Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourism, with international visitors spending $13.16 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10 percent increase from the same period last year. This impressive growth has boosted the Kingdom’s travel account surplus to SR26.78 billion, reflecting tourism’s expanding role in strengthening the non-oil economy.

The Kingdom’s push under Vision 2030 to position tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification is clearly paying off. Saudi Arabia has already welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024, including 29.7 million international visitors and 86.2 million domestic trips, surpassing the Vision 2030 milestone of 100 million visits five years ahead of schedule. International tourism revenue alone soared 148 percent from 2019, the fastest growth rate among G20 nations, while domestic trips almost doubled over the same period.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb praised the sector’s remarkable performance, highlighting its contribution to achieving Vision 2030 goals. “This record performance demonstrates the sector’s strategic importance and the impact of the Kingdom’s visionary leadership,” he said. He emphasized that the tourism sector is creating new opportunities, attracting investment, and generating significant employment prospects.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism success is supported by multibillion-riyal investments in world-class infrastructure. Landmark projects such as the Red Sea Project, NEOM’s Trojena mountain resort, and Riyadh’s heritage-rich Diriyah Gate are progressing rapidly. The first island resorts of the Red Sea Project are set to open later this year, while more than 320,000 new hotel rooms are in development to meet growing demand. Additionally, Red Sea International Airport is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025, enhancing long-haul connectivity and attracting high-end travelers.

The growth in inbound arrivals has been impressive, climbing from 17.5 million in 2019 to 29.7 million in 2024, a 70 percent increase. Spending by international visitors also rose sharply, from SR103.4 billion in 2019 to SR168.5 billion in 2024, highlighting the strong appeal of Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism offerings. Domestic tourism is expanding in parallel, with trips rising to 86.2 million in 2024 and domestic visitor spending reaching a record SR115.3 billion. Leisure travel continues to dominate, fueled by school holidays, regional festivals, entertainment seasons, and high-profile sporting events that showcase the Kingdom’s rich culture and vibrant experiences.

Saudi Arabia is gaining international recognition for its rapid tourism growth. UN Tourism data cited in the Ministry of Tourism’s annual report shows the Kingdom ranked first among G20 nations for growth in international visitor numbers in 2024 and second globally compared to pre-pandemic levels. Egypt, Pakistan, and Bahrain remain the top source markets, with millions of visitors traveling to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

The tourism sector is also contributing significantly to job creation. Analysts forecast that the industry could generate one million related jobs by 2030, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s diversified economy and providing opportunities across hospitality, transportation, and cultural sectors.

With international visitor spending at an all-time high, surging domestic travel, and a steadily expanding infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is successfully transforming into a global tourism hub. The Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service quality ensures that tourism will remain a vital driver of economic growth and international engagement for years to come.

Experts believe the site provides valuable clues about the role of the Arabian Peninsula as a crossroads of ancient civilizations.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced a groundbreaking archeological discovery near Tabuk, shedding light on one of the oldest architectural settlements in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back over 10,000 years.

The settlement, located at the Masiyon site in the Kingdom’s northwest, has been identified as belonging to the pre-pottery Neolithic period, estimated at 10,300–11,000 years ago. Officials described it as not only the oldest settlement in Saudi Arabia but also among the earliest examples of human habitation worldwide.

Dr. Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of the Heritage Commission’s antiquities sector, called the find a milestone in understanding human history. “This discovery highlights the pivotal role of the Arabian Peninsula in the emergence of human civilization,” he said.

The archeological excavations were conducted by the Heritage Commission in partnership with Japan’s Kanazawa University and in collaboration with NEOM. The project builds on decades of earlier surveys, as the site was first listed in the National Antiquities Register in 1978. However, it was not until recent studies in December 2022 that experts confirmed its significance as the earliest known human settlement in the region.

Over four excavation seasons, completed in May 2024, teams applied advanced methods, including stratigraphic documentation, artifact classification, and organic sample analysis to determine absolute dating. Their work revealed semi-circular granite structures resembling residential dwellings, passageways, hearths, and storage facilities, pointing to an organized community layout.

Evidence suggests that the inhabitants practiced hunting alongside early forms of grain cultivation, reflecting humanity’s transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural societies.

The discoveries extend beyond architecture. Archeologists uncovered stone tools such as grinding stones, knives, and arrowheads, alongside ceramics, agricultural implements, and decorative objects. Human and animal skeletons were also recovered, offering insight into burial practices and daily life. Notably, engraved stones with geometric patterns further suggest an emerging cultural and artistic identity.

Experts believe the site provides valuable clues about the role of the Arabian Peninsula as a crossroads of ancient civilizations. The findings reinforce theories that northwest Arabia formed a natural extension of Mesopotamia, the Levant, and southern Anatolia—regions historically known as the Fertile Crescent. This suggests that the Arabian Peninsula was central to humanity’s earliest experiments with permanent settlement, agriculture, and community building.

Saudi authorities have emphasized that the discovery is not only of national importance but also part of the Kingdom’s broader contribution to global heritage research. By uncovering such sites, the Kingdom seeks to highlight its position as a cradle of civilization and a hub of cultural dialogue.

The Ministry of Culture said the excavations demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving and documenting its archeological heritage while also opening new opportunities for cultural tourism. With projects such as NEOM nearby, officials hope that discoveries like Masiyon will draw international interest and further strengthen the Kingdom’s role in shaping global understanding of early human history.

As Dr. Al-Otaibi concluded: “The Masiyon site is not just a Saudi discovery—it is a chapter in the shared story of human civilization. It underscores that the Arabian Peninsula was not on the margins of history, but at its very heart.”