Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving position in the global economy, tourism, and development partnerships has increasingly drawn the attention of policymakers and investors worldwide. Against this backdrop, the Kingdom’s active participation in the World Economic Forum is being viewed not as a routine diplomatic engagement, but as a continuation of a long-standing strategic vision spanning several decades. According to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Kingdom’s presence in Davos reflects its status as a strong G20 economy and highlights the profound structural transformations underway under Vision 2030.
In an in-depth interview with Al Arabiya Business from Davos, Al-Khateeb explained that Saudi Arabia considers the World Economic Forum more than an annual gathering. Instead, the Kingdom views it as a long-term strategic partner. He noted that Saudi Arabia is playing an active role not only in the forum’s main sessions but also in numerous bilateral meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in tourism, investment, infrastructure, and human development.
The tourism minister recalled that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum has extended beyond Davos itself. He pointed out that last year Riyadh hosted a special Spring Meeting of the forum, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and business leaders. Building on that momentum, preparations are now underway for another Spring Meeting to be held in Jeddah this April, further reinforcing the depth and continuity of this partnership.
Al-Khateeb revealed that the Saudi Ministry of Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Economic Forum last year, enabling the Kingdom to benefit from the forum’s global expertise, research, and policy frameworks. Through this collaboration, Saudi Arabia has accelerated efforts to modernize and expand its tourism and travel sector. He emphasized that this cooperation is not temporary in nature but represents a long-term and strategically important relationship whose impact will become even more evident in the years ahead.
During the interview, the minister stressed that Vision 2030 is no longer merely a roadmap or policy document but a reality taking shape on the ground. He highlighted the sequential opening of major projects such as the Red Sea developments, Qiddiya’s entertainment and cultural hubs, and the restoration of historic Diriyah. These initiatives, he said, are not only boosting tourism but also creating employment opportunities and playing a vital role in diversifying the Saudi economy.
Al-Khateeb also described advancements in aviation and infrastructure as key pillars supporting the growth of tourism. According to him, the expansion of airports, increased private-sector participation, and the launch of new airlines are positioning Saudi Arabia as a major global travel hub. In this context, he referred to projects such as “Riyadh Air,” which aim to deliver world-class aviation services and strengthen international connectivity.
He confirmed that the transformation currently taking place in the tourism sector is comprehensive, unprecedented, and unmatched in scale. Al-Khateeb noted that Saudi Arabia is now experiencing the fastest tourism growth rate among G20 countries, demonstrating both the effectiveness of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ability to execute large-scale reforms successfully.
For the first time, the minister disclosed detailed performance figures for the tourism sector for the year 2025. He reported that Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever spending on tourism, exceeding 300 billion riyals, compared with approximately 282 billion riyals in the previous year. These figures underscore tourism’s emergence as a major contributor to the national economy.
He further stated that the total number of domestic and international tourists increased from 116 million to 122 million, including around 30 million international visitors. This remarkable growth has placed Saudi Arabia among the world’s top ten tourism destinations, marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom.
Al-Khateeb emphasized that tourism development cannot be separated from progress in aviation and infrastructure. He pointed to expanded air connectivity through global airlines, the launch of new routes, and large-scale airport projects. Among these is the King Salman International Airport, which is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s hosting of Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
From Davos, the tourism minister also announced the upcoming launch of the “Quality of Life Index.” Developed in cooperation with a U.S. institution, this will be the world’s first global index dedicated to measuring quality of life in cities. The index will assess factors such as infrastructure, public services, amenities, and overall living standards, with the goal of encouraging healthy competition among cities worldwide.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its achievements in tourism, economic growth, and human development in the coming years. He stated that initiatives under Vision 2030 are not only strengthening the Kingdom’s economy but are also redefining Saudi Arabia as a modern, open, and world-class global tourism destination.