Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 23, 2025: Saudi Arabia: Stability Amidst Regional Tensions

This source is a daily newspaper from Saudi Arabia, Al Riyadh, published on Monday, June 23, 2025, as Issue No. 20801. It features various articles covering a range of topics, including Saudi Arabian domestic affairs, such as economic development under Vision 2030, healthcare initiatives, tourism growth, and cultural events. The newspaper also reports on international relations, focusing on the Israeli-Iranian conflict and its regional implications, as well as global discussions on defense spending. Sports news, particularly football, is also highlighted.

Saudi Arabia’s Record-Breaking Tourism Transformation in 2024

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has experienced unprecedented qualitative transformation during 2024, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a prominent global and regional tourist destination. This growth is a continuation of the momentum achieved in previous years but is particularly distinguished by reaching record-breaking levels.

Key figures and achievements in 2024 include:

• Total Tourists: The total number of tourists, encompassing both international arrivals and domestic citizens and residents, reached 115.9 million. Another source specifies this as 116 million tourists.
• Total Tourist Spending: Overall tourism expenditure from both domestic and international visitors amounted to approximately 284 billion Saudi Riyals, marking an 11% growth compared to 2023.
• International Tourists (Inbound Tourism):The number of inbound tourists (overnight stays) reached 29.7 million in 2024, an 8% increase from 2023. This figure surpasses 2019 levels by over 70%.
• Total spending by international tourists reached 168.5 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately $45 billion), an increase of 19% compared to 2023.
• March 2024 saw the peak of inbound tourism, with 3.2 million international visitors.
• The average international tourist spent approximately 5,669 Riyals per trip and stayed for about 19 nights, contributing significantly to the national tourism economy.
• Egypt was the largest source market for tourists, with 3.2 million visitors. Other significant source markets included Pakistan (2.8 million), Bahrain (2.6 million), and Turkey (0.9 million).
• Hajj and Umrah trips accounted for the largest share of inbound journeys, representing 41% (around 12.3 million trips). Makkah remained the most attractive destination for inbound tourists, hosting approximately 17 million visitor nights in 2024.
• Domestic Tourists (Local Tourism):Domestic tourism also saw significant growth, with 86.2 million overnight trips in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023. This is the highest historical number for domestic tourism, exceeding 2019 levels by about 80%.
• Total spending by domestic tourists reached 115.3 billion Saudi Riyals.
• The peak for domestic tourism was in June (9.6 million trips) and July (7.9 million trips), coinciding with summer vacations and Eid al-Adha.
• Makkah Province (including Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif) was the most popular domestic destination, attracting 27% of all local trips (23.5 million visitors). Riyadh followed with 20%, and the Eastern Province with 16%.

Factors Driving Tourism Growth:

• Vision 2030: The Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 has been a primary driver, with tourism now recognized as a fundamental economic pillar for non-oil growth. The success is attributed to the wise leadership’s directives and support.
• National Strategy and Initiatives: The growth is a direct result of a comprehensive national strategy that included:
• Launching dozens of initiatives and promotional programs across various regions.
• Developing new infrastructure and enhancing the readiness of major international events.
• Simplifying entry and exit procedures and visa issuance for tourists from source countries.
• Diversification of Tourism Offerings: Significant transformations in the quality of tourism, entertainment, cultural, and environmental offerings have attracted a wide range of new visitors. Examples include:
• Exploring diverse geographical and cultural attractions such as the green mountains of Asir, the Red Sea coasts in Tabuk and Umluj, and historical experiences in AlUla and Diriyah.
• Domestic Awareness: Increased community awareness of the importance of exploring internal destinations and improved service levels have fostered family tourism.

