July 2025
Greetings Partners! Welcome to the Dakkak Newsletter, a curated resource crafted exclusively for our valued partners to explore updates, gain insights, and embark on extraordinary journeys through our exceptional destinations.
News & Events:
– Tourism Revenues Surge 16% to JD 2.17B in H1 2025
– Soaring Above the Desert: Dakkak DMC Hosts Exclusive Wadi Rum Experience
– Amman International Film Festival kicks off Jul 2nd
Tourism Revenues Surge 16% to JD 2.17B in H1 2025
Jordan’s tourism revenues soared to 2.167 billion JD in the first five months of 2025 — up 16% from the previous year. Visitor numbers rose by 18%, totaling 3.29 million tourists. This strong performance underscores Jordan’s resilience and global appeal.
Key Highlights:
Visitor arrivals: 3.29m (Jan–May), +18% YoY
Revenues: JD 447m in May alone (+18% vs May 2024)
Soaring Above the Desert: Dakkak DMC Hosts Exclusive Wadi Rum Experience
Dakkak DMC recently curated a spectacular desert escape for our guests in the heart of Wadi Rum, blending sky-high adventure with authentic Jordanian hospitality.
Key Highlights:
Guests were welcomed with a private hot air balloon ride, offering panoramic views of Wadi Rum’s majestic sandstone landscape.
The balloon proudly featured a custom Dakkak DMC banner, soaring above the desert as a symbol of our signature experiences.
The evening concluded with a private gourmet dinner buffet, served in an intimate desert camp setting under the stars, complete with traditional flavors, curated décor, and unforgettable atmosphere.
This immersive experience reflected our continued commitment to high-end, personalized journeys that highlight the very best of Jordan.
Amman International Film Festival kicks off Jul 2nd
The 6th edition of the Amman International Film Festival returns to Amman on July 2–10. This highly anticipated film event draws regional and international filmmakers, spotlighting Jordan’s rising profile in arts and culture.
Key Highlights:
Screenings across Amman’s cultural venues
Includes workshops, panels, and networking for industry professionals
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– UAE Airlines Add 50+ New International Routes
– UAE Introduces Schengen‑Style GCC Tourist Visa
– Ras Al Khaimah Rises as Adventure Destination
UAE Airlines Add 50+ New International Routes
Ahead of the peak summer season, UAE carriers have launched over 50 new international routes, especially targeting markets across Europe, India, and Latin America. The expansion supports growing traveler demand and strengthens the UAE’s position as a top aviation hub.
Key Highlights:
New flights serve untapped markets in India and Europe
Enhanced connectivity boosts inbound tourism and trade
UAE airports equipped for summer traffic surge
UAE Introduces Schengen‑Style GCC Tourist Visa
The GCC has officially approved, and is preparing to launch soon, a unified tourist visa that streamlines travel across the six Gulf nations—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This game-changing initiative is expected to significantly enhance multi-country travel within the region.
Key Highlights:
One visa grants access to GCC member states
Simplified cross-border travel for tourists and tour operators
A major boost for regional itineraries
Ras Al Khaimah Rises as Adventure Destination
as Al Khaimah is quickly emerging as a major player for adventure tourism, not just Dubai. It now features world-class ziplining, mountain trails, desert camps, and eco-adventure experiences—all complemented by luxury accommodations.
Key Highlights:
Home to the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais
New trans-emirate hiking trails between RAK and Fujairah
Numerous luxury resorts offering wellness, culture, and nature-based options
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Saudi Summer 2025 Campaign (Colour Your Summer) Kicks Off with Bold Targets
– Q1 2025 Sees Record-Breaking $13B in Tourism Revenue
– Saudi Unveils “TouriSe” — Its 50-Year Vision for Global Tourism Leadership
– Riyadh Season Drives International Tourism Surge
Saudi Summer 2025 Campaign (Colour Your Summer) Kicks Off with Bold Targets
Saudi Arabia has officially launched its highly anticipated “Saudi Summer 2025” campaign, targeting both domestic and international travelers with an ambitious strategy focused on immersive experiences, rich cultural heritage, and luxury coastal retreats.
Key Highlights:
The campaign aims to attract 41 million visitors between May and September 2025
Tourism revenue projections exceed SAR 73 billion during the campaign period
Covers seven key destinations, including Aseer, Al Baha, and the Red Sea coast
Over 600 curated tour experiences available through Saudi’s Visit platform
Includes 250+ special promotions to attract GCC and international markets
Digital marketing efforts are being run across Saudi, GCC, India, and China
Check the related events on Visit Saudi: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/summer
Q1 2025 Sees Record-Breaking $13B in Tourism Revenue
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues its upward trajectory with a powerful start to 2025. According to the Ministry of Tourism, tourist spending hit SAR 49.4 billion ($13.2 billion) in Q1 alone—an unprecedented record in the Kingdom’s tourism history.
Key Highlights:
Over 12 million inbound tourists were recorded between January and March
Leisure travel makes up the majority, boosted by cultural events and festivals
The data reflects 9.5% year-on-year growth in tourism spend
Tourism GDP contribution grew by 11.3%, aligning with Vision 2030 targets
Major tourism source markets include the UAE, Kuwait, India, and Germany
Saudi Unveils “TouriSe” — Its 50-Year Vision for Global Tourism Leadership
In a landmark initiative, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has launched “TouriSe”, a visionary roadmap outlining the country’s tourism strategy over the next 50 years. The platform aims to transform the Kingdom into one of the world’s top tourism destinations by 2075.
Key Highlights:
Officially celebrates surpassing the milestone of 100 million annual visitors
Strategic focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and diversified experiences
TouriSe will be governed by a global advisory board, including major industry players
First official TouriSe Global Tourism Summit to be held in Riyadh, Nov 11–13
Emphasizes public-private collaboration and streamlined visa & e-commerce policies
Riyadh Season Drives International Tourism Surge
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season 2024–2025 delivered record-breaking visitor numbers, with a reported 500,000 international tourists, reflecting a 47.6% increase compared to the previous season.
Key Highlights:
Major entertainment hubs included Boulevard World, Riyadh Winter Wonderland, and more
Most visitors came from China, the UK, the USA, the UAE, and Kuwait
Influencer campaigns and online ticketing contributed to regional buzz
Hotels in Riyadh reported 95% average occupancy during peak weeks
Boosted demand for pre/post-season desert and heritage tourism packages