In a major escalation, the United States and Israel launched a military attack on Iran early Saturday, with President Donald Trump confirming that "major combat operations" have begun. This follows the collapse of peace talks in Geneva earlier this week and has prompted governments around the world to issue heightened travel advisories for the region.

Airspace closures in Iran, Israel, and Iraq are causing significant disruptions to flights, and airlines have begun rerouting services in response to shifting safety assessments. As the situation unfolds, many governments are urging their citizens to evacuate affected areas or shelter in place due to the escalating security risks.

Current Travel Warnings and Updates

United Kingdom: The UK government has advised its citizens in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain to remain indoors and avoid all travel. The UK is also advising against all travel to Israel, urging nationals to stay sheltered in place.

United States: The US has issued similar instructions for citizens in the UAE, Doha, and Bahrain, urging them to stay updated with news reports and adjust their plans as needed.

Australia: Australians in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE are being told to shelter in place. Additionally, the Australian government has advised its citizens to consider leaving Israel and Lebanon, offering voluntary departure assistance for diplomatic families in those countries, as well as in the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Canada: Canada raised its travel alert to "exercise a high degree of caution" for the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Canadians in Iran are being told to leave the country if possible, while those in other parts of the region are urged to monitor their safety closely.

India: The Indian Embassy in the UAE has advised nationals to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow local safety instructions. The embassy in Tehran also urged Indian nationals to leave Iran by any available means due to growing tensions.

Netherlands: The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised the travel alert for Israel and Iran, advising citizens to keep a close watch on flight availability and leave while commercial travel is still possible.

Finland: Finnish authorities have advised against all travel to Iran, and citizens in Yemen and Libya have been urged to leave immediately due to the heightened risks in the region.

Germany: The German Foreign Office has updated its guidance for nationals in Israel and Lebanon, advising them to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine. They have also warned that embassy support may be limited in case of further disruptions, such as airspace closures.

Turkey: Turkey has issued a high alert for its citizens in Iran, urging them to stay in contact with the Turkish embassy in Tehran and to prepare for overland routes if air travel becomes impossible.

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to unpredictable security developments. The government has also increased its military readiness along the shared border with Iran.

Serbia: Serbian authorities have urged their nationals to leave Iran immediately, citing the increasing security risks and potential for further deterioration.

Poland: The Polish Prime Minister has advised Polish citizens to evacuate Iran as soon as possible, due to the rapidly escalating situation.

Sweden: Sweden has maintained its advisory for citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and leave the country immediately. They also cautioned that government evacuation support might be limited for those choosing to stay.

Cyprus: Cyprus has been advising its citizens since mid-January to avoid travel to Iran and to leave if already there, a warning that remains in place.

Singapore: The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to recommend deferring all travel to Iran, urging caution due to the uncertainty of the region's security.

Brazil: Brazil has recommended its citizens leave Iran, as the security situation worsens, following earlier guidance to evacuate Lebanon.

Advice for Travelers in the Region

For travelers currently in the Middle East or with plans to visit soon, it is crucial to stay updated on official government travel advice and any changes to flight schedules. Travelers are encouraged to build flexibility into their plans and to stay in contact with airlines for potential disruptions.

It is also highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and any unforeseen changes, especially considering the risk of airspace closures or changes in flight routes. The key to navigating this crisis is to remain informed, stay calm, and follow safety instructions from local authorities.

Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a secluded island getaway that sets itself apart from conventional luxury resorts. Described as Saudi Arabia’s only private island available for exclusive buyout, the retreat accommodates one group at a time, offering privacy and a personalised stay surrounded by the Red Sea.

The 40-minute boat journey from the mainland provides a gradual escape from everyday routines. As the island comes into view, the sense of separation from the outside world becomes increasingly apparent.

The arrival experience reflects the attention to detail that defines the retreat. Before guests reach the marina, the team gathers practical information, including shoe sizes, to ensure equipment such as snorkelling gear is ready upon arrival.

Privacy and Saudi Hospitality

Thuwal Private Retreat accommodates up to 12 adults and three children across six beachfront villas. With the entire island reserved for a single group, guests can enjoy a stay tailored to their preferences.

The experience is shaped by hafawah, a Saudi tradition associated with generous and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than feeling formal or scripted, the service is characterised by personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

During an introduction to the island, guests learn about its history and natural environment, including the Turquoise Hole, a distinctive natural water formation.

One of the retreat’s principal gathering places is the Overwater Diwaniya, a relaxed venue above the sea. It serves as a setting for breakfast, coffee, lunch and sunset gatherings, bringing guests together throughout the day.

Dining Above the Red Sea

Dining is another highlight, with menus featuring fresh seafood, barbecue dishes, colourful salads and daily grilled specialities. The combination of relaxed service and an exclusive waterfront setting gives meals an informal yet refined character.

Watching the Maldivian chef prepare food over charcoal adds a personal element to the experience, turning meals into part of the island’s wider appeal.

Across the stay, the hospitality team maintains a consistent focus on warmth, attentiveness and generosity. The service feels natural, with staff taking pride in making guests comfortable.

