Research conducted by Oxford Economics predicts that outbound travel from China will nearly double this year, compared to 2023, and will only be 22% below its pre-pandemic peak of 155 million tourists in 2019.

These tourists spent over $250 billion overseas. Full recovery of Chinese tourism is expected to happen in 2025, with the MENA being the first region globally to recover its Chinese inbound market.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will be held from 6-9 May at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is expected to welcome twice the number of Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals compared to its 2019 show, underscoring the prediction of the MENA becoming the first region to recover its Chinese inbound market.

China lifted its COVID-related travel restrictions on January 8, 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad without having to quarantine upon their return.

Bookings for overseas travel during the Chinese New Year reportedly soared by 540% compared to the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented, “Last year, some analysts were predicting that the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese.

However, that rebound wasn’t as great as many tourism professionals had hoped for, and now analysts are confident that this year we could see Chinese visitor numbers double year-on-year, with major destinations in the Middle East recovering quicker than any other internationally, especially for luxury travel.”

Curtis added, “That sentiment has also been borne out by the latest spending data for the 2024 Chinese New Year. According to Chinese payment platform Alipay, the number of Chinese overseas transactions was 7% higher than those recorded in 2019.

The most popular MENA destinations include Dubai, Saudi’s AlUla, Egypt, and Jordan – Dubai alone welcomed more than one million Chinese visitors in 2019.”

Chinese participation at ATM 2024 is expected to more than double compared to ATM 2019, with new exhibitors that include private sector companies such as Heytrip International, Jiangsu Intelligence Equipment Co, Flightroutes24 Travel Company Ltd, Feeyo Technology, and anticipated destination representation from Macao Government Tourism Office, China Cultural Centre in the UAE, and the Hongkong Tourism Board.

ATM is also organising a dedicated conference session on this key market in its Global Stage, entitled ‘Capitalising on China’s Predicted Tourism Surge’, in association with Huawei.

This session, which takes place on Monday 6th May from 15:10 to 15:50, will explore the changing trends, cultural preferences, and the role of mobile marketing and tourism predictions in the Chinese tourism market.

In line with this year’s show theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, other highlights at the 31st edition of ATM include entrepreneurship-focused sessions as well as dedicated sessions for other key source markets such as India and the Americas.

As well as showcasing a range of event features based around the theme, informative content will be delivered across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage at ATM 2024, led by respected industry keynote speakers and thought leaders.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

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Shell has recently released its first progress report on energy transition, after the implementation of its Powering Progress strategy in 2021.

During the Capital Markets Day event in June 2023, Shell emphasized how its strategy is designed to generate more value while producing fewer emissions, with a particular emphasis on the “more value” aspect.

This energy transition update focuses on how the strategy effectively delivers “fewer emissions.”

Shell aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all operations and energy products by 2050, which marks a significant shift for the business.

The company is confident that this commitment aligns with the ambitious objectives of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Shell’s approach advocates for a balanced and orderly transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy solutions, ensuring that energy remains secure and affordable.

According to Wael Sawan, Shell’s CEO, “Energy has significantly contributed to human progress, enabling many worldwide to lead more prosperous lives. Currently, the global community faces the dual challenge of meeting increased energy demands while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. The swift advancements in energy transition observed in recent years across various countries and technologies bolster my firm belief in our strategic direction.”

Sawan further remarked, “Our investment of $10-15bn between 2023 and 2025 in low-carbon energy solutions positions us as a major player in the energy transition.

“Moreover, in 2023, our expenditure on low-carbon solutions reached $5.6bn, accounting for over 23% of our total capital investment” He added.

Shell’s investments in emerging technologies, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, biofuels, renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage, are instrumental in reducing emissions for both Shell and its customers.

More on Shell:

The company aims to scale these technologies to ensure they become an economical option for consumers.

Shell’s advocacy efforts are now focused on pivotal areas deemed essential for the energy transition, such as supporting policies that align with national net-zero goals, including carbon pricing, providing the secure energy supply the world requires, influencing demand shifts, and expanding low-carbon solutions.

In 2023, Shell surpassed 60% of its objective to cut emissions from its operations in half by 2030, relative to its 2016 levels.

This exceeds the commitments made by the signatories of the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter established at COP28.

Shell was among the pioneers in setting a goal for near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

In 2023, the company attained a methane emissions intensity of just 0.05%, well below its target of 0.2%. Additionally, Shell contributed to the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Fund in 2023, further endorsing collective efforts to minimize methane emissions and flaring.

