In the golden heart of Saudi Arabia’s northwest desert lies AlUla, a destination both ancient and astonishing celebrated as the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for history, culture, and natural beauty.

Here, over 7,000 years of human civilization have left their mark on towering tombs, sandstone cliffs, and monumental rock formations. The most legendary among them is Elephant Rock, rising an awe-inspiring 52 meters into the desert sky.

AlUla is more than a static relic; it is a living, breathing tapestry where heritage meets modern art, adventure intertwines with tranquility, and every vista inspires awe. Its lush AlUla Oasis, dotted with palm groves and fresh citrus orchards, feels worlds away from the surrounding dunes.

Contemporary installations fuse seamlessly with ancestral landscapes, while events like the Azimuth AlUla festival each September turn the desert into a stage for music and art. Luxury seekers can retreat to tented villas at Banyan Tree AlUla or unwind in the desert sanctuary of Habitas AlUla—both offering an immersion in understated opulence.

Experiences That Define AlUla

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

At dawn, AlUla’s desert awakens in a palette of soft pinks and fiery oranges. Floating silently above ancient rock formations during the Hot Air Balloon Festival reveals the enormity of the terrain and the delicate artistry of nature’s carving tools. It is, quite simply, a memory for the ages.

Camel Ride through Lush Trails

Among shaded paths of the oasis, camels sway rhythmically past palm fronds and citrus-laden trees. Riders breathe in fragrant air while learning about native flora—a sensory journey deep into AlUla’s fertile core.

Dune Buggy Thrills

For an adrenaline-fueled excursion, dune buggies race over rippling golden sands, skirting rocky outcrops. Each turn unveils fresh panoramas of the desert’s raw, untamed beauty.

The Dancing Rocks

In Raggasat Valley, nature’s sculptures stand like frozen dancers—wind, sand, and centuries shaping stone into fantastical forms. These “Dancing Rocks” are a photographer’s dream, casting shadows that tell ancient tales.

Zipline Excitement

High above Harrat Uwayrid’s black basalt cliffs, adventurers zip through open desert air with sweeping views beneath—a brief, exhilarating flight framed by geological drama.

Stargazing at the Star Party

In Al Gharameel, the universe comes close enough to touch. From traditional cushions, visitors watch the Milky Way spill across the sky while storytellers weave cosmic legends into the night.

Culinary Delights at Winter Park

Gourmet food trucks and locally inspired kiosks turn Winter Park into a festival of flavors—juicy burgers, sweet pastries, and artisan coffee alike shared among travelers and locals in a vibrant social setting.

Photoshoot at Maraya

The world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya reflects both Ashar Valley’s grandeur and the visitor’s own wonder. Its gleaming façade transforms with sunlight, making it one of the Middle East’s most photogenic landmarks.

Rock Art Exploration

At Jabal Ikmah, Al Aqra’a, and Naqsh Zuhayr, cliff faces tell the stories of ancient life through bold carvings and inscriptions. Guided by a Rawi, these silent chronicles gain voice, revealing millennia-old narratives.

Hiking Adventures

Trails weave through sandstone cliffs and volcanic peaks, offering hikes for all skill levels. Each path leads to vistas where the desert’s scale becomes humbling and its beauty inescapable.

Traditional Craft Immersion

In the Old Town’s Handicrafts Pavilion, artisans wield palm fronds and age-old techniques to create intricate wares—a chance for visitors to witness living heritage and take a piece of AlUla home.

In AlUla, time and terrain conspire to create an otherworldly stage. Whether drifting above dunes at sunrise, tracing ancient inscriptions, or savoring desert-inspired cuisine, every moment lingers—a testament to the magic of Saudi Arabia’s desert jewel.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is moving into a new growth cycle as airlines expand their fleets and strengthen regional and international connectivity, supported largely by new narrowbody aircraft orders.

This rapid expansion is expected to significantly increase the need for trained pilots across the region. Industry projections from the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook estimate that the Middle East will require more than 58,000 new pilots over the next 20 years as carriers scale up operations and route networks.

Saudi Arabia is expected to account for a large portion of that demand, reflecting its ongoing investment in aviation development and airline capacity growth.

The pressure is not limited to the region. Global forecasts show similar trends across key markets. CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast suggests North America could need over 130,000 pilots by 2032, while the Asia-Pacific region may face a shortfall of more than 250,000 pilots.

Aviation experts say this simultaneous expansion is placing significant strain on global training systems and simulator capacity.

Martynas Mazeika, Chief Growth Officer at BAA Training, part of Avia Solutions Group, said the pace of airline expansion is reshaping training requirements. He noted that as new aircraft enter service each year, demand for qualified pilots is rising in parallel, requiring airlines to rely on scalable training partnerships and international resources.

He added that access to simulator capacity and flexible training programs is becoming increasingly important for airlines managing long-term fleet growth.

Based on Boeing’s estimates and standard requirements of around 200 flight hours per pilot, training more than 58,000 pilots in the Middle East would require roughly 11.6 million flight training hours.

By comparison, a typical flight academy operating around ten training aircraft generates only about 12,000 to 15,000 hours annually, underscoring the scale of capacity expansion needed to meet demand.

Simulator training presents a similar challenge. Preparing pilots would require approximately 1.1 million hours on full flight simulators. With each simulator typically delivering 5,000 to 6,000 training hours per year, industry capacity will need to expand significantly.

