RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has been a unique travel destination for centuries, offering a wide range of tourism options to visitors, from religious tourism to visiting the historical wonders and seeing the Kingdom’s natural beauty.
While the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with their rich Islamic history epitomizing religious tourism, the natural and heritage wonders are best visited in picturesque Abha, Al-Baha, Al-Turaif distirct in historic Diriyah, Riyadh, historic Jeddah, the mountain resorts of Taif, heritage rock arts in Hail and the majesty of ancient Nabatean tombs in Madain Saleh whereas the multicolored coral reefs of the Red Sea remained a well-kept secret.
Unveiling an ambitious plan for tourism revolution to make Saudi Arabia a world-class travel destination, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in August announced the launch of “The Red Sea” tourism project.
Envisioned as a resort built across a lagoon of 50 pristine islands, the ambitious tourism project will be situated in one of the world’s last natural hidden treasures between the cities of Um Laj and Al-Wajh on the west coast.
It will be developed in partnership with the world’s leading hospitality firms.
Situated just a few kilometers from one of the most diverse Saudi natural reserves in Harrat Al-Rahat, the resort promises to be a blissful coastal island retreat set against a backdrop of the ancient ruins at Madain Saleh, renowned for its natural beauty and heritage value.
With the completion of the project’s first phase expected by 2022, which will include development of hotels, luxury residential units and all logistical infrastructure such as air, land and sea transport hubs, visitors will be able to explore hidden treasures including a natural reserve that boasts a stunning diversity of flora and fauna.
Moreover, an array of marine-oriented resort developments will allow for unparalleled scuba diving among stunning coral reefs.
The project, upon completion, will form an archipelago that is home to environmentally protected coral reefs, mangroves and several endangered marine species, including the hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae.
Moreover, the area boasts dormant volcanoes, the most recently active of which recorded history of activity dating back to the 17th century AD.
The natural reserve, which is part of the ambitious project, is inhabited by rare wildlife including leopards, wolves, wildcats and falcons.
Furthermore, the Red Sea project will offer parachuting, trekking and rock climbing. With the tourism sector witnessing a remarkable growth, becoming the second most important sector in the Kingdom after the energy sector, this significant project is expected to spearhead the diversification of the Saudi leisure industry as envisioned under Vision 2030.
In a major boost to the travel and tourism sector, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the development of a new company to act as its investment arm in the entertainment sector to make deals with strategic partners, in a quest to provide more fun and entertainment at home that will help reduce foreign travel, as well as spending on vacations abroad.
Announcing this, the PIF on Wednesday said that this company will expand the scope and variety of entertainment offerings that conform to the latest global standards.
The new company, with an initial capitalization of SR10 billion, will play an active investment role in various areas of the entertainment sector, and seek to attract strategic partnerships to build the cultural eco-system within the Kingdom.
The new company’s establishment is consistent with the ambitions within Vision 2030 to increase the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment offering, to create new employment opportunities, and to make use of the wealth of talent and energy among Saudi youth.
The company is planning to invest in a number of entertainment projects, which includes an entertainment complex that will be launched by 2019, and is expected to generate more than 22,000 local jobs and contribute SR8 billion ($2.133 billion) to the economy by 2030. An estimated 50 million visitors annually are also expected by that time.
Welcoming the move, Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hedayan, a senior legal adviser and an expert in foreign direct investments, told Arab News: “As there were few entertainment attractions available in the Kingdom, it is indeed a significant initiative to have more entertainment and fun at home and take fewer vacations abroad, which will help cut on spending abroad.”
Al-Hedayan underlined that in line with Vision 2030, the General Authority for Entertainment was established to organize and develop the leisure sector in the Kingdom; provide entertainment and recreational opportunities for all segments of the society in all regions in the Kingdom; enrich life and make it cheerful; and stimulate the role of the private sector in building and developing entertainment activities.
In a great leap forward, the PIF is now establishing a new company as an investment arm in the growing leisure sector to play an effective investment role in developing cultural and recreational elements in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the Kingdom has already reached an agreement to open a Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, and announced the Red Sea tourism project on the western coast, paving the way for partnerships with the world’s leading tourism companies.
Riyadh is also witnessing massive-scale growth in tourism in both urban and rural areas.
The hospitality sector, in particular, has registered exponential expansion, and the capital is now a shopping hub with a wide range of shopping centers, malls and hypermarkets.
With the tourism sector growing by leaps and bounds recording faster rates of growth with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National History (SCTH) expanding its footprint across the Kingdom since its formation in 2000, there is a marked difference with emphasis on all aspects of tourism as an industry par excellence, which not only promotes domestic tourism and protect Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, but at the same time, creates employment avenues for Saudi youth.
