Emirates will introduce its flagship Airbus A380 on the Dubai-Delhi route from October 25, making the Indian capital the airline’s third A380 destination in India. The carrier said the four-class A380 will include Premium Economy. It will operate alongside Emirates’ retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft on three other daily services to Delhi. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and

Jeddah strengthens summer tourism offering with beaches, events and family activities | 📷SPA JEDDAH, July 7 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Jeddah is strengthening its position as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading summer tourism destinations through beaches, entertainment events, cultural experiences and shopping offers, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Saudi Summer 2026 programme places emphasis on family-oriented experiences, with activities designed for different age group

Riyadh Air Adds Málaga and Kuala Lumpur to Growing Network RIYADH, July 1 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, announced the addition of Málaga and Kuala Lumpur to its growing network, launching ticket sales for flights linking the two destinations with Riyadh. With the addition of the two destinations, Riyadh Air is preparing to operate flights to eight destinations from Riyadh by Augus

Sakaka heritage farm showcases Al-Jouf’s agricultural and cultural identity | 📷SPA RIYADH, June 27 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - A licensed heritage farm and park in Sakaka has emerged as a tourism initiative showcasing the agricultural and cultural identity of Al-Jouf Region. Developed by its owner, Ahmed Al-Arfaj, the site preserves long-standing local traditions while offering a modern experiential destination aligned with Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector. The farm

Riyadh Air Launches Daily Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Dubai | 📷SPA RIYADH, June 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Riyadh Air has launched daily direct flights between Riyadh and Dubai, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Flight RX243 departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 2:05 p.m. local time and arrived at Dubai International Airport at 5:00 p.m. local time. The return flight, RX244, departs Dubai at 6:30 p.m

Russia to Restrict Light Aircraft and Drone Flights Around Moscow MOSCOW, June 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Russia is introducing restrictions on flights by light private aircraft and drones in Moscow and surrounding regions, Reuters reported. The measures set a minimum altitude requirement of 5,200 meters, or 17,000 feet, aviation authority Rosaviatsiya announced on Wednesday. The requirement applies to light and ultralight aircraft, as well as drones, placing the permi

Saudi Arabia, Portugal Sign Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic and Special Passports | 📷SPA LISBON, June 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel signed an agreement on the mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports. The agreement was signed in Lisbon during Prince Faisal’s official visit to Portugal. The agreement

Turkish Airlines, Al Ghazal Sign Agreement for Al-Ahsa–Rize Flights | Photography: SPA AL-AHSA, June 9 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Turkish Airlines and Al Ghazal travel and tourism agency signed an agreement to launch direct flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize–Artvin Airport in Türkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The signing was sponsored by Al-Ahsa Governor Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr. The agreement supports efforts to strengthen international

flydubai, Cyprus Airways sign interline agreement DUBAI, May 22 — flydubai and Cyprus Airways have signed a new interline agreement to expand international connectivity through Dubai International Airport. The agreement allows passengers to travel on a single itinerary with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined transfers via Dubai. Under the partnership, Cyprus Airways passengers travelling from Larnaca will be able to connect through Dubai to flydubai destinations inc

Etihad to double A380 Paris service this summer ABU DHABI, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Etihad Airways will increase its Airbus A380 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle to double daily from July 1, WAM reported. The expansion will raise Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Paris route to three daily flights overall. The schedule will include two daily A380 services from Zayed Abu Dhabi International Airport, with morning and afternoon departures. A third daily Boeing 787-9 service will

Riyadh Air opens public sales for Riyadh-London flights | Photography: SPA RIYADH, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Riyadh Air announced the launch of full public ticket sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The route will begin operating with Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from July 1, 2026. Tickets are available through the Riyadh Air app, the airline’s website and a

AROYA Cruises to return to Mediterranean for summer 2026 season (Photography: Courtesy of SPA) JEDDAH, May 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – AROYA Cruises, operated by Cruise Saudi and fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, will return to the Mediterranean during the summer 2026 season, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The cruises will depart from Galataport Istanbul, which will serve as AROYA’s main Mediterranean home port. The seven-night routes will include destination

ALULA, May 13 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – AlUla is expanding its seasonal tourism offering with heritage tours, adventure activities and luxury hospitality experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The destination is promoting summer travel from May to August, with temperatures up to 10 degrees cooler than other areas in the region. Visitors can explore Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jabal Ikmah, known for its ancient inscriptions. AlUla wi

Miraval The Red Sea set to welcome guests with stunning beachfront villas and lush gardens on May 15. RIYADH, May 13 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Red Sea Global announced that Miraval The Red Sea will begin welcoming guests on May 15, marking the first international expansion of the luxury Miraval brand outside the United States, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The company said the launch reinforces the Red Sea destination’s position as a global tourism hub after occupancy