Tourism minister inaugurates Saudi Pavilion at World Travel Market to showcase Kingdom’s destinations
Ahmed Al-Khateeb said participation underscores Kingdom’s transformation into a leading global tourist destination
Updated 07 November 2023
Arab News
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb on Monday inaugurated the Kingdom’s pavilion at the World Travel Market exhibition in London, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the exhibition reflects its role as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world, achieving 13th position in the number of incoming tourists in 2022.
Al-Khateeb said that participating in the annual exhibition — one of the world’s most important tourism expos, underscores Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a leading global tourist destination, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes and tourist attractions.
The Kingdom had positioned itself as a global focal point as it is made its mark on the international tourism map, the minister said.
Due to continuing developments in the sector, he said that targets had been increased to aim for 150 million visits and 70 million international tourists annually by 2030.
The minister said that the WTM exhibition provided an opportunity for the tourism sector to establish strategic partnerships with major global markets.
Al-Khateeb said that the Kingdom aimed to use its participation at the exhibition to open new horizons and attract a more diverse range of tourists from around the world.
The Kingdom’s participation reaffirms its leading role in driving the global tourism sector’s growth and prosperity.
Saudi Arabia received 17 million tourists in the first seven months of 2023, with a target to reach 30 million tourists by the end of the year.
The first quarter of 2023 witnessed remarkable growth, with a 64 percent increase in the number of tourists, ranking Saudi Arabia second in terms of growth of incoming tourists worldwide.
Saudi Arabia leads Arab world in congratulating Trump
King Salman wishes Trump and Americans ‘progress and prosperity’
Leaders of Jordan and Egypt urge Trump to help bring peace
Updated 23 min 14 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Arab leaders congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday after his comprehensive victory in the US presidential election.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing him success and the “American people further progress and prosperity.”
The king praised the strong historical ties between the two nations, “emphasizing the shared desire to further strengthen these bonds in all areas.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable to congratulate Trump. In a phone call later on Wednesday, the crown prince expressed the Kingdom’s aspiration to strengthen Saudi-US relations.
The Republican made Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit after he took office for his first term as president in 2017. The visit underlined the importance of the historic US-Saudi partnership and cemented relations with Gulf allies.
Those countries congratulated Trump after he declared victory in a sweeping election win over Democrat Kamala Harris.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan offered “sincere congratulations to Trump and his running mate JD Vance.”
Skeikh Mohamed added: “The UAE and US are united by our enduring partnership based on shared ambitions for progress.
“The UAE looks forward to continuing to work with our partners in the US towards a future of opportunity, prosperity and stability for all.”
During Trump’s first term, his administration brokered the 2020 Abraham Accords deal under which Israel opened full relations with the UAE and a number of other Arab countries.
However, the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and its expansion into Lebanon has drawn widespread condemnation of Israel from regional leaders and dominated foreign policy discussion throughout the election campaign, with Trump promising to bring fighting to an end.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said he hoped Trump’s return to the White House would help bring peace to the Middle East.
“I wish him all the success and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States,” El-Sisi said.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II also invoked the need for the next US president to work toward peace.
“Warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election,” he said. “Looking forward to working with you again to bolster Jordan’s longstanding partnership with the United States, in service of regional and global peace and stability for all.”
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, which is a key mediator in the Gaza conflict and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, said he looked forward to “working together again in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally.”
Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani army chief in Riyadh
During the reception, Saudi-Pakistani relations and opportunities to develop them were reviewed
A number of issues of common interest were also discussed
Updated 06 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the reception, Saudi-Pakistani relations and opportunities to develop them were reviewed. A number of issues of common interest were also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman and other officials.
Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market
‘Saudi Land’ pavilion promotes major investments, featuring luxury resorts and historic tourism developments
Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination
Updated 06 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market in London with the “Saudi Land” pavilion.
The pavilion includes the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year, supported by more than 70 partners in tourism, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.
Saudi Arabia’s presence at this global event highlights efforts to establish its status on the tourism map, showcasing rapid growth and record-breaking achievements in the sector.
The event promotes Saudi destinations, attracts diverse tourists, empowers the private sector and fosters strategic partnerships.
The Visit Saudi exhibition unveiled the Saudi Red Sea Destination, featuring Red Sea Global’s latest projects, aiming for 16 resorts this year and 50 by 2030.
