Tourism In Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
is the second biggest tourist destination in the
Middle East The Middle East (term originally coined in English language) is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The term came into widespread usage by the United Kingdom and western Eur ...
with over 16 million visiting in 2017. Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. As the tourism sector has been largely boosted lately, the sector is expected to a significant industry for Saudi Arabia, reducing its dependence on oil revenues. This is proved as tourism sector is expected to generate $25 billion in 2019. Potential tourist areas include the
Hijaz Hejaz is a historical region of the Arabian Peninsula that includes the majority of the western region of Saudi Arabia, covering the cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif and Al-Bahah. It is thus known as the "Western Province ...
and
Sarawat Mountains The Sarawat Mountains (), also known as the Sarat in singular case, is a mountain range in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula. In a broad sense, it runs parallel to the eastern coast of the Red Sea, and thus encompasses the mountains of ...
,
Red Sea The Red Sea is a sea inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. Its connection to the ocean is in the south, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. To its north lie the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and th ...
diving and a number of ancient ruins. According to the
World Travel and Tourism Council The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. It is made up of members from the global business community and works with governments to raise awareness about the travel and tourism industry. It is kno ...
(WTTC), in 2018, Travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia added 9% to the Kingdom's total economy which is worth $65.2 billion. In December 2013, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history.
Council of Ministers Council of Ministers is a traditional name given to the supreme Executive (government), executive organ in some governments. It is usually equivalent to the term Cabinet (government), cabinet. The term Council of State is a similar name that also m ...
entrusted the Ministry of Tourism with visa issuing on the basis of certain regulations approved by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia formally announced the issuance of the tourist visa to visitors from 49 countries for a fee of $80. The visa can be either obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. Ten days after the implementation of instant tourist visas, 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia. China visitors topped the list, with the UK and the US in second and third. Popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia are
Makkah Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above sea level. Its metropo ...
,
Medina Medina, officially al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (, ), also known as Taybah () and known in pre-Islamic times as Yathrib (), is the capital of Medina Province (Saudi Arabia), Medina Province in the Hejaz region of western Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ...
, Mada'in Salih,
Yanbu Yanbu (), also known as Yambu or Yenbo, is a city in the Medina Province of western Saudi Arabia. It is approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Jeddah (at ). The population is 31,800 (2025 census). Many residents are foreign expatriates wo ...
, Tabuk,
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
and
Riyadh Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. Located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, the current form of the metropolis largely emerged in th ...
. Arriving in Saudi Arabia can be through 13 international airports served by various global airlines. There are also 15 domestic airports connecting the country's regions and cities. For moving within the country, there are budget airlines like Flynas, Fyadeal, Nesma Airlines, in addition to
Saudi Airlines Saudia (), formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines (), is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia based in Jeddah. The airline's main hubs are the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the ...
and SaudiGulf Airlines.


