Saudi Arabia Leads Global Tourism Growth
Saudi Arabia ranked first in the world for the growth rate of international tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating an unprecedented increase of 102 percent in international tourist arrivals.
Tourism Boom and Economic Impact
Saudi Arabia has shown impressive results in the tourism sector, significantly outpacing the global average growth of 3 percent. In the summer of 2025, the kingdom welcomed over 32 million domestic and international visitors — a 26 percent increase compared to the previous season. Tourist spending exceeded 53.2 billion Saudi riyals, increasing by 15 percent. International tourist arrivals grew by 102 percent, three times the average in the Middle East at 44 percent, positioning the kingdom third in the world and second in the region for this indicator.
Quality of Life Program and Job Creation
The Quality of Life Program has made a significant contribution to the Saudi Arabian economy, adding 78 billion riyals to the country's GDP. The initiative created 387,000 new jobs and facilitated the development of several sectors simultaneously. Private sector investments reached 21.8 billion riyals, and local content exceeded the target by 7 percent, reaching 44 percent. The program covered tourism, urban development, culture, sports, entertainment, and municipal services, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for citizens.
Urban Infrastructure and Entertainment Development
The entertainment sector expanded to 954 licensed venues and hosted 40 unique events. The architectural map of Saudi Arabia showcased 19 architectural styles inspired by the kingdom's geographical and cultural heritage. The Foras platform connected 49 public institutions with the private sector, offering over 19,000 investment opportunities and generating contract revenues exceeding 9 billion riyals. More than 42,000 people received training and skill development in 10 cities, while 33 startups were incubated and 110 businesses received financial support.
Global Recognition and Citizen Satisfaction
Saudi Arabia launched the Global Quality of Life Index, attracting participation from over 90 cities across 35 countries and integrated into the strategic plan of the UN-Habitat program. This reflects the kingdom's leadership in initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in cities. Among the local population, satisfaction with municipal services reached 85 percent, exceeding the target of 74 percent. These results reflect the successful implementation of sustainable development strategies and the enhancement of societal well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Saudi Arabia growing so rapidly in tourism?
The growth is driven by investments in infrastructure, entertainment, cultural events, and improvements in municipal services. The Quality of Life Program has created conditions to attract both international and domestic tourists, offering diverse entertainment and significantly improving service quality.
How many new jobs have been created by the Quality of Life Program?
The Quality of Life Program has created 387,000 new jobs across various sectors, including tourism, entertainment, urban development, and municipal services, contributing to a reduction in unemployment and economic development.
What is the contribution of tourism to the Saudi Arabian economy?
The tourism sector has made a significant contribution, with tourist spending exceeding 53.2 billion riyals in the summer of 2025. Tourism is one of the key components of the Quality of Life Program and the kingdom's economic diversification strategy.
