Saudi Arabia’s Explosive Tourism Growth: How Qatar Airways and Emirates Are Racing to Capitalize on the Surge!

Published on December 10, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s explosive tourism growth has taken the world by surprise, as the Kingdom emerges as a top destination for global travelers. With the government’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan reshaping the country’s tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has become more accessible and appealing than ever before. This surge in tourism is not just limited to religious pilgrimages; it encompasses leisure, culture, adventure, and luxury, positioning Saudi Arabia as a year-round hub for tourism. As millions of visitors flock to the Kingdom, airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates are racing to capitalize on this unprecedented demand. Both carriers are significantly expanding their networks to key Saudi cities, offering more flights and enhanced services to meet the needs of international tourists. With this expansion, travelers can expect greater convenience, flexibility, and improved connectivity to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning resorts, and cutting-edge attractions. As the country’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, the hospitality sector is also gearing up, with international hotel brands investing heavily to cater to the growing number of visitors. Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a destination not to be missed, and for travelers, now is the perfect time to explore what this dynamic country has to offer.

Saudi Arabia’s Explosive Tourism Growth: How Qatar Airways and Emirates Are Racing to Capitalize on the Surge!

Saudi Arabia, historically known for its religious significance and oil wealth, is making waves in the tourism sector. With a bold vision laid out under the Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom has been positioning itself as a must-visit destination for global travelers. The surge in tourism is unprecedented, and with this growth comes a heightened demand for air travel and hospitality services. Major airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates are gearing up to meet this surge, offering new flight routes and more frequent services to the Kingdom. Here’s a closer look at Saudi Arabia’s explosive tourism growth, how airlines are responding, and what tourists can expect from the country’s booming hospitality industry.

A New Era of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is on a meteoric rise. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed over 29.7 million international visitors, an impressive 8% increase from the previous year. This surge is set to continue, with projections of 35 million visitors by 2026. Saudi Arabia has embraced tourism as a key pillar of its economic diversification strategy, with the ultimate goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030. The country is no longer just a destination for pilgrims; it’s evolving into a year-round global tourism hub.

The rise in tourism can be attributed to several factors: relaxed visa policies, improved infrastructure, and a growing range of attractions, including modern resorts, cultural landmarks, entertainment venues, and pristine beaches. With the introduction of e-visas and visa-on-arrival facilities for citizens of many countries, Saudi Arabia has made it easier than ever for international tourists to visit.

The Saudi Tourism Authority has played a pivotal role in driving this transformation. Its campaign to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for luxury, adventure, and cultural tourism has been met with great success. The Kingdom now offers everything from the ultra-modern resorts of NEOM to the historic and cultural treasures of Al-Ula.

How Qatar Airways and Emirates Are Racing to Capitalize on the Surge

As tourism numbers in Saudi Arabia soar, airlines are ramping up their operations to meet the growing demand for air travel. Leading the charge are Qatar Airways and Emirates, two of the biggest names in the Middle East airline industry. Both airlines are expanding their services to Saudi Arabia, making it easier than ever for travelers to fly into the Kingdom.

Qatar Airways has significantly boosted its Saudi network, adding more flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. The airline’s expanded schedule is a direct response to the rising number of tourists coming to Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways has also added Hail to its network, further expanding access to the Kingdom’s more remote regions. This expansion is designed to cater not just to religious pilgrims but also to leisure and business travelers looking to explore Saudi Arabia’s new offerings.

On the other hand, Emirates is no stranger to Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism scene. The airline has been flying to the Kingdom for years, but in response to the surge in demand, Emirates has recently increased the frequency of flights to key cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The airline has also introduced new routes to Neom and Al-Ula, two of Saudi Arabia’s most promising tourism destinations. With modern aircraft and top-tier service, Emirates is making travel to Saudi Arabia more convenient and luxurious for international visitors.

The commitment from both airlines signals a bright future for the Saudi tourism industry. With these expanded routes, travelers can expect more flight options, greater flexibility, and improved connectivity between Saudi Arabia and major global hubs like London, New York, Dubai, and Doha. As the Kingdom continues to grow as a tourism destination, Qatar Airways and Emirates are positioned to become central players in the global tourism movement.