Museums

Saudi Arabia has a variety of museums ranging from historical museums, archeological museums, and cultural and scientific museums. These museums exhibit the art life, old handicrafts, and antiquities of the Kingdom and including: *
National Museum of Saudi Arabia The National Museum of Saudi Arabia () is a national museum located in the Al Murabba, al-Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1999, The museum highlights the prominent history of the Arabian Peninsula and its historical role in Islam expanding as well as the history of Saudi Arabia. The museum also holds many ancient manuscripts that are traced back to many ancient civilizations. Indeed Saudi Arabia is considered one of the richest countries in regards of the number of ancient manuscripts. * Al-Zaher Palace Museum: It is a historical museum established in 1944 and exhibits the history of
Makkah Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above sea level. Its metropo ...
and various archaeological collections for different periods of
Islamic history The history of Islam is believed, by most historians, to have originated with Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE, although Muslims regard this time as a return to the original faith passed down by the Abra ...
in the region. * Al-Madinah Museum: It exhibits Al-Madina's heritage and history featuring different archaeological collections, visual galleries and rare images that relate to Al-Medina. It also includes the Hejaz Railway Museum. * Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
: it exhibits various collections including artifacts of the stone age back to the
Acheulean Acheulean (; also Acheulian and Mode II), from the French after the type site of Saint-Acheul, is an archaeological industry of stone tool manufacture characterized by the distinctive oval and pear-shaped "hand axes" associated with ''Homo ...
period, elements illustrating the rise of Islam, and a collection of ethnographic items portraying the modern culture of the region. *
Nasseef House Nasseef House or Nassif House (Arabic: بيت نصيف ''Bayt Nasseef'') is a historical structure in Al-Balad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As of 2009, it is a museum and cultural center which has special exhibits and lectures given by historians. H ...
in
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
: a historical building in Al-Balad, founded in 1872. later, In 2009, it was transformed into a museum and cultural center. * Royal Saudi Air Force Museum in
Riyadh Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. Located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, the current form of the metropolis largely emerged in th ...
: This museum displays the history of the
Royal Saudi Air Force The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF; ) is the military aviation, aviation branch of the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently has wings, squadrons, and a special forces unit dedicated to comba ...
. * Masmak fort: is a clay and mud-brick fort, it was built around 1865. * Makkah Antiquities and Heritage Museum: The museum was originally a royal guest house and went by the name of Zaher Palace. It was later converted into a school, and then into a museum. *
Tabuk Castle Tabuk Castle () is an ancient castle in Tabuk, the capital city of Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia, which dates back to 1559. The castle has been rehabilitated and transformed into a museum which is open to all visitors. History ...
: is an ancient castle in Tabuk, the capital city of the
Tabuk Region Tabuk Province, also known as Tabuk Region ( '), is a province in Saudi Arabia, located along the northwestern coast of the country, facing Egypt across the Red Sea. It also borders Jordan to the north. History The history of Tabuk province ...
in northwestern
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
which dates back to 1559. The castle has been rehabilitated and transformed into a museum open to all visitors. *Dammam National Museum is located on the 4th floor of the Dammam Public Library, opposite the Muhammad bin Fahd Stadium on the cross lane from the Dammam-Khobar Highway in Al Toubaishi district. The museum focuses on the country's history, culture, and inhabitants through displays of relics and remnants of handicrafts. *Al Ula Museum: one of the most crucial tourist destinations within the Kingdom, is described as a vibrant living museum in the open air, where the rich tapestry of Saudi Arabian history unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and architectural marvels. * Museum of Buraidah * Al Ahsa Museum * The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition


