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Saudis top Qatar’s 5m tourist arrivals in 2024

Saudis top Qatar’s 5m tourist arrivals in 2024
More than 5 million tourists visited Qatar in 2024, with the presence of more than 1 million Saudis reflecting close ties between the neighboring countries.
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Updated 14 January 2025

Saudis top Qatar’s 5m tourist arrivals in 2024

Saudis top Qatar’s 5m tourist arrivals in 2024

Saudis made up the largest proportion of tourists to Qatar in 2024 at nearly a quarter of arrivals, a Visit Qatar spokesperson told Arab News.

The peninsular state bordering Ƶ is pushing to boost its tourism numbers in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022, which brought millions of visitors from around the world.

“Visitors from Ƶ remain the top source market for international visitors this year, contributing around a quarter of all arrivals,” said Dr. Buthaina Mohammed Al-Janahi, media relations and communications senior manager at Visit Qatar.

More than 5 million tourists visited Qatar in 2024, officials said, with the presence of more than 1 million Saudis reflecting close ties between the neighboring countries three years after the end of a diplomatic rift.

Both countries regularly host bilateral official visits and enjoy booming trade, which has seen around $10 billion worth of contracts signed, Reuters reported.

Qatar aims to raise its tourist numbers to 6 million annually, raise tourism spending to 12 percent of GDP and create 250,000 jobs by 2030.

The World Cup saw 3.4 million people from around the world attending — the biggest influx of visitors to Qatar in the country’s history.

There was much speculation at the time about how the extensive infrastructure built for the tournament would go on to serve the country’s needs after the 3.4 million had left.

One stadium — the 974 stadium — was built to be eventually disassembled and relocated. Another, Al-Bayt stadium, is set to be converted into a luxury hotel and shopping center to serve Qatar’s growing tourist numbers as well as residents.

Today, the streets of Doha are still adorned with banners from 2022, thus far the peak of the city’s tourism.

With the unprecedented global visibility that the World Cup offered, officials are hoping to build on the success of the tournament, with the number of hotel rooms exceeding 40,061 in 2024.

Having made history as the city where Lionel Messi first led his Argentine squad to victory, football fans from South America are still flocking to the popular Souq Waqif to pick up a version of the bisht cloak that was draped around the striker’s shoulders by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

New developments like Habitas Ras Al-Abrouq — developed by government-owned Qatar Airways and launched early 2024 — aim to attract high-wealth tourists.

The hi-tech Msheireb Downtown planned city is another draw for tourists, with its hydrogen-powered tram and luxury eateries.

The district is based in one of Qatar’s most historic areas, and the redevelopment was opened in 2021.

In a prime example of how the country deploys opulent spending in order to reimagine its heritage, the Katara Cultural Village offers such attractions as the Blue Mosque and the marble amphitheater.


stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup
Updated 07 July 2025

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup
  • Additionally, stc has equipped one of the largest operations centers in the region with ultra-high-resolution 168 MP displays, enabling real-time monitoring of network performance and service utilization across all EWC facilities

stc Group has announced its early readiness to support the upcoming 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup, running from July 8 to Aug. 24. As a founding partner of EWC, stc will deploy cutting-edge technology and robust infrastructure designed to deliver an exceptional, high-performance, and reliable gaming experience for participants and audiences alike.
Following its pivotal role in powering the inaugural EWC in 2024, stc is returning this year to support the world’s largest gaming event with even more advanced capabilities. Central to this year’s network infrastructure are intelligent monitoring systems featuring AI-driven traffic modeling, self-optimizing networks, and closed-loop automation, technologies that provide proactive insights and real-time network adjustments to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the event.

HIGHLIGHT

As part of its comprehensive preparations, stc has deployed 27 advanced 5G towers across key tournament areas, including three towers dedicated exclusively to the event center.

