How Saudi Arabia is Leading the Middle East’s Tourism Expansion with Vision 2030

Published on December 22, 2025

Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural session of the Turaiz International Tourism Forum in Riyadh, demonstrating remarkable international cooperation and investment. The forum was attended by 50 ministers, tourism leaders, and decision-makers from over 100 countries. The event provided an opportunity for experts to chart the future course of global tourism, with a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and the expansion of tourism opportunities around the world.

The forum’s outcome was more than symbolic; it resulted in the mobilisation of a significant $113 billion in investments, the majority of which went towards Saudi Arabian projects. Notably, roughly 60% of these funds, or approximately $68 billion, will be invested within the Kingdom’s borders. This ambitious push for tourism development is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals outlined in the Vision 2030 initiative, a plan put in place to diversify the country’s economy and reduce reliance on oil exports.

Saudi Arabia’s Bold Investment in Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global tourism powerhouse is evident in the record-breaking investments poured into the sector. Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in its tourism infrastructure, surpassing $200 billion. These investments are being directed into major projects, such as The Red Sea, AlUla, and Qiddiya, and have already begun to shape the future of tourism in the region. The Kingdom is also leveraging its electronic tourist visa system to open doors for international visitors, with citizens from 66 countries now able to enter Saudi Arabia seamlessly.

One of the most ambitious projects under this vision is the Red Sea Project. Covering an expansive 28,000 square kilometres—an area equivalent to that of Armenia—the project aims to develop ultra-luxury resorts. This sprawling development is expected to position Saudi Arabia as a premier luxury and wellness destination in both the Middle East and Asia. The project promises to attract a significant influx of international visitors and position the Kingdom as a key player in the luxury tourism sector within the next five years.

AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Jewel

Another notable initiative within Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy is AlUla, a city that holds immense historical and cultural significance. Recognized as the first Saudi city to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, AlUla is an archaeological treasure trove, with evidence of over 200,000 years of human history. As part of the Kingdom’s tourism development efforts, AlUla is expected to see a staggering investment of $20 billion by 2030.

This investment is not just for preservation but also for the creation of new tourism infrastructure. The development plans for AlUla include the establishment of 9,000 hotel rooms and the creation of 38,000 new job opportunities by 2035. These developments are projected to have a substantial economic impact, potentially boosting Saudi Arabia’s domestic product by approximately $32 billion. AlUla’s unique blend of history and natural beauty is poised to draw global tourists seeking a deep, immersive cultural experience.

Qiddiya: The Entertainment Hub of the Future

Qiddiya, an enormous entertainment, sports, and arts project located southwest of Riyadh, is another cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion. Officially set to open its doors in late 2025, Qiddiya aims to become a global hub for entertainment, bringing together world-class theme parks, sports facilities, and art venues.

As the Kingdom looks to diversify its tourism offerings, Qiddiya is expected to attract both regional and international tourists, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key destination for entertainment and leisure in the region. The project, still in its early stages, is set to transform the landscape of entertainment in the Middle East and will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s economy upon its completion.

A Thriving Global Tourism Landscape

International tourism has seen a significant uptick in recent years, with countries like France, Spain, the United States, and Türkiye continuing to dominate the global tourism scene. France, renowned for its romantic allure, luxury experiences, and exquisite cuisine, continues to retain its position as the most visited country, attracting over 100 million tourists in 2024.

Spain and Türkiye, however, have crafted unique tourism dynamics. Spain, for instance, has turned its cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, into major cultural hubs, while also developing heritage tourism in places like Granada and Seville. In comparison, Türkiye’s diverse offerings, from its rich Byzantine heritage in Istanbul to its beach tourism in Antalya, have solidified its position as a popular bridge between East and West.

However, in 2024, Saudi Arabia has joined the ranks of the world’s top destinations, welcoming 30 million international tourists. The Kingdom surpassed other Arab nations like the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Oman, positioning itself as the leading Arab nation for foreign visitors. This growth highlights Saudi Arabia’s increasing influence in global tourism and its ability to cater to a diverse range of travelers, from adventure enthusiasts to luxury seekers.

The Economic Impact of Tourism

Tourism continues to be one of the most significant contributors to the global economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism generated $11 trillion in global GDP in 2024, accounting for one out of every ten dollars spent globally. Tourism also provides one in every ten jobs worldwide, with projections indicating that one in every three new jobs by 2035 will be in the tourism sector.

Moreover, tourism is a key driver of equitable economic development, providing job opportunities for individuals with varying levels of education and skills. It has been recognized as one of the most effective tools for poverty alleviation, offering employment to those who may not have access to other high-skill jobs.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the tourism sector is a testament to the long-term vision of tourism as an economic pillar. With its multi-billion-dollar investments and strategic development of key tourism projects, the Kingdom is well on its way to transforming its tourism landscape and contributing to the global economy.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a major player in the global tourism industry. With a $113 billion investment in major projects such as the Red Sea, AlUla, and Qiddiya, as well as the implementation of an electronic visa system, the Kingdom is on track to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. As the global tourism market expands, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is reshaping the industry and positioning the Kingdom as a centre for luxury, culture, and entertainment.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on sustainable tourism and investment in diverse tourism experiences will undoubtedly position it as a key destination in the coming years. This transformative approach, combined with the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and innovative tourism projects, is likely to ensure that Saudi Arabia plays an important role in the future of global tourism.