“In 2023, we met our objective to lower the net carbon intensity of the energy products we offer, achieving a 6.3% reduction from 2016 levels – marking the third year in a row we’ve reached our goal,” Sawan observed. “To further the decarbonization of the transport sector, we’ve set a new goal to reduce emissions from the use of our oil products by 15-20% by 2030, in comparison to 2021 divs.

He exclaimed that “We are expanding our power business, including renewable energy ventures, in regions such as Australia, Europe, India, and the USA, and have ceased direct energy supply to residential homes in Europe.”

More on vision2030:

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Dubai has a lot of demand for high-end apartments which gives the city its key identity as the world’s most sought-after location for luxury real estate.

The City has 4 locations that stand out from the rest, offering exclusive luxury apartment complexes.

Dubai Hotspots:

Dubai Marina.

The marina is an urban centerpiece of modern Dubai, it’s a waterfront location with complexes such as:

• The torch.
• Elite Residence Twin-Tower.
• 23 Marina.
• DAMAC Heights.

Downtown Dubai.

The City’s downtown is located along Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Canal, it’s the center of the city, filled with megaprojects and key locations of the city such as:

• Burj Khalifa.
• Address Downtown.
• Elite Towers.

Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai’s cluster of artificial islands in the shape of a palm.

Jumerirah hosts a lot of high-end towers and resorts such as:

• Shoreline Apartments.
• Marina Residences.
• Tiara Residences.
• Saint Regis: The Residences.
• Six Senses Residences, The Palm.

In 2023, Dubai became the world’s most popular place for luxury homes and buildings, beating other popular places around the world.

The most recent figures from Property Finder show that there were $8 billion in transactions in October, with 60% of buyers looking for apartments.

The city is also a top destination for high-end residences, with branded properties outperforming those in big-city real estate hubs like New York and London, according to Savills.

The individual property sales in Dubai for the real estate market generated $420 million in Q3 of 2023 alone, placing footprint on the demand the city receives for this market.

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The Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group, a shopping malls and retail organization in the UAE, reported a marginal increase in its net profit to AED2.7 billion ($735 million) in 2023, up from AED2.4 billion in 2022.

The group’s revenue was impacted by a decline in the retail business due to geopolitical headwinds.

However, the group recorded a consolidated revenue increase of 1% to AED34.5 billion, with its Lifestyle vertical contributing to the growth by crossing AED1 billion for the first time.

MAF Group’s EBITDA increased by 12% to AED4.6 billion, and total assets increased to AED69.7 billion, up from AED66.1 billion in 2022.

MAF Properties was one of the key performers for the company, with revenue growing by 20% year-on-year to AED6.9 billion and EBITDA increasing by 21% to AED3.6 billion.

The growth was attributed to increased footfall and higher occupancy rates, along with growth in its Tilal Al Ghaf development.

The group’s shopping malls business witnessed tenant sales of AED30 billion, an increase in overall occupancy to 96%, and an 8% rise in footfall, to 232 million visitors.

Revenue for its entertainment vertical grew by 7% to AED1.8 billion, with the group stating that the cinemas business was recovering from delays and adjustments to its content pipeline.

This reflected positively on EBITDA, which increased by 53% to AED193 million in 2023.

The group’s retail arm, on the other hand, saw revenues decline by 4% on a restated basis to AED24.7 billion, primarily due to currency devaluations in Egypt, Pakistan, Kenya, and Lebanon.

EBITDA for the retail vertical also declined by 15% to AED1.1 billion year on year. However, at a constant currency rate, MAF added that its revenue grew by 4%, and EBITDA fell 4%.

The group’s retail digital business saw “significant growth,” with revenue increasing 17% to AED2.6 billion, contributing nearly 10% of MAF Retail’s revenues in 2023.

The group said its net debt increased to AED15 billion, primarily due to investments in working capital.

Additionally, MAF retained its “BBB” credit rating with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.

Commenting on the 2024 outlook, Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim, said, “While we are not immune to the impact of the regional macroeconomic challenges, including currency devaluation in Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Kenya, and the deeply concerning geopolitical events that are shaping market dynamics and consumer behaviors, we are confident in our ability to navigate the path ahead while delivering value to our stakeholders in 2024 and beyond.”

