JEDDAH: The travel and tourism business in the Arab world has stabilized since the upheaval unleashed by the Arab Spring, according to a leading player in the world hospitality industry.
“Initially things were tumultuous... Our Egyptian business was impacted more than any other place. Today, however, business has stabilized,” Chris Nassetta, CEO and president of Hilton Inc., told Arab News during an exclusive interview at the Jeddah Hilton, the group’s flagship property in the Kingdom.
He sees tremendous growth coming to Saudi Arabia in the next two to three years in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
“Our biggest presence (in the region) is in Saudi Arabia, where we have 11 operating hotels. We have 33 hotels in the pipeline. We’re very optimistic about what’s going on in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Nassetta, who graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance, said his group is looking forward to being involved in Vision 2030.
“The Saudi government is making travel and tourism one of the vision’s main components. We’re big players in travel and tourism, and we can bring a lot to the table. We can help with marketing Saudi Arabia as a destination, and obviously continuing to build our presence in the Kingdom to better serve customers from around the world.”
He said he has read a lot about Vision 2030. “It would be hard to argue the underlying fundamentals of diversifying the economy. It makes a lot of sense. We’re incredibly supportive of it. Vision 2030 is about creating opportunities for growth and employment. I’m sure we can play an important role in helping attain its goals. Saudi Arabia is on a tremendously positive path. Vision 2030 is the beginning of a long path.”
The chief of the global hospitality giant explained how Saudi Arabia can benefit from Hilton’s massive reach.
“We have a massive global footprint... We’re connected to nearly 5,000 hotels in 104 countries, serving 100-million-plus customers a year. We’re constantly connecting our customers with different opportunities for travel around the world. We have a big megaphone,” he said.
“In the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) alone, we have 16,000 rooms under construction, which is more than any other major global operator.”
According to him, travel and tourism are a huge economic driver, with the industry comprising one in 10 jobs in the world and 10 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP).
“I believe that the goal for Vision 2030 is to have it close to 20 percent of economic activity in Saudi Arabia. In order to do that, and in order for travel and tourism to play that kind of role, you need to have the right people and have them trained in the right way,” he said.
He advised young people to start at the bottom in their bid to scale new heights, citing his own example.
“My first job in the hotel business was plunging toilets in a Holiday Inn in Washington, because I told my father I was interested in getting into business. He said I had to start at the bottom, so I did. Now I run one of the largest companies in the world,” he said.
“My own experience shows the tremendous opportunity and growth there is in the industry, as well as how much upward mobility there is.”
He lamented that few young people are aware of the growth opportunities the industry offers. “You’d be surprised how many young people don’t really understand this, so part of our job is making sure they’re aware of the opportunities. The second part is preparing them with the basic skills. In some cases, they don’t have the skills needed to become contributing team members,” he said.
“This is why the Passport to Success (PTS) program has been so instrumental in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. We use it as a basic way to get young people to prepare to work for us, and ultimately we employ many of them. We’re not perfect, but we do a wonderful job in developing people and giving them opportunities for growth. That’s why people stick with us.
“We’re opening, on average, one hotel a day in the world. That means opportunities for young Saudis and other young people. We need people who are motivated and inspired to serve other people.”
He said employing women is “really important” for Hilton. “We’re in business to serve our customer base. That base is large and diverse, and a large component of it is female. For us to succeed in serving that part of our customer base, we have to have a team that illustrates gender diversity. Around the world, nearly half of our team member base is female.”
He said Saudi Arabia has all the ingredients of an ideal tourist destination. “The key to being successful in travel and tourism is to make sure you have a safe environment. People generally don’t travel to places where they don’t feel safe, and Saudi Arabia has done a good job in making them feel safe,” he said.
“The next thing is making sure you have, and can protect, destinations that people want to see and visit. Saudi Arabia has the destinations, so the next thing is marketing. This is where we can help as a result of having some much-needed infrastructure.”
Nassetta repeatedly spoke of the role his parents, especially his father, played in his success and in inculcating core values in him.
