Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Al-Balad, Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rijal Almaa Heritage Village in 'Asir Province

Elephant Rock in Al-Ula

Saudi Arabia is the second biggest tourist destination in the Middle East with over 16 million visiting in 2017. ^[1] Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. As the tourism sector has been largely boosted lately, the sector is expected to a significant industry for Saudi Arabia, reducing its dependence on oil revenues. This is proved as tourism sector is expected to generate $25 billion in 2019. ^[2] Potential tourist areas include the Hijaz and Sarawat Mountains, Red Sea diving and a number of ancient ruins.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2018, Travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia added 9% to the Kingdom’s total economy which is worth $65.2 billion. ^[3]

In December 2013, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history. Council of Ministers entrusted the Ministry of Tourism with visa issuing on the basis of certain regulations approved by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. ^[4] On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia formally announced the issuance of the tourist visa to visitors from 49 countries for a fee of $80. The visa can be either obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. ^[5] Ten days after the implementation of instant tourist visas, 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia. China visitors topped the list, with the UK and the US in second and third. ^[6]

Popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia are Makkah, Medina, Mada'in Salih, Yanbu, Tabuk, Jeddah and Riyadh.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia can be through 13 international airports served by various global airlines. There are also 15 domestic airports connecting the country's regions and cities. For moving within the country, there are budget airlines like Flynas, Fyadeal, Nesma Airlines, in addition to Saudi Airlines and SaudiGulf Airlines.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a variety of museums ranging from historical museums, archeological museums, and cultural and scientific museums. These museums exhibit the art life, old handicrafts, and antiquities of the Kingdom and including:

National Museum

• National Museum of Saudi Arabia: This is the most famous museum in Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1999 and is located in Riyadh as a part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. ^[7] The museum highlights the prominent history of the Arabian Peninsula and its historical role in Islam expanding as well as the history of Saudi Arabia. ^[7] The museum also holds many ancient manuscripts that are traced back to many ancient civilizations. Indeed Saudi Arabia is considered one of the richest countries in regards of the number of ancient manuscripts. ^[8]
• Al-Zaher Palace Museum: It is a historical museum established in 1944 and exhibits the history of Makkah and various archaeological collections for different periods of Islamic history in the region. ^[9]
• Al-Madinah Museum: It exhibits Al-Madina's heritage and history featuring different archaeological collections, visual galleries and rare images that relate to Al-Medina. ^[10] It also includes the Hejaz Railway Museum.
• Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in Jeddah: it exhibits various collections including artifacts of the stone age back to the Acheulean period, elements illustrating the rise of Islam, and a collection of ethnographic items portraying the modern culture of the region.

Nasseef House in Al-Balad, Jeddah

• Nasseef House in Jeddah: a historical building in Al-Balad, founded in 1872. later, In 2009, it was transformed into a museum and cultural center.
• Royal Saudi Air Force Museum in Riyadh: This museum displays the history of the Royal Saudi Air Force.
• Masmak fort: is a clay and mud-brick fort, it was built around 1865.
• Makkah Antiquities and Heritage Museum: The museum was originally a royal guest house and went by the name of Zaher Palace. It was later converted into a school, and then into a museum. ^[11]

Masmak fort

• Tabuk Castle: is an ancient castle in Tabuk, the capital city of the Tabuk Region in northwestern Saudi Arabia which dates back to 1559. ^[12] The castle has been rehabilitated and transformed into a museum open to all visitors.
• Dammam National Museum is located on the 4th floor of the Dammam Public Library, opposite the Muhammad bin Fahd Stadium on the cross lane from the Dammam-Khobar Highway in Al Toubaishi district. The museum focuses on the country's history, culture, and inhabitants through displays of relics and remnants of handicrafts.
• Al Ula Museum: one of the most crucial tourist destinations within the Kingdom, is described as a vibrant living museum in the open air, where the rich tapestry of Saudi Arabian history unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and architectural marvels.^{[ citation needed ]}
• Museum of Buraidah
• Al Ahsa Museum
• The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition

World Heritage Sites

Main article: List of World Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia inscribed from 2008 to 2023; ^[13] they are as follows:

Al-Ahsa Oasis

• Al-Ahsa Oasis: The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells and a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites. ^[14]