The pavilion also offers interactive experiences showcasing Saudi hospitality, natural diversity, climate, culture, traditional attire, music and cuisine.
“Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities,“ Al-Khateeb said.
He added: Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”
Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said that Saudi Arabia was celebrating its tourism achievements and record-breaking growth at this leading international event.
The Kingdom aims to build on the success of the second phase of its global campaign, “This Land Is Calling,” targeting key markets, supporting partners and forging strategic partnerships with top global companies.
The Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination.
The program spotlights the heritage of the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring historic architecture, mosques, markets, public spaces, museums, heritage restaurants and cultural landmarks.
The program offers authentic tourism experiences, including stays in restored heritage hotels, immersive historical tours and hands-on participation in local crafts.
The Hail Region Development Authority is participating to elevate Hail’s global tourism profile, promote its destinations, and empower partners to build strategic partnerships.
The Soudah Development Co. is showcasing its flagship project, “Soudah Peaks,” a luxury mountain destination on the Kingdom’s highest peak at 3,015 meters above sea level.
The Saudi delegation also includes representatives from key entities such as Tourism Development Fund, ASFAR, Cruise Saudi, Saudia airline, Riyadh Air, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Co., the Royal Commission for AlUla and NEOM.
At the market, Diriyah Co. signed strategic agreements with luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent and leading Saudi travel platform Almosafer. These collaborations aim to create high-end travel experiences that position Diriyah as a premier destination and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism landscape.
Saudi Arabia highlights urban sustainability vision at Cairo forum
Authorities emphasize development goals, from green spaces to innovative infrastructure
Updated 06 November 2024
Arab News
Riyadh: Saudi authorities are showcasing the Kingdom’s role in sustainable urban development at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme, from Nov. 4-8.
The municipality of Baha region highlighted Vision 2030 objectives and the Kingdom’s urban development initiatives, along with the standards followed by the municipality.
Ali Al-Sawat, mayor of Baha, emphasized the Kingdom’s pioneering efforts to achieve sustainable development goals across various urban sectors.
The municipality’s participation also focused on urban planning, sustainable transportation, community engagement, waste management, recycling, green spaces and strategies to address environmental challenges.
It highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform cities into adaptable, sustainable environments and showcased innovations improving residents’ quality of life and preserving the environment.
The municipality is committed to innovative solutions in infrastructure, project management and data analysis to build a sustainable urban model that meets community needs.
Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Saudi delegation at the forum, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in urban development and improving residents’ quality of life.
Since 2016, Saudi Arabia had pursued an ambitious national vision for 2030, Prince Faisal said at the forum’s ministerial roundtable. This comprehensive vision includes 27 sub-objectives, addressing various aspects of human life.
The Quality of Life Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, hosted a panel titled 'Towards Future Cities: Putting Quality of Life and People’s Well-Being at the Core of Urban Planning.' (SPA)
He emphasized that the vision also focused on enhancing livability in Saudi cities, alongside economic, environmental and social improvements.
Prince Faisal praised Saudi Arabia’s experience in urban development, with 17 municipalities working to turn the Vision into practical initiatives benefiting both residents and visitors.
“The Kingdom is home to excellent and historically impactful projects,” he said, highlighting the King Salman Park, Sports Boulevard, Diriyah project and environmental programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative.
The Quality of Life Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, hosted a panel titled “Towards Future Cities: Putting Quality of Life and People’s Well-Being at the Core of Urban Planning.”
The session explored strategies to improve living conditions in urban areas, focusing on cross-sector collaboration.
CEO of the program, Khalid Albaker, emphasized the forum’s role in raising awareness of quality of life in urban planning, showcasing Saudi efforts to enhance living standards.
Albaker stressed the need for collaboration across government, industry and entrepreneurship to find innovative solutions that met community needs and promoted sustainable development.
The program contributes to sustainable development through 170 initiatives in sports, culture, tourism, entertainment, urban design and safety, supporting job creation, economic growth, innovation and city humanization to improve quality of life across Saudi Arabia.
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is also participating in the forum, showcasing its efforts to develop Makkah into a sustainable city. The commission is highlighting its work in enhancing transportation networks, infrastructure and services.
