12 new GCC attractions to add to itineraries in 2026

2 Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Museum

Celebrating the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this national museum spotlights 300,000 years of human history and Emirati heritage. Six permanent galleries and guided tours reveal stories from the nation’s landscapes and cultural traditions, while outside, Masar Garden showcases native flora and a traditional falaj irrigation system. Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world’s oldest natural pearls. zayednationalmuseum

 

3 Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, UAE
Spanning 20,000 square metres of Grand Hyatt Dubai’s lush 37‑acre estate, this family water park features 16 attractions including the FlowRider Triple surf simulator for softer landings and the high‑thrill Boomerang slide. The park also includes a wave pool with a sandy beach, lazy river, plunge pools, shaded family zones and private cabanas and is open to both hotel guests and day visitors. grand-hyatt-dubai/water-park

4 Red Sea Museum, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Set in Jeddah’s Unesco‑listed Al‑Balad district, this new museum explores the maritime heritage of the Red Sea through more than 1,000 artefacts across 23 galleries — from manuscripts to jewellery and navigational instruments. Themes range from ancient trade routes to the region’s ecological importance, complemented by rotating workshops, talks, live performances and local art. A cultural anchor for Jeddah’s old port, it offers a fresh lens on Saudi’s coastal legacy. instagram.com/redsea_mc 

 

5 Six Flags Qiddiya City, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A key anchor of Saudi Arabia’s giga‑project Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags outside the US and the largest in the Kingdom has set records with the world’s tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster. Nestled at the foot of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the park spans six themed zones and 28 rides, five of them record‑breaking. Adjacent Aquarabia, the region’s largest themed water park, will offer 22 attractions, making the two a must‑visit entertainment hub 40 minutes from Riyadh. sixflagsqiddiyacity.com

6 Dammam Global City, Saudi Arabia

Inspired by Dubai’s Global Village, this new entertainment destination in Saudi Arabia’s eastern city Dammam, on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, brings world cultures together around an enormous artificial lake, the largest in the region. Sixteen themed pavilions showcase the traditions, food and art of countries including India, Turkey, Thailand and China. Expect a floating food market, live performances for 10,000 spectators, gaming zones, walking trails and waterfront dining, with future phases adding amusement and water parks. globalcitydammam.com

 

RELATED:
Inside Grand Hyatt Dubai’s new water park

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum opens its doors

Why Diriyah is set to be Saudi’s next tourism hotspot

 

Attractions coming in 2026

 

7 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, UAE

Set to open in the second half of 2026, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be the newest and largest of the global Guggenheim network, anchoring Saadiyat Island’s expanding Cultural District, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi within walking distance. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the landmark structure will house a world‑class collection of modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on artists from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The museum will also feature innovative exhibition spaces, education centres and public programmes designed to foster cross‑cultural dialogue and creative exchange. guggenheim-abu-dhabi 

 

8 Corallium Marine Life Institute, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Opening in Q1 2026 within Amaala’s Marina Village, a sustainability and wellness destination on Saudi’s north-western Red Sea coast, the Corallium institute designed by Foster + Partners, combines marine research with immersive and educational visitor experiences. Showcasing the Red Sea’s conservation initiatives, it features large‑scale coral displays across multi‑level galleries, as well as interactive exhibits and opportunities for guests to engage with scientists restoring the region’s reefs. The institute will anchor Amaala’s sustainable tourism narrative through education and discovery.redseaglobal.com/amaala 

 

Render of Corallium Marine Life Institute

 

9 Al‑Khobar Eye, Khobar Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s eastern province will gain a striking new landmark with the launch of the Al‑Khobar Eye in early 2026. Inspired by London’s iconic observation wheel but designed with local flair and storytelling, the attraction will offer 360‑degree views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. Expect luxury cabins, private dining experiences and event packages. visitsaudi.com/en/eastern-province 

 

10 Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience

Expected to open in early 2026, this new surf park, featuring a surf lagoon and lifestyle hub, is located on Bahrain’s southwest ‘sunset coast’ as part of an upcoming tourism mega‑development. Using low‑energy Wavegarden technology, the surf pool can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour and accommodate around 90 surfers at a time, with a wave menu catering to all skill levels. An on‑site academy will offer coaching programmes, alongside a terrace, dining venues and shaded cabanas. bahrainsurfpark.com 

 

Render of Bahrain Surf Park

11 Muttrah Cable Car, Muscat, Oman

Set to begin operations in early 2026, Muscat’s long‑anticipated Muttrah Cable Car will link the city’s historic port and fish market to scenic mountaintop destination Rayah Peak via Flower Park, with stops offering panoramic views, dining venues and adventure attractions such as a giant swing, dancing fountain, winter slide and open‑air stage for live performances. The system will run 18 cabins, including two VIP options, transforming a simple ride into one of Oman’s most anticipated new tourism experiences. mht.gov.om 

 

12 Dugong Adventure World, Doha, Qatar

Located in Doha’s West Bay, close to tourism hotspots Katara Cultural Village and the Corniche, Qatar’s first animation‑themed edutainment park is expected to open in Q1 2026. Centred around the popular Dugong Family characters, the park blends fun and learning through themed zones, interactive exhibits and advanced gaming areas for families, with additional indoor and outdoor playgrounds and dining options. dugong-adventure-world