“My father is a wonderful man. He is 85 years old, and I had dinner with him the night before I came here. He has been an inspiration to me and many other people. He has given me and my family wonderful values. His experience was in many different businesses, not only hospitality.
“I think there are two things you always look to your parents for: Love and mentors. They can give you a foundation, and that foundation is values. For all of our team, there must be something burning inside that will take you where you want to go. My father and mother gave me great gifts, and what I took from them was a basic value system. I try to use those gifts to make a positive impact.”
Business has stabilized in the Arab world: Hilton CEO
Business has stabilized in the Arab world: Hilton CEO
Saudi Arabia rubber stamped as host of 6th UN World Data Forum in 2026
- Kingdom’s successful bid endorsed by High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB)
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia was confirmed on Friday as host of the sixth edition of the UN World Data Forum in 2026, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The announcement was made at Friday’s conclusion of the fifth edition, held in Medellin in Colombia and attended by representatives from all 193 UN member states.
The Kingdom’s successful bid was endorsed by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB), recognizing Saudi Arabia’s significant progress and commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development.
Fahad Aldossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), expressed his congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support.
He acknowledged their backing and the role it has played in strengthening GASTAT’s global presence and expertise, enabling it to compete on an international scale.
Aldossari noted that hosting the 6th UN World Data Forum was a testament to Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive advancements across various sectors, particularly in data and statistics.
“This forum will be an invaluable platform for sharing technical expertise, fostering partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide, and enhancing global cooperation in statistics,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Colombia’s government, the UN, and the National Department of Statistics (DANE) for their successful organization of the 5th forum, as well as to the HLG-PCCB and participating representatives for their dedication.
The UN World Data Forum is a premier global event, drawing more than 20,000 participants from government bodies, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
It addresses challenges in global data and statistics, fosters collaboration, and underscores the importance of data in shaping effective policies and initiatives.
Soul searching: How astrology and crystals are captivating younger generations
- Younger generations are more open to exploring unconventional topics, says astrology enthusiast
RIYADH: In recent years, young Saudis have been increasingly drawn to astrology and crystals.
Arab News spoke to several Saudis who explained how this trend reflects a deeper desire for self-exploration and healing, particularly among the younger generation, who are navigating an era of rapid change and seeking guidance beyond traditional frameworks.
Young Saudis say that astrology — a system linking the position of planets to personality traits — as well as crystals, which some believe aid in personal healing, have provided avenues for them to explore their identities, face their anxieties and find meaning.
Mawadda Al-Surehi, owner of AGAPE & Co., a store in Saudi Arabia, described her journey as a response to a society that she believes often overlooks the well-being of the soul.
“We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls,” she said.
Al-Surehi’s products purportedly support meditation, inner peace and calmness. “Crystals are often underrated and seen only as pretty or aesthetic, but they actually carry a lot of energy and frequency,” she said. “I believe they’re part of our spiritual journey and have been for centuries.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection.
• Mawadda Al-Surehi predicts that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
“Crystals work like lemon and honey for the flu,” Al-Surehi said. “They’re for healing the spiritual side of you.”
She predicted that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
Salsabil Al-Shajiri spoke about how her initial interest in astrology stemmed from curiosity. “I was interested in learning how these practices had captivated so many people,” she said. While she does not view astrology as an absolute truth, Salsabil appreciates its potential to help people reflect on their characteristics and tendencies, providing insight into relationships and behaviors.
She believes that the popularity of astrology among young Saudis is largely due to a desire for self-exploration. “They seek a way to discover their true selves,” she said, explaining how studying astrology has improved her mental health and perspective on life, helping her progress through personal development with a more positive outlook.
We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls.
Mawadda Al-Surehi, AGAPE & Co. owner
Abeer Ahmed shares a similar sentiment. “At the age of 27, astrology fits naturally and intuitively into my life,” she said. For Ahmed, astrology provides insight into daily life, although she approaches it with a balanced perspective. “I’ve learned through the years to take everything with a grain of salt,” she added, highlighting how she views astrology as a supportive tool rather than a definitive guide.