World Heritage Sites

There are seven UNESCO
World Heritage Site World Heritage Sites are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an treaty, international treaty administered by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural ...
s in
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
inscribed from 2008 to 2023; they are as follows: *
Al-Ahsa Oasis Al-Ahsa Oasis (, ''al-ʾAhsā''), also known as al-Ḥasāʾ () or Hajar (), is an oasis and historical region in eastern Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa Governorate, which makes up much of the country's Eastern Province, is named after it. The oasis is ...
: The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells and a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites. * Mada'in Salih is a pre-Islamic
archaeological site An archaeological site is a place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence of past activity is preserved (either prehistoric or recorded history, historic or contemporary), and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline ...
located in the
AlUla The alula , or bastard wing, (plural ''alulae'') is a small projection on the anterior edge of the wing of modern birds and a few non-avian dinosaurs. The word is Latin and means "winglet"; it is the diminutive of ''ala'', meaning "wing". The a ...
sector, within the
Al Madinah Region The Medina Province () is a province of Saudi Arabia in the Hejaz region along the Red Sea coast. It has an area of and a population of 2,389,452 (2022 Census) The provincial capital is Medina, the second-holiest city in Islam. Other cities i ...
of
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
. A majority of the vestiges date from the
Nabatean kingdom The Nabataean Kingdom ( Nabataean Aramaic: 𐢕𐢃𐢋𐢈 ''Nabāṭū''), also named Nabatea () was a political state of the Nabataeans during classical antiquity. The Nabataean Kingdom controlled many of the trade routes of the region, amassi ...
(1st century AD). The site constitutes the kingdom's southernmost and largest settlement after
Petra Petra (; "Rock"), originally known to its inhabitants as Raqmu (Nabataean Aramaic, Nabataean: or , *''Raqēmō''), is an ancient city and archaeological site in southern Jordan. Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit systems, P ...
, its
capital Capital and its variations may refer to: Common uses * Capital city, a municipality of primary status ** Capital region, a metropolitan region containing the capital ** List of national capitals * Capital letter, an upper-case letter Econom ...
. Traces of
Lihyan Lihyan (, ''Liḥyān''; Greek: Lechienoi), also called Dadān or Dedan, was an ancient Arab kingdom that played a vital cultural and economic role in the north-western region of the Arabian Peninsula and used Dadanitic language. The kingdom fl ...
ite and
Roman Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy *Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of Roman civilization *Epistle to the Romans, shortened to Romans, a letter w ...
occupation before and after the Nabatean rule, respectively, can also be found ''
in situ is a Latin phrase meaning 'in place' or 'on site', derived from ' ('in') and ' ( ablative of ''situs'', ). The term typically refers to the examination or occurrence of a process within its original context, without relocation. The term is use ...
'', while accounts from the
Qur’an The Quran, also Romanization, romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a Waḥy, revelation directly from God in Islam, God (''Allah, Allāh''). It is organized in 114 chapters (, ) which ...
tell of an earlier settlement of the area by the tribe of
Thamud The Thamud () were an ancient tribe or tribal confederation in pre-Islamic Arabia that occupied the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are attested in contemporaneous Mesopotamian and Classical inscriptions, as well as Arabic ones from the e ...
in the 3rd millennium BC. 250px, Salwa Palace in At-Turaif District, Diriyah.html" ;"title="At-Turaif District, Diriyah">At-Turaif District, Diriyah * Al-Turaif District">At-Turaif District At-Turaif is a historic district located in Diriyah, north-west of Riyadh. It is regarded as one of the more important political and historical sites in Saudi Arabia, as it represented the capital of Saudi dynasty. It was the original home of the ...
in
ad-Dir'iyah, a town in
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
located on the northwestern outskirts of
Riyadh Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. Located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, the current form of the metropolis largely emerged in th ...
. Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family The House of Saud ( ) is the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia. It is composed of the descendants of Muhammad bin Saud, founder of the Emirate of Diriyah, known as the First Saudi State, (1727–1818), and his brothers, though the ruling fa ...
and served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the First Saudi State">first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate, which also includes the villages of Uyayna">Diriyah Governorate">First Saudi State">first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate, which also includes the villages of Uyayna, Jubayla, and Al-Ammariyyah, among others, and is part of Ar Riyad Province. * Al-Balad, Jeddah, Historic Jeddah: Historic Jeddah was as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to
Mecca Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above ...
. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea. * Rock Art in the Hail Region: This property shows numerous representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history. * Ḥimā Cultural Area: Ḥimā Cultural Area contains a collection of rock art images illustrating hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles of 7,000 years. * 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid: The property encompasses the western part of the greatest expanse of windblown sand on Earth, known as Ar Rub' al-KhaIi, and conserves one of the Earth's most spectacular desert landscapes. *
Qaryat al-Faw Qaryat Al Faw (), also known as Qaryat Dhat Kahil, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kinda, now an archaeological site. It is located about 100 km south of Wadi ad-Dawasir, and about 700 km southwest of Riyadh Riyadh is the capital and ...
: Lying at a strategic point of the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, the property was abruptly abandoned around the 5th century CE.


