ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

Moscow – October 27, 2025

The Russian authorities have announced plans to soon end visa requirements for Saudi citizens as part of a reciprocal visa simplification agreement between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — a move that marks a milestone in strengthening tourism and cultural cooperation between the two nations. The initiative aims to accelerate travel for Saudi visitors to Russia and facilitate leisure, cultural, and business trips as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to attract more international tourists and open new markets.

Background and Reasons Behind the Agreement

This Russian initiative comes amid clear efforts to deepen ties with Gulf countries in the tourism sector. According to official documents, Moscow is preparing to launch a visa-free system with China, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia in the near future.

A diplomatic source confirmed that the visa-free travel agreement with Saudi Arabia is in its “final stages of preparation.” Russian tourism authorities noted that this measure is expected to attract up to two million additional tourists to Russia, reflecting the country’s ambition to diversify its tourism market and reduce reliance on Western visitors.

What It Means for Saudi Travelers

Under this upcoming agreement:

• Saudi citizens will be able to travel to Russia without applying for a traditional tourist visa, or through significantly simplified procedures.

• Russia will become a more accessible destination, with the potential launch of new direct flights or increased flight frequencies between Riyadh/Jeddah and Moscow or other Russian cities.

• Entry into Russia will become more seamless, allowing Saudi tourists to explore the country’s cultural and natural landmarks — from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Siberia and the Ural Mountains — while benefiting from services tailored to Gulf travelers.

Economic and Cultural Context

This development comes as Russia diversifies its tourism sources amid global challenges, seeking to offset the decline in Western visitors by expanding outreach to Asia and the Middle East.

A Russian government report indicates that the number of foreign trips to Russia is expected to increase from around five million currently to nearly eleven million by 2030.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia represents a promising tourism market for Russia due to its citizens’ strong purchasing power, growing interest in unique travel experiences, and increased ease of travel under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

For Saudi Arabia, the agreement also aligns with its own efforts to diversify the economy and enhance international tourism partnerships, making this move mutually beneficial.

Expected Benefits and Services

With the implementation of this agreement, Russia’s tourism sector is expected to adapt and expand its offerings to better accommodate visitors from Saudi Arabia, including:

• Arabic-language services in hotels, restaurants, and tourism centers.

• Halal dining options, accessible prayer spaces, and tailored cultural experiences.

• Marketing campaigns targeting Gulf audiences, promoting destinations such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, and the Caucasus Mountains.

• Airline expansion, with new routes and higher flight frequency between both countries.

• Collaborations between Saudi and Russian travel agencies to design customized tourism packages.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this announcement, both sides face several key challenges to address:

• The timeline for implementation remains unclear, as detailed procedures have yet to be officially confirmed.

• Security and customs coordination will be essential to ensure smooth and safe travel operations.

• Russia will need to upgrade its tourism infrastructure to accommodate Gulf visitors — from Arabic signage to halal food options and international payment systems.

• Effective marketing of Russian destinations in Saudi Arabia will be crucial to highlight the unique value of travel to Russia in a competitive global market.

A New Model of Travel

Once implemented, this agreement will give Saudi citizens an easier and more diverse travel option beyond traditional destinations, while providing Russia with a valuable new flow of tourists that will boost both cultural and economic exchange.

It is also expected to strengthen related industries such as aviation, hospitality, local transportation, and guided tours. Moreover, it may encourage the creation of new tourism products such as “Russian Winter Adventures” or “Nature Expeditions in Siberia,” designed specifically for Gulf audiences.

Conclusion

Russia’s upcoming visa exemption for Saudi travelers signals a significant shift in the global tourism landscape. It represents not just a facilitation of travel, but a strategic bridge between two nations with growing economic and cultural ties.

For Saudi tourists, it opens the door to discovering Russia’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty with greater ease and comfort.

For Russia, it strengthens its partnership with one of the world’s most dynamic and expanding travel markets.

If executed successfully, this initiative could mark the beginning of a new chapter in tourism and diplomacy between Riyadh and Moscow.

Hushday, the Middle East’s first premium private sales platform, proudly announces HushEdit, its first major offline luxury event, in partnership with YOOX (part of the Net-a-Porter Group). Scheduled to take place at Area 57, Al Quoz, from 30 October to 2 November, HushEdit will feature over 110 international luxury brands and 15,000 pieces across women’s, men’s, and kidswear, with discounts ranging from 70% to 90% off, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping destination in Dubai. 

This isn’t just shopping - it’s a curated moment. Expect coveted names such as Gucci, Isabel Marant, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Sandro, and Loewe. Hushday, renowned for offering its members privileged access to the world’s most sought-after brands at exceptional prices, is hosting Dubai’s largest luxury private sale. For four days only, members and registered guests can explore exclusive collections with fresh drops, limited quantities, and first-pick exclusivity. 

