Riyadh Shatters Tourism Records in Winter Twenty Twenty-Five, Welcoming Fifteen Million Visitors and Generating SAR Thirty-Three Billion in Spending: Here’s to Know More About It

Published on December 24, 2025

The Riyadh region has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism during the current winter season, with more than 15.1 million tourists from both domestic and international sources visiting the capital by the end of the third quarter. This exceptional performance underscores Riyadh’s growing appeal as a premier destination for both business and entertainment.

A Thriving Tourism Hub

Riyadh’s tourism performance is a clear indicator of the capital’s rising prominence on the global tourism map. As the kingdom continues to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a major international hub, tourism plays a crucial role in its development. The figures from the Saudi Gazette reflect a vibrant and expanding tourism market, contributing significantly to the local economy.

The influx of tourists to Riyadh highlights the city’s increasing attractiveness as a destination for various types of visitors. Whether it is business travelers attending conferences and meetings, or leisure tourists enjoying the city’s entertainment offerings, Riyadh’s appeal has never been more evident. This surge in tourism reflects the success of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost urban tourism, with a focus on creating world-class infrastructure, diversifying tourism activities, and hosting a wide range of events.

Impressive Economic Impact

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, tourist spending in Riyadh reached an impressive SAR 33 billion (approximately $8.9 billion) by the end of the third quarter of 2025. This figure includes both domestic and international tourist spending, further highlighting the direct economic impact of Riyadh’s tourism boom.

The spending data shows the significant contribution of tourism to the regional economy, with hotel bookings, transportation, entertainment, and other sectors benefitting from this rise in tourist arrivals. With more tourists flocking to the city, the local economy has seen an influx of revenue, helping support the development of various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.

Tourism Growth Driven by Diverse Offerings

The 18 percent increase in total tourist spending from the previous period can be attributed to the diversification of events and tourism activities that Riyadh offers. The capital’s events calendar has seen a robust expansion, with seasonal events, festivals, and entertainment experiences becoming major drivers for tourism. These events cater to a wide array of interests, from cultural festivals and international sporting events to concerts and exhibitions, attracting both local and international visitors.

The development of infrastructure has also played a critical role in Riyadh’s tourism growth. Improvements to the city’s airports, roads, hotels, and entertainment venues have helped make Riyadh a more accessible and comfortable destination. Additionally, the expansion of luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls has significantly enhanced the visitor experience, offering a perfect blend of modernity and traditional culture.

Riyadh’s hospitality sector has grown exponentially, with international hotel chains opening new properties and local businesses expanding to meet the growing demand. The city’s entertainment sector, especially with the rise of theme parks, concerts, and sports events, continues to evolve, offering something for everyone. As a result, tourists have more choices and reasons to stay longer, contributing to higher spending levels.

Strengthening Riyadh’s Position as a Global Destination

Riyadh’s tourism success is not only attributed to improved infrastructure but also to the visionary leadership of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. The efforts made to position Riyadh as a global tourism destination are aligned with the country’s long-term Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil revenues. Tourism is one of the key sectors under this vision, and Riyadh’s impressive performance aligns perfectly with these objectives.

The growing tourism sector is contributing to the global positioning of Riyadh as a leading city for urban tourism. The combination of modern infrastructure, world-class entertainment, and a diverse cultural calendar has helped the capital become an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. Riyadh is becoming not just a stopover city but a destination in its own right, capable of competing with other major cities in the region and globally.

A Positive Impact on the Local Economy

The continued growth in tourism is having a profound impact on various tourism-related sectors. From hospitality and transportation to local retail businesses, the local economy has greatly benefited from this influx of visitors. More than just a boost to the economy, tourism has also created job opportunities for the local population, helping to drive economic prosperity across the region.

Riyadh’s efforts to promote itself as a top tourist destination have been complemented by a strong marketing campaign and support from tourism bodies. The capital’s focus on cultural events, heritage sites, and modern entertainment has made it easier to attract tourists from around the world, creating a dynamic and attractive travel environment.

A Bright Future Ahead for Riyadh’s Tourism Industry

With the success seen in 2025, Riyadh is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years. The tourism sector in the capital is on a promising trajectory, and the continued development of infrastructure, the growth of entertainment offerings, and world-class events will ensure that Riyadh remains a leading destination for tourists from both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

In conclusion, Riyadh’s remarkable tourism performance during the 2025 winter season demonstrates its growing appeal as a business and entertainment hub. The rise in tourist numbers and the economic impact of tourism spending illustrate the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s investment in tourism infrastructure, entertainment, and event diversification. With ongoing efforts to promote the city globally, Riyadh is set to continue its ascent as a major global tourism destination.