Saudi Arabia is set to become a major player in global tourism, according to its Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb. In a speech at a UN tourism conference in Muscat, Oman, Al-Khateeb announced a record-breaking investment of $800 billion to develop the country’s tourism sector.

“This will be the highest number of tourism investments in the world,” Al-Khateeb declared, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reshape the global tourism landscape. He highlighted creating a business-friendly environment for investors and a “distinctive” approach to building the sector.

This ambitious plan includes adding over 250,000 hotel rooms in the coming years. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the national economic diversification strategy. Al-Khateeb highlighted the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the Saudi economy, which increased from 3% to 4.5% in just one year, with a target of reaching 10% by 2030.

Developing a skilled national workforce is a key focus for Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Tourism is actively attracting young Saudis to the industry and investing in their training.

Al-Khateeb called for regional collaboration, emphasizing the Middle East’s potential as a tourism powerhouse. “The countries of the region have all the requirements for successful investment in the tourism sector,” he said, citing the region’s rich natural resources and diverse offerings.

The minister expressed optimism about a unified regional approach, stating that Middle Eastern countries are developing plans and strategies to capitalize on this promising sector.