Integrated travel services provider, Holidayme.com, is consolidating its presence in Saudi Arabia as its next growth market following the Arab nation’s rapidly growing tourism sector.
Holidayme, which began its operation in the Middle East in 2014, plans to shore up its popularity and product offering uptake in the Kingdom in a bid to cater to the growing need of the market by offering a comprehensive travel booking solution. The Saudi office is headed by Mansour bin Madi, CEO, Holidayme KSA, who will be overlooking operations for the Saudi region.
Now only present in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the multi-lingual travel portal is working toward aligning its Saudi operations with the government-led tourism investments and initiatives, which are part of the country’s Vision 2030 — a framework outlining the Kingdom’s long-term economic and social goals.
Saudi Arabia, which has recently experienced a surge in domestic vacations, is expected to grow its domestic tourism by a record 40 percent by 2020, according to a Euromonitor International Tourism Forecast report. Currently valued at $21 billion, the Saudi tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the region.
Holidayme Founder and Chief Executive Officer Geet Bhalla said the travel portal plans to tap into the Kingdom’s record levels of domestic travel as its key growth driver for the region.
“As Saudi continues to invest generously in its local and international tourism, Holidayme.com is also positioning itself strategically to support the various initiatives initiated by the country through the provision of reliable and convenient travel products and services for the growing tourism numbers,” said Bhalla.
CEO Mansour said: “As we seek to strengthen our operations in Saudi, Holidayme.com will continue playing its role in ensuring that the KSA tourism sector continues to thrive by providing both local and international tourists with an opportunity to discover iconic travel destinations through uniquely curated holiday packages.”
The Kingdom’s religious tourism, which is valued at over $5 billion with 19 million pilgrims having visited Makkah and Madinah in 2015 and further expected to reach 30 million by 2025, is one area that has been instrumental in boosting its overall tourism sector.
Holidayme eyes Saudi tourism sector as its key growth market
Holidayme eyes Saudi tourism sector as its key growth market
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
