Strong growth for Qatar Tourism in 2025
Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar recorded strong results in 2025, welcoming 5.1 million visitors, up 3.7 per cent year-on-year, with December arrivals rising nearly 16 per cent to 674,000, supported by major events including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The hospitality sector sold 10.8 million room nights, an 8.6 per cent increase, while accommodation revenue grew 12 per cent to QAR 8.3 billion.
More than 35 global partnerships and 95 marketing campaigns across 19 markets drove visibility, while over 600 events were delivered nationwide. The MICE sector attracted over one million business visitors and secured 14 future international event bids. Doha’s designation as GCC Tourism Capital 2026 further strengthened its standing.
Ancient rock art sites found in Saudi Arabia
The Heritage Commission, in collaboration with Soudah Development, has announced the discovery of 20 ancient rock art sites within the Soudah Peaks area, spanning more than 636 square kilometres across Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.
The newly identified sites feature Thamudic inscriptions and rock carvings estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, offering significant insight into the region’s early civilisations and long-standing cultural heritage.
The carvings depict ibex, hyenas and ostriches, alongside scenes of hunters, dancers, palm trees and weapons, reflecting the environmental and social life of ancient communities.
The survey was conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities and completed in four scientific phases, culminating in the documentation and classification of key archaeological sites to support preservation and future development initiatives.
Mozambique launches new digital eVisa
Mozambique has launched a new digitally enabled eVisa system as part of its broader border modernisation and digital transformation strategy to boost tourism and investment. Powered by VFS Global, the secure cloud-based platform allows travellers from 183 countries to apply online for multiple visa categories, including Tourist, Business, Crew, Humanitarian, Oil and Gas, and long-term visas of up to two years.
The system features automated passport data extraction, an integrated photo editor, secure online payments, and 24/7 multilingual support across mobile and desktop devices. Applications are processed administratively by VFS Global, while visa decisions remain solely with the Government of Mozambique.
Built with advanced cybersecurity and real-time monitoring, the platform enhances efficiency, transparency, and traveller convenience, supporting smoother entry procedures and strengthening Mozambique’s global tourism positioning.
UAE Winter campaign delivers results
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced the conclusion of the sixth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign under the slogan “Our Winter is Entrepreneurial.” Running for six weeks from December 16, 2025, the campaign generated Dh12.5 billion ($3.4 billion) in hotel revenues nationwide. Total hotel guests exceeded 5 million, marking a 5 per cent increase year-on-year, while occupancy reached 84 per cent, up 2 per cent.
The campaign achieved more than 300 million global views, reaching over 1.5 billion people, and collaborated with 53 local and international creators. It spotlighted tourism experiences led by entrepreneurs and startups, reinforcing innovation as a key growth driver.
Authorities highlighted the UAE’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening tourism, and enhancing the sector’s contribution to GDP in line with the We the UAE 2031 vision.