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According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Wadi Rum received a total of 18,359 visitors in the first two months of the year, with the majority being non-Arabs.

In January, 6,814 visitors were recorded, which increased to 11,545 in February.

Out of the total number of visitors, 14,200 were non-Arab tourists, 187 were Arab visitors, and 3,972 were Jordanian visitors.

The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) reported an 8.9% increase in tourism revenues in February 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, amounting to JD389.7 million.

In January and February, tourism revenues grew by 4.5%, totaling JD782.6 million. The CBJ also stated that tourism revenues surpassed projections for the first three quarters of 2023, showing a 27.4% increase and setting a “historical” precedent at JD5.2 billion.

Bookings were canceled in the last quarter of the previous year by at least 65%, largely due to the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

The Prime Minister, Bisher Khasawneh, had previously made statements regarding this matter.

The government is committed to establishing the Kingdom as a leading tourism and film production hub.

To achieve this, they implemented 260 promotional campaigns in 53 countries last year, resulting in 9.2 million passengers passing through Queen Alia International Airport, marking a 17% increase.

A total of 6.3 million visitors went to the Aqaba and Petra regions, and one million electronic visas were issued.

Additionally, 292 buses were added to the tourist transport fleet.

The Ministry of Tourism also promoted low-cost carriers through partnerships with five new charter and scheduled airlines, leading to an increase of 141% in passengers, carrying a total of 446,000 passengers.

The government inaugurated the development of archaeological sites and the launch of new tourism experiences such as the Ajloun Cable Car, which attracted 268,000 visitors, and the Um Qais Water Tunnel.

Other attractions include diving in Aqaba, the Petra Hot Air Balloon, the Christian Pilgrimage Trail in Mukawer, the restoration of six major tourist and archaeological spots, and the inauguration of film studios.

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Aman, a Swiss-based hospitality brand, is currently developing its first hotel property in Dubai.

The company sees Dubai’s opening as part of a move to expand its presence in the Middle East, along with its sister concern Janu.

The development of the hotel has been partnered with Bright Start, a UAE-based real estate investment company that already owns the Four Seasons in Dubai. H&H Development, a real estate developer, will be leading the delivery of the Dubai project.

While some details are still under wraps, Aman Dubai is expected to be located in Jumeirah 2 neighborhood with an expansive private beach.

The hotel will feature all-suite rooms, a spa of over 2,000 sqm, several restaurants, and an Aman Club.

Additionally, a limited number of Aman branded residences will also be available. The hotel will be designed by Singapore-based Kerry Hill Architects, with a minimal and contemporary design aesthetic while incorporating Arabian heritage.

The property will also have nine acres of gardens.

Aman Dubai is currently in the development phase, and the luxury hotel group has been expanding its pipeline in the Middle East over the last few years.

It has plans to open three properties in Saudi Arabia, including a tented camp, a desert ranch-style resort, and Hegra in AlUla.

Janu, its sister hospitality brand, also has a pipeline that includes a project in the UAE.

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Ras Al Khaimah Art has become a celebration of culture and the arts in the Emirate. The festival, inspired by H.H.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s vision aims to showcase the Emirate’s artistic talent and promote cultural exchange.

Initially launched as a three-day exhibition in 2013, it has grown into a month-long annual event that attracts over 45,000 visitors and features 106 local and international artists from 35 countries.

The festival’s Founding Executive Director, Dr. Natasha Ridge, identified its potential early on and explored avenues for expansion.

During a visit to La Gacilly, France, she was inspired by a village transformed into an outdoor art gallery and envisioned a similar concept for Ras Al Khaimah Art.

She found the perfect location in Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, a UNESCO tentative list World Heritage Site and the UAE’s last-surviving pearl-fishing village.

The site, which represents centuries of architecture, trade, and culture, includes a fort, watchtowers, a mosque, souq, and traditional dwellings, and attracts a much wider audience.

Ras Al Khaimah Art’s repertoire has expanded to include a range of artistic expressions, from workshops and film screenings to live performances and an art exploration program.

Last year, the festival saw 1,000 students participate in workshops and tours, connecting youth with history and culture and adopting a sustainable approach to the arts.

Ras Al Khaimah Art plays a role in promoting itself as a cultural destination.

By providing a platform for local artists alongside international counterparts, the festival contributes to the cultural and economic progress of the UAE.

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The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in Doha, Qatar has initiated a project to rehabilitate 100 meadows over five years.