As part of its comprehensive preparations, stc has deployed 27 advanced 5G towers across key tournament areas, including three towers dedicated exclusively to the event center. Within the venue buildings, an extensive indoor solutions network supported by more than 1,295 antennas will deliver high-speed 4G and 5G services, with internet speeds exceeding 2 Gbps ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay and seamless digital engagement.
Additionally, stc has equipped one of the largest operations centers in the region with ultra-high-resolution 168 MP displays, enabling real-time monitoring of network performance and service utilization across all EWC facilities. This state-of-the-art center ensures immediate incident response and optimal service quality for both participants and attendees.
To further enhance network efficiency, stc has implemented software-defined networking technologies, enabling agile, uninterrupted data flow throughout the tournament. The company has also expanded coverage across the venue by more than 20 percent compared to last year, ensuring stronger and more consistent connectivity.
Last year, stc’s integrated digital infrastructure played a crucial role in the tournament’s success, delivering 99.9 percent network availability and ultra-low latency. 
This allowed players to enjoy a world-class gaming experience aligned with the highest international standards.
These efforts earned stc the prestigious “Platinum Operator” award from the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission for the eighth consecutive year, as highlighted in the annual GameMode report.
“With its continued investment and innovation, stc reaffirms its position as a key enabler of digital transformation and a driving force in the growth of esports in the Kingdom,” the group said. “Through strategic infrastructure expansion and smart technologies, stc ensures a secure, fully connected, and globally competitive digital experience at EWC 2025 and beyond.”

 


Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits

Oman Air joins oneworld,  unlocking slew of benefits
Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits
Updated 07 July 2025

Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits

Oman Air joins oneworld,  unlocking slew of benefits
  • As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access

oneworld has welcomed Oman Air as its 15th member airline. As the flag carrier of Oman, Oman Air strengthens the alliance’s presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel.
“We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld’s position as the premium alliance for international travelers.”
oneworld customers can now access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air’s growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat-Amsterdam service.
As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air’s top-tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports.
“Oman Air is honored to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travelers want to experience,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.”
Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world. 

 


Zain KSA appoints Saad Al-Sadhan as chief executive

Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
Updated 07 July 2025

Zain KSA appoints Saad Al-Sadhan as chief executive

Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
  • Additionally, Al-Sadhan played a key role in the launch of Zain Cloud, supporting the digital transformation of Ƶ’s public and private sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of building a fully integrated digital economy

Telecom and digital services provider Zain KSA announced that its board of directors has appointed Acting CEO Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan, as the chief executive of the company, effective from July 1.
Al-Sadhan has held the position of the acting CEO of Zain KSA since August 2024. He brings more than 22 years of expertise in telecommunications and information technology. Prior to this role, he served as the chief business and wholesale officer of Zain KSA and led B2B sector growth across the company, positioning its portfolio of business solutions and services as a key enabler of the Kingdom’s digital business transformation. He also led Zain KSA’s strategic partnerships and stakeholder relations while driving the development of cutting-edge digital products and solutions.
Additionally, Al-Sadhan played a key role in the launch of Zain Cloud, supporting the digital transformation of Ƶ’s public and private sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of building a fully integrated digital economy. He was also instrumental in developing a comprehensive digital ecosystem that brings together innovative telecom services and cloud solutions, underpinned by advanced 5G technologies. Additionally, he strengthened Zain KSA’s business and wholesale operations, enhancing network capabilities through strategic investments aimed at meeting the full range of market demands in these segments.
Al-Sadhan also played a key role in advancing the enterprise sector by building Zain KSA’s integrated business services and solutions ecosystem. His efforts aligned with the company’s strategic objectives to support government entities in achieving their digital goals and to empower companies across various industries to grow, enhance their competitiveness locally and regionally, and stay ahead of the evolving business landscape.
Since joining Zain KSA in April 2016, Al-Sadhan has placed strategic partnerships at the heart of his approach. 

 He contributed to developing a forward-looking strategy for long-term partnerships with government entities and leading global tech companies. This has enabled the swift introduction of cutting-edge technologies into the Kingdom, while also driving knowledge transfer and localization.
Before joining Zain KSA, Al-Sadhan held various leadership roles at prominent local and international telecom companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, in addition to several professional certifications in leadership and information technology, as well as a General Management Program certificate from Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires.