Ahmed believes that young Saudis are drawn to astrology because of its fun and mysterious nature. “The idea that we each have a birth chart, unique to us, and can gain insight through studying constellations — that’s so fun,” she said. Younger generations, Abeer said, are more open to exploring unconventional topics. At various points in her life, astrology has provided her with confidence and a sense of direction. However, she cautioned against allowing it to dominate one’s life, highlighting that nothing should replace one’s own inner compass.
For Jomanah Nawaf, an interest in astrology and crystals began in 2018 when she discovered her placement — an aspect of astrology that attributes personality characteristics related to the time of a person’s birth.
Her particular placement of Sagittarius and Jupiter is said to represent a drive for personal freedom, truth and understanding — qualities that Jomanah found “ironically fitting.”
What started as a casual interest on social media quickly became a daily ritual. “Not a day goes by where I don’t use my astrology knowledge for personal reasons,” Nawaf said, adding that she incorporates astrology into everything from salon appointments to medical decisions.
Nawaf said that social media played a significant role in spreading these practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people spent more time online. She likens astrology to a personality test that offers labels to help people understand their experiences. “Astrology helps you understand what’s going on in your life and brings some relief,” she said. For Jomanah, astrology provides a sense of clarity and control in an unpredictable world, helping her navigate challenges with a calm perspective.
Wedad Bughararah was initially drawn to crystals because of their beauty, not necessarily because she believed they held energy. “Just having them around brought a sense of calm,” she said. This sense of peace led her to explore spirituality more deeply, discovering a world that felt both comforting and enlightening.
Bughararah commented on the generational draw to age-old practices. “Most of generation Z is struggling with depression because we don’t see a lot of hope for the future,” she said, adding that these practices provide a beacon of hope in an otherwise unpredictable life.
For some, like Al-Surehi, spirituality is a holistic journey that encompasses mind, body and soul. For others, like Ahmed and Nawaf, astrology serves as a tool for navigating life’s complexities.
In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection. As Al-Surehi, eloquently puts it: “At the end of the day, you’re a soul inside a body.”
For this generation, spirituality presents itself as both a medicine for the soul and a guide to navigating the complexities of modern life.
Artifacts on display at Makkah exhibition
- A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is currently hosting the Revelation Exhibition, drawing visitors from all walks of life.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to delve into the stories of the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation.
Visitors can go back in time to experience the historic moment through state-of-the-art technology and interactive displays.
The exhibition also features a range of artifacts, including a photographed copy of the Qur’an that belonged to the esteemed companion Uthman ibn Affan, and ancient stone inscriptions bearing verses from the Qur’an.
The Hira Cultural District is a cultural and tourism destination which is committed to enriching the visitor experience.
Its Autumn Vacation series of events offers a diverse range of experiences, including equestrian skills demonstrations, a display of traditional caravans, and engaging challenges.
Tunisian president hosts Saudi investment minister for talks
- Parties discuss enhancing economic collaboration, exploring opportunities
TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied received Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and his delegation on Saturday at the Presidential Palace of Carthage.
The minister passed on greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saied, along with their well wishes for Tunisia’s ongoing progress, stability and growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saied thanked Saudi Arabia for its leadership in the Arab and Islamic world, emphasizing the Kingdom’s vital role in fostering regional unity and development, the SPA added.
The meeting, which was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the investment sector.
The parties discussed enhancing economic collaboration and exploring potential opportunities to align their aspirations in various investment sectors.
An agreement to formalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at encouraging and expanding mutual investments was also discussed.
Saied backed the move and emphasized that the agreement represented a significant step forward in cementing economic ties and fostering shared development initiatives between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Royal Saudi Air Force commander meets US Air Force official
- The parties reviewed current and future programs and projects of the Royal Saudi Air Force
RIYADH: Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, met the Deputy Undersecretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt, the Defense Ministry wrote on X on Saturday.
The parties reviewed current and future programs and projects of the Royal Saudi Air Force, in the presence of program directors and the accompanying Saudi delegation.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih recently met the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris.
Barrot hosted a reception for Saudi and French companies, the Saudi minister wrote on X on Saturday.
Al-Falih also held a meeting with CEOs from a number of French companies to help stimulate and develop joint investments.