Qasr Al-Farid tomb in Mada'in Salih

• Mada'in Salih is a pre-Islamic archaeological site located in the AlUla sector, within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia. ^[15] A majority of the vestiges date from the Nabatean kingdom (1st century AD). ^[16] The site constitutes the kingdom's southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, its capital. ^{[17] [18]} Traces of Lihyanite and Roman occupation before and after the Nabatean rule, respectively, can also be found in situ , ^[18] while accounts from the Qur’an tell of an earlier settlement of the area by the tribe of Thamud in the 3rd millennium BC. ^[19]

Salwa Palace in At-Turaif District, Diriyah

• At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, a town in Saudi Arabia located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh. Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family and served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate, which also includes the villages of Uyayna, Jubayla, and Al-Ammariyyah, among others, and is part of Ar Riyad Province. ^[20]

Jokhdar House, which was turned into a luxury hotel in Historic Jeddah

• Historic Jeddah: Historic Jeddah was as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to Mecca. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea. ^[21]
• Rock Art in the Hail Region: This property shows numerous representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history. ^[22]
• Ḥimā Cultural Area: Ḥimā Cultural Area contains a collection of rock art images illustrating hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles of 7,000 years. ^[23]
• 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid: The property encompasses the western part of the greatest expanse of windblown sand on Earth, known as Ar Rub' al-KhaIi, and conserves one of the Earth’s most spectacular desert landscapes. ^[24]
• Qaryat al-Faw: Lying at a strategic point of the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, the property was abruptly abandoned around the 5th century CE. ^[25]

Main festivals and events

Boulevard City Zone of Riyadh Season

• Riyadh Season: is a six-month long entertainment festival that includes a wide range of entertainment events from international concerts, sport events, Michelin star restaurants and family-oriented activities such as Winter Wonderland. ^[26]
• Jenadriyah: It is an annual cultural and heritage festival held in Jenadriyah near Riyadh. The festival hosts various cultural and heritage events such as Al Janadriya Operetta, Saudi ardah, and camel racing.
• Souk Okaz: It is an annual cultural event held in Ta'if. It was known as an open market in the ancient past. Nowadays, Souk Okaz combines more than 150 attractions of heritage and cultural events, theatre performances, and arts and crafts. ^{[27] [28]}
• Historic Jeddah Festival: is a celebration that takes place in the historical Al Balad district of Jeddah. The festival exhibits the culture and heritage of Jeddah. ^[29]
• “Winter at Tantora” festival  : an annual festival held in the old town of AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
• Ha'il International Rally
• Al Qassim Date Festival: is the largest date festival in the world held in the central Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
• King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival ^[30] is an international festival organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and witnesses the participation of a group of falcon owners in the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. ^[31]
• Riyadh Fashion Week: a spectacular showcase of Saudi Arabia's flourishing fashion identity, featuring a curated lineup of 16 mesmerizing runway shows that invite attendees to embark on an extraordinary and evocative journey into the heart of style, cultural richness, and innovation. ^[32]

Religious tourism

Muslim pilgrims in Mecca

Tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages. Mecca and Medina receive over three million pilgrims a year during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in Hajj, ^[33] and around two million during the month of Ramadan to perform Umrah. ^[34] During the rest of the year, Mecca and Medina receive around four million for Umrah. The Hajj, or pilgrimage to the city, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Only Muslims are permitted in Mecca, while non-Muslims can enter Medina.

Saudi Seasons

Wadi Ashar in Al-'Ula

In 2019, in support of Saudi Vision 2030, the country launched an initiative known as Saudi Seasons to help promote domestic and international tourism. Backed via public and private sector investments, Saudi Seasons consists of "seasons" in specific areas of the country throughout the year, which serve as a collective brand for cultural and entertainment events (including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports, and other attractions) held during the periods: ^{[35] [36]} Riyadh Season, the largest of the events in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, runs from October through March annually. The inaugural edition of Riyadh Season generated six billion riyals in revenue and over eleven million visitors. ^{[37] [38]}

Other sites

The Red Sea seen from the Ummahat Island archipelago in The Red Sea Project

The Red Sea Project is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis. ^[39] The construction began in 2019. The Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it is listed as one of the best diving locations in the world. ^[40]

Tourists in Saudi

Number of arrivals

The Travel & Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set for impressive growth, with an anticipated annual average increase of 11% over the next decade, positioning itself as the fastest-growing industry in the Middle East. This positive trajectory is highlighted by a projection that the Kingdom is expected to attract a substantial 22.1 million international arrivals by 2025. Such a promising outlook not only emphasizes the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination but also signifies the country's strategic efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape.^{[ citation needed ]}

