In a bid to simplify travel, the UK is streamlining entry for individuals from the UAE and the wider Gulf region, while non-EU citizens holding Schengen visas can now extend their travel itineraries to include Romania and Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Japan is taking proactive steps to address concerns of overtourism at Mount Fuji by introducing visitor restrictions, including a daily cap and a fee for hikers.
On the luxury travel front, Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with Italy’s Arsenale group is set to bring forth the Dream of the Desert train. With 40 lavish cabins amounting to $53.3 million, this train journey covers 1,240 km, starting from Riyadh’s Al Shamal station and concluding at Al Qurayyat station near the Jordanian border. Reservations open later this year, with operations scheduled to commence in November 2025.
The UK has further opened its doors to travelers from the Gulf, with citizens from the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia exempted from pre-entry visa requirements. Starting February 22, these travelers can avail themselves of Britain’s electronic travel authorization scheme for £10 ($12.70), providing them multiple entries within a two-year period, each visit not exceeding six months.
Emirates is also expanding its Australian operations, upgrading its second daily flight to Brisbane to an A380 from October 1 and introducing a second daily service to Perth with a Boeing 777-300ER from December 1. This move, adding 6,900 weekly seats, aims to meet the growing demand for international travel through Dubai.
In a significant development for Eastern Europe, Romania and Bulgaria are set to join the Schengen area from March 31, allowing unrestricted movement for approximately 400 million citizens among member countries. This inclusion also benefits non-EU citizens with a Schengen visa, who can now explore these countries within the 90-limit during any 180-day period.
Adding to the hospitality scene, the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay has opened its doors, offering 283 rooms and suites in an Art Deco style. The hotel boasts a spa, fitness center, pools, and diverse dining options, including a Parisienne patisserie, the Levantine Al Fayrouz Terrace, and a gourmet food hall experience.
Global football sensation Lionel Messi takes the spotlight in Saudi Arabia’s tourism campaign, urging travelers to “Go Beyond What You Think.” The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions about the kingdom, encouraging positive experiences shared on TikTok with the hashtag #ShareYourSaudi.
Air Arabia is also making headlines by expanding its European network with two new non-stop routes. Starting from June 28, the airline will connect Sharjah with Athens, offering four weekly flights. Additionally, Air Arabia is launching daily flights between Sharjah and Krakow, Poland, from June 29, providing passengers with more options to explore these captivating destinations.
