Qatar is experiencing a remarkable surge in domestic tourism, fueled by a growing array of tourism products, immersive cultural experiences, and year-round attractions tailored for families. This vibrant trend is reshaping local travel, offering residents and regional visitors alike fresh ways to explore and enjoy the country’s unique heritage and modern leisure options.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Thani, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Katara Hospitality, shared insights on Qatar’s distinctive approach to tourism during a recent Qatar TV programme. He emphasized that preserving and promoting Qatari culture lies at the heart of their hospitality philosophy.

“Our hotels are designed to reflect Qatari heritage, from the architecture to the room interiors,” Sheikh Abdulrahman explained. A striking example is the Katara Towers, whose design is inspired by traditional Qatari swords, creating a captivating cultural symbol that intrigues guests. Visitors are greeted with warm traditional hospitality, including Arabic coffee served by staff dressed in national attire, while Qatari artwork and photography enrich the hotel ambiance, offering authentic cultural touchpoints.

Ahmed Hussein Abdullah, Chairman of Tourism Group for Tourists and Travel, highlighted family tourism as a key driver behind the domestic tourism boom. Over the last four to five years, Qatar has emerged as a favored destination for families from the GCC and wider Arab region.

Abdullah attributes this rise to the affordability and high quality of local hotels, which often provide better value than similar accommodations in neighboring countries. “Qatar’s domestic tourism scene offers everything from luxury hotels to iconic landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and Lusail City,” he said. The country’s vibrant calendar of festivals, exhibitions, and events in malls and public spaces encourages many residents to explore local attractions rather than travel abroad.

Echoing this optimism, Hassan Mohammed Al-Emadi, CEO of Arabian Adventures Tourism, pointed out the rich diversity of Qatar’s tourism offerings. He noted that the period from mid-October to mid-May provides ideal weather for outdoor activities, encouraging visits to cultural sites like the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Faisal Museum, Msheireb Museums, and the Museum of Modern Arab Art.

Al-Emadi also highlighted popular destinations such as Souq Waqif, the breathtaking Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), camel racing events, and authentic farm-stay experiences in rural areas. New resorts like Salwa Beach Resort and West Bay Lagoon Resort add fresh options for relaxation and adventure, enhancing Qatar’s appeal as a comprehensive tourism hub.

The rise in domestic tourism aligns closely with Qatar’s national strategy to diversify and strengthen its tourism sector under the Qatar National Vision 2030. By encouraging local travel, the country supports small businesses, promotes cultural preservation, and fosters community engagement with its rich heritage and natural landscapes.

Government initiatives to improve accessibility, protect cultural sites, and promote eco-tourism are further fueling this growth. These efforts ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences without leaving Qatar.

With its balanced mix of leisure, heritage, and eco-tourism offerings, Qatar is steadily building a sustainable, year-round tourism ecosystem. As more investors and stakeholders introduce innovative products and immersive experiences, the country is poised to enhance its status as a leading domestic and regional tourism destination.

From thrilling desert adventures to vibrant urban culture, Qatar’s expanding local tourism scene is not only diversifying the economy but also deepening national pride. The era of “staycations” has truly arrived, making it more appealing than ever to explore the wonders right at home.

Starting August 1, 2025, Sri Lanka will grant one-year visas to Maldivian nationals, a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening regional tourism and economic cooperation, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced during the 2025 Hotel Show in Colombo. Previously, Maldivians could only obtain short-term visas under certain conditions, limiting travel and stays.

This new visa provision is expected to encourage more frequent visits and longer stays, particularly boosting health tourism, as many Maldivians have historically traveled to Sri Lanka for medical treatment but faced visa-related hurdles that caused a decline in arrivals.

The move comes ahead of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s upcoming official visit to the Maldives, at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, where both sides will engage in high-level discussions to further deepen bilateral ties and explore cooperation opportunities in the hospitality sector.

This policy complements Sri Lanka’s broader tourism revival strategy, which recently included waiving visa fees for tourists from 40 additional countries, including the UK, expanding visa-free access to a total of 47 countries. Although this expansion is expected to reduce direct visa fee revenue by an estimated USD 66 million, the government views it as a strategic investment to stimulate long-term growth in tourist arrivals and economic recovery.

This enhanced visa offering for Maldivians not only strengthens people-to-people connections with a key neighboring country given that Maldives grants visa-free entry to Sri Lankan nationals—but also signals Sri Lanka’s commitment to revitalize its tourism sector by facilitating easier, more sustained travel from the region.

As international travel surges this summer, Emirates has unveiled fresh insights into global travel trends, showing a marked shift towards immersive cultural experiences and lesser-explored destinations. Analysis of booking data and flight searches for July and August reveals where wanderlust is taking travellers in 2025 and the results point to exciting new hotspots across Asia, Europe, and the Indian Ocean.