Most visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia on a short term basis were from the following countries:

Country	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Bahrain	2,177,662	239,947	99,854	510,900	574,350	568,564	918,432
Kuwait	1,948,429	623,462	629,240	2,132,114	1,992,838	2,092,824	2,064,087
Egypt	1,462,922	308,253	431,790	1,099,854	799,950	958,777	1,621,644
Pakistan	1,407,164	257,640	483,290	2,210,877	2,177,306	2,537,201	2,181,985
Indonesia	1,228,186	11,467	293,291	1,428,935	1,375,004	1,427,056	1,144,554
India	1,108,678	316,488	338,965	1,571,070	1,440,170	1,581,233	1,656,245
Qatar	764,485	254,013	10,372	46,152	119,287	274,935	623,917
Jordan	597,165	196,898	242,834	836,678	615,993	715,493	920,449
United Arab Emirates	595,813	94,927	165,716	784,305	739,404	649,902	947,628
Iraq	491,510	87,843	65,582	316,519	239,790	325,022	213,735
Bangladesh	465,845	69,203	81,748	472,388	360,447	339,876	289,858
Malaysia	327,229	19,654	80,514	411,971	320,109	342,971	361,120
Oman	318,991	70,146	100,789	260,550	184,657	195,156	167,863
United Kingdom	252,515	54,125	78,655	355,266	265,128	229,672	261,070
United States	226,500	61,084	121,347	893,981	824,768	442,376	618,946
Syria	184,511	160,372	70,698	26,573	27,532	30,595	25,660
Morocco	133,375	8,988	22,654	220,543	216,518	252,204	217,981
Nigeria	119,876	20,038	20,913	173,120	134,495	139,674	151,585
France	103,548	21,148	28,142	115,294	77,422	62,934	77,132
Philippines	71,142	18,097	10,689	71,195	59,171	82,718	171,562
Lebanon	66,737	21,214	45,282	107,765	62,927	68,451	75,003
Canada	66,115	13,195	16,215	108,716	69,753	43,558	69,835
Russia	64,354	8,465	6,204	25,115	19,397	16,013	22,491
Kazakhstan	61,673	7,915	12,302	24,014	14,377	8,934	9,073
Kyrgyzstan	59,334	9,721	5,243	17,124	8,500	5,892	6,537
Germany	58,318	13,224	13,327	146,675	59,804	46,930	84,664
China	44,074	13,183	16,184	135,835	62,834	61,315	55,766
Italy	35,443	13,840	11,890	40,053	30,252	29,992	61,037
Spain	19,651	9,738	4,838	40,173	20,913	16,727	14,025
Nepal	16,911	9,639	6,717	18,530	7,270	12,839	55,591

Future prospects

Saudi Arabia’s overall number of tourist trips is on course to be 93.8 million by 2023, up from 64.7 million in 2018. ^[2] Riyadh and Jeddah hosted Color Runs in late 2019. Hotels are no longer required to ask Saudi couples for proof of marriage for a check-in. The government is spending billions^{[ clarification needed ]} on bringing forms of entertainment such as wrestling, tennis, car racing, expensive restaurants and concerts to expand tourism. ^[41] Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country announced its bid in October 2023, and was the only nation to submit a bid by the deadline, presenting a significant and promising opportunity for the future development and global recognition of Saudi Arabia. ^[42]

Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is closely aligned with the 2030 vision, seeking to significantly enhance the sector's role in the domestic economy. The plan targets a contribution of over 10% to the growth of domestic product (GDP), the creation of one million new job opportunities, and the attraction of 100 million annual visits by 2030. This ambitious agenda reflects a comprehensive effort to position the Kingdom as a prominent player in the global tourism landscape. ^[43]

Embarking on a transformative journey to diversify its economic, social, and cultural dimensions, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has unveiled four pivotal projects under the ambitious 2030 vision. Qiddiyah Entertainment City, a colossal recreational and entertainment hub, promises a world of theme parks, sports facilities, desert tracks for motorsports, and a diverse array of historical and cultural events. NEOM, a $500 billion endeavor, envisions a futuristic city near the Red Sea, incorporating multiple cities, airports, seaports, and innovation centers. Meanwhile, the Red Sea Project focuses on luxury tourism, highlighting the natural wonders of the Red Sea through sustainable practices. Amaala Resort, an ultra-luxurious project, centers on wellness, healthy tourism, and cultural experiences, all aimed at not only elevating the nation's income but also transforming the quality of life for its citizens through world class tourism and entertainment experiences. With these visionary projects under the 2030 vision, the future prospects for the nation's economic, social, and cultural landscape appear promising and transformative. ^[44]

