Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is preparing to host one of the most prominent events in the regional tourism sector: the Jeddah International Tourism and Travel Exhibition 2026. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center from January 28 to 30. Organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, this significant event underscores the growing stature of Saudi Arabia as a global tourist destination, bringing together 179 exhibitors from 27 countries to showcase the latest tourism destinations, products, and services.

Strategic context within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This exhibition cannot be viewed as an isolated event; rather, it is an integral part of the comprehensive national transformation spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Vision aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, and the tourism sector is a key pillar in achieving this goal. By hosting such international events, the Kingdom is attracting foreign investment, enhancing its tourism infrastructure, and promoting its mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, which are redefining the concept of luxury and sustainable tourism.

The importance of Jeddah as a tourist and commercial gateway

Jeddah has long been a historic gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vibrant commercial hub on the Red Sea coast. Today, the city leverages its rich heritage and strategic location to become a center for tourism, entertainment, and business. Hosting the Expo in Jeddah reinforces its position as a destination capable of organizing world-class events and highlights its attractions, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of Al-Balad to its modern waterfront and luxury shopping malls.

Promising opportunities for participants and visitors

The exhibition provides a vibrant annual platform that brings together industry professionals and travel enthusiasts. For exhibitors, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their new services and products to a broad audience, build strategic partnerships with travel agents and tour operators, and generate new business opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing markets. For visitors, the exhibition offers a comprehensive marketplace where they can explore new destinations, access exclusive offers, plan their next trips, and connect directly with representatives from tourism boards, hotels, and airlines worldwide.

Expected impact at the local and international levels

The exhibition is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, it will stimulate economic activity in Jeddah and support the hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors. Regionally, it will reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Middle East's tourism sector. Internationally, the exhibition will enhance the Kingdom's image as an open and diverse tourist destination, capable of welcoming visitors from all cultures, thus contributing to the realization of Vision 2030's goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually.

Warning from the National Center for Meteorology

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a warning regarding the continued impact of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand on Thursday, which will reduce horizontal visibility across large parts of the Kingdom. The center explained that this weather condition will directly affect the regions of Mecca, Medina, and Tabuk.

Affected areas and the extent of the weather conditions

According to the weather report, this phenomenon is not limited to the aforementioned areas, but extends to include the western parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Hail regions. Its effects also reach parts of the Riyadh region, as well as the Najran and Eastern regions, meaning that most of the Kingdom is under the influence of this active air mass.

The climatic context of the dust phenomenon in Saudi Arabia

Sandstorms and dust-laden winds are a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, due to its predominantly desert geography and the presence of vast desert areas such as the Rub' al Khali and the Great Nafud. These phenomena typically occur during the transitional periods between seasons, when the convergence of air masses with different temperatures and atmospheric pressures generates strong winds capable of carrying enormous quantities of sand and dust over long distances.

Expected effects and safety guidelines

These weather conditions have multiple impacts on daily life and public safety. On the health front, asthma and respiratory patients are advised to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and to wear protective masks. On the roads, reduced visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed. Air traffic at some airports may also be affected, potentially leading to delays or rescheduling of flights. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urges citizens and residents to stay updated on weather warnings and adhere to safety guidelines.

Chance of light rain in the north

In contrast, the National Center for Meteorology noted that the sky will be partly cloudy to cloudy over the northern parts of the Kingdom, with a chance of light rain. This rain, if it falls, could contribute to improving air quality and reducing dust levels in those areas.