Overall global flight searches for summer 2025 have risen by 7% compared to last year. France tops the list with a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed closely by Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the UAE also show robust demand, underscoring widespread intent to travel from major hubs.

But it is the Far East and Indian Ocean that really steal the spotlight in Emirates’ summer booking patterns. Vietnam emerges as this year’s breakout star with a phenomenal 61% jump in interest paired with strong booking numbers. Emirates operates 25 weekly flights to three Vietnamese cities Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and new this June, Da Nang via Bangkok offering seamless connections from Europe and key American hubs.

Vietnam’s appeal is multifaceted: its vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and over 3,000 km of unspoiled coastline entice culturally curious travellers and culinary adventurers alike. From bustling street markets to hidden gems, Vietnam promises an authentic feast for the senses.

Not far behind, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius captivates travellers with a 41% rise in flight searches. Emirates offers two daily A380 flights to this idyllic Indian Ocean destination, perfect for those seeking luxury and tranquility.

Sri Lanka also ranks highly with a 32% surge in interest, thanks to its rich culture, pristine beaches, scenic ‘tea country,’ and accessible luxury. Meanwhile, Japan, a perennial favourite, continues to draw travellers with a 28% rise in flight searches. Emirates’ 21 weekly flights connect passengers to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka, providing gateway access to Japan’s blend of stunning landscapes, modern cities, and renowned cuisine.

Completing the top five, France enjoys a 25% increase in booking demand. Emirates supports this boost robustly, flying 21 weekly routes including three daily A380 flights to Paris, daily A380s to Nice, and a daily A350 service to Lyon helping meet the heightened demand from global travellers.

Travellers in the UAE have increased flight searches by 13%, with rising interest in destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. US-based Emirates customers are increasingly exploring African destinations such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while UK travellers have ramped up searches by 12%, focusing on far-flung locales like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.

Indian travellers show growing appetite for Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, while Australians plan their European summer adventures with increased interest in France and the UK. German travellers are heading east with rising searches for Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.

Longer vacations dominate summer plans, with nearly one-third of travellers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany extending their trips beyond a month. US travellers typically opt for slightly shorter, 2-3 week getaways.

With inbound passenger traffic projected to remain strong this summer, Dubai continues to affirm its position as a premier global destination year-round. Emirates’ data show solo travellers make up nearly half of visitors from the US, India, and Australia, blending business and leisure in stays averaging just over a week.

Family travel patterns vary by nationality: about one-third of US and Indian visitors arrive with family, with Indian families preferring shorter visits and American families exploring Dubai over 1-2 weeks. UK families usually stay longer than two weeks.

Couples also represent a significant visitor segment, especially younger Australian and German pairs who favor extended stays ranging from two weeks up to a month maximising their time to explore Dubai’s extensive offerings.

Emirates’ data reflects flight searches and bookings on emirates.com for travel between 1 July and 30 August 2025, compared year-over-year.

This summer, with Emirates’ extensive global network, travellers are embracing fresh experiences, new cultures, and longer escapes—proving that the world’s curiosity is as boundless as ever.

Starting July 1, 2025, Armenia has opened its doors visa-free to citizens and residents of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This landmark policy allows GCC passport holders and expatriates with valid residency permits (valid for at least six months) to visit Armenia for tourism, leisure, or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period—without the need for a visa.

This move marks a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free regime, which previously applied only to select GCC nationals such as those from the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. By extending visa-free access to all GCC countries and their residents, Armenia aims to position itself as an accessible and welcoming destination in the South Caucasus, capitalizing on growing interest among Gulf travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and unique culinary offerings.

Armenia’s rich historical heritage, including ancient monasteries and vibrant urban culture in its capital Yerevan, combined with its natural beauty such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park make it an attractive choice for GCC visitors. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, coupled with direct flights from Gulf carriers like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air, further enhances its appeal.

Officials highlight that the visa exemption will not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic and cultural ties between Armenia and the Gulf region, fostering increased business exchanges and investment opportunities. The policy also broadens accessibility for the substantial expatriate communities residing in the GCC, facilitating easier travel and deeper regional connections.

In summary, Armenia’s new visa-free entry for GCC citizens and residents is a strategic step to attract more visitors from the Gulf, offering them hassle-free access to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and business potential starting mid-2025.

Yemen has launched an electronic visa (e-Visa) system designed to ease travel for foreign visitors. Officially introduced on June 24, 2025, this platform allows travelers to apply online for various visa types, including tourist, business, and diplomatic visas. Currently, payments must be made in cash at designated locations.

Overview of the e-Visa System

This initiative aims to simplify travel and restore confidence among international visitors, marking a significant step in Yemen's digital transformation to modernize public services and enhance border security. The e-Visa launch coincides with Yemen's efforts to rebuild global ties following years of internal conflict, humanitarian challenges, and limited consular operations abroad.

