Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 20, 2025: Saudi Tourism: A Global Destination for a Thriving Economy

This collection of articles from “Alriyadh” newspaper primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the transformation of its tourism sector through massive investments, infrastructure development, and a focus on internal tourism, with the aim of boosting the non-oil economy and creating jobs. The sources also highlight related initiatives, such as the growth of green finance in the Kingdom to support sustainable projects, the burgeoning e-sports industry with Riyadh hosting a major global event, and the role of Saudi citizens as key drivers and beneficiaries of these national developments. Additionally, the compilation includes disparate topics like the historical legacy of Amin Saeed, the growth of the dental orthodontics market, and a report on Israeli actions concerning archaeological sites in occupied Palestinian territories.

Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Tourism: Vision, Growth, and Future

Domestic tourism is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, serving as a vital engine for economic diversification and national development. It aims to shift the country’s economy away from oil reliance by transforming tourism from a mere recreational activity into an integrated industrial sector.

Here’s a detailed overview of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia:

1. Importance and Economic Contribution:

• Diversification and GDP: The Kingdom aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 3% to 10% by 2030, with tourism already contributing approximately 5.3% to the GDP in 2022.
• Job Creation: The tourism sector is a significant creator of direct and indirect job opportunities, particularly for youth and women. It is projected to create over one million jobs by 2030.
• Financial Stability: The growth of tourism has yielded a remarkable travel surplus, reaching approximately 49.8 billion Saudi Riyals in 2024, a 7.8% increase from 2023. This makes Saudi Arabia one of the easiest and fastest countries for tourism investment globally.
• Sustainable Development: Investment in tourism supports sustainable development, enhances the sector’s competitiveness, attracts foreign direct investment, and improves the balance of payments.

2. Growth and Development:

• Visitor Numbers: In 2023, Saudi Arabia recorded 100 million total visits, with a substantial 79-81 million being domestic visits from Saudi citizens.
• Post-Pandemic Surge: Even after the return of international travel, domestic travel by citizens continued to increase at an accelerated pace.
• Government Support: Extensive government support includes developing robust infrastructure, improving roads, transportation, airports, and ports, and expanding the capacity of tourist cities.
• Mega-Projects: The Public Investment Fund and the Tourism Development Fund are actively investing in diverse, large-scale tourism projects, such as NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Amaala, Diriyah Gate, and Soudah. For instance, the Red Sea Project alone will include about 50 resorts and hotels and 1,300 residential properties across 22 islands and 6 inland sites.
• Tourism Development Fund: This fund has financed over 2,400 direct and indirect tourism projects, totaling over 35 billion Saudi Riyals, including the development of more than 9,200 hotel rooms. The goal is to reach 600,000 to 700,000 hotel rooms by 2030.
• Regulatory Reforms: New legislation and detailed hotel regulations have been implemented to enhance quality and leverage international best practices.

3. Key Attractions and Destinations: Saudi Arabia boasts a unique blend of natural, historical, cultural, and religious sites:

• Geographical Diversity: From the temperate mountainous regions of Asir and Al Baha in the south (preferred summer destinations due to mild weather) to the enchanting coasts in the east and west, and the deserts of Najd and the Empty Quarter.
• Historical and Cultural Treasures: Sites like AlUla (Mada’in Salih, Al-Hijr), Historic Diriyah (Al-Turaif district), Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), and Tabuk offer rich cultural experiences. Eight Saudi sites are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
• Entertainment and Events: The “Saudi Seasons” program (Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, AlUla, etc.) has redefined local entertainment, offering international festivals, cultural shows, and adventure activities. Qiddiya and Jeddah Waterfront are notable modern entertainment destinations.
• Religious Tourism: Makkah and Madinah are vital religious destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually, especially during Ramadan, Hajj, and Umrah.
• Emerging Destinations: Luxury marine destinations like Sindalah (part of NEOM), Amaala, and Umluj are being developed as world-class attractions. Wellness and adventure tourism, such as climbing and hiking in AlUla, are also growing.

