Saudi Arabia Captivates Visitors At Saudi Travel Fair 2025 In Putrajaya, Showcasing Rich Heritage, Diverse Destinations, And Growing Tourism Opportunities

Published on November 21, 2025

Saudi Arabia captivated visitors at the Saudi Travel Fair 2025, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, diverse destinations, and expanding tourism offerings. The event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination, drawing attention to a wide range of experiences from traditional cultural displays to new leisure and adventure opportunities. With a strong focus on unique travel packages like Umrah extensions and winter tourism programs, Saudi Arabia positioned itself as a key player in global tourism, offering something for every type of traveler, from those seeking spiritual enrichment to those drawn to eco-tourism and luxury leisure.

The Saudi Travel Fair 2025, held from November 12 to 16 at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, welcomed 15,000 visitors, marking a significant rise in interest from Malaysian travelers eager to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse travel offerings. The event highlighted the Kingdom’s cultural richness and its growing appeal as a destination for both religious and leisure travel.

Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s Culture and Travel Opportunities

From the moment visitors entered the fair, they were immersed in the cultural vibrancy of Saudi Arabia. A key highlight was the “Taste of Arabia” corner, where attendees could savor the Kingdom’s signature spiced coffee, qahwa, paired with dates, offering a true taste of Saudi hospitality. Heritage stations invited visitors to try on traditional Saudi attire, providing an interactive way to experience the country’s rich cultural history. These cultural displays immediately drew crowds, reflecting the fair’s aim to offer a holistic view of Saudi Arabia’s identity.

One of the standout features of the event was the Sadu Art Wall. Inspired by the intricate geometric patterns of traditional Saudi weaving, this interactive installation allowed visitors to engage with and learn about the centuries-old craft of Sadu weaving. Additionally, the fair hosted a calligraphy station, where guests could receive personalized Arabic name artwork in Khat, the classical form of Arabic calligraphy, adding an educational and personal touch to their experience. Traditional Saudi performances, such as the Ardha (national dance) and Samri (a folkloric music and dance tradition), further enhanced the event’s cultural atmosphere, captivating visitors with the rhythm of the daf drum and the graceful movements of the dancers.

Rising Interest in Umrah+ Packages

Among the fair’s most popular attractions were the Umrah+ packages, which sparked considerable interest. These special packages offered visitors the chance to extend their Umrah journey by exploring additional destinations beyond Mecca and Medina. Attendees expressed particular enthusiasm for tours that included cities like AlUla, Aseer, Taif, Jeddah, and Al Baha. These destinations offered a mix of natural beauty, cool climates, and historical significance, providing a refreshing alternative to the usual pilgrim route.

What made the Umrah+ packages even more appealing were the added perks that came with them. Many visitors were attracted to the complimentary Haramain high-speed rail rides, allowing for fast and comfortable travel between Mecca and Medina. The packages also included attractive rebates, guided excursions to historical and cultural sites, and limited-edition merchandise, making them a complete travel experience. This combination of spiritual enrichment and leisure exploration resonated with many attendees, driving significant inquiries and bookings.

Exploring Destinations Beyond the “Golden Triangle”

Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings extend far beyond the well-known “Golden Triangle” of Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah. The fair highlighted several lesser-known destinations that are gaining traction among travelers. Places like Abha in Aseer and Al Baha are increasingly popular, especially for those seeking cooler climates and stunning mountainous landscapes. These regions offer travelers a chance to experience Saudi Arabia’s heritage and natural beauty without the crowds typically associated with major tourist hubs.

In particular, Abha’s lush greenery, mild weather, and picturesque mountain views made it an attractive option for those looking to escape the heat of other parts of the country. Similarly, Al Baha’s heritage sites and tranquil atmosphere appealed to visitors seeking a more laid-back, cultural experience. These destinations, along with the expanding array of cultural and adventure offerings, are positioning Saudi Arabia as an attractive year-round destination.

Winter Travel Gaining Popularity with “Winter is Alive” Program

The “Winter is Alive” program, which targets families and younger travelers, also drew considerable attention. This expanded initiative introduced visitors to a range of leisure travel options across various Saudi regions. Attendees were particularly intrigued by the opportunities available in Riyadh, the historic district of Diriyah (JAX District), Hail, Qassim, and the Red Sea.

The Red Sea, in particular, stood out as a rapidly emerging destination. Known for its pristine islands, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life, the region has become increasingly popular for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors were drawn to the luxury resorts and eco-friendly developments that emphasize sustainability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. As part of the “Winter is Alive” initiative, the Red Sea is positioning itself as the perfect destination for post-Umrah holidays, offering a unique combination of leisure and environmental consciousness.

Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a year-round travel destination is further fueled by its diverse offerings, from the cultural richness of its heritage sites to the natural beauty of its landscapes. With its expanding tourism infrastructure and new programs like “Winter is Alive,” the Kingdom is becoming an increasingly attractive choice for both leisure and religious travelers.

Saudi Arabia captivated visitors at the Saudi Travel Fair 2025 by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and diverse travel offerings, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a premier destination. With unique experiences like Umrah extensions and winter travel programs, the event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in the global tourism market.

Looking Ahead

As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a major tourism destination, the success of events like the Saudi Travel Fair 2025 demonstrates the growing demand for its unique travel experiences. With a blend of modern attractions, cultural richness, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, Saudi Arabia is set to become an even more important player in the global tourism landscape in the years to come. The fair not only highlighted the Kingdom’s diverse offerings but also underscored the strong interest and enthusiasm of travelers, particularly from Malaysia, eager to explore Saudi Arabia’s treasures.