The goal of this project is to preserve the local ecosystem and address climate change. Qatar’s mainland has 1,273 open habitats or fields, vegetated with grass, herbs, and other non-woody plants, and the project aims to rehabilitate 36 meadows this year.

The rehabilitation process includes cleaning the meadows of waste and planting local trees.

The project aims to develop the plants that grow in the meadows and restore vegetation cover to their natural state.

The meadows will also be fenced to prevent vehicles from entering, while allowing individuals to enjoy the natural diversity these areas offer.

The project will prioritize meadows that are threatened by the destruction of their plant cover, including rare plants.

Some environmental and social standards will be considered in choosing the meadows for rehabilitation.

Each phase of the project will include the restoration of a specific group of meadows, after collecting data on these areas.

MoECC officials, including Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves, Dr. Ibrahim Al Muslimani, and Director of the Wildlife Development Department, Muhammad Ahmed Al Khanji, recently visited Rawdat Al Qaiya, a meadow in the north of Qatar.

Al Khanji stated that the department’s priority is rehabilitating and protecting the Qatari mainland. The department is working to develop vegetation cover in all regions of the country and launch awareness programs.

The Ministry has developed plans to implement these steps over the coming years.

The department plans to complete the project for listing meadows in the country and launch its database next year.

The Ministry is making great efforts to protect meadows throughout the country since several meadows have been entirely closed to protect rare and endangered plant species.

Some meadows have also been partially closed for planting and rehabilitating them so that the vegetation can regain its normal condition and growth.

Some meadows have been preserved and protected as an important source of plant genetic resources in Qatar.

MoECC efforts over the past years have resulted in the rehabilitation of 31 meadows in various parts of the country.

Additionally, 17,463 wild trees have been planted in various rehabilitated sites, and 4,980 wild trees have been transferred from the sites of state infrastructure projects to meadows that are being rehabilitated under expert supervision.

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The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism to bolster collaboration in the tourism sector.

According to SPA, a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the tourism entities of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. The objective of this agreement is to promote the development of the tourism industry, facilitate mutual promotion, and enable collaborative tourism projects between the two countries.

This agreement sets a new precedent for international tourism cooperation.
The report emphasizes that particular tourism sectors like marine activities, culture and heritage, and rural tourism will receive special attention. This will be done through combined marketing efforts to attract travelers who are seeking unique experiences.

This will be achieved through amplified cooperation between local tourism agencies and operators, providing opportunities for further partnerships and value between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.

The strategic promotion aims to showcase KSA and Switzerland as leading destinations for tourism that cater to every tourist.
Additionally, Switzerland Tourism and STA will collaborate to leverage alternative technology in the industry and provide visitors with a more seamless travel experience.

Livio Goetz, lead of management of gulf countries in ST said “Saudi Arabia holds great importance as a key market for ST, being the largest market within the GCC. Notably, 40% of all overnight stays in the GCC are generated from Saudi Arabia”.

“Last year, the number of visits from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia increased by 84%. This new agreement will build on that progress with increased collaboration that unlocks valuable growth opportunities for both countries,” he noted.

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The All-New Ford Territory Dark Edition has recently been launched, bringing a fresh new design to one of the most popular crossover SUVs in the region.

The Dark Edition builds on the success of the All-New Territory, with a distinct visual upgrade that includes a modern design, spacious interiors, and improved safety features.

The new Ford Territory Dark Edition comes in the colors, white, gray, and black.

The SUV features full LED lighting emphasized by a wide shoulder line.

In the Middle East, the All-New Territory offers four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain – which allow customers to customize their driving experience based on the terrain and driving conditions they encounter.

Ford Territory Dark edition also includes additional safety and comfort technologies, equipped with Ford’s co-pilot systems and additional features such as:

• BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert is a feature that enhances blind spot monitoring, providing an additional set of eyes during lane changes.
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-and-Go Feature maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even stopping if necessary.
• The Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety feature that detects potential collisions and activates emergency braking if the driver’s response is insufficient.

Ford Territory Dark Edition interior quality of life additions:

The Territory SUV is packed with premium features such as wireless charging, USB type-C and type-A charging,

wireless smartphone connectivity, advanced audio entertainment systems with up to eight speakers, steering wheel audio controls, smart keyless entry with Power Push Start, and a Hands-free Power Liftgate.

These features make the SUV a seamless part of daily life while adding a touch of enjoyment to every journey.

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