4. The Crucial Role of Citizens: Saudi citizens are considered the “heart” and “engine” of domestic tourism.

• Active Participants: They are not merely consumers but active partners and motivators in the domestic tourism ecosystem. Their engagement is crucial for achieving Vision 2030’s goals.
• Local Experts and Guides: Citizens, with their deep knowledge of local places, history, and culture, are ideal guides and ambassadors for authentic Saudi experiences.
• Content Creators and Promoters: Many young Saudis have become “ambassadors” for domestic tourism through social media, showcasing hidden gems, providing reliable information, and promoting local culture. This organic promotion enhances national pride and drives local economic activity.
• Entrepreneurs: Citizens are increasingly leading small and medium-sized tourism projects, including heritage guesthouses, traditional restaurants, and craft shops, thereby contributing directly to local economies and preserving heritage.
• Empowerment and Training: The government has heavily invested in training and empowering citizens, especially women, in various tourism specialties such as hotel management, guiding, and event organization.

5. Challenges Faced by Domestic Tourism: Despite significant progress, some challenges remain:

• Service Gaps: A shortage of services in certain less-developed tourist areas, including hotel accommodation, entertainment options, and transportation.
• Promotion Weaknesses: Insufficient internal promotion means a segment of the population remains unaware of the diverse tourism opportunities within the Kingdom.
• High Costs: Elevated prices for tickets, transportation, and events can pose a barrier for many families.
• Human Capital Shortages: A lack of trained and specialized national personnel in tourism and hospitality services, though efforts are underway to address this through training programs.
• Cultural Balance: The challenge of balancing rapid tourism development with the preservation of cultural traditions and community values.
• Women’s Participation: While increasing, women still face challenges related to limited opportunities in some regions, the nature of jobs requiring continuous travel or unusual hours, and the need for more specialized academic programs.

6. Future Outlook: Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism is on an upward trajectory, supported by ambitious visions and significant investments. It is expected to become a real and attractive option for both citizens and residents, eventually transforming the Kingdom into a leading global and regional tourism destination. The focus on sustainable development and empowering national capabilities, including women, ensures a promising and inclusive future for the sector.

Saudi Arabia’s Green Finance Transformation

Green finance in Saudi Arabia is a pivotal element of the country’s Vision 2030, serving as a strategic tool for economic diversification and a key driver in the shift towards sustainable development. The Kingdom aims to transform its economy away from oil reliance by integrating environmental considerations into financial decisions.

Here’s a detailed discussion of green finance in Saudi Arabia:

• Definition and Aims Green finance involves directing capital towards developing sustainable projects, maximizing government revenues, and revitalizing economic activity. It extends beyond mere entertainment activities to become an integrated industrial sector. The Kingdom’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060 is a major driver.
• Growth and Economic Contribution The volume of sustainable finance in the Saudi market has seen substantial growth.
• Green bond and sukuk issuances increased from approximately $1 billion in 2019 to nearly $8 billion in 2023.
• This rapid expansion has positioned Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the Gulf region’s green finance market, with regional issuances exceeding $24 billion in 2023.
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been a key contributor, issuing $8.5 billion in green bonds in international markets during 2022 and 2023, with $5.2 billion allocated to environmental projects in renewable energy, green buildings, and water management.
• In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia successfully issued its first euro-denominated green bonds in February 2025, raising 2.25 billion euros (approximately $2.36 billion), which was oversubscribed by more than four times.
• Key Players and Regulatory Framework Several governmental and financial entities are instrumental in fostering green finance:
• Saudi Central Bank (SAMA): Since 2021, SAMA has established a sustainable finance framework to guide banks and financial institutions towards green projects, including guidelines for project classification and transparency requirements.
• Capital Market Authority (CMA): The CMA has issued guidelines for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures since 2019, requiring listed companies to report on their sustainability practices. The Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) also launched an ESG index to encourage companies to improve their sustainability performance.
• Ministry of Finance (MoF) and National Debt Management Center (NDMC): The NDMC published a reference framework in March 2024 to guide sovereign green finance, ensuring proceeds from green bonds fund projects aligned with carbon emission reduction targets, such as renewable energy and energy-efficient transport.
• These supportive regulatory frameworks and government incentives encourage innovation in green financial products.
• Impact and Opportunities Green finance is a fundamental pillar for sustainable development.
• Economic Diversification: It drives economic growth, enhances the sector’s competitiveness, and attracts foreign direct investment, improving the balance of payments.
• Job Creation: The tourism sector, boosted by green investments, contributes to job creation, particularly for youth and women.
• Mega-Projects: Significant investments in mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, and Amaala are designed with sustainability at their core, requiring substantial green financing. For instance, the NEOM Green Hydrogen project secured an $8 billion financing in 2023, the largest green project ever financed in the region.
• Digital Transformation: The adoption of financial technologies (FinTech) and digital banking practices contributes positively to environmental goals by reducing carbon footprint and enabling better risk assessment and opportunity identification for green financing through data analytics and AI.
• Future Outlook The future of green finance in Saudi Arabia is highly promising.
• It is expected to move from individual initiatives to a core component of the financial sector, balancing profitability with environmental responsibility.
• The ambitious Vision 2030, with its focus on environmental sustainability, including initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the target to raise renewable energy production to 58.7 gigawatts by 2030, will continue to drive massive investments and demand for green financial services.
• Global investors are increasingly viewing the Saudi market positively due to these reforms and commitments, with Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in global green bond indices expected to attract more investment flows.
• This focus will also lead to Saudi banks developing expertise and innovative products in sustainable finance, diversifying their portfolios and enhancing their international reputation.