The Hospitality Industry: Expanding to Meet the Demand

Alongside the booming airline sector, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is also seeing rapid growth. International hotel chains, local hospitality brands, and luxury resorts are investing heavily in the Kingdom to meet the demands of the influx of visitors. Major global brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Accor are expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, opening new hotels and resorts in key cities and tourist hotspots.

Marriott International, for instance, has announced several new hotel openings across the Kingdom, with a focus on Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca. The hotel chain is opening both luxury properties and more affordable options to cater to the diverse needs of tourists visiting the country. Similarly, Hilton is focusing on expanding its portfolio in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the growing markets of Al Khobar and Dammam. Hilton’s new properties in the Kingdom will cater to both leisure and business travelers, providing top-tier services and world-class amenities.

But it’s not just the major global hotel chains that are capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom. Saudi Arabian hospitality brands, such as Al Habtoor Group and Red Sea Global, are also playing a key role in the country’s tourism growth. These local brands are focusing on developing high-end resorts in areas like Neom and the Red Sea Coast, both of which are being promoted as global tourist destinations. Saudi Arabia is aiming to create more than 50,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, with a mix of luxury resorts, business hotels, and budget-friendly accommodations to suit all types of travelers.

For tourists, this means a wide variety of choices when it comes to places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a lavish resort by the Red Sea or a more budget-friendly option in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s hotel industry is ready to cater to all needs.

Flight Details and Tips for Tourists Heading to Saudi Arabia

For travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia, there are several flight options to choose from, with key airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) offering direct flights to major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Most international flights from the US, Europe, and Asia have direct routes to Saudi Arabia, making it convenient for tourists to access the country.

Qatar Airways operates daily flights from its hub in Doha to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, offering passengers comfort and service on its modern fleet of aircraft. Passengers can also connect to Neom and Hail via layovers in Doha. Emirates operates a similar schedule, with daily flights from Dubai to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, providing passengers with a smooth journey and premium services. Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, also offers direct flights from JFK, London Heathrow, and Paris to Saudi Arabia’s major airports, with an increasing number of routes to meet demand.

For those traveling within Saudi Arabia, domestic flights are well connected. Flynas and Flyadeal, two popular low-cost carriers, provide affordable flights between major cities and tourist destinations. If you’re planning to explore beyond the major cities, these airlines can help you reach regions like Al-Ula, Neom, and Hail. It’s important to book your flights early, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan and Hajj, as demand can be high.

Travel Tips for Saudi Arabia: What Tourists Need to Know

1. Visa Requirements: Saudi Arabia offers an e-visa system for many nationalities, making it easier for tourists to visit. Ensure you have the correct visa before traveling, and take advantage of the multiple entry options available for tourists.
2. Dress Code: While Saudi Arabia is modernizing rapidly, it’s important to respect the local culture. Dress modestly in public places, especially in religious sites like Mecca and Medina. Women are advised to wear long, loose-fitting clothing and may choose to wear an abaya (traditional black robe), though it is no longer mandatory in some areas.
3. Language: Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas. Having a basic understanding of Arabic phrases can be helpful, especially when visiting more remote areas.
4. Weather: Saudi Arabia is known for its extreme weather conditions, particularly in the summer when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to February, when temperatures are more moderate and ideal for outdoor activities.
5. Cultural Etiquette: Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, and it’s important to observe local customs and traditions. For example, during Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Be respectful of prayer times and always follow local guidelines when it comes to religious practices.
6. Currency and Tipping: The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for hotel staff, with 10-15% being the general expectation.

Saudi Arabia’s explosive tourism boom is reshaping the travel landscape, with Emirates and Qatar Airways leading the charge to meet skyrocketing demand. Discover how this Middle Eastern powerhouse is becoming the world’s hottest travel destination!

Wrapping Up

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing an extraordinary transformation. With significant investments in infrastructure, a growing range of attractions, and an easy-to-navigate visa system, the Kingdom is quickly becoming a top global travel destination. Airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates are key players in this growth, expanding their networks and providing tourists with greater access to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and modern luxuries. As the country continues to embrace its Vision 2030 goals, the hospitality industry is stepping up to meet the growing demand for high-quality accommodations. Whether you’re planning to visit for religious reasons or to explore the Kingdom’s newfound leisure offerings, Saudi Arabia has something for every traveler.