Future Outlook and Strategic Goals:

• The annual statistical report serves as a faithful mirror of the tourism sector’s reality in the Kingdom, providing accurate indicators that reflect the interaction between the state’s vision and the global tourism market’s response.
• This strong performance reinforces investor confidence in the continued tourism momentum in the coming years.
• The Kingdom aims to be a global tourism destination known for its unique attributes and diverse offerings.
• The Ministry of Tourism encourages investors and interested parties to review the full annual statistical report for 2024 on its official website.
• Initiatives such as the “Saudi Hospitality Journey” project, recently launched by “Elaf” group, are building a unique hospitality model rooted in Saudi culture, combining local taste with global quality standards. This project aims to establish a clear “Saudi Hospitality Identity” globally, serving as a soft power to introduce the world to the deep cultural and civilizational heritage of the Kingdom.

Overall, the sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing and achieving significant growth in its tourism sector, driven by strategic initiatives and a focus on both international and domestic markets.

Middle East Turmoil: De-escalation and Diplomacy Urged

The regional landscape is currently marked by significant instability and escalating tensions, primarily fueled by the direct military confrontations between Israel and Iran. This volatile situation is perceived as a “dangerous escalation” that could have “catastrophic repercussions” for both regional and international peace and security.

Several factors are identified as driving this regional instability:

• Direct Military Action: The recent targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel, met with retaliatory missile strikes from Iran, represents a crucial shift from proxy conflicts to direct military engagement, dramatically intensifying the crisis.
• Strategic Ambitions and Global Repercussions: The conflict is seen as more than just a dispute over Iran’s nuclear program; it is deeply intertwined with broader geopolitical struggles to reshape the global order. Indications suggest the US is involved in the Israeli strikes, providing advanced interception systems and logistical/informational support, raising questions about whether this escalation aims to counter China’s expansion and Russia’s influence in the Middle East. This conflict impacts global markets, leading to increased oil prices, shipping costs, and insurance premiums.
• Miscalculations and Attrition: Analyses suggest that both Israel and Iran are engaging in this conflict based on miscalculations, leading to a mutually draining military and economic attrition. The use of expensive interception systems by Israel, and Iran’s reliance on lower-cost, locally manufactured missiles and drones, creates a dynamic of sustained pressure on both sides.
• Absence of Effective Regional Mechanisms: A critical contributing factor to the persistence and exacerbation of conflicts in the Middle East is the lack of robust and effective regional organizations for security coordination and conflict prevention, a contrast highlighted when compared to regions like Europe.
• Israel’s Role: Sources specifically point to Israel’s actions as a primary driver of instability, stating that its behavior contributes to the concept of instability and the absence of security, hindering diplomatic efforts and fostering division within the region.

In response to this growing instability, there is a widespread international call for de-escalation:

• Global Appeals for Restraint: Numerous countries, including GCC states, France, Italy, Egypt, Kuwait, Turkey, and Switzerland, alongside the UN Secretary-General, have urged all parties to exercise “utmost self-restraint” and to “avoid escalation”. The UN Secretary-General explicitly stated “grave concern” over the use of force, emphasizing the region is “already on the verge of abyss”.
• Emphasis on Diplomacy: Diplomatic solutions are consistently advocated as the “only way” to resolve disputes and ensure security and stability. There is a call for the international community to “redouble efforts” in these critical times to achieve a political resolution.
• Saudi Arabia’s Proactive Stance: Saudi Arabia consistently positions itself as a pillar of stability, advocating for wisdom, calm, and diplomatic resolutions. The Kingdom actively works to strengthen security and peace, rejecting violence, extremism, and the use of the region for settling international scores. Its strategic approach focuses on long-term development and building a future based on stability, rather than engaging in immediate reactive conflict.
• Call for Investment in Peace: The ongoing crisis underscores the need for international powers to re-invest in peace-making initiatives rather than abandoning them. The Middle East is described as needing “effective peaceful solutions for wars and conflicts”.

Overall, the sources indicate that regional stability is under severe threat due to ongoing conflicts and the lack of robust mechanisms for managing them. The international community, with Saudi Arabia playing a proactive role, is emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic pathways to avoid further catastrophe and build a more secure future.

Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Transformation: Vision 2030 in Action

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is undergoing a significant qualitative transformation, aligning with Vision 2030, which recognizes tourism and other non-oil sectors as fundamental economic pillars. This transformation is driven by strategic investments, competency development, and improved legislation.

Key aspects of healthcare development in Saudi Arabia include:

• Pioneering Institutions and Innovation:
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (Takhassusi) is a prominent example of this development. It participated in the BIO 2025 international conference in Boston, showcasing its expertise in utilizing biotechnology and genomic data in healthcare. The hospital explores opportunities for global collaboration and knowledge exchange in biotechnology.
• Takhassusi integrates its research center within the clinical care value chain, utilizing extensive patient electronic data to link genomic information with phenotypic patterns. This approach aims to accelerate the development of personalized treatments and innovative diagnostic models.
• The hospital contributes approximately 10% of global entries to the OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) genetic mutations database, highlighting its leading role in research on rare genetic diseases and genomic sciences worldwide.
• Its significant standing is underscored by its ranking as the first in the Middle East and Africa and among the top 250 healthcare institutions globally for 2024 by Brand Finance. It was also listed among the best smart hospitals worldwide for 2025 by Newsweek. Takhassusi’s participation in international forums like BIO 2025 aligns with its role in medical innovation and strengthening global partnerships, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy.
• Regional Healthcare Infrastructure and Services:
• The Qassim Health Cluster is actively expanding its services. It recently announced a community partnership for the establishment of the “Badr Abdullah Al-Hamid for Urgent Care Center (UCC)” in Buraidah. This center is designed to meet Level Two urgent care standards, with a capacity of up to 30 beds (20 for observation and 10 for rapid treatment), in addition to a mini-operating room, pharmacy, radiology, and comprehensive medical and administrative facilities. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on hospital emergency departments and enhance rapid response medical services, reflecting Vision 2030 goals for developing and improving healthcare system efficiency.
• Al-Muthnab General Hospital, part of the Qassim Health Cluster, successfully renewed its accreditation from the Saudi Center for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI, or “Spahi”). This renewal confirms its adherence to fundamental standards and commitment to applying quality specifications for safe medical care, aiming to enhance patient trust in the quality of services provided.
• King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Buraidah (also within Qassim Health Cluster) showcased a notable medical achievement by successfully performing a minimally invasive thoracic surgery to save a pregnant woman and her fetus. This complex intervention utilized flexible bronchoscopy with balloon dilation under local anesthesia, specifically to avoid traditional surgery or general anesthesia, prioritizing fetal safety. The success was attributed to the integrated efforts of various medical specialties.
• Public Health Initiatives and Community Engagement:
• King Saud Medical City in Riyadh organized a voluntary blood donation drive in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day. This initiative not only supports hospitalized patients and boosts the blood bank’s reserves but also embodies the center’s commitment to community responsibility and the humanitarian spirit of healthcare professionals. It aligns with Riyadh Health Cluster One’s vision to cultivate a culture of blood donation and sustainable humanitarian practices, contributing to Vision 2030’s objectives for health and quality of life.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development recognized entities, including the Ministry of Health, for achieving high levels of employee engagement, emphasizing the enhancement of human capital in various sectors, including health.
• Governmental efforts to improve the overall quality of life also indirectly support health. For instance, the “Behja Al Watani” project in the Jazan region led to a significant increase in public spaces, recreational, cultural, and sports facilities, enhancing the living environment. Similarly, the Asir region refurbished and maintained over 100 parks and gardens, improving public spaces and contributing to a healthier environment.
• Strategic Oversight and Goals:
• The Shura Council reviews annual reports from governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Health, demonstrating ongoing governmental oversight and commitment to improving public services.
• The King Abdulaziz Quality Award honors institutions, including those in the health sector, that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, supporting the broader Vision 2030 objective of developing government and private sector performance to enhance productivity and quality of outcomes.