For this first edition, guests will be invited to explore Laboratoires Novexpert, the Official Beauty Partner of HushEdit. Laboratoires Novexpert invites guests to discover ultra-clean, clinically proven skincare that puts skin health first. Developed by French doctors and scientists, Novexpert’s 100% natural origin formulas are vegan, preservative-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

HushEdit will open its doors to the public from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 8 PM, and until 9 PM on weekends, welcoming members and registered guests exclusively. This private sale promises a refined experience with no endless queues, no tired stock, and no improvised try-ons. Every detail has been designed to create an elevated environment that transforms shopping into a true luxury interlude. Curated gifts will be offered to top spenders, and complimentary coffee will be available for the first arrivals each day. 

To register, visit HushEdit.hushday.com 

Riyadh, KSA – 23 October 2025: OPPO today launched the OPPO A6 Pro in Saudi Arabia, featuring a massive 6,500 mAh battery with 80 W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge technology for a more confident user experience. Backed by IP69 water and dust protection and Military-Grade Shock Resistance, the OPPO A6 Pro is a rugged and reliable companion for everyday use, while its slim, streamlined design, flagship 120 Hz AMOLED display and ColorOS 15-powered Trinity Engine and Luminous Rendering Engine ensure exceptionally smooth experiences in everything from remote work and gaming to travel and entertainment.

“The OPPO A6 Pro is the most powerful A-series ever, pushing the series to new limits across everything from design and screen quality to camera, battery, and overall performance,” said Eason Xu, Product Marketing Manager at OPPO. “By bringing these advanced specifications and features to the OPPO A6 Pro, even more users can now enjoy a next-level mobileexperience at an accessible price point.”

Ultra-Large Battery with Lightning-Fast Charge

Based on a high-density graphite cell design, the 6,500 mAh battery sets a new standard for smartphone battery life. OPPO A6 Pro can provide long-lasting power that users can count on, supported by reverse wired charging for added convenience on the go.

“Long-lasting battery technology has long been a focus of our commitment to deliver exceptional user experiences on the OPPO A Series,” said Lee Du, Senior Hardware Project Manager at OPPO. “With the A6 Pro, we’ve boosted battery capacity while ensuring superior safety and efficiency, offering an all-round improved experience for all users.”

Alongside its large capacity, the battery also maintains peak performance for longer. Tests show the battery maintaining over 80 % of its original capacity after 1,830 charge cycles — equivalent to more than five years of typical use. Accompanied by OPPO’s 80 W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge technology, the A6 Pro can be charged to 100 % in just 50 minutes, enabling users to quickly get their phone back up and running when needed.

All-Round Durability for Whatever the Day Brings

The OPPO A6 Pro continues the A Series’ legacy of durability and rugged performance. By incorporating a unibody mid-frame and shielding key components with foam and glue sealing, the A6 Pro has achieved IP69 water and dust resistance, ensuring effective protection against various kinds of liquid damage while also guarding against dust in tough environments.

On the exterior, AGC DT-Star D+ Crystal Shield Glass provides further protection against scratches and impacts, while inside, OPPO’s AM04 high-strength aluminum alloy, tested to withstand up to 1,000 bends, protects the motherboard and other core components. Thanks to these material and design innovations, the A6 Pro has also been certified for Military-Grade Shock Resistance.

Flagship Visuals Meet Effortless Smoothness

Defying its rugged build, the A6 Pro features a sleek 120 Hz AMOLED screen delivering captivating visuals with every glance. The Ultra Bright Display features a 1,080 × 2,374 resolution and a high refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, promising not only fluid performance but also fine, crisp visual quality free from motion blur and shuttering. With up to 1,400 nits peak brightness, the display performs exceptionally even under bright light, presenting every color in vivid, lifelike detail.

This outstandingly smooth display is matched by a seamless lag-free user experience. Through system-level optimization within ColorOS 15, OPPO’s proprietary Trinity Engine enhances overall fluency and stability, while the Luminous Rendering Engine enables flagship-level animation and visual effects.

With AI Game Boost and AI LinkBoost 3.0, the A6 Pro ensures faster response times, more stable connectivity, and optimized performance across gaming and multitasking scenarios.

Boosted Connectivity for Life Without Limits

With reliable connectivity built from the ground up, the OPPO A6 Pro is ready for any occasion. AI LinkBoost 3.0 — OPPO’s AI-powered technology for improving connection stability and intelligent network switching — delivers enhanced performance even in challenging environments.

AI LinkBoost 3.0 detects and prioritizes online game traffic to reduce latency, while the AI Game Antenna improves signal reception when the phone is held horizontally, avoiding grip-related obstruction. Paired with 4G+ network support, this innovation ensures smoother, faster connectivity across daily use.

Flagship Design and Premium Appeal

Measuring just 8 mm in thickness and weighing only 188 g with a chic unibody metal-textured frame, the OPPO A6 Pro is both sleek and comfortable to hold. Its four-sided bezel design, with the thinnest side as slim as 1.67 mm and a 93 % screen-to-body ratio, elevates gaming and cinematic viewing alike.

This stunning design is further brought to life in two colorways —Stellar Blue, and Rosewood Red — each combining natural inspiration with meticulous craftsmanship in a refined aesthetic.