Tourism Projects Under Construction

See also: List of Saudi Vision 2030 Projects

The following list contains major Saudi Vision 2030 tourism projects under construction:

Project	Location	Total Area (km2)	Announcement Date	Expected Completion	Cost	Website
NEOM, [45] including The Line, Trojena, and Sindalah	Tabuk	26,500	2017-10-24	2030	$500 billion
Qiddiya [ citation needed ]	South-west of Riyadh	360	2017-04-08	2030	$9.8 billion [46]
Red Sea Global [47] including The Red Sea Project and Amaala	Tabuk	28,000	2017-07-31	2030 (fist phase) 2035 (final phase)	$23.6 billion [46]
Diriyah Gate project [48]	Diriyah	7.1	2017-07-20	2027	$63.2 billion [49]
New Murabba, including Mukaab [50]	Riyadh	19	2023-02-16 [51]	2030 [52]	$50 billion [53]
Sports Boulevard [54]	Riyadh	135	2019-05-19	2027	$23 billion [55]
King Salman Park [56] [57]	Riyadh	16	2019-03-19	2027	$23 billion
Expo 2030 Site [58]	Riyadh	6.6 [59]	2023-11-28	2030	$7.8 billion
King Abdullah International Gardens [60]	Riyadh	2.5	2014-02-28 [61]	2025	$200 million [62]
Jeddah Central [63]	Jeddah	5.7	2021-12-17	2027 (first phase) 2030 (final phase)	$19.9 billion [64]
Jeddah Economic City [65]	Jeddah	5.3	2011-08-01		$30 billion [46]
Masar Destination [66]	Mecca	1.2 [67]	2020-06-28 [68]	2030	$26.66 billion [46]
Rua Al Madinah, [69] including Islamic Civilization Village [70]	Medina	1.5	2022-08-24	2026 (first phase 2030 (final phase) [71]	$37 billion [46]
The Rig [72]	Persian Gulf	0.3	2021-10-16		$5 billion [73]
Al-Ula Vision [74] [75]	Al-Ula	22,500	2019-02-11	2027	$15 billion [76]
Soudah Peaks [77]	Asir	627	2023-09-25	2029 [78]	$7.7 billion [79]

Promotion

Lionel Messi as ambassador

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Argentine professional footballer and Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi, as its tourism ambassador in May 2022. ^[80] Messi was signed by Saudi Arabia as its ambassador during a trip he made to the country’s port city of Jeddah, along the Red Sea. Saudi’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb officially announced the signing in a tweet by writing, “This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it will not be the last”, indicating the footballer’s future visits to Saudi for promoting its tourism. ^{[81] [82]} The news received critical reactions from media and human rights groups calling it Saudi Arabia’s use of sports to improve its reputation. ^[83]

Gallery

• 
  Al-Rifai House in Farasan Islands
• 
  Thee Ain village located in Al Bahah Province
• 
  Rijal Alma'a Heritage Village in 'Asir Province
• 
  The desert of Al-Rub' Al-Khali (The Empty Quarter)
• 
  King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran
• 
  The 3000-year-old ancient historical city of Dumat al-Jandal in Al Jawf Province
• 
  Jabal Soudah (3,000 m or 9,800 ft) located in the 'Asir subrange of the Sarat Mountains
• 
  The historic district of Jeddah
• 
  Rock pool at Banyan Tree AlUla
• 
  Imarah Palace which is built using traditional Najrani architecture
• 
  Boulevard World Zone of Riyadh Season
• 
  Art Street in Abha

See also

• Saudi Arabia portal

• Saudi Tourism Authority
• Economy of Saudi Arabia
• Museums in Saudi Arabia
• Visa policy of Saudi Arabia
• Public Decency Law in Saudi Arabia

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External links

• Visit Saudi Website
• Saudi Tourism Authority Website
• Saudi Ministry of Tourism Website
• Nusuk Website for Performing Umrah
• Riyadh Season Website
• Visit Al-Balad Website
• Experience Al-Ula Website
• Diriyah Website