Moreover, the SCTH in July announced the launch of six initiatives that have been approved under the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020. The launch of these initiatives is carried out by the SCTH under the National Tourism Development and National Heritage project of the Kingdom, which is consistent with its strategy approved by the Cabinet in 2004.
Mohammed Al-Nashmi, head of the achievements of the Vision 2030 at the SCTH, said that the commission has begun revising its strategy to meet the “Vision 2030.” The government budget for fiscal year 2017 covered all national heritage and tourism initiatives, 15 of which belong to the SCTH and 16 to its partners.
The total amount of the fund allocated to initiatives of the SCTH and its partners is approximately SR9.93 billion, 40 percent of which will be paid to the SCTH and 60 percent to its partners in government institutions. Total private sector investment is expected to reach SR16 billion, representing 64 percent of total expenditures until 2020.
The SCTH initiatives include “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program of Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage Care,” the first phase of which includes 79 projects under the initiatives of the NTP 2020, proposed during the first quarter of 2017. The SCTH will undertake rehabilitation and operation of 15 handicraft centers to raise their total to 17. In addition, it will rehabilitate 18 urban heritage sites, bringing their total to 28, and establish 18 regional museums to bring the total in the Kingdom to 24.
SCTH will also rehabilitate 80 archaeological sites, and ready them for the public, bringing their total to 155, in addition to registering three more sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the Kingdom’s total registered sites to seven.
The UNESCO included Historic Jeddah and the Hail Rock Arts in the World Heritage List in consecutive years during the 38th UNESCO world heritage committee session in Qatar (2014) and 39th session of UNESCO world heritage committee in Bonn, Germany (2015).
The Hail Rock Arts are the fourth UNESCO heritage site in the Kingdom as earlier, UNESCO declared Madain Saleh as a site of patrimony in 2008, and it became Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site.
It was chosen for its well-preserved remains from late antiquity, especially the 131 rock-cut monumental tombs, with their elaborately ornamented facades of the Nabatean kingdom.
Subsequently, the Kingdom mounted a concerted effort to further upgrade heritage tourism infrastructure and other facilities at historical and cultural sites as part of its effort to eventually get other historical sites of the Kingdom included in the World Heritage List. The Turaif district in Al-Diriyah was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The registration of these four heritage sites plays vital role toward promoting heritage tourism in the Kingdom.
Acknowledging the continuous effort, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), at its 22nd session held in China, honored Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi SCTH on Sept.13. for his exemplary support of global tourism, the UNWTO’s efforts and his innovative initiatives to promote tourism in the Kingdom.
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai stressed that this is the first tribute that is given to a person who had given much effort and time for the success of tourism in the world.
Saudi Arabia witnessing a remarkable growth in tourism industry
Saudi Arabia witnessing a remarkable growth in tourism industry
Saudi foreign minister calls Indian, Pakistani counterparts to de-escalate tensions
- Faisal bin Farhan discussed escalating tensions between India and Pakistan
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan has urged his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to de-escalate tensions and end military confrontations.
In two seperate phone calls on Saturday, Farhan has affirmed Saudi Arabia's stance to consolidate the security and stability of the region, as well as its strategic and strong relationship with both countries.
سمو وزير الخارجية الأمير #فيصل_بن_فرحان @FaisalbinFarhan يجري اتصالين هاتفيين بكل من معالي وزير الشؤون الخارجية في جمهورية الهند الدكتور سوبراهمانيام جايشانكار، ومعالي نائب رئيس الوزراء وزير الشؤون الخارجية في جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية السيد إسحاق دار. pic.twitter.com/rtc6BzhWGg
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) May 10, 2025
Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone
- Thamudic scripts, petroglyphs carved into rock in Hail offers a glimpse of Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations thousands of years ago
MAKKAH: Carved into the rocks of Hail, across its mountains and plateaus, Thamudic inscriptions stand as enduring testaments to a civilization that flourished over thousands of years ago.
More than mere markings, these inscriptions form a visual archive that offers rich insights into the lives, beliefs, customs and language of ancient Arabs, preserving their names, expressions, and everyday experiences.
Mamdouh Al-Fadel, a researcher into the history of Hail and ancient Thamudic Arabic inscriptions, told Arab News that Thamudic script was one of the most important early forms of Arabic writing.
“These inscriptions offer detailed insights into both religious and social life. They preserve a vivid record of names and ancient Arabic vocabulary.
“And portray animals that inhabited the region at the time, such as camels, ibex, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and ostriches, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the desert environment and way of life during that period.”
Al-Fadel said that among the most significant sites preserving these rock arts and inscriptions are Jabal Umm Sinman in the city of Jubbah, as well as the sites of Yatab, Janine Mountain, Al-Tuwal Mountain, Al-Julf, Habran, Al-Musma, and Arnan.
He said the rich vocabulary and the diversity of names found at these sites reflect the depth and complexity of social and cultural life during that era.