Key Features of the e-Visa System

Managed by the Immigration, Passports and Nationality Authority (IPNA), the e-Visa system was developed with assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and funded by the United States. The platform is accessible at click here.

Travelers can apply for various visa types, including:

• Business Visa: For foreign nationals engaging in commercial activities.
• Diplomatic Visa: For government officials and diplomats.
• Exit Visa: Required for individuals leaving Yemen, especially in special circumstances.
• Multi-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries for business or tourism.
• Special Visa: For specific purposes, subject to approval.
• Tourist Visa: For individuals visiting for leisure.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Yemen to another destination.
• Work Visa: For those seeking employment in Yemen.

This streamlined approach replaces Yemen's previous manual visa process, which often faced delays due to administrative challenges and limited embassy services.

Application Process: Mostly Digital with Payment Limitations

To apply, users must:

1. Create an Account: Register on the official platform.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Select the appropriate visa type and complete the required fields.
3. Upload Required Documents:
   • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
   • Return Ticket: Proof of onward travel.
   • Health Certificate: Confirming absence of infectious diseases.
   • Supporting Documents: Such as invitation letters, admission certificates for students, or business contracts.

Although the application process is largely digital, online payments are not yet available. Travelers must make cash payments in USD at the Immigration office or designated consulates. Integration of online payment options is anticipated in the future, which will further streamline the process.

Once submitted, e-Visas are typically issued within 3 to 5 business days via email, allowing travelers to plan their trips more effectively.

Importance for Travelers

The new e-Visa system offers a safer, faster, and more reliable means of entering Yemen, particularly beneficial for tourists and business travelers. It reduces reliance on in-person embassy services, which have been inconsistent due to ongoing political and security issues.

Yemen is home to a rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Old City of Sana'a and the ancient city of Shibam. Its unique landscapes, including the Socotra Archipelago, known for its biodiversity, may attract adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Other Visa Options for Travelers to Yemen

Despite the new e-Visa system, traditional visa requirements remain in place for many travelers. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Business Visa: Commonly issued for foreign nationals, requiring:

   • An invitation letter from a Yemeni company.
   • Valid passport, recent photographs, and a health certificate.
   • Processing typically takes up to 7 days.

2. Student Visa: For those studying in Yemen, requiring:

   • A letter of acceptance from the educational institution.
   • Standard documentation as required by the e-Visa system.

3. Diplomatic/Official Visa: Available to government officials and diplomats, requiring:

   • Additional documentation such as a letter from the relevant government agency.

4. Tourist Visa: Group tourism visas are mentioned in the e-Visa system, but individual tourist visas may not always be available. Some embassies, like the Yemeni Embassy in Washington, D.C., currently do not issue tourist visas.

Travel Tips and Considerations

• Visa on Arrival: Not available for most nationalities, including Indians and Americans. All visas must be obtained prior to travel.

• Health Requirements: A medical certificate confirming the absence of infectious diseases is mandatory for all visa types. This is particularly important due to ongoing public health concerns.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended due to ongoing instability and potential for emergencies. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation.

• Safety Precautions: Stay informed about the security situation in Yemen. Register with your embassy upon arrival and follow local advisories.

• Cultural Awareness: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to respect cultural sensitivities during your stay.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of Yemen’s e-Visa system is a promising development for travelers and business professionals. By digitizing the application process, Yemen aims to make entry procedures more efficient and secure. However, travelers should remain updated with the latest information from Yemeni embassies and consulates, as visa policies may change rapidly due to the country's complex political landscape.

This new system not only enhances accessibility but also reflects Yemen’s commitment to modernizing its approach to international relations and tourism. As the country continues to navigate its challenges, the e-Visa initiative may play a crucial role in revitalizing its economy and cultural exchanges with the world.

Kuwait has officially approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, particularly through the Abdali border crossing, as part of its strategy to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The new visa policy, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, specifically targets Gulf citizens, expatriates residing in GCC countries, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, especially those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran.

Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced that the transit visa allows eligible non-residents to stay in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling travel between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or vice versa, to organize onward journeys or complete necessary travel arrangements. The visa is not extendable and does not permit holders to work or study in Kuwait.

To apply, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of transit, such as accommodation details or supporting documents for their next destination. The visa application can be submitted through the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwaiti consulates, or, for some nationalities, via an online portal. The processing fee is KWD 2 (about USD 6.50).

Diplomatic personnel and embassy representatives are also permitted to be present at the border to assist their nationals during the entry and exit process, ensuring smoother procedures and additional support. This move is coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with certain exceptions and special exemptions available for select nationalities.

The introduction of the 7-day transit visa reflects Kuwait’s broader efforts to facilitate cross-border movement, support regional connectivity, and maintain robust security and compliance at its borders