In essence, green finance is a new growth pillar for Saudi Arabia’s financial sector, poised to contribute to sustainable economic development and long-term financial stability while addressing future environmental challenges.

Archaeological Sites: Saudi Development vs. Palestinian Threats

Archaeological sites are prominently discussed in the sources, highlighting their cultural, historical, and economic significance, particularly within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and in the context of the Palestinian archaeological site of Sabastiya.

Archaeological Sites in Saudi Arabia:

• Importance and Role in Vision 2030:
• Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in recent years to enhance its local tourism, which aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy and increasing the non-oil sector’s contribution to the GDP. Archaeological sites play a key role in this strategy.
• The Kingdom places great importance on the care of archaeological areas, recognizing them as a pillar for attracting tourists interested in culture and developing local heritage.
• These sites contribute to economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment, improving the balance of payments, and creating jobs, especially for youth and women.
• Tourism, driven by investments in these sites, is expected to contribute over 10% of the GDP by 2030 and create one million direct and indirect jobs, aiming to attract over 100 million visitors annually.
• Key Saudi Archaeological and Historical Sites:
• Al-Ula ( العلا ): Described as one of the most prominent destinations for tourism investment. It is also mentioned as a historical site along with Al-Diriyah and Al-Balad in Jeddah, with efforts to restore and open them to the public. Al-Ula has received international recognition, winning the “Leading Cultural Destination in the Middle East” award at the World Travel Awards.
• Al-Diriyah ( الدرعية ): Specifically, the Al-Turaif district ( حي الطريف ) in Al-Diriyah is highlighted as the first capital of the Saudi state and one of the most important World Heritage sites. Visitors are keen to see it.
• Mada’in Salih ( مدائن صالح ): Along with Al-Ula, it is mentioned as a historical site that impresses foreign visitors.
• Jeddah Historic ( جدة التاريخية – البلد ): Known for its Hejazi architecture and traditional markets, it is a key cultural and historical destination for visitors.
• Rock Art in Jubbah and Shuwaymis ( الفنون الصخرية في جبة والشويمس ): These sites are part of the 8 Saudi locations registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Al-Ahsa Oasis ( واحة الأحساء ): Also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Hima Cultural Area in Najran ( منطقة حمى الثقافية بنجران ): Another UNESCO site.
• Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve ( محمية عروق بني معارض ): Distinguished as the first natural site on the UNESCO list.
• Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area ( المنظر الثقافي لمنطقة الفاو الأثرية ): Also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Other natural and historical sites include the mountains of Asir and Al-Baha, the deserts of Najd and the Empty Quarter, coastal areas like Umluj, and religious sites like Mecca and Medina.
• Development and Preservation Efforts:
• The Kingdom’s efforts include restoring ancient and archaeological sites and providing services in those locations to attract tourists.
• Investments in tourism aim to preserve the local heritage and improve basic infrastructure, benefiting both local residents and visitors.
• Partnerships with local entrepreneurs and development of their capabilities are encouraged to support the local economy in areas with significant archaeological sites, such as Al-Ula.

