Embark on a journey through the enchanting AlUla, a hidden gem in Saudi Arabia that is celebrated as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla is a treasure trove of history and natural wonders in the breathtaking northwest desert. With a rich tapestry woven from over 7,000 years of civilization, it boasts ancient tombs and monumental rock formations, including the striking Elephant Rock, which towers at an impressive 52 meters.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the lush landscape of the AlUla Oasis, engage in thrilling adventure sports, and marvel at contemporary art installations that harmonize with the stunning surroundings. Each September, the Azimuth AlUla festival transforms the area into a vibrant celebration of art and music, set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring vistas.

For those seeking a luxurious retreat, the tented villas at Banyan Tree AlUla and the tranquil desert resort, Habitas AlUla, provide an idyllic escape.

1. Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of AlUla from above during the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Glide gracefully over the majestic rock formations and expansive desert landscapes, witnessing the sunrise paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. This unique perspective allows you to appreciate the vastness of the desert and the intricacies of its natural features, making it an unforgettable highlight for any traveler.

2. Camel Ride through Lush Trails

Step into a world of tranquility with a camel ride through the enchanting AlUla Oasis. As you traverse the palm-shaded trails, feel the gentle sway of your camel and take in the verdant surroundings filled with lush vegetation. Your journey leads you to the heart of the oasis, where you can explore the vibrant palm groves, learn about local flora, and indulge in tasting the sweet, fragrant citrus fruits that hang from the trees, a true delight for the senses.

3. Dune Buggy Thrills

Unleash your adventurous spirit on an exhilarating dune buggy ride across the vast, undulating sands of AlUla. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through towering dunes and rocky outcrops. This thrilling experience offers an exciting way to explore the desert landscape, where every turn reveals a new and captivating view.

4. The Dancing Rocks

Discover the mystical Dancing Rocks in Raggasat Valley, where nature's artistry is on full display. These uniquely shaped rock formations have been sculpted by the erosive forces of wind, sand, and time, creating a surreal landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Take your time to wander among these natural wonders, capturing photographs that reflect their enchanting beauty.

5. Zipline Excitement

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the zipline activities at Harrat Uwayrid offer a thrilling way to experience AlUla’s stunning scenery. Soar through the air, suspended above the striking basalt rock formations, as you take in panoramic views of the desert below. The exhilarating sensation of flying will leave you breathless and craving more.

6. Stargazing at the Star Party

Join fellow astronomy enthusiasts at the Star Party in Al Gharameel, where the night sky comes alive with twinkling stars. Recline on traditional seating and gaze upward, witnessing the Milky Way stretch across the horizon in a spectacular display. Expert guides will share fascinating stories of the constellations, enriching your stargazing experience with cultural insights.

7. Culinary Delights at Winter Park

Indulge your palate at Winter Park, a lively culinary hub where food trucks and kiosks line the area, offering a delightful array of gourmet options. Sample everything from juicy burgers to decadent desserts, and enjoy a carefully brewed cup of coffee as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. This lively gathering spot allows you to savor the flavors of AlUla while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

8. Photoshoot at Maraya

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Maraya, the breathtaking mirrored structure situated in Ashar Valley. Its reflective surfaces create a stunning visual spectacle, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. The interplay of light and surroundings makes it an ideal backdrop, especially during the soft afternoon light, when the landscape transforms into a canvas of shimmering reflections.

9. Rock Art Exploration

Journey into the historical depths of Jabal Ikmah, Al Aqra’a, and Naqsh Zuhayr to uncover prehistoric rock art that adorns the cliffs. These ancient inscriptions and vibrant carvings tell the stories of civilizations long gone, brought to life by the insightful narratives of a Rawi (storyteller guide). As you marvel at these artistic relics, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

10. Hiking Adventures

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to explore the stunning trails that wind through AlUla’s iconic rocky mountains and sandstone cliffs. With varying levels of difficulty, there are hikes suitable for everyone, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. As you navigate the trails, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas and unique geological formations that make every step a rewarding adventure.

11. Traditional Craft Immersion

Step back in time at the Handicrafts Pavilion in AlUla Old Town, where talented artisans showcase their skills in traditional crafts. Watch as they weave palm fronds into intricate designs, preserving the cultural heritage of the region. This immersive experience not only highlights the craftsmanship but also offers you a chance to purchase unique souvenirs that embody the spirit of AlUla.

Hyundai Department Store’s shares surged 7.1% recently, buoyed by strong second-quarter business results that exceeded market expectations. For Q2 2025, the company reported consolidated operating profit of 86.9 billion won, marking a 102.8% increase year-on-year, and consolidated sales rose 5.5% to 1.803 trillion won. Notably, net profit returned to a surplus of 54.5 billion won during this period.