Main festivals and events

250px, Boulevard City Zone of Riyadh Season ">Riyadh_Season.html" ;"title="Boulevard City Zone of Riyadh Season">Boulevard City Zone of Riyadh Season *
Riyadh Season Riyadh Season () is a series of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The event was introduced in 2019 by the General Entertainment Authority as part of the larger Saudi Seasons initiative in s ...
: is a six-month long entertainment festival that includes a wide range of entertainment events from international concerts, sport events, Michelin star restaurants and family-oriented activities such as Winter Wonderland. * Jenadriyah: It is an annual cultural and heritage festival held in Jenadriyah near Riyadh. The festival hosts various cultural and heritage events such as Al Janadriya Operetta, Saudi ardah, and
camel racing Camel racing is a racing sport in which jockeys riding on camels compete against each other to finish a set number of laps around a circular racetrack. It is most popular in Western Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Pakistan, Mongolia ...
. *
Souk Okaz Sūq ʿUkāẓ ( ), or Al-Ukadh, is a historical souk at ʿUkāẓ, between Nakhla and Taif, in Saudi Arabia. It was the largest and best known annual fair in pre-Islamic times. Today it is a popular tourist destination. History Sūq ʿUk ...
: It is an annual cultural event held in
Ta'if Taif (, ) is a city and governorate in Mecca Province in Saudi Arabia. Located at an elevation of in the slopes of the Hijaz Mountains, which themselves are part of the Sarawat Mountains, Sarat Mountains, the city has a population of 563,282 pe ...
. It was known as an open market in the ancient past. Nowadays, Souk Okaz combines more than 150 attractions of heritage and cultural events, theatre performances, and arts and crafts. * Historic Jeddah Festival: is a celebration that takes place in the historical Al Balad district of
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
. The festival exhibits the culture and heritage of Jeddah. * “Winter at Tantora” festival : an annual festival held in the old town of AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. * Ha'il International Rally * Al Qassim Date Festival: is the largest date festival in the world held in the central Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. *King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is an international festival organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and witnesses the participation of a group of falcon owners in the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. *Riyadh Fashion Week: a spectacular showcase of Saudi Arabia's flourishing fashion identity, featuring a curated lineup of 16 mesmerizing runway shows that invite attendees to embark on an extraordinary and evocative journey into the heart of style, cultural richness, and innovation.


Religious tourism

Tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious
pilgrimages A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, which can lead to a personal transformation, after which the pilgrim returns to their daily life. A pilgrim (from the Latin ''peregrinus'') is a traveler (literally one who has come from afar) who is o ...
.
Mecca Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above ...
and
Medina Medina, officially al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (, ), also known as Taybah () and known in pre-Islamic times as Yathrib (), is the capital of Medina Province (Saudi Arabia), Medina Province in the Hejaz region of western Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ...
receive over three million pilgrims a year during the month of
Dhu al-Hijjah Dhu al-Hijjah (also Dhu al-Hijja ) is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. Being one of the four sacred months during which war is forbidden, it is the month in which the '' Ḥajj'' () takes place as well as Eid al-Adha (). T ...
in
Hajj Hajj (; ; also spelled Hadj, Haj or Haji) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetim ...
, and around two million during the month of
Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (''Fasting in Islam, sawm''), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed ...
to perform
Umrah The Umrah () is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the '' Ḥajj'' (; "pilgrimage"), which has specific d ...
. During the rest of the year, Mecca and Medina receive around four million for Umrah. The
Hajj Hajj (; ; also spelled Hadj, Haj or Haji) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetim ...
, or pilgrimage to the city, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Only Muslims are permitted in Mecca, while non-Muslims can enter Medina.


Saudi Seasons

In 2019, in support of
Saudi Vision 2030 Saudi Vision 2030 (, sometimes called Project 2030) is a government program launched by Saudi Arabia which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially, and culturally, in line with the vision of Saudi crown pri ...
, the country launched an initiative known as Saudi Seasons to help promote domestic and international tourism. Backed via public and private sector investments, Saudi Seasons consists of "seasons" in specific areas of the country throughout the year, which serve as a collective brand for cultural and entertainment events (including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports, and other attractions) held during the periods:
Riyadh Season Riyadh Season () is a series of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The event was introduced in 2019 by the General Entertainment Authority as part of the larger Saudi Seasons initiative in s ...
, the largest of the events in the Saudi capital of
Riyadh Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. Located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, the current form of the metropolis largely emerged in th ...
, runs from October through March annually. The inaugural edition of Riyadh Season generated six billion riyals in revenue and over eleven million visitors.


