AI and Tourism Innovations in Saudi Arabia: A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Published on November 22, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its tourism landscape by incorporating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom is aiming to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global tourism hub. AI is playing a crucial role in revolutionizing the tourism sector, making it more sustainable and accessible for future generations. However, Saudi Arabia remains committed to preserving the human touch that makes travel unique, particularly in an era when AI is reshaping industries worldwide.

In an exclusive interview with TTW at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, shared insights on the kingdom’s evolving tourism landscape. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify the economy and position itself as a global tourism hub. While embracing AI innovations to enhance sustainability and accessibility, the Minister emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to preserving the human element of travel, ensuring authentic cultural exchanges and experiences for visitors.

AI Innovations in Saudi Arabia: Enhancing Tourism and Sustainability

Saudi Arabia’s robust technological infrastructure and advanced AI capabilities are at the forefront of the kingdom’s strategy to boost tourism. AI innovations are being deployed across various aspects of the tourism sector, including airports, travel booking systems, and tour guide services. This commitment to modernizing services using AI will enhance the tourist experience while promoting sustainability and efficiency.

One of the key challenges in tourism is providing high-quality services while also maintaining sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s cautious and measured approach to AI implementation ensures that while some services are automated, others will remain human-centric to foster genuine people-to-people connections. For example, airport services and tour guides may be automated, but key areas of personal interaction, such as cultural experiences and hospitality, will continue to be delivered by humans.

Tourism and AI: Striking the Right Balance

Saudi Arabia’s cautious stance toward AI in tourism reflects the broader understanding that tourism is deeply rooted in human interaction. The core of tourism, especially when it comes to understanding other cultures, lies in the personal connections tourists make with locals. AI will undoubtedly revolutionize services, but it will not replace the unique cultural exchange that occurs when people engage directly.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia will see significant advancements in automation, but the kingdom has made it clear that the personal touch in hospitality and cultural exchange will remain a priority. For instance, while airport check-ins and guided tours may become more efficient through AI, Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision will continue to emphasize cultural immersion and the human aspect of travel.

Saudi Arabia’s MICE Tourism: A Thriving Hub for Global Conferences and Events

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. The kingdom has long been a destination for business meetings and international forums, but it is now investing heavily in expanding its MICE offerings. Events like the Future Investment Initiative (FII), the biggest banking and finance forum, and the Saudi Arabian Defense and Air Show have cemented the country’s reputation as a global business hub.

Saudi Arabia’s calendar of MICE events continues to grow, with new additions aimed at diversifying its tourism portfolio. Recently, the kingdom introduced the largest tourism and travel conference in the world, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global tourism and business sectors. With cutting-edge conference facilities and the development of world-class infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for corporate and business travellers.

The Red Sea Resorts: A New Frontier for Sustainable Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is expanding beyond traditional attractions, with a focus on developing sustainable and luxurious resorts along the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea project is one of the kingdom’s most ambitious tourism ventures, with new resorts, including six that have already opened, and another 10 scheduled for launch in the coming months. These resorts are part of a larger vision to create a world-class destination offering everything from pristine beaches to exclusive eco-friendly accommodations.

The Red Sea initiative is designed with sustainability at its core, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of the environment. This commitment to eco-friendly tourism will allow visitors to experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s coastline while preserving its natural resources for future generations.

The GIA Entertainment Park: A Massive Leap Forward in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry

One of the standout features of Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism industry is the development of the GIA (General Investment Area) Entertainment Park, which will feature the much-anticipated Six Flags theme park. The GIA is set to become one of the largest entertainment and theme park complexes ever built in the kingdom. Visitors can expect thrilling rides, world-class attractions, and immersive experiences that will rival the best theme parks globally.

The opening of Six Flags and other major attractions in Saudi Arabia signals the kingdom’s intent to position itself as a leading destination for leisure and entertainment tourism. With a strategic mix of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions, Saudi Arabia is building a tourism ecosystem that caters to diverse audiences from around the world.

The Road Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by a combination of AI innovations, sustainable development, and an ambitious MICE calendar. By embracing cutting-edge technologies while also preserving the importance of human interaction, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a future where tourism can thrive in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The government’s efforts to diversify the tourism sector, combined with massive investments in infrastructure, will continue to make Saudi Arabia one of the most exciting destinations for travelers. As the kingdom’s Vision 2030 unfolds, the tourism sector will be a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and international collaboration.

Saudi Arabia is not just aiming to be a tourism hotspot; it is looking to become a global leader in sustainable tourism, where innovation, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously. The future of tourism in Saudi Arabia looks bright, and with AI innovations and sustainable development, the kingdom is poised to become a model for the rest of the world.