However, it is worth noting that sales and operating profit in Hyundai's core department store business declined slightly in Q2, with sales falling 3.6% to 590.1 billion won and operating profit down 2.3% to 69.3 billion won. This was attributed partly to reduced operating area due to major store renovations and renewal activities. On the other hand, their subsidiaries showed robust performance: duty-free stores grew sales by 22% while reducing operating losses, and Zinus, an online furniture company under Hyundai, posted an 11.2% sales increase and turned an operating profit of 29.1 billion won.

Hyundai Department Store has also been proactive with shareholder returns, declaring an interim cash dividend of 500 won per common share, reflecting a market dividend rate of 0.7% and total dividend payments of 10.78 billion won.

In response to evolving market trends and consumer behavior, Hyundai is focusing heavily on store renovations and leveraging technology. It launched “Heydi,” an AI shopping assistant for personalized in-store experiences, combining offline retail with generative AI-powered services to attract and engage customers, aiming to set a new shopping concept standard in Korea.

Despite the department store segment’s challenges, Hyundai Department Store's overall financial health and strategic initiatives are generating renewed investor confidence, positioning the company well for stronger performance in the second half of 2025 amid improving domestic consumption trends.

This comprehensive growth across core and subsidiary operations, alongside innovative customer engagement efforts, underpins the recent stock price surge and optimistic outlook for Hyundai Department Store moving forward.

Kuwait has launched a new welcome gesture for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by allowing them to obtain tourist visas on arrival. This latest resolution from the Ministry of Interior permits eligible GCC expats to enter Kuwait hassle-free with a tourist visa issued directly at any border or airport entry point.

To qualify, travelers must possess a valid passport alongside a residence permit in a GCC country valid for at least six months. This significant update, formalized under Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025 and signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, repeals the earlier 2008 resolution and aligns with Kuwait’s updated Foreigners’ Residence Law enacted in 2024.

The move streamlines travel for the GCC’s extensive expatriate community, fostering greater regional mobility and tourism. The resolution officially took effect with its publication in Kuwait’s Official Gazette on August 6, 2025, marking a new era of more accessible travel to Kuwait for residents of neighboring Gulf states.

This initiative is expected to promote closer ties and increased tourism exchanges among GCC countries while simplifying border procedures for expatriates living and working within the Gulf region. The Ministry of Interior’s proactive step reflects Kuwait’s commitment to facilitating smoother entry protocols and enhancing visitor experiences in line with modern travel trends.

The U.S. State Department is launching a 12-month pilot program starting August 20, 2025, requiring certain travelers applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a financial guarantee they will comply with visa terms, particularly leaving the United States before their visa expires.

Visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates, initially Zambia and Malawi, will be subject to this rule, with bond amounts tiered at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 depending on individual circumstances.

This initiative aims to address the persistent challenge of visa overstays, where travelers remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period, which has historically contributed to the unauthorized migrant population. Roughly 400,000 visa overstays were reported in fiscal year 2023 alone from about 39 million expected departures.

 Visa overstayers account for about one-third to 42% of unauthorized migrants in the U.S., according to various government and independent studies.

Consular officers will determine the bond amount for each applicant based on factors including the traveler's employment, income, education, travel purpose, and overall risk of overstaying. Waivers can be granted in limited cases such as urgent humanitarian travel or government employee missions. If applicants comply with the bond conditions and depart on time via designated airports, their bond is refunded.

This bond requirement marks a renewed effort reminiscent of a similar program proposed but not fully implemented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the State Department avoided imposing bonds citing administrative burdens, but now asserts that visa bonds are necessary due to increasing overstay rates and insufficient data from previous years.

The program excludes visitors from Mexico, Canada, and over 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days. Additional countries may be added to the bond program based on ongoing evaluation of visa overstay data and concerns about inadequate screening or Citizenship by Investment programs, which have no residency requirements.

This move complements other recent immigration enforcement efforts, such as travel bans targeting 12 countries with high overstay and security concerns and new fees on visitors. The bonds act both as a deterrent against visa violations and a safeguard to hold travelers financially accountable for compliance.

In summary, the new U.S. visa bond pilot program is a stringent immigration control measure focused on reducing visa overstays by tying entry permissions to significant financial guarantees from travelers originating in countries with historically high rates of visa non-compliance.

If you would like, I can provide additional detail on specific countries affected or the historical context of visa overstays.

In a landmark move set to transform the travel landscape, Kuwait has announced a series of sweeping visa reforms aimed at enhancing tourism and easing entry restrictions for visitors. The changes were revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah during a recent conversation with Ahmed Al Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Al Seyassah newspapers.

