Al-Ahsa's Tourism Sector Sees 500% Growth, Attracting 3.2 Million Tourists in 2024
Significant investments and strategic initiatives propel Al-Ahsa's emergence as a premier tourist destination.
Al-Ahsa has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, recording a 500% increase over the past five years.
In 2024, the region welcomed over 3.2 million domestic and international tourists, a substantial rise from previous years.
Tourist expenditures in 2024 surpassed SAR 3.3 billion, reflecting a 400% growth compared to 2019 figures.
This data was presented during the seventh session of the Al-Ahsa Investment Forum 2025, held on February 19-20, 2025, at the InterContinental Hotel in Al-Hofuf.The forum, recognized as a pivotal economic event in the Kingdom, highlighted Al-Ahsa's economic and historical significance.
Discussions centered on the achievements of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector in 2024, marking a transformative period for the industry.The hospitality sector in Al-Ahsa has undergone significant development, with licensed tourism facilities increasing by 52% compared to 2023. By the end of 2024, the region boasted 2,700 licensed hotel rooms.
This expansion aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to enhance the investment climate in Al-Ahsa, implementing various initiatives and incentive programs.
Notably, 17 tourism projects, collectively valued at over SAR 3.5 billion, are underway, aiming to add more than 1,800 hotel rooms to the region.In addition to infrastructure development, the ministry is committed to workforce advancement.
Since 2023, over 5,300 training opportunities have been provided to local residents, surpassing 50% of the ministry's initial training targets for Al-Ahsa.The Al-Ahsa Investment Forum 2025 served as a platform to showcase the region's economic strengths, resources, and investment prospects.
The event featured eight panel discussions and seven workshops, covering sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, logistics, health, and corporate governance.
An exhibition with 52 exhibitors presented the latest products and investment opportunities, emphasizing Al-Ahsa's role in Saudi Arabia's broader economic framework.These developments are in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and increase tourism's contribution to the national GDP from 6% to 10%.
The strategic initiatives and investments in Al-Ahsa underscore the region's potential as a key player in the Kingdom's tourism landscape.