Archaeological Site of Sabastiya ( سبسطية ) in Palestine:

• Location and Historical Significance:
• Sabastiya is an archaeological site located north of the occupied West Bank. Its roots date back to the Bronze Age (around 3200 years ago).
• It contains artifacts from various civilizations, including Canaanite, Roman, Byzantine, Phoenician, and Islamic.
• The town of Sabastiya itself is described as an “archaeological museum” due to the presence of a wall surrounding the archaeological area from all directions.
• It became a religious center during the Byzantine era due to the presence of John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya bin Zakariya). His body is believed to be in a shrine near an old mosque in the town, while his head is buried in Damascus.
• Key historical structures in Sabastiya include the Roman necropolis, the shrine of Prophet Yahya, the Royal Palace, the Basilica, Al-Kayed Square, the Cathedral of John the Baptist, the Hellenistic Tower, the Temple of Augustus, the Theater, the Street of Columns, and the Stadium.
• Threats and Israeli Actions:
• Israeli occupation authorities are “racing against time to control” the Sabastiya archaeological site.
• A settlement project aims to create a park named “Samaria” within the site, which Palestinians view as an attempt to “annex and Judaize the site”.
• This project, which involves taking over nearly 80% of the site’s area (approximately 7,000 dunams), includes excavations, disturbing graves, establishing roads and electricity networks, and fencing the site with barbed wire and an Israeli security gate.
• Palestinian sources confirm that Israeli authorities have allocated 8 million Israeli shekels (approximately $2.9 million) in 2023 for the “development” of the archaeological site, which is seen as a means of annexation and Judaization.
• In July 2024, the Knesset’s General Assembly approved a bill to extend Israeli Antiquities Authority powers over all archaeological sites in the West Bank, a move considered a “creeping annexation”.
• These actions are viewed as a “serious and aggressive development” that violates international law and is rejected by Palestinians.
• The Palestinian Authority warns that this project will deprive Palestinians of access to the site and make entry conditional on permits or tickets, effectively confiscating their economy and history.
• The ongoing attacks by the Israeli occupation army and settlers in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, coincide with the war on Gaza.
• Palestinian Counter-Efforts:
• The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working on three tracks to confront Israeli encroachment:

1. Political track: Documenting violations of heritage and submitting reports to international bodies, including the UN and UNESCO.
2. Public presence track: Encouraging citizens to visit the threatened archaeological site to affirm its Palestinian identity and presence.
3. Scientific track: Providing materials and studies to refute the Israeli narrative.

• The head of Sabastiya municipality stated that the project would also cause dozens of Palestinians to lose their livelihoods that depend on tourism in Sabastiya.

In summary, archaeological sites are vital for both Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and cultural identity, as seen in the extensive development projects under Vision 2030. Conversely, Palestinian archaeological sites, like Sabastiya, face significant threats from annexation and Judaization efforts, prompting Palestinian and international calls for their protection and preservation.

Saudi Arabia’s Esports Vision: World Cup and Global Impact

Electronic Sports, often referred to as e-sports, represent a rapidly growing and strategically important sector, particularly highlighted within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

Key Aspects of Electronic Sports from the Sources:

• Significance and Role in Saudi Arabia:
• E-sports are recognized as a major and influential event in the gaming and e-sports sector.
• The sector is described as a vital catalyst for economic growth and community building, strengthening cultural presence.
• It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of economic diversification and the National Strategy for Gaming and E-sports.
• The Kingdom’s leading role in shaping the future of the global gaming and e-sports sector is emphasized.
• It contributes to creating sustainable economic opportunities and enhancing the region’s position as a global leader in e-sports.
• E-sports drive various vital sectors, including entertainment and tourism.
• Esports World Cup 2025 (كأس العالم للرياضات الإلكترونية 2025):
• The countdown to the Esports World Cup 2025 has begun.
• Riyadh is preparing to host the second edition of this global tournament, set to launch on July 7th and continue until August 24th.
• The event will take place at Boulevard City in Riyadh, integrating professionalism, innovation, and an exceptional spectator experience.
• It features participation from over 2,000 professional players representing more than 200 clubs from over 100 countries.
• Competitors will vie for prizes totaling over $70 million, making it the largest prize pool in e-sports history and affirming Saudi Arabia’s leadership in professional e-sports.
• The tournament will run for seven weeks and operates on a unique “points accumulation” system across 25 major tournaments from 24 popular games.
• The event also includes a festival with e-sports, music, and various cultural and entertainment activities, embodying the rich culture of the region and offering a unique experience for the audience.
• The success of the inaugural edition in Riyadh in 2024 is noted.
• Key Figures and Partnerships:
• Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, stated that hosting the World Cup reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to lead the global e-sports scene.
• Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the goal of uniting communities, providing sustainable economic opportunities, and enhancing the region’s global leadership in e-sports.
• Global football star Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the Esports World Cup 2025 as a global ambassador. Ronaldo’s involvement is seen as a significant boost, connecting traditional sports with e-sports and inspiring a new generation of players. He will headline the global campaign and appear as a virtual character in the game FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 major tournaments. His massive social media following (over a billion followers) is expected to attract new audiences. Ronaldo was also involved in the initial announcement of the Cup in 2023 and attended the closing ceremony of the 2024 edition, where the Saudi team “Falcons” won the club championship.
• Market Growth and Demographics:
• According to a Newzoo report for 2024, the number of players in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached around 559 million.
• Ampere Analysis data indicates that 73% of the region’s population watches e-sports competitions at least once a month.
• This growth underscores the sector’s role as a primary driver for economic expansion and community engagement.
• Opportunities and Development:
• The event acts as a central pillar for empowering players and clubs, promoting sustainable growth, expanding fan bases, and developing talent through a partner program.
• It aims to build long-term strategic partnerships with leading brands and global companies, fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure the tournament’s sustainability and the overall sector’s ecosystem.
• Investments in e-sports are creating jobs and fostering innovation and professionalism within the industry.
• The Vice Crown Prince’s supervision of the previous tournament’s closing, attended by Ronaldo and other prominent figures, signifies high-level support.

