Tourism in Saudi Arabia 2025

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in 2025 represents one of the most dynamic growth stories in the global travel industry. The Kingdom has progressed from a country that did not issue tourist visas until 2019 to one targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030. Tourism’s contribution to GDP has grown substantially, driven by mega-project development, hospitality expansion, entertainment liberalisation, and pilgrimage growth.

Visitor Numbers

Total visitors to Saudi Arabia have grown year-on-year, combining religious tourism (Hajj and Umrah), leisure tourism, business tourism, and visiting friends and relatives. The introduction of the tourist e-visa in 2019 for nearly 50 countries unlocked leisure travel. Transit visa provisions and expanding airline connectivity have further boosted arrivals.

Umrah visitors have grown toward the 30 million annual target as the Kingdom expands capacity in Makkah and Madinah. Hajj remains capped by infrastructure capacity but continues to grow through facility expansion and technology-enabled crowd management.

Mega-Project Progress

Red Sea Global. The Red Sea destination has moved from construction to operations, with initial resorts welcoming guests. Red Sea International Airport is operational. The project demonstrates that Saudi Arabia can deliver world-class hospitality infrastructure.

AlUla. Visitor numbers have increased significantly following international airport expansion and the opening of hotels and visitor experiences at the UNESCO-listed Hegra site and surrounding areas.

Diriyah Gate. Bujairi Terrace is operational and has become a popular Riyadh dining destination. At-Turaif restoration continues with phased visitor access.

Qiddiya. Construction continues toward Six Flags opening and broader entertainment district completion, with the 2034 World Cup providing an additional catalyst.

NEOM (Sindalah). Sindalah island is progressing toward opening as NEOM’s first guest-facing asset.

Hospitality Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s hotel pipeline is one of the largest globally. International hotel groups including Marriott, Hilton, Accor, IHG, and Four Seasons are expanding aggressively. The Kingdom needs an estimated 500,000 new hotel rooms by 2030. Hotel investment is concentrated in Riyadh (corporate and events), Jeddah (gateway to holy cities), Makkah and Madinah (pilgrimage), and coastal/resort destinations.

Entertainment and Events

The entertainment sector has transformed since the General Entertainment Authority began licensing events in 2016. Cinemas, concerts, festivals, sporting events, and cultural programming now operate year-round. Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season are major annual entertainment festivals attracting millions of visitors. International events (Formula E, boxing championships, golf tournaments, WWE events) bring global media attention.

Saudi Tourism Authority

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) manages destination marketing and tourism promotion. The STA has launched international marketing campaigns, established tourism offices in key source markets, and developed digital platforms for visitor planning. Destination branding efforts position Saudi Arabia around heritage, adventure, luxury, and cultural experiences.

Economic Impact

Tourism’s GDP contribution has grown significantly and is targeted to reach 10 percent of GDP by 2030. The sector creates employment across hospitality, transport, retail, food services, entertainment, and cultural programming. Tourism investment generates construction activity and supply chain demand.

Challenges

Saudi Arabia is building tourism brand awareness from a relatively low base internationally. Competition from regional destinations (UAE, Oman, Egypt, Jordan) is intense. Summer heat limits outdoor tourism for several months annually. Visa processing and entry procedures, while improved, require continued streamlining. Hotel room supply must grow rapidly to meet demand targets.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia in 2025 has moved decisively from aspiration to execution. The infrastructure is being built, the visitors are arriving, and the sector’s contribution to economic diversification is becoming measurable and material.

See our Tourism Sector Profile and How to Invest in Tourism.