Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a historic global event in November 2025 that will not only reshape its tourism landscape but also strengthen its diplomatic influence on the world stage. The Kingdom will welcome delegates from across the globe for the *26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), scheduled to take place in **Riyadh from November 7 to 11, 2025. The gathering coincides with the organization’s *50th anniversary and will bring together representatives from more than 160 member countries, including ministers, experts, investors, and international organizations — making it one of the most significant global tourism events of the decade.
The central theme of the assembly has been set as:
“AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
This theme reflects how rapidly artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming the global travel experience. Discussions will explore how AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can enhance the quality, safety, and sustainability of tourism — from smart city travel systems to personalized visitor experiences.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized in his statement that,
“We are honored to welcome the world’s leaders to Riyadh for this milestone event that represents a new era of global tourism cooperation and diplomacy.”
He added that Saudi Arabia is the first Gulf nation ever to host a General Assembly of a United Nations agency, a distinction that reflects international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and vision.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the assembly will feature four major general sessions, including the *election of a new UNWTO Secretary-General, as well as the **124th and 125th sessions of the UNWTO Executive Council. In addition, special committee reports will be presented, and a *high-level thematic session titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Tourism” will bring together global experts to discuss how technology is reshaping travel worldwide.
This landmark event is directly aligned with *Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil by focusing on **tourism, culture, innovation, and investment. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in tourism development through mega projects such as *NEOM, AlUla, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project, which are now recognized globally as models of innovation and sustainable growth.
Following the General Assembly, Saudi Arabia will also host the Tourism Innovation and Sustainability Forum from *November 11 to 13, a major international platform dedicated to technology, investment, culture, and environmental sustainability. This event will provide opportunities for *global investors, policymakers, and tourism organizations to collaborate on shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for the global tourism industry.
The forum will also focus on the next 50 years of global tourism, addressing challenges such as climate change, over-tourism, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure. Experts believe that Saudi Arabia’s leadership in organizing such large-scale events demonstrates its growing influence and commitment to the global tourism agenda.
This is not merely a diplomatic achievement — it marks Saudi Arabia’s *emergence as a global leader in tourism innovation. Through strategic investment and visionary policies, the Kingdom has introduced what many now call the *“Saudi Tourism Model”* — a framework that merges *cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology to drive economic growth and international collaboration.
As Minister Al-Khateeb stated:
“Tourism is more than an industry — it is a driver of peace, progress, and cultural understanding. The Riyadh General Assembly will send a clear message to the world that sustainable growth is not only possible but essential for our shared future.”
In essence, the 2025 UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh will stand as a symbol of a new global era — one where tourism, powered by innovation and cooperation, becomes a force for human connection, progress, and sustainability.