Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb took part in a dialogue session during the fifth edition of the Real Estate Future Forum, held in Riyadh from January 26 to 28.
Speaking during a panel titled “The Non-Saudi Ownership Law and Its Impact on Tourism and Economic Projects,” which brought together several ministers, Al-Khateeb emphasized that quality of life is not only a vision for the Kingdom, but also a responsibility and a message to the world. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains focused on achieving economic sustainability and creating employment opportunities within the tourism sector.
Record Growth in Inbound Tourism
Al-Khateeb revealed that in 2025 the Kingdom welcomed approximately 30 million inbound tourists from abroad, marking unprecedented growth compared to previous years. He noted that this surge reflects the qualitative transformation of the tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030, driven by the development of unique destinations, major cities, and globally unprecedented projects.
The minister underscored the importance of urban design that serves both residents and visitors. He cited Diriyah as a leading example of this modern approach, explaining that the destination is set to feature around 35 hotels, 11 museums, along with diverse shopping and entertainment options tailored to the needs of both communities and tourists.
Heritage, Cultural Assets
Al-Khateeb also highlighted that Saudi Arabia is home to nearly 11,000 heritage and cultural sites, several of which are listed on the World Heritage List. He noted that these assets enhance the Kingdom’s global tourism standing while supporting sustainable development goals.
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