In an unprecedented achievement reflecting the success of the Kingdom's strategic plans, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib revealed the tourism sector's performance figures for 2025, announcing that the Kingdom recorded its highest ever tourism spending. This spending exceeded 300 billion Saudi riyals, compared to approximately 282 billion riyals in the previous year, confirming the accelerated growth rate in this vital sector.
Record-breaking numbers and a prestigious global standing
During an interview with Al Arabiya Business on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Al-Khatib explained that the tourism boom wasn't limited to financial returns, but also included a significant increase in visitor numbers. The total number of tourists (domestic and international) rose to 122 million, up from 116 million in the previous period. Of these, the Kingdom welcomed approximately 30 million foreign tourists, a figure that officially placed Saudi Arabia among the top 10 tourist destinations globally, further enhancing its international competitiveness.
The context of economic transformation and Vision 2030
This achievement is the culmination of the efforts of Saudi Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's sources of income and reduce its dependence on oil. The tourism sector is a key pillar of this profound structural transformation of the Saudi economy. Having once been largely limited to religious tourism, the Kingdom has now transformed into a global entertainment and cultural destination, supported by massive investments and mega-projects.
Al-Khatib emphasized that Saudi Arabia's tourism growth rates are currently the highest among G20 countries, describing the sector's transformation as "comprehensive and unprecedented." He noted that the Vision 2030 initiative is beginning to bear tangible fruit through the successive openings of major projects such as the Red Sea Project, the Qiddiya entertainment project, and the historic Diriyah Gate, reflecting the diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings.
Strategic partnerships and advanced infrastructure
In the context of international relations, the minister highlighted the longstanding strategic relationship between the Kingdom and the World Economic Forum, noting that Saudi Arabia's strong presence in Davos reflects its economic weight. He stated that cooperation with the Forum aims to develop the travel and tourism sector, pointing out that Riyadh hosted a Forum meeting last year, and another spring meeting is scheduled to be held in Jeddah next April.
Al-Khatib also linked this growth to the development of infrastructure and the aviation sector, praising the expansion of the air connectivity network through national and international carriers, the launch of Riyadh Airlines, and mega airport projects such as King Salman International Airport. This infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the Kingdom's preparations to host major global events, most notably Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Quality of Life Index
Al-Khatib concluded his remarks by announcing the imminent launch of the Davos Quality of Life Index, a pioneering global initiative developed in coordination with relevant American entities. This index, the first of its kind, aims to measure the quality of life in cities based on precise criteria encompassing services, infrastructure, and living standards, thereby fostering a spirit of competition among global cities to offer the best living and visiting experiences.