Modern Saudi Poetry in Academia

Electronic Sports, also known as e-sports, represent a rapidly growing and strategically important sector, particularly highlighted within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

Modern poetry, often referred to as “حديث الشعر,” has witnessed significant shifts and developments, particularly within the academic landscape of Saudi Arabia. It is understood not merely as a technical development in the poem’s structure but as a deeper reflection of societal transformations, questions, and self-awareness. This form of poetry emphasizes renewal in both form and content, encompassing diverse styles, including prose poetry (“شعر النثر”), and demonstrating a transformation from lyrical poetry to narrative and symbolic poetry.

Saudi universities, recognizing the importance of modern poetry, have begun to integrate it into their higher literary studies, moving away from a long-standing focus solely on ancient and medieval poetry (Jahili, Abbasid, Andalusian periods). This shift is a response to the need to keep pace with cultural and intellectual changes and to acknowledge modern poetry as a fertile ground for academic analysis and study.

Several Saudi universities have played a pioneering role in this academic evolution:

• King Saud University is noted as one of the first to offer academic studies on modern poetry. It hosted a doctoral dissertation titled “Semantic Transformations in Mohammed Al-Thubaiti’s Poetry,” which explored the works of Al-Thubaiti (considered one of the most prominent modern poets in Saudi Arabia), with a focus on his desert and linguistic symbolism.
• Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University has embraced Master’s theses examining “Stylistic Structure in Abdullah Al-Zaid’s Poetry” and “Intertextuality in Ibrahim Al-Wafi’s Poetry” by Samia Al-Otaibi.
• King Abdulaziz University saw a doctoral dissertation on “Narrative Structure in Fawzia Abu Khalid’s Poetry,” highlighting Abu Khalid as one of the most innovative female voices in Saudi poetry, whose works showcased a transition from lyrical to narrative and symbolic forms.
• Umm Al-Qura University contributed with important research, such as “Sufi Symbolism in Mohammed Jabr Al-Harbi’s Poetry,” which focused on blending spiritual and mythical elements in modern textual construction.
• Taibah University and Qassim University have also prepared multiple studies on modern poetry.

Despite these efforts, the academic pursuit of modern poetry faces certain challenges:

• There remains a reluctance among some academic departments to adopt topics that fall outside the traditional heritage context.
• There is a scarcity of foundational reference studies that could establish a contemporary critical reading of modern Saudi poetic experiences.

However, there is a promising sign: the increasing interest from young researchers in the works of local and modern poets suggests a forthcoming transformation in the academic perspective. The engagement of universities with modern poetic experiences is considered a crucial step toward developing the critical and literary academic field. It affirms that poetry is not merely a linguistic legacy but a vibrant discourse that interacts with both the individual and society, reflecting contemporary transformations. This engagement is actively opening new avenues for understanding modern poetry, enriching critical culture, and reshaping the relationship between text and reality.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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