Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation to increase tourism to the country. The Kingdom is investing heavily in its infrastructure, focusing on four specific “giga-projects” aimed at boosting its tourism industry. The first and most significant of these projects is the NEOM city project, a $500 billion dollar futuristic city known as the “city of the future,” which will be built from scratch in the northwest of the country. The project aims to be a hub of innovation with its state-of-the-art technology, transportation, and infrastructure.
The second mega-project, the Red Sea Project, focuses on environmental sustainability, with over 50 islands across a lagoon being transformed into luxury resorts with public and private beaches, villas, and an airport. The project aims for all hotels and facilities to be powered by wind and solar power.
The third project is Amaala, a luxury resort that intends to combine wellness, healthy living, and world-class hospitality. Amaala will offer opportunities to swim with dolphins, participate in yoga and meditation classes, and indulge in culinary experiences.
The final giga-project is Qiddiya, a 334 km² entertainment city that aims to be the “future capital of entertainment, sports, and the arts.” It is located just outside of Riyadh and includes facilities like theme parks, water parks, sports facilities, and a Six Flags amusement park.
However, Saudi Arabia is not relying solely on the giga projects to draw in tourists. The country is also investing in heritage tourism, focusing on the ancient city of Diriyah. Diriyah was the site of the first Saudi Arabian capital and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. The government plans to transform Diriyah into a cultural and entertainment hub, highlighting the country’s historical and cultural significance.
The first phase of the Diriyah Gate Project launched in 2018, commemorating the city’s history and its status as the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The project includes a museum, a theater, and a cultural center, as well as hotels, shops, and restaurants. The government plans to create jobs for 17,000 Saudis with the final completion of the Diriyah project.
The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing, with the number of tourists visiting the country rising from 4.4 million in 2018 to 17 million by 2019. The government aims to increase the number of tourists to 100 million by 2030, and these giga-projects and heritage tourism efforts are seen as a significant part of achieving that goal. These efforts also represent a shift in Saudi Arabia’s economy, as traditionally, oil has been the country’s main source of income.
Despite concerns over the country’s human rights record and geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia sees tourism as a crucial revenue source to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Once these projects are completed, Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly be on the international map as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.