0:00
0:00
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Tourist arrivals surpass 3.2 million in 2024, driven by significant investments and infrastructure improvements.
In a notable shift for its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa region recorded a 500 percent increase in tourist numbers, surpassing 3.2 million visitors in 2024 compared to 2019 figures.
This announcement was made by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, during the Al-Ahsa Forum 2025 held on February 19-20.
Total tourist spending in Al-Ahsa reached SR3.3 billion ($897 million) in the previous year, marking an approximate growth rate of 400 percent relative to 2019. This remarkable increase is attributed to ongoing governmental initiatives aimed at promoting the region as a key tourist destination.
The Minister noted a significant qualitative shift in the local hospitality infrastructure, with a reported 52 percent rise in the number of licensed tourism facilities compared to 2023. By the end of last year, the region had approximately 2,700 licensed hotel rooms.
Al-Khateeb highlighted the contributions of the Tourism Development Fund, which has facilitated the financing of various significant projects, including the introduction of notable five-star hotels such as the Hilton Al-Ahsa, Radisson Blu, and Hilton Garden Inn.
The Ministry of Tourism has implemented a variety of initiatives designed to enhance the investment environment in Al-Ahsa, offering exemptions and incentive programs that have collectively benefited projects valued at SR3 billion in the region.
Additionally, more than 5,300 training opportunities for local residents have been created since 2023, surpassing the targets previously set by the ministry.
During a trip across various regions of Saudi Arabia in November, Al-Khateeb disclosed that the Kingdom is committing over SR3.5 billion towards the development of 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa.
These projects are expected to improve the area’s tourism infrastructure and contribute more than 1,800 additional hotel rooms.
The focus on Al-Ahsa aligns with broader efforts to leverage the region’s natural and cultural assets to attract both domestic and international tourists, reinforcing the importance of tourism in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans.
This announcement was made by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, during the Al-Ahsa Forum 2025 held on February 19-20.
Total tourist spending in Al-Ahsa reached SR3.3 billion ($897 million) in the previous year, marking an approximate growth rate of 400 percent relative to 2019. This remarkable increase is attributed to ongoing governmental initiatives aimed at promoting the region as a key tourist destination.
The Minister noted a significant qualitative shift in the local hospitality infrastructure, with a reported 52 percent rise in the number of licensed tourism facilities compared to 2023. By the end of last year, the region had approximately 2,700 licensed hotel rooms.
Al-Khateeb highlighted the contributions of the Tourism Development Fund, which has facilitated the financing of various significant projects, including the introduction of notable five-star hotels such as the Hilton Al-Ahsa, Radisson Blu, and Hilton Garden Inn.
The Ministry of Tourism has implemented a variety of initiatives designed to enhance the investment environment in Al-Ahsa, offering exemptions and incentive programs that have collectively benefited projects valued at SR3 billion in the region.
Additionally, more than 5,300 training opportunities for local residents have been created since 2023, surpassing the targets previously set by the ministry.
During a trip across various regions of Saudi Arabia in November, Al-Khateeb disclosed that the Kingdom is committing over SR3.5 billion towards the development of 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa.
These projects are expected to improve the area’s tourism infrastructure and contribute more than 1,800 additional hotel rooms.
The focus on Al-Ahsa aligns with broader efforts to leverage the region’s natural and cultural assets to attract both domestic and international tourists, reinforcing the importance of tourism in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans.