These developments illustrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive and sustained approach to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure, services, and overall public health outcomes in line with its national transformation goals.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Economic Diversification and Growth

Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in a comprehensive and multi-faceted economic diversification strategy as a central pillar of Vision 2030, with the primary goal of reducing its reliance on oil and fostering a more prosperous and sustainable economy. This transformation is supported by strategic investments, human capital development, and enhanced legislative frameworks.

Key areas demonstrating this diversification include:

• Tourism Development:
• The Kingdom’s tourism sector experienced an “unprecedented qualitative transformation” in 2024, solidifying its position as a leading regional and international tourist destination.
• It has achieved “historical figures” since the launch of Vision 2030, recording 115.9 million tourists and a total tourism expenditure exceeding 284 billion riyals in 2024.
• This makes tourism an “essential economic pillar in the non-oil growth structure”.
• This growth is attributed to a “comprehensive national strategy” involving new infrastructure development, promotional programs, and streamlined entry procedures. Specific initiatives like the “Behja Al Watani” project in Jazan and the “Saudi Hospitality Journey” further support this sector by enhancing public spaces and establishing a unique Saudi hospitality identity that blends local culture with global quality standards.
• Startup Ecosystem and Innovation:
• Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in developing its startup environment, ascending to 23rd globally among the top 100 startup ecosystems in 2025.
• The Kingdom ranks 2nd globally in the performance of its startup ecosystem, 3rd in funding volume, and 4th in the availability of skills and expertise.
• This reflects a “flexible regulatory system” that fosters innovation and reduces barriers for new businesses.
• The Kingdom is establishing itself as a “regional center for startups,” particularly in FinTech, digital commerce, and smart health.
• Financial Sector Growth (Banking Credit):
• Banking credit is identified as a “vital axis” for building a prosperous and sustainable economy in line with Vision 2030.
• It witnessed a significant annual growth of 16.5% for both public and private sectors, reaching over 3.126 trillion riyals by April 2025.
• This expansion directly “stimulates economic growth” by facilitating access to finance, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
• The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has enhanced its regulatory frameworks and implemented digital advancements to improve lending transparency and efficiency. Banking credit has been distributed across 17 economic activities, contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth targets.
• Healthcare and Biotechnology Advancement:
• Leading institutions, such as King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, utilizing biotechnology and genomic data to develop personalized treatments.
• KFSH&RC’s significant contributions to global genetic research and its participation in international conferences like BIO 2025 underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to advanced, knowledge-based industries, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and Vision 2030.
• Local initiatives, like the Qassim Health Cluster’s urgent care center, also aim to enhance healthcare efficiency as part of Vision 2030’s goals.
• Human Capital Development and Workforce Localization:
• Efforts to enhance human capital and foster employee engagement are recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• The “Nitaqat” program and minimum wage policies are examples of ongoing initiatives aimed at localizing jobs (Saudization) and building a skilled national workforce, which is crucial for sustainable economic growth.
• Sports and Cultural Industries:
• The professionalization of sports clubs and Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA Club World Cup are highlighted as “pivotal steps towards enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position in sports globally” and a “strategic opportunity” aligned with Vision 2030.
• Investment in the creative economy is also evident through extensions for film project submissions at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
• Cultural heritage is promoted through campaigns like “Adat” by the Heritage Authority, which raises awareness about archaeological sites to foster cultural tourism.
• Strategic Partnerships:
• The Kingdom emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly between the public and private sectors, as a “key and influential driver” for economic development.
• Vision 2030 and national strategies are credited with creating “golden opportunities for effective and influential international partnerships” that significantly benefit the national economy.