The municipality of Riyadh is showcasing exemplary urban and environmental initiatives, using modern technologies for planning, development and construction of future cities. The pavilion highlights the Kingdom’s achievements in sustainable urban development and innovation.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority is also showcasing its role in preserving historical, cultural and urban heritage, while overseeing vital initiatives and projects. Through these efforts, the authority aims to achieve a vision that goes beyond traditional urban development.
Real Estate General Authority CEO Abdullah Al-Hammad emphasized Saudi Arabia’s steady progress toward its ambitious vision under the Kingdom’s leadership. He highlighted the commitment to a forward-looking urban future aligned with sustainability and global environmental challenges.
Al-Hammad said that the authority’s participation in the forum reflected its belief in the importance of local and international partnerships to address urban challenges and build modern, sustainable communities that were resilient and adaptable.
The authority aims to adopt global best practices to build cities of the future that meet the needs of residents, visitors and investors, while enhancing quality of life and creating vibrant, innovative communities.
The authority’s pokesperson ,Tayseer Al-Mufarrej, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s approach to urban development, including transforming informal settlements into sustainable communities, improving residents’ quality of life and providing adequate housing.
Al-Mufarrej said that addressing global urban challenges required international collaboration to develop innovative solutions based on a comprehensive, forward-thinking urban planning vision, incorporating environmental, economic and social dimensions for the future of cities.
He also emphasized the importance of balancing urban development with environmental diversity to improve residents’ well-being.
British envoy lauds ‘growth’ in bilateral ties since Vision 2030
Comments made during KSA launch of ‘Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile’ book
Updated 06 November 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton highlighted the growth he has witnessed in Saudi-UK ties, which has expanded from traditional defense partnerships to encompass numerous sectors such as tourism, people-to-people relations, and sport, in a speech he gave during a cultural soiree marking the launch of “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile” in Riyadh on Monday.
“In the modern era, since Vision 2030, our relationship has gone from a quite traditional defense, security, contracting relationship, to take-off,” Crompton said.
The ambassador cited the growth of people-to-people relations between the two countries, mentioning British rowers and cricket players, such as Kevin Pietersen, visiting the Kingdom, and many Saudis traveling to London for holidays.
“I think the affection between the two countries is amazing,” Crompton said. “With the visa system ... since we introduced the visa waiver system in June 2022, over 500,000 Saudis have used it to go to London, in addition to the 100,000 who already had a 10-year visa or another passport.”
The cultural soiree hosted by the UK Embassy celebrated the launch of “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile” in Saudi Arabia by Saudi author and Editor-in-Chief of Arab News Faisal J. Abbas.
In a panel discussion between the ambassador and the author, the two highlighted the similarities that bridge the two kingdoms in an event titled “The Tale of Two Kingdoms.”
During his remarks, Abbas said: “There is much more that unites us than what divides us.”
Abbas said that the event might appear to be merely a discussion about a book, but that it is much more than that. “It’s a tale of two kingdoms,” two kingdoms that, he said, have much in common.
“Yes, we are two kingdoms separated by thousands and thousands of miles, we have a different history, but at the same time we are united by trivial things, from a sense of humor to very deeply rooted multifaceted bilateral relations that range from culture to business to defense and many more,” Abbas said.
The cultural soiree was attended by influential figures from the UK and Saudi Arabia, including the chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, Prince Saud bin Mishal, as well as prominent diplomats, journalists, academics and British citizens living in the Kingdom.
Speaking to Arab News, the publisher of the book and managing director of Nomad Publishing, Max Scott, noted the growing interest in Arab perspectives in the West, which are presented in “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile.”
Scott said that the panel discussion between Crompton and Abbas was engaging because of the pivotal questions Abbas presented.
“It was very interesting because Faisal asks some difficult questions about where Britain is at the moment. And he’s not shy of saying, you know, it’s a difficult time, and that’s good to see,” Scott said.
“At the end of the day, I think everyone came away with something positive,” he added.
Abbas’s book was originally released in London last June,, The cultural soiree hosted by the UK ambassador celebrated its recent release in Saudi Arabia, with its debut at the Riyadh International Book Fair.
The book is available throughout the Kingdom, exclusively at Jarir Bookstore outlets.