Other sites

The Red Sea Project is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis. The construction began in 2019. The Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it is listed as one of the best diving locations in the world.


Tourists in Saudi

The Travel & Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set for impressive growth, with an anticipated annual average increase of 11% over the next decade, positioning itself as the fastest-growing industry in the Middle East. This positive trajectory is highlighted by a projection that the Kingdom is expected to attract a substantial 22.1 million international arrivals by 2025. Such a promising outlook not only emphasizes the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination but also signifies the country's strategic efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape. Most visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia on a short term basis were from the following countries:


Future prospects

Saudi Arabia's overall number of tourist trips is on course to be 93.8 million by 2023, up from 64.7 million in 2018. Riyadh and Jeddah hosted Color Runs in late 2019. Hotels are no longer required to ask Saudi couples for proof of marriage for a check-in. The government is spending billions on bringing forms of entertainment such as wrestling, tennis, car racing, expensive restaurants and concerts to expand tourism. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country announced its bid in October 2023, and was the only nation to submit a bid by the deadline, presenting a significant and promising opportunity for the future development and global recognition of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is closely aligned with the 2030 vision, seeking to significantly enhance the sector's role in the domestic economy. The plan targets a contribution of over 10% to the growth of domestic product (GDP), the creation of one million new job opportunities, and the attraction of 100 million annual visits by 2030. This ambitious agenda reflects a comprehensive effort to position the Kingdom as a prominent player in the global tourism landscape. Embarking on a transformative journey to diversify its economic, social, and cultural dimensions, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has unveiled four pivotal projects under the ambitious 2030 vision. Qiddiyah Entertainment City, a colossal recreational and entertainment hub, promises a world of theme parks, sports facilities, desert tracks for motorsports, and a diverse array of historical and cultural events. NEOM, a $500 billion endeavor, envisions a futuristic city near the Red Sea, incorporating multiple cities, airports, seaports, and innovation centers. Meanwhile, the Red Sea Project focuses on luxury tourism, highlighting the natural wonders of the Red Sea through sustainable practices. Amaala Resort, an ultra-luxurious project, centers on wellness, healthy tourism, and cultural experiences, all aimed at not only elevating the nation's income but also transforming the quality of life for its citizens through world class tourism and entertainment experiences. With these visionary projects under the 2030 vision, the future prospects for the nation's economic, social, and cultural landscape appear promising and transformative.


Tourism Projects Under Construction

The following list contains major
Saudi Vision 2030 Saudi Vision 2030 (, sometimes called Project 2030) is a government program launched by Saudi Arabia which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially, and culturally, in line with the vision of Saudi crown pri ...
tourism projects under construction:


Promotion


Lionel Messi as ambassador

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed
Argentine Argentines, Argentinians or Argentineans are people from Argentina. This connection may be residential, legal, historical, or cultural. For most Argentines, several (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of their ...
professional footballer and Inter Miami forward,
Lionel Messi Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional Association football, footballer who plays as a forward (association football), forward for and Captain (association football), captains both Major League Soccer ...
, as its tourism ambassador in May 2022. Messi was signed by Saudi Arabia as its ambassador during a trip he made to the country's port city of
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
, along the
Red Sea The Red Sea is a sea inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. Its connection to the ocean is in the south, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. To its north lie the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and th ...
. Saudi's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb officially announced the signing in a tweet by writing, “This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it will not be the last”, indicating the footballer's future visits to Saudi for promoting its tourism. The news received critical reactions from media and human rights groups calling it Saudi Arabia's use of sports to improve its reputation.