 


Feedzai leads fight against financial fraud with AI-powered solutions

Feedzai leads fight against financial fraud with AI-powered solutions
Updated 06 July 2025

Feedzai leads fight against financial fraud with AI-powered solutions

Feedzai leads fight against financial fraud with AI-powered solutions

A dynamic AI-native company with a global presence is setting a new standard for securing financial transactions and making significant investments in the Middle East.

Financial fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated. And as criminals develop ever-more advanced techniques, many organizations find themselves limited by outdated, rules-based fraud detection systems that struggle to respond in real time.

Traditional methods are proving inadequate against contemporary threats. The rise of deepfake scams, synthetic identities and elaborate financial “mule” networks demand a more sophisticated approach. 

Thankfully, dynamic, AI-powered models that continuously adapt to emerging threats are revolutionizing fraud prevention. Feedzai, an AI-native risk management platform, is leading this transformation, helping financial institutions fight fraud while maintaining customer trust.

The changing landscape of fraud

Financial fraud happens in various ways. Account takeover occurs when cybercriminals gain control of accounts through phishing attacks or credential-stuffing techniques. Authorized push payments and scams can take many forms — from romance scams to CEO identity fraud. Meanwhile, money laundering operations use synthetic identities and networks of mule accounts to move illicit funds undetected through the financial system. Each of these techniques requires different detection and mitigation strategies.

In the Middle East, financial services regulators are intensifying their focus on fraud prevention, creating new compliance requirements for banks. The region faces a particular challenge with the proliferation of financial mules — individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, allow their accounts to be used for laundering money. Deepfake technology is another challenge, as it allows criminals to generate entirely new digital identities rather than recycling known fraudulent ones.

AI in fraud detection

Traditional fraud detection systems use static, predetermined rules to identify risky transactions and are typically siloed to individual channels. But this means they are slow to adapt and limited in scope. In contrast, AI-driven solutions, such as those developed by Feedzai, use real-time behavioral analytics to detect anomalies, on an omnichannel basis.

The system dynamically assesses risk by evaluating transactions against hundreds of potential risk factors simultaneously. This analysis enables financial institutions to deliver responses that are appropriate to the nature and level of the risk. For example, low-risk transactions are allowed to proceed unimpeded while high-risk payments are blocked or subjected to additional identity verification procedures. 

Feedzai processes data from over $8 trillion of transactions annually, creating a large and robust dataset that is used to train and improve its AI models. The company spends 25 percent of its profits on research and development to stay at the cutting-edge of fraud detection, detecting emerging threats before they become widespread problems.

Building trust with AI

Customer trust in financial institutions must be maintained. Feedzai has developed a comprehensive trust framework built on five foundational principles that guide its AI development and implementation.

AI is used in a transparent manner, with traceable data and clear explanations of when and how it is used. Robust anti-fraud processes powered by AI are always in place. Outputs from the system are unbiased, ensuring people are treated fairly. 

The AI systems used are secure, and regularly tested, checked and updated to ensure quality. Interventions are appropriate to the type and level of risk, so that when risks are low, customers are not unduly inconvenienced, such as by having a transaction stopped or by being asked for extra identification.

Privacy is also important. Feedzai’s newest innovation, Feedzai IQ, uses powerful data analytics. But its data processing uses only metadata. No personally identifiable data is processed, so consumers can be confident their privacy is being preserved. This helps support privacy regulations such as GDPR and the requirements of the Saudi SDAIA.

Third-party data can also help identify financial fraud. The integration of the Demyst data orchestration platform into Feedzai enables financial institutions to access third-party data, such as network activity and behavioral insights, allowing them to convert raw information into actionable insights in real time.

All of this happens very rapidly. The normal time to set up a new method of detecting fraud using rules-based tools might be three months. But with Feedzai, results based on the actionable insight generated from its global customer base can be provided within a day, which is especially beneficial to financial institutions who may not have mature fraud-labelled data. As the fraud evolves, so do the defenses.

