Al-BahahHafar al-BatinTurkishhajjis, visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, are seen at the valley of Jabal Thawr. A part of tourism in Saudi Arabia consists of pilgrims visiting holy sites for their historic significance rather than any religious obligation.
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 be the white oil for Saudi Arabia. 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 Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities 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]
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 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 Jeddah: a historical building in Al-Balad, founded in 1872. later, In 2009, it was transformed into a museum and cultural center.
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]
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]
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]
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]Mada'in Salih
Main festivals and events
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.[23][24]
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.[25]
King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival[26] 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.[27]
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.[28]
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. [29]
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,[30] and around two million during the month of Ramadan to perform Umrah.[31] 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 and Medina.
It is a nation-wide tourism initiative that aims at attracting local and international tourists. The seasons are organized in many Saudi cities at different times throughout the year.[32]
There are currently 11 seasons as follows:
Riyadh season: The biggest of its kind, lasts nearly three months, beginning in October. With a history of breaking records and hosting international sensations like BTS, Riyadh Season is a massive event featuring theater shows, concerts, musical events, plays, exhibitions, and interactive experiences.[33]
Jeddah season: Lasting about two months from May to June, stands out with 2,800 events across plays, concerts, and exhibitions. Set against the backdrop of the Red Sea City, it is renowned for water activities, hosting diving lessons, boating activities, and a vibrant yacht club.[33]
Eastern province season: Beginning in March and lasting for two weeks, unfolds with water sports, concerts, multimedia exhibitions, and cultural and educational events, making it a dynamic showcase of the region's diverse offerings.[33]
Taif season: Hosted in August and lasting around a month, focuses on the heritage of Saudi Arabia, featuring concerts by famous Arab musicians. The festival includes diverse zones like Souk Okaz, Crown Prince Camel Festival, Al Ward Heritage Village, and the Al-Baid Masters, offering a varied spectrum of cultural experiences.[33]
Al-Diriyah season: Spanning from October to the new year in the historic city, the original capital of Saudi Arabia located near Riyadh's city center, has emerged as a prominent foodie destination set against the dusty landscape. Known for various sport competitions, including equestrian events and boxing championships, it offers a unique blend of cultural richness and athletic skill.[33]
Al-Ula season: Also known as Winter at Tantora, is the last of the main Saudi Seasons, typically running from December to January. Celebrating the breathtaking landscapes of AlUla, it combines the best in art, music, fashion, and food, offering a unique and enriching experience to visitors.[33]
The Red Sea is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis.[35] 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.[36]
Tourists in Saudi
National MuseumNumber 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:
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.[37] 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.[38]
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.[39]
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.[40]
Promotion
Lionel Messi as ambassador
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Argentine professional footballer and Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi, as its tourism ambassador in May 2022.[41] 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.[42][43] The news received critical reactions from media and human rights groups calling it Saudi Arabia’s use of sports to improve its reputation.[44]
In August 2022, Messi was reached out by the family of a 15-year-old boy who was arrested in Saudi Arabia and charged with a death sentence. The family wrote a letter requesting Messi to intervene in the case of Mohammed al Faraj, who was arrested in 2017 for allegedly committing crime against the Saudi regime. Whereas, the family of the young man claimed that he was tortured into confessing for the crimes, he did not commit. Reprieve, the human rights organization working with the family on the case also claimed Saudi Arabia as using sport to launder its reputation.[45]
Gallery
Abha City, located 2,270 m (7,450 ft) above sea level in the 'Asir Region
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