Effective immediately, these reforms remove several longstanding visa constraints, with a particular focus on family visits and traveler convenience. One of the headline changes is the introduction of a three-month family visit visa, allowing visitors an initial stay of up to 90 days. Even more notable is the flexibility to extend the visa to six months or a full year, depending on the visitor’s needs and adherence to regulations. Sheikh Fahad highlighted that “violations in this category are minimal, so flexibility can be granted,” reflecting a more visitor-friendly approach.

Among the significant updates is the abolition of the local carrier requirement, a former rule that mandated travelers obtain visas tied to Kuwait’s national airlines. Now, tourists and visitors can choose their preferred airline, a step aimed at increasing accessibility and encouraging competition. Sheikh Fahad remarked on the shift, stating, “The state should not act as a marketer for airlines; they must market themselves,” underscoring a more liberalized aviation climate as Kuwait builds a new international airport and seeks to reinstate airlines previously withdrawn from the market.

The reforms also expand family visit visa eligibility by extending kinship qualifications to the fourth degree and eliminating the controversial demand for visitors to possess a university degree. This move opens doors for a broader range of family members to reunite and visit with ease.

To ensure security remains uncompromised, Sheikh Fahad noted that travelers facing any security restrictions will be notified promptly and responsible for addressing these matters independently. This aligns Kuwait’s visa procedures with international best practices.

The visa fee structure is currently under governmental review, with amendments expected to be finalized soon by the Council of Ministers. This is part of the broader initiative to streamline visa processing, reduce bottlenecks, and make Kuwait a more inviting destination for visitors from around the world.

Tourism as an Economic Priority

Simultaneously, Kuwait is amplifying its commitment to tourism as a strategic pillar of economic diversification. Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al Mutairi has announced plans for the “Visit Kuwait” digital platform, poised to centralize tourism promotion under a unified national brand. Speaking at a recent event, Al Mutairi emphasized the platform’s role as “the gateway for all tourism-related messaging,” aligning with the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035 development roadmap.

Looking beyond borders, Kuwait is preparing to welcome regional tourism leaders to the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. The country will also make its mark at Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting innovations in sustainability, cultural heritage, and technological advancement.

Cultural diplomacy is flourishing alongside these trends. Preparations are underway for the renowned Kuwait International Book Fair, complemented by the launch of “I Am the Author”—an interactive initiative designed to inspire creativity and storytelling among children and youth.

With these reforms and initiatives, Kuwait is positioning itself as an increasingly open, vibrant destination that balances tradition with modernity, welcoming the world to experience its unique culture and opportunities.

In a decisive stride towards digital transformation and enhanced traveler convenience, Kuwait has launched its new e-Visa portal, effective July 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior and reported by Gulf News, positions Kuwait among the Gulf region’s digital frontrunners by streamlining the visa process for visitors from a wide array of countries.

The e-Visa platform, available through e.gov.kw, is open to nationals from most European and North American countries, Australia, Japan, and all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents. This digital gateway welcomes applications for four primary visa categories:

• Tourist Visa (90 days per entry): Welcoming globe-trotters eager to explore Kuwait’s culture and landscape.
• Family Visit Visa (30 days): Easing reunions for relatives of Kuwaiti residents.

• Business Visit Visa (30 days): Facilitating professionals and entrepreneurs attending meetings or forging partnerships.

• Official Visit Visa (30 days): Streamlining entry for government delegations and diplomats.

Each visa category comes with dedicated requirements and a hassle-free, paperless application flow.
Applying for a Kuwaiti entry visa is now entirely digital, removing the need for embassy visits or physical paperwork. The process involves:

1. Registering online via email or government account.
2. Selecting the suitable visa type aligned with the visit's purpose.
3. Zploading essential documents, including:
   A passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months)
   A passport-sized photo on a white background
   Evidence of return flight and hotel bookings
   Sponsor or invitation letters where required
4. Paying visa fees online (ranging from USD 10 to USD 30, depending on nationality).
   Tracking the application using a passport number or reference code.
5. Visa decisions are typically made within 1–3 working days. Approved applicants receive their e-Visas via email, ready for printout or digital presentation upon arrival.

This fully digital system lies at the heart of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, marking a significant leap forward in public service modernization. The move also reflects broader regional goals within the GCC to foster seamless cross-border mobility, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to welcoming visitors and investors in a tech-forward, streamlined manner.

Key rules to know include:

• Stay Limits: Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days; all other categories permit 30-day visits.
• Eligibility: Open to citizens of approved countries and all GCC residents.
• Visa on Arrival: Still available for some nationalities—however, travelers are encouraged to use the e-Visa system for efficiency.
• Enforcement: Overstays or misuse may result in fines or future entry bans—a firm reminder that digital convenience comes with clear accountability.

With its new e-Visa portal, Kuwait is not only simplifying travel but also setting a digital benchmark in the region—paving the way for smarter, faster, and more welcoming borders.