Dammam’s Global City Set to Revolutionize Saudi Tourism – How Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Are Poised for a Tourism Boom!

Published on December 30, 2025

Saudia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are set to play a pivotal role in the skyrocketing tourism surge driven by the opening of Dammam’s Global City, Saudi Arabia’s latest mega project that promises to reshape the region’s travel and entertainment landscape. As the kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 plans, this cultural and entertainment hub is set to attract millions of international visitors, offering a unique blend of world-class attractions and diverse experiences. With the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia expected to grow exponentially, major airlines like Saudia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are already ramping up operations, adding new flights and increasing frequencies to meet the rising demand. The launch of Global City positions Saudi Arabia as a premier global tourism destination, fueling airline and hospitality growth across the region. This monumental development is poised to not only revolutionize the tourism scene but also offer travelers unparalleled convenience and options, with airlines competing to offer the best services to this growing market.

Dammam’s Global City Set to Revolutionize Saudi Tourism – How Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Are Poised for a Tourism Boom!

The launch of Dammam’s Global City marks a new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Situated in the heart of the Eastern Province, this monumental project is set to transform the region into a global hub for culture, entertainment, and leisure. The development, which is part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, is expected to draw millions of international visitors, revolutionizing the travel landscape. Airlines like Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways are already capitalizing on the surge in demand, offering increased flight options and competitive fares. With its world-class amenities and diverse attractions, Global City is not only elevating the tourism scene but is also poised to have a significant impact on the airline and hospitality industries. Here’s a closer look at what this new destination means for travelers and how airlines and hotels are gearing up to handle the influx of visitors.

Global City: A Game-Changer for Saudi Tourism

Dammam’s Global City is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new project designed to be the centerpiece of the kingdom’s tourism and entertainment efforts. Positioned as a sprawling tourism and cultural destination, the Global City spans over 650,000 square meters in the Eastern Province. It is designed to be a multi-dimensional space that features cultural pavilions, international exhibitions, leisure activities, and world-class entertainment options. As the country seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, tourism is taking center stage, and Global City is set to be the crown jewel of this transformation.

The city will attract tourists from all over the world, thanks to its strategic location near the Gulf coast and proximity to other tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The inauguration of Global City is expected to provide a major boost to the region’s hospitality and airline industries, both of which are gearing up for the expected influx of visitors.

How Airlines Like Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Are Poised for a Tourism Boom

The opening of Global City in Dammam signals a monumental shift in Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape. With its diverse offerings—from international cultural pavilions to an expansive artificial lake—Global City is set to attract millions of travelers from around the globe. To meet this demand, airlines like Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways are already ramping up their operations, adding new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and upgrading aircraft to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.

Saudia is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia and plays a pivotal role in connecting international tourists to the kingdom. With the launch of Global City, Saudia has already expanded its network to include new destinations, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. The airline has introduced direct flights from key cities like London, New York, Dubai, and Paris, offering seamless connectivity for visitors traveling to Dammam. Travelers can expect more affordable and flexible flight options, especially with the recent expansion of Saudia’s fleet, which includes new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A321s.

Emirates, known for its premium services and extensive global reach, is also capitalizing on the growth in demand for flights to Saudi Arabia. The airline, which already operates flights from its hub in Dubai to Riyadh and Jeddah, is expected to increase flights to Dammam to meet the growing demand from leisure and business travelers. Passengers flying with Emirates can expect top-tier amenities, including lie-flat seats in business class, world-class in-flight entertainment, and gourmet dining options. Emirates’ involvement in the Global City boom highlights the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a key destination for international travelers.

Qatar Airways, another Gulf powerhouse, is no stranger to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism market. With its award-winning service and competitive fares, Qatar Airways is expanding its presence in the region. Travelers from countries such as India, the United States, and the United Kingdom can easily connect to Dammam through Doha, Qatar Airways’ hub. The airline offers daily flights from major cities around the world, providing efficient and affordable connections to the new tourism hotspot.