Availability

The OPPO A6 Pro is available in 8 GB + 256 GB storage, priced at SAR 1,199 in the Saudi market.

Customers who purchase the A6 Pro between October 24 and November 24 will receive a complimentary pair of earbuds along with water damage and screen warranty coverage.

Starting November 25, buyers will instead receive an exclusive OPPO Cup together with water damage and screen warranty coverage.

As part of OPPO’s ongoing Peace of Mind Commitment to consumers, A6 Pro users will also enjoy extended regional warranty coverage across the GCC, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 21, 2025 – Groq, the inference-first AI company, is proud to partner with Aljammaz Technologies, the region's leading value-added distributor, to bring Groq's high-performance LPU technology to enterprises, governments, and developers across the region.

The partnership comes at a critical inflection point in AI adoption. As organizations move from experimentation to production, deployment, inference speed, cost, and energy efficiency have emerged as defining constraints. Groq's LPU technology is purpose-built for AI inference rather than adapted from graphics processing, and it enables a new class of real-time AI applications that were previously impractical with traditional GPU architectures.

Under the collaboration, Aljammaz will distribute Groq’s full suite of AI inference solutions — including GroqCloud, Groq’s full-stack cloud platform, and GroqRack, its on-premises compute cluster — through its extensive network of system integrators and resellers. Together, the companies aim to enable real-time AI deployment at scale, reducing latency, cost, and energy consumption for organizations adopting large-scale models.

"The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented demand for AI solutions across every sector, from financial services to healthcare to smart city initiatives," said Fahad AlTurief, VP and MENA Managing Director at Groq. "Together, we're positioned to help organizations throughout MENA harness AI's full potential without the latency and cost barriers that have historically limited deployment."

“For almost 30 years, Aljammaz Technologies has been driving innovation and enabling our partners across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle

East to adopt cutting-edge technologies,” said Asim Aljammaz, CEO of Aljammaz Technologies. “As AI moves from experimentation to real-world implementation, our mission is to empower partners with the infrastructure, expertise, and ecosystem support needed to unlock its full potential. Partnering with Groq perfectly aligns with our AI-First strategy and strengthens our ability to deliver AI-ready solutions that make high-performance, real-time applications achievable and sustainable across industries.”

Yerevan, Armenia – October, 2025 – The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia will host the World Tourism Communication Forum from 23–25 October 2025 in Yerevan. The international event, titled “Tourism Talks: Connecting People, Places, and Perspectives”, will gather global leaders, policymakers, and communication experts to explore how strategic communication shapes the future of tourism.

“Through this forum, Armenia aims to highlight the essential role of communication in fostering trust, inclusion, and sustainable tourism growth,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Armenia. “We are creating a global platform where different industry voices can come together to share insights, strengthen cooperation, and promote responsible narratives that build lasting connections between people and destinations.”

The forum will serve as a hub for meaningful dialogue, exchange of best practices, and collaboration across the public and private sectors. It will bring together ministers, representatives of international organizations, industry leaders, researchers, and media professionals to discuss how effective communication can inspire confidence, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in tourism.

Forum Highlights

The two-day program will feature a series of keynotes, high-level panel discussions, TED-style talks, workshops, and interactive dialogues, covering key themes such as:

• “Who Shapes the Story? Intercultural Communication, Media Narratives, and the Power to Define a Destination” - exploring how intercultural communication, media narratives, and government messaging influence national perception and the competitiveness of destinations

• “Telling Our Story Right: Aligning Narratives for Stronger Destination Branding” – exploring how coherent storytelling strengthens national and regional tourism identities.

• “Media, Messaging & MICE: Shaping Narratives Together” – discussing collaboration among the media, business events sector, and tourism boards to deliver impactful communication.

• “Local Voices, Global Impact: Empowering Communities Through Authentic Communication” – focusing on inclusivity and the importance of community-driven narratives in destination storytelling.

• “Travel with Trust: Communicating Safety, Access, and Sustainability in a Changing World” – examining strategies for building traveler confidence through transparent and responsible communication.

The sessions will be moderated by a distinguished group of communication and tourism experts, including Ms. Cordula Wohlmuther, UN Tourism Regional Director for Tourism, Mathew Zein, Founder and Chief Editor of Life in Armenia Magazine; Pr. Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian Tourism Board, ENIT SpA; Dochka Andreeva, International Sustainable Tourism Consultant; Sergey Stanovkin, Head of BBC Studios Commercial Representative in Eurasia at BBC Studios, and Nora Mirzoyan, WB Urban Specialist. Their diverse experience and perspectives will ensure insightful discussions and meaningful takeaways for all participants.

More information and registration: https://events.armenia.travel/

END.

About the Forum

The World Tourism Communication Forum will create a space for governments, international organizations, private sector actors, and academia to collaborate on communication strategies that advance tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Dates: 23–25 October 2025

Location: Yerevan, Armenia

More information and registration: https://events.armenia.travel/

Media Contact

Paul Estorffe, Black Watch Communications

paul@blackwatchcomms.com