• THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY: DESTINATION HOTSPOTS
From Shanghai’s electric skyline to Zanzibar’s white- sand shores, these are the destinations climbing fastest in outbound Saudi flight searches and earning a place on 2026 travel wish lists for KSA-based travellers
The Saudi travel hot list 2026
SHANGHAI, CHINA Arrow-right Searches up 285%
Big city, big energy. Shanghai mixes futuristic towers, historic temples, serious shopping and a food scene that could fill an entire holiday. Add strong value for the Saudi riyal and you have a city break that feels exciting, glamorous and refreshingly different. Golden beaches, mountain scenery and affordable luxury make Da Nang an easy sell. It offers plenty for families, couples and spa seekers, while its expanding halal food options help take the guesswork out of dining. The mood is relaxed, but there is still plenty to explore. DA NANG, VIETNAM Searches up 206% Saudi travellers already know and love Türkiye. Rize offers a greener, quieter version, filled with tea plantations, lush valleys, mountain cabins and misty views. Halal-friendly and naturally suited to families, it is an appealing escape from the summer heat. RIZE, TÜRKIYE Searches up 115%
YEREVAN, ARMENIA Searches up 71%
HONG KONG Searches up 62%
Compact, characterful and surrounded by mountains, Yerevan works brilliantly for a shorter break. Visitors can combine heritage, cafés, local markets and countryside without spending half the trip in transit. Direct flight connections have also helped put the Armenian capital firmly on the Saudi radar.
Come for the skyline, stay for the shopping. Hong Kong delivers high- energy city life, harbour views, theme parks and a famously diverse food scene. Its growing range of halal dining options makes it increasingly comfortable for Muslim families and independent travellers. White sand, warm water and Swahili heritage give Zanzibar much more personality than the average fly-and-flop escape. Regional connections and good- value resort options add to the appeal. It is relaxed, romantic and especially tempting when the diary demands a proper switch-off. ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA Arrow-right Searches up 53%
Arrow-left JAIPUR, INDIA Searches up 65% Welcome to the Pink City, where
palaces, jewellery, bazaars and bold colour come as standard. Jaipur is attracting Saudi travellers looking for rich culture, memorable celebrations and wedding inspiration. Pack an empty suitcase. The textiles, crafts and shopping are hard to resist.
70 | SPOTLIGHT RIYADH
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