Mazeika said fleet expansion is not limited to the Middle East, pointing out that airlines in North America, India, and Southeast Asia are also increasing aircraft orders. He stressed that access to global training infrastructure is becoming a key factor in supporting airline growth strategies.

As Saudi carriers continue to grow their narrowbody fleets, demand is expected to rise for type rating and recurrent training, which prepare pilots for new aircraft and maintain operational standards as networks expand.

BAA Training currently provides type rating, recurrent training, and simulator-based programs through its global network of training centres and partners.

With aviation expansion accelerating across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, industry stakeholders say that scalable training systems and international cooperation will be essential to keep pilot supply aligned with fleet growth.

Source: ZAWYA

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that international pilgrims must obtain a Hajj visa specifically issued for the pilgrimage. Officials stressed that entry for Hajj will not be allowed under any other visa category, including visit, transit, Umrah, or tourist visas.

For citizens and residents inside the Kingdom, Hajj arrangements are processed through the Nusuk, following completion of the official reservation procedures.

The ministry further stated that all bookings must be made strictly through approved and authorized platforms. It cautioned pilgrims against engaging with unofficial agents or unverified channels when arranging Hajj participation.

Source: Saudi Gazette

The Ministry of Tourism (Saudi Arabia) has announced a new regulatory framework detailing violations and penalties for hospitality providers operating in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj season. The measures are designed to strengthen service quality for pilgrims and ensure consistent compliance across the sector.

According to the ministry, the Hajj season officially extends each year from the first day of Dhul Qadah until mid-Muharram. Under the updated rules, penalties will escalate for repeated violations, whether they occur before, during, or after the pilgrimage period.

If an offense committed during Hajj is a repeat of a previous violation, authorities will impose either the minimum fine (if it is higher than the earlier penalty) or double the previous amount if it is lower. Within the same season, any repeated breach will automatically result in doubled fines. Violations repeated after the season, but linked to Hajj-related offenses, will also face progressively higher penalties depending on frequency.

The regulations further state that repeated non-financial violations may lead to temporary suspension or closure of facilities during the Hajj period. A third recurrence could result in full license revocation. Authorities have emphasized a phased enforcement approach, allowing fines to be increased for repeat offenses while remaining within the maximum legal limit.

Hospitality establishments have been divided into five classifications, ranging from luxury five-star hotels to unclassified and temporary accommodations used specifically for pilgrims. Penalties are also adjusted according to business size, with micro enterprises fined at 25% of the base rate, small businesses at 50%, medium enterprises at 75%, and large establishments at 100%.

Financial penalties in Makkah and Madinah range between SAR 2,000 and SAR 14,000, alongside additional measures such as temporary closure or permanent license cancellation for repeated violations. For temporary Hajj accommodation providers, fines are significantly broader, ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 50,000, with enforcement actions including suspension until compliance is achieved or full revocation of operating licenses.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Saudi Railways (SAR) has expanded its freight operations with the introduction of five new logistics routes, further developing an integrated national transport network designed to enhance cargo efficiency across the Kingdom and beyond.

The new corridors link Arabian Gulf ports with Saudi Arabia’s central and northern regions, while also extending connectivity toward Red Sea ports and neighbouring countries to the north. By combining rail and road transport, the system is intended to improve supply chain performance and ensure smoother movement of goods across key domestic and international trade routes.

Operations are coordinated through a unified logistics framework that includes the Riyadh Dry Port, along with SAR freight facilities in Dammam, Jubail, Ras Al Khair, Al Kharj, Hail, and Qurayyat. These hubs are connected to major ports on both the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts, strengthening links between industrial zones, economic centres, and global shipping networks.

The routes are designed to handle a wide variety of cargo, supporting national supply chains and key industries such as petrochemicals and mining. They are also expected to facilitate more efficient import and export flows, while improving transit options for regional markets.

According to Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Railways (SAR), the initiative offers a comprehensive logistics solution aimed at improving supply chain reliability and efficiency under varying operational conditions. He highlighted that the system relies on multimodal integration and close coordination with relevant authorities to ensure seamless freight movement.

He further noted that the expanded network strengthens Saudi Arabia’s links with regional and global markets, reinforcing its strategic role as a trade corridor between East and West. This, he added, supports the Kingdom’s ambition to develop into a leading global logistics hub and a key participant in international trade flows.

The new routes are expected to serve a broad customer base, including major industrial firms, mining companies, and international shipping operators. By offering integrated transport services, the system aims to reduce delivery times and improve overall operational efficiency.

In addition, the initiative is projected to remove thousands of heavy trucks from highways, contributing to improved road safety, lower carbon emissions, and faster freight movement, further solidifying SAR’s role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving transport and logistics ecosystem.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever annual international tourism spending in 2025, with overseas visitors contributing SR159.9 billion to the economy. The figure marks a 4.1 percent increase from SR153.6 billion reported in 2024, reflecting steady growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

The surge in visitor expenditure was mirrored in the country’s balance of payments, where the travel account posted a surplus of around SR49.4 billion for the year. This outcome highlights tourism’s expanding role in strengthening national economic performance and improving key financial indicators.

The upward trend builds on strong momentum from 2024, when international visitor spending reached SR153.6 billion. Continued investment in tourism infrastructure, destination development, and service enhancements has supported this growth, positioning the sector as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts.

Source: Saudi Gazette