He highlighted the significant global impact of these discoveries, which have turned the inscription sites in Hail into important destinations for researchers and visitors from around the world.
Several of these locations, such as Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting their profound archeological significance and cultural value on the global stage.
Al-Fadel said the Ministry of Culture is preserving these ancient petroglyphs by documenting archeological sites, conducting regular inspections, and fostering continuous research and academic studies.
When asked about the most striking aspects of life portrayed in the inscriptions, Al-Fadel explained: “They reveal a wealth of information about religious rituals, diverse hunting techniques, and the tools used, such as bows and arrows, spears, and even boomerangs.
“The inscriptions also depict clever hunting strategies, festive occasions like wedding dances, methods of adapting to the desert environment, the domestication of animals, and scenes of horse and camel racing, all illustrated with remarkable realism and detail.”
The Thamudic inscriptions in Hail stand as timeless historical treasures that transport us to the far reaches of antiquity, placing the Kingdom among the earliest cradles of human civilization.
Saad Al-Sharif, a researcher in ancient Arabic inscriptions, notes that the Thamudic script is among the oldest and most significant writing systems used in the Arabian Peninsula.
It has been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.
He said that the script is not directly attributed to the Thamud tribe, but scholars had adopted the term “Thamudic” as a convenient label to categorize it.
The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects.
Al-Sharif said Thamudic inscriptions are a vital source for understanding the linguistic evolution of Arabic, acting as a transitional link between ancient scripts such as Lihyanite and Nabataean and the modern Arabic script.
He underscored the importance of continued research and exploration in this field to deepen understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s history.
How new car manufacturers and startups are turning Saudi Arabia into an electric mobility hub
- As global automakers like Tesla and Lucid expand, Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its EV transition under Vision 2030
- Public-private partnerships power Saudi EV growth, with firms like ESSCO rolling out climate-resilient charging solutions nationwide
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle sector is gaining traction, marked by Tesla’s first dealership in Riyadh and a growing network of charging stations, signaling increased foreign investment and a drive toward sustainability.
The momentum aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s reform plan that prioritizes sustainability and clean energy. As the government sets the stage for widespread electric vehicle adoption, companies are rapidly expanding infrastructure to meet rising local demand.
Industry leaders say the Kingdom’s approach resonates beyond its borders.
“We see Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainability not merely as a national initiative, but as a global inspiration,” Abdulmajeed Al-Ghamdi, general manager of sustainable solutions company ESSCO, told Arab News.
“With the development of mega-projects and smart cities powered by clean energy and intelligent mobility, we believe the future holds unprecedented potential and we are ready to be a part of it.”
ESSCO is among the companies helping to build Saudi Arabia’s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. Through partnerships with leading EV charger manufacturers in Europe and China, the company has trained its workforce in installation and operational procedures.
Al-Ghamdi believes ESSCO’s nationwide maintenance expertise gives the company a competitive edge.
“The nature of our company, which also specializes in maintenance, gives us a significant advantage, as we already have high caliber maintenance teams distributed across various regions in the Kingdom,” he said.
“This widespread presence allows us to deploy resources quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring timely project execution.”
To align with regulatory standards, ESSCO collaborates with the Saudi Electricity Company and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. ESSCO is also addressing the unique challenges posed by the Kingdom’s vast terrain and extreme climate.
DID YOU KNOW?
• EVs don’t emit exhaust gases, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The global EV market is expected to reach $1.57 trillion by 2032.
• China leads the global EV market, accounting for some 58 percent of global EV production in 2023, driven by its top automaker, BYD.
“These standards are based on rigorous data and research provided by SASO, which plays a crucial — though sometimes under-recognized — role in advancing sustainability efforts in the Kingdom,” Al-Ghamdi said.
Rather than viewing the harsh climate as a hurdle, ESSCO sees it as a chance for innovation.
“Drawing from our extensive experience with solar energy systems in both public and private sector projects, we are actively working on integrating solar power and energy storage solutions into our EV charging infrastructure,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
“By capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural sunlight, we are helping pave the way for a more self-sustaining and resilient charging network.”
The company’s work highlights the growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a sustainable EV infrastructure.
“We closely follow the significant role played by the Public Investment Fund in driving large-scale investments in the EV sector,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
PIF has played a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s EV industry, most notably through its backing of Lucid, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer.
Lucid established the Kingdom’s first EV production facility and became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi” program — a milestone in localizing high-tech manufacturing and promoting national industrial growth.
The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational, with a full-scale manufacturing facility expected by 2026.
“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,” Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, told Arab News earlier this year.
Lucid is not the only player driving Saudi Arabia’s EV ambitions.
Ceer, the Kingdom’s first homegrown electric vehicle brand, is also preparing to launch its debut model in 2026. The company’s production facility is designed for an annual output of 240,000 units, CEO Jim DeLuca told Arab News earlier this year.
