The Growing Impact of Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Insights from Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb
In a significant address during the Saudi-American Investment Forum "2025," held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, emphasized the critical role of tourism in the global economy. He noted that tourism accounts for approximately 10% of global economic activity and has now increased its contribution to the Saudi economy to 5%, up from 3% in 2019. The Kingdom aims to boost this percentage to a substantial 10% by 2030, a target closely aligned with the Vision 2030 initiative designed to diversify the country’s economy.
The Minister highlighted that Saudi Arabia has welcomed around 100 million tourists as a result of these strategies, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism development. This increase in tourist numbers is crucial for achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for the sector.
One of the key developments aiding this surge in tourism is the streamlined visa process, which now allows citizens from 65 different countries to apply for a visit visa to Saudi Arabia with ease. The time taken to obtain a visa has been dramatically reduced to as little as two minutes and not more than five minutes at the most. This simplification of procedures serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to making travel easier and more accessible.
Al-Khateeb further elaborated on the Kingdom’s remarkable rise in global tourist numbers, noting that since 2019, the country has transformed into one of the top ten most visited nations in the world. The influx of visitors has more than quintupled in recent years, with the number currently exceeding 30 million international tourists, and the goal is to reach 50 million by 2030. This ambitious target would position Saudi Arabia among the top five destinations globally, further solidifying its place on the international tourism map.
Minister Al-Khateeb expressed enthusiasm for building and nurturing this burgeoning sector, emphasizing that the government is actively working to explore potential opportunities and uncovering the wealth of natural and cultural treasures available within the Kingdom. Under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country is swiftly advancing toward its targets for 2030. The Minister articulated a vision where tourism would become as critical to the Saudi economy as oil, underscoring the sector’s importance not just in terms of revenue, but also in fostering international relations and cultural exchange.
The focus on tourism is part of a broader drive to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. The presentation underscored the transformative potential of tourism for the Kingdom—both economically and socially. By showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, the country is poised to attract not just leisure travelers but also business visitors seeking to engage with one of the most rapidly developing economies in the region.
In conclusion, Minister Al-Khateeb’s remarks at the forum reinforced the critical direction Saudi Arabia is taking to position itself as a leading global tourist destination. With a clear roadmap and effective policies in place, the Kingdom is on track to not only enhance its economic landscape through tourism but also to elevate its cultural profile on the world stage. The successful implementation of Vision 2030’s objectives promises to reshape the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia, providing vast opportunities and benefits for the nation and its people.