In sum, the sources demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s deliberate and sustained drive towards economic diversification by investing heavily in non-oil sectors such as tourism, technology, finance, healthcare, sports, and culture, all underpinned by robust strategic planning and a focus on developing its human capital. The stability of the Saudi stock market despite regional tensions further highlights the Kingdom’s confident approach to its economic transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Heritage: Vision 2030 and Beyond

Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage as a vital component of its national identity and a key driver for economic diversification under Vision 2030. This multifaceted approach aims to enhance public awareness, foster tourism, and integrate cultural elements into the Kingdom’s broader developmental goals.

Key initiatives and aspects of cultural heritage development include:

• “Adat” Campaign by the Heritage Authority:
• The Heritage Authority launched the national awareness campaign “Adat”.
• This campaign aims to enhance public awareness about the significance of Saudi archaeological sites.
• It emphasizes the crucial role of these sites in solidifying the cultural identity of the Kingdom and serving as a testament to historical civilizations that have spanned thousands of years on its land.
• “Adat” also addresses threats to archaeological sites, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking of artifacts, promoting the concept of community responsibility for protecting these assets.
• The campaign employs a comprehensive set of media tools, including field campaigns in public places, markets, commercial complexes, and universities across various regions of the Kingdom. It also leverages digital media platforms to ensure wide reach and effectiveness of its messages.
• The Heritage Authority highlights that each artifact embodies a story from the past, making its preservation a fundamental pillar in safeguarding the national memory for future generations.
• Promoting Traditional Crafts and Arts:
• Al-Ahsa Creative City is actively participating in international forums, such as the 17th Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Paris.
• Al-Ahsa’s membership in the network is focused on the crafts and folk arts domain, underscoring its leading position in this sector globally.
• This participation aims to strengthen international partnerships, exchange expertise and experiences with other member cities, and develop sustainable programs in traditional crafts. This also includes empowering artisans to reach global platforms.
• The Northern Borders Literary Club is organizing a specialized training course titled “Arabic Calligraphy (Part One),” as part of its annual programs and events supporting traditional handicrafts.
• This initiative aims to enhance national cultural heritage and celebrate the creative legacy in traditional crafts and arts. The course focuses on the practical aspects of Arabic calligraphy and the foundations of modern Saudi calligraphy, reflecting the Kingdom’s cultural identity and the evolution of written arts within its national visual landscape.
• Integration with Tourism and Local Identity:
• The Kingdom’s tourism strategy recognizes tourism as an “essential economic pillar in the non-oil growth structure”. The “Saudi Hospitality Journey” aims to establish a unique Saudi hospitality identity that blends local culture with global quality standards.
• The concept of Saudi hospitality (Diafah) is deeply rooted in history, particularly in the desert where generosity to guests is a core value, and in cities where hospitality is part of daily life.
• This goes beyond mere service; it’s about creating a “Saudi experience” that embodies cultural symbols and traditions, offering something unique that cannot be found elsewhere.
• This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing culture as a driver for development and diversifying income sources through promising sectors like tourism and hospitality.
• The aim is to train national cadres to embody this identity with pride and effectively communicate cultural nuances to international visitors, transforming them into cultural ambassadors.
• The Jeddah Historic Area is a testament to this, attracting pilgrims from various nationalities who visit its economic and historical landmarks before returning to their home countries. Pilgrims are keen to acquire heritage souvenirs, such as carpets, prayer beads, precious stones with images of the Kaaba, and traditional textiles, as cherished memories of their spiritual journey.
• Creative Industries and Film:
• The Red Sea Film Market has extended the submission period for film projects under development or production as part of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
• This program offers substantial cash prizes and opportunities for selected projects to win additional awards from festival partners, serving as a leading platform to support cinematic projects in their early stages, expand their production scope, and connect them with regional and international funding and distribution networks.
• This highlights an investment in the creative economy and cultural production as part of economic diversification efforts.

These initiatives collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its rich cultural heritage not only as a source of national pride but also as a significant contributor to its economic future and global standing.

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

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