Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Tourism Vision Drives Over Eleven Thousand Global Events Annually, Redefining Riyadh and Jeddah as Major Global Hubs – Here’s What You Should Know

Published on November 29, 2025

In a groundbreaking achievement, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global leader in hosting international events, surpassing renowned entertainment hubs like Las Vegas. The Kingdom now boasts more than 11,000 events annually, marking a significant milestone in its rapid tourism development. This achievement reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation, driven by large-scale projects and improvements in infrastructure, including developments like Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project. As Saudi Arabia rises as a top destination for global exhibitions, conferences, and tourism, international event organizers are being encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the Kingdom, a country that has doubled its visitor numbers in recent years. This article explores how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism and events sector, with plans for even greater expansion in the future.

Saudi Arabia’s Rapid Rise as a Global Event Destination

Saudi Arabia has made impressive strides in transforming its tourism and events sector. From hosting major exhibitions to being a prime venue for international conferences, the Kingdom has become a leading player in the global events industry. With over 11,000 events held annually, Saudi Arabia has now surpassed Las Vegas, a city traditionally known for its vibrant entertainment scene, as the global leader in event hosting.

The Kingdom’s growth in the tourism sector is driven by a combination of factors, including visionary leadership, strategic national goals, and investments in infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s focus on diversifying its economy away from oil has led to major tourism-related developments across the country.

Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst for Growth

A critical element of Saudi Arabia’s success in event hosting is its robust infrastructure. Projects like Qiddiya, which aims to become a world-class entertainment destination, and the Red Sea Project, which will offer unique tourism experiences, play a pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom’s tourism and events industry. The expansion of the aviation sector and airport facilities is also contributing to easier access for international travelers and event organizers.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure is rapidly improving, making it easier for visitors to attend events and explore the country’s attractions. The Kingdom’s expanded airport capacity and the introduction of new flight routes are supporting its ambition to become a global tourism hub.

Saudi Tourism: A Hub for Business, Learning, and Leisure

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is now built on three essential pillars: business development, learning, and leisure. These pillars support the Kingdom’s strategy to appeal to a wide range of international visitors. By focusing on a balanced combination of business events and cultural tourism, Saudi Arabia is able to cater to diverse audiences.

• Business Events: The country’s expanding infrastructure and rising global recognition as a hub for international exhibitions and corporate events have positioned Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for conferences, conventions, and corporate gatherings.
• Learning: Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on education and innovation has made it a center for academic events and international knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Leisure: The Kingdom’s massive leisure-focused developments, including luxury resorts, cultural heritage sites, and entertainment hubs, are attracting leisure tourists from all over the world.

Saudi Arabia’s Growth in Visitor Numbers: What Travelers Should Expect

Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has seen a dramatic increase in annual visitors. The country has successfully doubled its annual visits from 60 million to 120 million. This surge in tourism reflects the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a top global destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Travelers to Saudi Arabia can expect a unique mix of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage. Whether visiting the historic cities of Riyadh and Jeddah or exploring futuristic developments like Neom, there is something for everyone. With the Kingdom’s ongoing developments, tourists can look forward to even more exciting attractions in the near future.

Travel Tips for Visiting Saudi Arabia

• Explore Key Projects: Visitors should make time to explore iconic developments like Qiddiya, Neom, and the Red Sea Project, all of which offer world-class attractions.
• Plan for Large-Scale Events: With over 11,000 events hosted annually, travelers should consider attending one of Saudi Arabia’s major exhibitions or cultural festivals during their visit.
• Respect Cultural Norms: As a predominantly Islamic country, travelers should familiarize themselves with Saudi Arabia’s customs, including dress codes and behavior in public spaces.
• Embrace Modern and Traditional Saudi Culture: Saudi Arabia offers a blend of modern architecture and ancient landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in both innovation and history.

Looking Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Future

As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid development, the Kingdom is preparing for even greater tourism expansion. The future of Saudi tourism looks incredibly promising, with its national tourism authority actively working on enhancing its global tourism experience. International event organizers are invited to bring bold and innovative ideas to the Kingdom, where Saudi Arabia’s expanding infrastructure and commitment to sustainability are setting the stage for a new era of global tourism.