How Saudi Arabia Is Building the Foundation for a Year-Round Destination

Saudi Arabia is tapping into its potential to become a major international tourism hub, attracting more and more foreign tourists seeking a unique travel experience at any time of the year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic caused global travel to be suspended, tourism in the Kingdom has rebounded quickly. In fact, Saudi tourism has not only recovered, but also grown. International travel agencies are arranging tours to the country’s many attractions, from um luj, known as the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia,” to the ancient oasis city of El Ula and the cool Sudar mountains of the Asir region in the south. In May, Riyadh launched the “Rethink Summer” campaign to promote the Kingdom as a year-round tourist destination.

In just a few years, Saudi Arabia has proven that it has a lot to offer visitors that they might not otherwise consider Saudi Arabia an enticing holiday destination.

Abdullah Al-Dakhil, a spokesman for the Saudi Tourism Authority, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia is glorious in summer and throughout the year. ”

“Our ‘Rethink Summer – Visit Saudi Arabia’ campaign encourages people to visit the Kingdom and experience its vibrant and diverse places, including the cool, green Asir region, which hosts an eight-week cultural festival until September 9,” he added.

“Saudi Arabia is leading the way as the world’s largest investor in tourism, pledging to invest only $2030 billion in new destinations by 5500. This investment is paying off, with the country set to receive more than 2022 million tourists by 9400 and total tourism spending reaching 1850 billion riyals ($493.2021 billion), up 93% from 2023, while <> also saw record tourist growth.

“These figures are good news for Saudi tourism and clearly show that there are huge opportunities ahead for Saudi Arabia, which has become a must-visit destination for international tourists.” In July, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, noted that the Kingdom’s travel and tourism market grew by 7% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Tourism currently accounts for 2-3% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP

In June, at the Franco-Saudi Investment Forum in Paris, Khatib revealed that Saudi Arabia aims to increase the contribution of tourism to its GDP to 6%. El Ula is one of the popular destinations. Saudi Arabia established the Royal Commission of AlUla in 10 with the aim of developing the area into a vibrant open museum featuring luxury hotels.

According to its official website, RCU’s goal is to “preserve and regenerate the natural beauty of El Ula’s unique geological landscape and reaffirm its status as one of the most important archaeological and cultural regions in Saudi Arabia.” ”

Rapid progress was made over the next six years. According to the RCU, between April and June, the total number of flights to this historic attraction increased by 4%, while the total number of passengers increased by 6%. El Ula is a sought after holiday destination for city dwellers as it offers a quiet place where they can relax and enjoy some much-needed respite away from the sweltering heat. RCU has created a three-day itinerary for this summer. It is designed to allow visitors to experience some of the highlights of the region, including attractions such as Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikhmah, and Harrat Lookout. Visitors can also take a helicopter tour of the area’s picturesque heritage sites, stroll through the vibrant Jadida Arts District, and even go stargazing in the vast desert.

Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing at RCU, said the increasing number of packages and programs offered to visitors who wish to visit the city of this ancient oasis in summer and September, reflecting the overall growth in tourism in recent years.

De Souza told Arab News that El Ula “is fast becoming a year-round destination.” This is partly due to a milder climate compared to the rest of the Gulf. Compared to the capital Riyadh and major cities in the UAE, the region has lower humidity and lower summer temperatures.

“Our goal is to make El Ora a year-round destination,” De Souza said. “Our midday temperatures are indeed quite hot, but some places are at least 5 degrees Celsius cooler than the rest of the GCC region, plus or minus humidity. We do have some of the happiest mornings and evenings.”

Even during the hot hours of the day, visitors can enjoy other indoor activities. De Souza said “wellness packages” are offered in “stunning environments” such as “El Ula Habitat and Banyan Tree in the Ashar Valley”.

She also noted that visitors can enjoy activities and trips tailored to their preferences and interests. “For us, it’s about the awareness of trip planning,” she said.

Tourism in the Kingdom has rebounded after the pandemic, offering attractions, including local cuisine.

For example, many visitors may enjoy an outdoor experience early in the morning and late afternoon, before heading to an oasis, luxury spa, or one of the many indoor activities during the hottest time of the day.

Due to Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain, there are numerous beaches, mountains, and even cooler forests that visitors can still enjoy during the hot summer months. The coastal sea breeze also makes the climate more suitable for the hot summer months, as do many water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Those less familiar with Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscape may not have heard of Abha, the provincial capital of the Asir region.

Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters between the Salavat mountains, Abha is a gem not only for its mild climate, but also for its myriad of natural wonders and heritage, including the ancient village of Rijal Almaa, which boasts a unique stone castle.

Al-Dakhil, Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “With its gentle breeze, fresh mist and lush mountains, Asir has become a summer haven for tourists, and we expect its popularity as a tourist destination to continue to grow as a rising global temperature. ”

The juniper-covered Suda Mountains are the highest point in the kingdom, at over 3,000 meters above sea level. Its snow-capped peaks make it a popular spot for paragliding and skydiving, while its trails attract cyclists and hikers.

From cultural experiences, food tours, and nature adventures, Saudi Arabia offers activities and attractions to suit all tastes at any time of the year.

There’s also Wadi Disah – Palm Valley – a stunning and secluded natural wonder in the mountains of northern Tabuk province, which also boasts rare archaeological sites, including carvings and graves in sandstone.

Taif is another area suitable for cool weather in summer. The average summer temperature is between 26 and 36 degrees Celsius. The city is located on the eastern side of the Sarawat Mountains, where tourists can hike and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Another summer getaway is the southwestern city of Baja. Also within the Sarawat Mountains, visitors can explore the 400-year-old village of Thee Ain and immerse themselves in Saudi heritage, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

In just a few years, Saudi Arabia has proven that it has a lot to offer visitors that they might not otherwise consider Saudi Arabia an enticing holiday destination. Its success in attracting a wider range of tourists will further benefit the industry and help Saudi Arabia achieve its stated goal of diversifying its economy in line with the Vision 2030 reform agenda.