Despite global headwinds, DeLuca remains optimistic — but realistic — about the pace of EV adoption.
In the same interview, he acknowledged that global market growth has been slower than expected, noting that product quality, affordability, infrastructure and government incentives will determine how quickly Saudi Arabia transitions to EVs.
“The Ministry of Investment is working on ecosystem incentives to accelerate EV adoption,” DeLuca said. “We see steady growth in the early days, but incentives will be key to making EVs the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s automotive transformation.”
Backed by the PIF, both Lucid and Ceer benefit from an expanding web of financial support, industrial licensing and regulatory frameworks. These tools have created fertile ground for a local EV ecosystem — one that attracts international players while empowering domestic champions.
The Kingdom’s ambitions stretch beyond manufacturing.
In 2023, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. inaugurated a research and development center in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push toward becoming a regional innovation hub. That same year, the Kingdom launched its first EV fast-charging station in the capital, marking a critical milestone in public infrastructure readiness.
Saudi Arabia’s bold push into the EV market signals more than just an economic pivot; it positions the Kingdom as a leader in environmental transformation across the Middle East.
With Vision 2030 in full swing, the country has committed billions to electrifying its transport sector. Its dual-track strategy — nurturing local brands like Ceer while partnering with global manufacturers like Lucid — underscores a long-term commitment to sustainability.
Adding momentum to this shift, Tesla opened its first dealership and service center in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, marking a key milestone in its Middle East expansion. The flagship Riyadh location offers the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Tesla also plans pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam, along with new Supercharger stations and service centers.
The effort comes as the region, long dependent on oil exports, faces growing international pressure to decarbonize. By advancing EV adoption, Saudi Arabia is setting a new tone — one focused on reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving urban air quality in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
EV adoption is only part of the equation. With parallel investments in renewable energy — including solar and green hydrogen — the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral power grid. This transition could eventually allow EVs to operate with net-zero emissions, amplifying their environmental impact.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership is likely to influence policy beyond its borders.
As the largest economy in the Arab world, the Kingdom’s bold approach to sustainable mobility may push neighboring Gulf states to follow suit — whether through regulatory reform, infrastructure development or public-private collaboration.
Saudi and Moroccan Islamic affairs ministers meet to discuss bilateral cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh received Moroccan Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Al-Tawfiq at his residence on Thursday.
The two discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in serving Islam and enhancing joint efforts on issues of concern to the Islamic world. Several senior officials were also present at the meeting.
EU delegation to Riyadh celebrates Europe Day 2025
- We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner says EU envoy
- Occasion celebrates day in 1950 when the Schuman Declaration was adopted
RIYADH: The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia hosted a reception on Thursday night at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter to celebrate Europe Day.
Europe Day officially falls on May 9 to mark the adoption of the Schuman Declaration, which in 1950 laid the foundations of what would later become the European Union. The occasion holds special significance this year as it marks 75 years of the signing of the declaration.
Guest of honor was Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, said May 9, 1950 paved the way for the birth of the EU as a project of peace for the European continent.
What became known as the Schuman Declaration sought to make war “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.”
In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, he added.
The Schuman Declaration is a powerful reminder that peace is not a given. It must be nurtured, defended, and promoted, he said, adding that after being the battleground for two world wars, Europe learned the hard way that it is only through cooperation and creating interconnected societies that countries can achieve lasting peace, prosperity and progress.
While the world is changing rapidly and becoming more fragmented, the EU continues to promote dialogue, stability, prosperity and mutual understanding.
Against this backdrop, Farnaud said: “We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner as the Kingdom opens up to the world, having embarked on a spectacular social and economic transformation under the Vision 2030 program.
This partnership grows stronger every day — solid, productive and expanding. We have found common ground across many sectors, including security, economic cooperation, energy, green transition, tourism, education, the arts and sports.”
Over the past year, he said, bilateral relations have achieved significant milestones and an exceptional number of high-level visits and exchanges between the EU and Saudi Arabia further strengthened ties.
In October last year, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, a historic moment, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending.
“We have common geopolitical interests. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing major crisis in Palestine and Israel frame the challenges of our shared future. The EU welcomed the Saudi role to facilitate a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Farnaud said.
“On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have joined efforts to reinvigorate the political process toward a two-state solution and established the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the EU,” he said.
On the economic front the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner and its first direct foreign investor.
“But we want to go further, whether through free trade agreements, sectoral collaborations or expanded dialogue,” the ambassador said.
“Last year we launched the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.
“Another area is security cooperation. Through naval operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU contributes to freedom of navigation, safeguarding maritime security in this region, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.”
The EU on Feb. 19 last year launched the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, in response to escalating Houthi attacks on warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and northwest Indian Ocean.