Gallery

-->File:Abha1.jpg,
Abha Abha (, ') is the capital of Asir, Asir Province in Saudi Arabia. It is situated above sea level in the fertile Asir Mountains of south-western Saudi Arabia, near Asir National Park. Abha's mild climate makes it a popular tourist destination fo ...
City, located above sea level in the
'Asir Region Asir, officially the Aseer Province, is a province of Saudi Arabia in southern Arabia. It has an area of , and an estimated population of 2,024,285 (in 2022). Asir is bounded by the Mecca Province to the north and west, al-Bahah Province to the ...
File:Al-Rifai House 2021.jpg, Al-Rifai House in Farasan Islands File:Shebara Resort 2025.jpg, Shebara Resort in The Red Sea Project File:1قرية ذي عين.jpg, Thee Ain village located in
Al Bahah Province Al-Baha Province, also known as Al-Baha Region ( ' ), also spelled as Al-Bahah, is a province in Saudi Arabia. It is the smallest province in the country by both area and population. History History of the Province Before Islam The provin ...
File:Rijal Almaa village 2021.jpg, Rijal Alma'a Heritage Village in
'Asir Province Asir, officially the Aseer Province, is a Provinces of Saudi Arabia, province of Saudi Arabia in South Arabia, southern Arabia. It has an area of , and an estimated population of 2,024,285 (in 2022). Asir is bounded by the Mecca Province to the ...
File:Rub al khali sunset Nov 2007.jpg, The desert of ''Al-Rub' Al-Khali'' (The Empty Quarter) File: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) (cropped).png , King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran File:The old city of Adummatu.jpg, The 3000-year-old ancient historical city of
Dumat al-Jandal Dumat al-Jandal (, ), also known as Al-Jawf or Al-Jouf (), which refers to Wadi Sirhan, is an ancient city of ruins and the historical capital of the Al Jawf Province, today in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It is located 37 km from Sakakah. ...
in Al Jawf Province File:Soudah Mountain.png,
Jabal Soudah Jabal Soudah ( ', ) is a peak in the Soudah mountains in Saudi Arabia. Jabal Soudah is officially recognized by the Saudi authorities as the highest point in Saudi Arabia, with an elevation of . The village of Al-Soudah is located nearby. The ...
() located in the 'Asir subrange of the Sarat Mountains File:Old Jeddah (Al Balad), Saudi Arabia in November 2022.jpg, The
historic district A historic district or heritage district is a section of a city which contains historic building, older buildings considered valuable for historical or architectural reasons. In some countries or jurisdictions, historic districts receive legal p ...
of
Jeddah Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
File:Banyan Tree AlUla pool.jpg, Rock pool at Banyan Tree AlUla File:Imarah Palace.jpg, Imarah Palace which is built using traditional Najrani architecture File:Boulevard Riyadh City.jpg, Boulevard World Zone of
Riyadh Season Riyadh Season () is a series of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The event was introduced in 2019 by the General Entertainment Authority as part of the larger Saudi Seasons initiative in s ...
File:Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024.jpg, Art Street in
Abha Abha (, ') is the capital of Asir, Asir Province in Saudi Arabia. It is situated above sea level in the fertile Asir Mountains of south-western Saudi Arabia, near Asir National Park. Abha's mild climate makes it a popular tourist destination fo ...


See also

* List of tourist attractions in Riyadh * Saudi Tourism Authority *
Economy of Saudi Arabia The economy of Saudi Arabia is highly reliant on its petroleum sector. Oil accounts for approximately 30% of Saudi GDP and 55% of government revenue, with substantial fluctuations depending on oil prices each year. The kingdom has the secon ...
* Museums in Saudi Arabia * Visa policy of Saudi Arabia *
Public Decency Law in Saudi Arabia Public Decency Law in Saudi Arabia is a set of rules issued in September 2019 by the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure that citizens and tourists are aware of the rules related to the public decency and are in compliance with Saudi law. Backgr ...


References


External links


Visit Saudi Website

Saudi eVisa

Saudi Ministry of Tourism Website

Saudi Tourism Authority Website

Nusuk Website for Performing Umrah

Riyadh Season Website

Visit Al-Balad Website

Experience Al-Ula Website

Diriyah Website
{{Asia topic, Tourism in