Fraud prevention in a digital world

The fight against financial fraud has entered a new era, where AI serves as the critical differentiator between vulnerable institutions and organizations capable of providing truly secure digital financial services.

As fraudsters continue innovating, equally innovative defenses will be needed. Feedzai’s platform demonstrates that AI, when properly implemented, can enhance the safety of financial transactions while preserving the exceptional customer experiences that drive business growth. In this evolving battle, AI-powered protection isn’t just preferable, it’s becoming indispensable.

To learn more about Feedzai’s AI-native financial crime prevention services, .


First hardware fair in Kingdom wraps up with record visitors

First hardware fair in Kingdom wraps up with record visitors
Updated 05 July 2025

First hardware fair in Kingdom wraps up with record visitors

First hardware fair in Kingdom wraps up with record visitors

The inaugural edition of International Hardware Fair Ƶ concluded in Riyadh, marking a milestone for the Kingdom’s expanding hardware, construction and industrial sectors. As the first trade event dedicated exclusively to Ƶ’s $10.66 billion hardware and tools market and aligned with national industrial priorities under Vision 2030, the exhibition drew widespread recognition for its scale, quality of participation and business opportunities, cementing its place in the country’s events’ calendar.

The debut edition of the trade show, co-located with FSB Sports Show Riyadh, welcomed 13,110 visitors over three days, with strong representation from the Kingdom. Attendees included professionals from hardware retail, building materials, infrastructure development, manufacturing and government entities. From procurement officers and distributors to contractors and industrial buyers, the visitor profile reflected the full spectrum of the hardware and tools ecosystem. Moreover, live product demonstrations, interactive displays and technological advancements attracted crowds.

Several exhibitors showcased the latest advancements in power tools, safety gear, building materials, security systems and more. Demo zones hosted Albawardi Tools and Hardware, a leading distributor of professional tools, equipment and industrial supplies; Hebei Crown Wealth Metal Products; Guangdong Wireking Household Products, a leading Chinese manufacturer of ladders and tool storage products; and Yiwu Highpower Tape, a modern and high-tech enterprise producer of a series of adhesive tape, where live performances of heavy machinery and equipment functions drew packed audiences and potential buyers.

The 2025 edition featured more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands, with a diverse mix of Ƶ-based suppliers and international manufacturers. Country pavilions from China and Türkiye stood out for their scale and product range, further reflecting the growing interest in Ƶ as a regional business hub.

Notable exhibitors included Genergy Power Products, a Spanish company specializing in design and manufacture of portable electric generators and thermal-engine–powered machinery; Gong Fong Enterprise, a manufacturer and developer of customized screwdrivers and professional multi-function drivers; Pecol, one of the biggest European producers of fasteners; and Stahlwille Eduard Wille from Germany, a byword for innovative premium hand tools.

Following the launch edition’s success, the International Hardware Fair Ƶ will return from June 15-17, 2026. Organized by dmg events in partnership with Koelnmesse, the event will cater to growing demand for high-performance tools, machinery and industrial technologies across Ƶ and the wider region.

Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president — construction, dmg events, said: “The debut of International Hardware Fair Ƶ reported strong visitor footfall with noteworthy B2B matchmaking activity and high-value partnerships, with participating companies establishing new business relationships with regional distributors. We’re excited to return in 2026, even bigger and more targeted, to support this growing ecosystem in collaboration with Koelnmesse.”

Reciprocating the positive sentiment around the success of the exhibition, Sebastian Rosito, vice president, Koelnmesse GmbH, added: “We are proud to have successfully wrapped up the first edition of International Hardware Fair to the Ƶn market in partnership with dmg events. The EISENWARENMESSE — International Hardware Fair, is held in Cologne and is the powerhouse behind the International Hardware Fair Ƶ. This edition exceeded expectations and showed the strategic importance of Ƶ within the global hardware landscape. The next edition will continue to deepen international participation and support industrial growth in the Kingdom and the wider region.”