Retail, e-commerce, hospitality and tourism
The Saudi Tourism Authority concluded a four-day promotional mission across China aimed at expanding commercial partnerships and attracting Chinese travelers. Tourism officials reported a 48 percent increase in Chinese visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2025. The initiative highlighted key Saudi destinations alongside dedicated Chinese payment and digital platform integrations.
Israeli authorities have announced a comprehensive closure of the occupied West Bank from September 27 through October 3 for Sukkot. Checkpoints and crossings into Jerusalem and Israel are sealed under tightened military restrictions. The measures restrict civilian transit and access to holy sites.
British Airways announced it will resume scheduled flights to Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv starting October 25. Direct passenger flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv have reopened for booking. The airline had previously suspended services across Middle East destinations including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Amman, and Bahrain.
GCC tourism is rebounding as business travel and major conferences resume across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to market intelligence platform IndexBox. High-profile gatherings like the Arabian Travel Market are helping rebuild commercial confidence following regional conflict. Leisure segments such as family travel are anticipated to follow and strengthen from late 2026 into 2027.
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