A Villa Designed Around Nature

Royal Villa One offers a private setting where natural materials and expansive views connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Bamboo ceilings, earthy textures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the sea visible from almost every corner.

The bedroom features a canopy bed and flowing fabric details, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Even smaller elements, including the slippers, reflect the attention given to comfort.

In the bathroom, a glass-walled shower overlooks a private garden. Toiletries and grooming essentials are carefully arranged to make the stay convenient.

Outside, a secluded garden leads to a private dining area overlooking the water, creating an intimate setting for meals and quiet moments.

Exploring the Island’s Marine Life

The Red Sea is central to the retreat’s appeal. Its changing shades of blue provide a backdrop for activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guided snorkelling excursions take guests to coral reefs and less-explored areas around the island. Underwater cameras provided by the guides allow visitors to capture the experience without having to manage their own equipment throughout the trip.

The excursions offer a closer look at the marine environment while allowing guests to remain immersed in the experience.

Wellness and Memorable Evenings

The island’s spa provides another opportunity to unwind. A floral foot ritual and citrus aromatherapy begin the treatment, followed by a massage designed to promote relaxation.

The spa experience combines professional treatment with a calm setting, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.

Evenings bring a different atmosphere. Sunsets beside the pool transform the sky into shades of gold and blue, while seabirds occasionally add to the stillness of the scene.

The programme also includes hands-on and social activities. Guests can make manakish with the chef, take part in group pizza sessions, enjoy long lunches beside the sea or watch a film during a beach cinema evening.

These experiences provide variety without taking away from the island’s defining sense of tranquillity.

An Escape That Lingers

Leaving Thuwal Private Retreat can be an emotional experience, particularly after several days of personalised service and shared activities. The farewell from the team, with staff waving as the boat departs, reinforces the personal connections built during the stay.

The retreat’s appeal lies not only in its villas, marine activities or dining, but also in the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and experience the Red Sea at a slower pace.

For travellers seeking privacy, thoughtful hospitality and a close connection with nature, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a distinctive island escape along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Source: Arab News

Waterfront walkways developed by Jazan Municipality are creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and outdoor recreation along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline.

The pedestrian routes extend from the coast towards the sea, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy marine views, observe aquatic life and watch sunsets.

Among the key attractions is the 600-metre Sunset Walkway, which includes 55 seating areas, illuminated pedestrian paths, children's play zones, public facilities and retail kiosks. The commercial spaces also provide opportunities for local families involved in cottage industries to sell their products.

The walkway offers panoramic views of the Red Sea while creating a space for leisure activities and family outings.

Jazan Municipality spokesperson Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khayyat said the projects make use of the region’s coastal landscape to develop accessible public spaces and encourage greater recreational activity.

He added that the developments are expected to stimulate commercial investment in cafés and retail outlets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the Quality of Life programme.

Source: SPA

The distinctive rock formations of Saudi Arabia’s Hima Cultural Area shape its rugged landscape, blending natural beauty with archaeological evidence of human history across the Arabian Peninsula.

The rocks display a range of natural colours, including brown, orange, gold and earthy red. These hues become particularly vivid at sunrise and shortly before sunset, enhancing the area's visual appeal.

Archaeologist and tour organiser Mohammed Al-Mustaneer said the formations are closely connected to the site's archaeological importance. Their surfaces preserve ancient inscriptions, drawings and writings that provide evidence of human activity in the region over successive historical periods.

The rock art offers insights into the lives of communities that once inhabited or travelled through the area. The inscriptions and images help document their lifestyles, migration routes, hunting and herding activities, as well as the symbols and forms of expression they left behind.

Beyond its geological features, the Hima Cultural Area serves as an important natural and archaeological landmark, reflecting Najran's rich cultural heritage. Its combination of ancient human records and striking landscapes also highlights the region's potential as a destination for cultural tourism.

Preserving the site allows its historical evidence and natural features to remain accessible to visitors while safeguarding an important part of the Arabian Peninsula's heritage for future generations.

Source: SPA

The coast of Jabal Kushkush in the Farasan Islands Governorate of Jazan Region preserves a legacy of traditional pearl diving, having once served as an important anchorage for vessels returning from expeditions at sea.

Tour guide Othman Humuq said pearl divers historically used the coastal site as a sheltered place to rest, secure their boats and open oyster shells after their journeys. Local fishermen also relied on the surrounding waters for their activities.

Located near Abu Al-Tawq village on Farasan Al-Sughra island, approximately 60 kilometres from Farasan City, the area is widely known as Kushkush Beach.

The site is distinguished by its unusual geological landscape, featuring sea caves, rock cavities, natural passageways and large umbrella-shaped rock formations. These structures rise between three and six metres, giving the coastline its distinctive appearance.

With much of its natural environment remaining undisturbed, Jabal Kushkush continues to draw tourists and visitors seeking a quiet coastal escape. Visitor numbers tend to increase during the winter season, when the site’s natural scenery becomes a particular attraction.

The area offers a glimpse of the Farasan Islands’ maritime heritage while showcasing the geological features and coastal landscapes that contribute to Jazan Region’s tourism appeal.

Source: SPA