Saudi Arabia is no longer what it was a decade ago. Anyone observing the Saudi landscape can sense a radical transformation and a qualitative leap felt by every citizen. This transformation is not mere rhetoric; it is a tangible reality brought about by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, whose fruits have ripened and are now readily available in various aspects of life, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, which has undergone a comprehensive restructuring that has positioned the Kingdom as a global destination competing with the world's leading tourist destinations.
Radical transformations in the tourism and hospitality sector
Today, the Kingdom has become a magnet for foreign tourists thanks to ambitious strategies aimed at opening its doors to the world, developing tourist visas, and focusing on heritage and historical sites. This trend isn't limited to attracting international visitors; the culture of domestic tourism has also shifted, with Saudis increasingly preferring to spend their summer and winter vacations within their own country, enjoying the Kingdom's diverse geography and climate, from the stunning Red Sea beaches to the mountain peaks and historical sites, thus reducing the need to endure the hardships of traveling abroad.
Record figures and tangible economic repercussions
The Saudi government has pursued two complementary tracks simultaneously. While developing tourist attractions and rehabilitating archaeological sites, it has also been actively encouraging investment in infrastructure and the construction of luxury hotels and resorts across the country. These efforts have yielded impressive economic results. Vision 2030 has successfully reduced the state budget's reliance on oil revenues from 90% a decade ago to approximately 68% currently, reflecting the success of the economic diversification policy. Furthermore, the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector has created over 250,000 jobs, demonstrating the immense capabilities of the Saudi private sector in its strategic partnership with the government.
Global milestones: Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup
Current successes are merely a prelude to a brighter future, as the Kingdom prepares for major global events that will put its cities in the global spotlight. Foremost among these events are Riyadh's winning bid to host Expo 2030 and the ongoing preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. These events are not just fleeting occasions; they are powerful engines of development that will attract millions of visitors, experts, and business leaders, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as an international hub for the events industry and the economy.
Wise leadership shapes the future
All these achievements would not have been possible without God's grace, and the tireless follow-up of the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the architect of the Vision who works day and night to oversee these mega-projects. Saudi ambition knows no bounds, and work continues to ensure that the nation reaches the highest levels of development and modernization, so that Saudis can be active and influential participants in shaping the Saudi Arabia of tomorrow.
