Latest news with #SaudiTourismAuthority
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
China Southern Airlines launches Guangzhou-Riyadh route
China Southern Airlines is set to launch a new flight route between Guangzhou and Riyadh starting in September 2025, in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Riyadh Airports Company, reported SPA. The three-week route will add over 86,000 seats annually, addressing the growing demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and China. The new route is expected to improve travel options, facilitate tourism, cultural exchange, and trade between the two countries. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia showcases vibrant culture and tourism destinations at Wonders of Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka
Wonders of Arabia, organized in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the Saudi Tourism Authority, was held from July 9 to 16, 2025, at the Expo Exhibition Center, attracting an average of 8,000 visitors a day. Guests were immersed in the rich diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings, featuring iconic destinations such as Jeddah, the Red Sea, Diriyah, Riyadh, Aseer and AlUla. The Exhibition featured live dance performances, traditional Saudi hospitality, and displays of culture, fashion and sports, welcoming over 64,000 visitors across the seven days. Osaka, Japan — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, along with the Saudi Tourism Authority, hosted the Wonders of Arabia Exhibition. Curated by the Saudi Tourism Authority, Wonders of Arabia offered a snapshot of Saudi Arabia's exciting tourism offering for Japanese and global travellers at Expo 2025 Osaka, welcoming a total of 64,532 visitors across the seven-day event. Held at the Expo Exhibition Center, the Wonders of Arabia Welcome Zone greeted visitors with a warm introduction to Saudi hospitality. An impressive 70,735 cups of the national drink, Taif Rose Lemonade, were served during the event, crafted by hand-pressing 800 kilograms of fresh lemons. Guests enjoyed live performances by artists and musicians from Saudi Arabia's Heritage and Music Commissions, as well as a showcase of 10 prominent Saudi fashion designers, presented in collaboration with the Fashion Commission. In the Main Exhibition area, visitors witnessed an exciting lineup of cultural performances, including 29 dance performances, 21 artisan sets, and 44 live oud performances. The Exhibition featured a range of exciting attractions, including Saudi Arabia's top tourism destinations from Diriyah, Jeddah, the Red Sea, Aseer and AlUla, the Arts of Arabia, a Cultural Photobooth and exclusive giveaways. In the Sports Hub Zone, visitors were able to learn more about Saudi Arabia's sporting events, such as the Esports World Cup, the F1 Grand Prix and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034, as well as a sports activation area with a simulation photo opportunity in Cristiano Ronaldo's changing room. Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, 'We are honoured to offer Japanese visitors at Expo 2025 a glimpse into the Wonders of Saudi Arabia's tourism. Over the course of these seven days, guests experienced firsthand the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned hospitality. Through Wonders of Arabia, we aim to inspire more Japanese travellers to visit Saudi Arabia and to create unforgettable memories together across our vibrant destinations. This initiative also highlights the growing strength of the Saudi-Japan relationship as we proudly commemorate 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2025. We look forward to warmly welcoming Japanese visitors to the Kingdom.' Saudi Arabia saw a 7% increase in Japanese visitors in 2024 and has a designated tourism office in Japan to represent it as a destination for Japanese travelers. Japanese citizens are eligible for the eVisa program, which can be applied for online, and is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from its issue date, allowing stays of up to 90 days. The Kingdom, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and adventure experiences, extends a warm welcome to tourists from Japan, making it a must-visit destination with diverse offerings. Wonders of Arabia is one of 700 events taking place at the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which has welcomed more than 1,000,000 visitors since opening in April. Until October 13, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka invites guests to experience a range of events throughout the Expo program, featuring live performances, dances, and traditional shows. Visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion can experience a wide range of Saudi culture, heritage, and art through various programs. These include Ahlan Wa Sahlan, We Are Saudi Arabia, The Botanist Augmented Reality experience, and musical and artistic performances at the Cultural Studios, as well as signature events celebrating Saudi Arabia's most important milestones, including the Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations on September 23, 2025. The full program of events for the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website: -Ends- Media Contact: Email: Media@ For more images of the WOA event, please find the following link: Website & Social Media Handles: Instagram: @ksaexpo2025 X: @KSAExpo2025_ YouTube: @KSAExpo2025 LinkedIn: Saudi Arabia at Expo Facebook: KSA Expo 2025 TikTok: @ksaexpo LINE: KSA 大阪万博2025 Website:
Saudi Gazette
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Pavilion draws 64,000 visitors to ‘Wonders of Arabia' showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority, hosted the Wonders of Arabia Exhibition, welcoming more than 64,500 visitors during the seven-day event. Curated by the Saudi Tourism Authority, the exhibition offered a vibrant snapshot of the Kingdom's tourism experiences, aimed at Japanese and global travelers. Held at the Expo Exhibition Center, the Welcome Zone greeted guests with authentic Saudi hospitality, including 70,735 cups of Taif Rose Lemonade—crafted from 800 kilograms of fresh lemons—served to visitors. The event also featured live performances by Saudi artists and musicians from the Heritage and Music Commissions, along with a fashion showcase highlighting 10 prominent Saudi designers in partnership with the Fashion Commission. In the Main Exhibition area, guests enjoyed 29 cultural dance shows, 21 artisan sets, and 44 live oud performances, alongside highlights of Saudi Arabia's key tourism destinations such as Diriyah, Jeddah, the Red Sea, Aseer, and AlUla. Additional attractions included a cultural photobooth, giveaways, and the Arts of Arabia experience. The Sports Hub Zone spotlighted Saudi Arabia's growing sports tourism offerings, including the Esports World Cup, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034. A fan-favorite was a simulated photo opportunity in Cristiano Ronaldo's changing room. 'We are honoured to offer Japanese visitors at Expo 2025 a glimpse into the Wonders of Saudi Arabia's tourism,' said Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion. 'Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more Japanese travelers to explore the Kingdom's rich heritage, natural beauty, and world-renowned hospitality.' The initiative coincides with the 70th anniversary of Saudi-Japan diplomatic ties in 2025. Saudi Arabia recorded a 7% increase in Japanese visitors in 2024 and operates a dedicated tourism office in Japan. Japanese citizens are eligible for the Kingdom's eVisa program, which offers one-year multiple-entry access for stays up to 90 days. Wonders of Arabia is one of 700 events featured at the Saudi Pavilion, which has welcomed over 1 million visitors since the Expo's opening in April. The pavilion will continue to host live cultural performances and exhibitions until the Expo concludes on October 13.
Leaders
17-07-2025
- 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
17-07-2025
- 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
