Saudi Arabia emerges as the leading tourism economy in the Middle East
Here's what it means for you.
Saudi Arabia's rapid growth in tourism presents new opportunities for global investors and travelers alike.
What happened
Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector experienced robust growth in 2025, outperforming both regional and global averages.
The Context
- Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism GDP grew by 7.4% in 2025, nearly double the global average of 4.1%.
- The total number of domestic and international tourists in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 123 million in 2025.
- Business travel spending in Saudi Arabia increased by over 55%, highlighting its emerging role as a global business hub.
Takeaway
Saudi Arabia's ongoing investments and strategic initiatives are likely to further enhance its status as a premier global tourist destination.
Regional and international reporting focused on Middle Eastern politics, diplomacy, and economics.
"Asharq Al-Awsat is a Saudi-owned international newspaper reflecting mainstream Gulf political perspectives."
— A47 Editor
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Arabic-language reporting focused on Saudi domestic affairs and current events.
"Al Watan is a mainstream Saudi newspaper with strong domestic coverage and a broad general-news profile."
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The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has reported that Saudi Arabia is the largest tourism economy in the Middle East, with an estimated contribution of approximately $178 billion to the sector by 2025, representing 46% of the region's tourism...