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, is also stepping up to meet the increased demand for flights to Saudi Arabia. The airline, known for its luxurious business class services, has added several flights to Dammam from Manama, making it easier for Gulf residents to access the new destination. Gulf Air’s proximity to Saudi Arabia positions it as a vital player in the region’s tourism expansion, offering visitors affordable and convenient options.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is another major airline that will benefit from the rising tide of tourism in Saudi Arabia. Etihad already connects the UAE to multiple Saudi cities, and the launch of Global City is expected to lead to more frequent flights and additional services. Etihad’s premium offerings, including its Business Studios and first-class cabins, are expected to attract high-end tourists looking for luxury travel options.

With the rise in flight demand, these airlines are positioning themselves to serve both leisure and business travelers. The increased number of direct flights from major international hubs to Dammam will make it easier than ever for tourists to visit Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the competition between these airlines is expected to drive down fares, making travel to Global City more affordable and accessible for a broader range of travelers.

Global City’s Impact on the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is also experiencing a major transformation, thanks to the development of Global City. As the kingdom moves to attract millions of tourists, the demand for hotel rooms, resorts, and luxury accommodations is set to rise dramatically. To meet this demand, numerous international hotel chains are investing heavily in new properties in and around Dammam. These include global brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Accor, which are all planning to open new hotels within close proximity to Global City.

Marriott International, a leader in the global hospitality industry, is opening several new properties in Saudi Arabia, including Marriott Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton. The new hotels are expected to cater to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious tourists to luxury seekers. Marriott’s investment in the region is a direct response to the growing demand for quality accommodations driven by developments like Global City.

Hilton Worldwide is also expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on Dammam and the Eastern Province. Hilton’s portfolio in the region includes upscale brands like Hilton Garden Inn and Conrad, offering travelers convenient access to both business and leisure destinations. With the opening of Global City, Hilton is poised to capture a significant share of the market, particularly among tourists seeking a comfortable and luxurious stay.

Hyatt Hotels is another major player in the hospitality industry that is capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom. The company is expanding its Hyatt Centric and Grand Hyatt brands in key Saudi cities, including Dammam. With the opening of Global City, Hyatt is focusing on providing upscale accommodations and bespoke services for international visitors.

Accor Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, is also planning new properties in Saudi Arabia, including Sofitel and Novotel hotels. These hotels are expected to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a range of options from luxury to mid-range accommodations. As the region’s tourism grows, Accor is poised to benefit from the increased demand for hotel rooms, particularly in Dammam.

In addition to traditional hotels, the rise of luxury resorts, villas, and boutique hotels is also expected, as travelers seek more unique, immersive experiences. Airbnb and other vacation rental services are also seeing growth in the region, catering to tourists looking for more personalized accommodations.

What Travelers Can Expect in Global City

Global City is designed to offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or food lover, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. The city features 16 international cultural pavilions showcasing the unique arts, crafts, food, and traditions of countries from across the globe. For those seeking entertainment, Global City offers an array of theme parks, water attractions, and live performances, ensuring there is never a dull moment.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to explore with vast shopping malls, local bazaars, and international brands. The city also boasts luxury resorts and fine dining options, allowing visitors to indulge in the very best of global cuisine and service.

For those seeking adventure, Global City offers adventure parks, go-karting tracks, and nature trails for outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy serene moments by the artificial lake, taking part in water sports or relaxing by the shore.

Travel Tips for Visitors

1. Plan Your Trip Around Peak Seasons: Global City’s popularity will peak during cooler months, from November to March, making it the best time to visit.
2. Book Your Flights Early: As demand for flights to Dammam increases, booking early will help secure the best prices and preferred travel dates.
3. Choose Your Airline Wisely: Airlines like Saudia, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer great value and premium services, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
4. Book Your Stay in Advance: Given the high demand for hotels and resorts in the area, it’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance.
5. Explore Beyond the City: While Global City is a major attraction, make time to visit nearby destinations like Al Khobar, Jeddah, and Mecca for a more comprehensive Saudi experience.

As Global City opens its doors to the world, it promises to become a must-visit destination, driving an influx of tourists, boosting the airline industry, and enhancing the hospitality landscape. With more flights, hotels, and attractions than ever before, Saudi Arabia is truly positioning itself as a top-tier global destination for travelers from all over the world.