Saudi Arabia has closed 2025 with a major tourism milestone. The Kingdom welcomed more than 122 million domestic and international visitors over the year, according to preliminary figures released by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Visitor spending reached nearly SAR300 billion, marking one of the strongest performances the sector has ever seen.
The figures reflect a 5 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to 2024, while overall tourism spending rose by 6 per cent year-on-year. For a country in the middle of a massive economic and cultural transformation, these numbers send a clear message. Saudi Arabia’s tourism push is no longer about plans and promises. It is delivering results.
For travellers across the UAE and the wider Gulf, Saudi Arabia has quickly shifted from being a niche destination to a regular short-break option, especially with improved connectivity, simplified visas, and a growing calendar of events.
What Is Driving Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Growth?
The growth is closely tied to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. Tourism plays a central role in that vision, with a target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
Several factors are powering this momentum. Regulatory reforms have made it easier for international visitors to enter the country, while large-scale investments have transformed infrastructure across major cities and emerging destinations.
Saudi Arabia has also expanded its tourism offering well beyond religious travel. While Makkah and Madinah remain core pillars, the Kingdom now promotes leisure tourism, cultural experiences, adventure travel, business events, and large-scale entertainment.
For UAE residents, this shift is especially noticeable. Destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast are increasingly marketed as weekend-friendly escapes, with direct flights and high-end hospitality options that feel familiar yet distinct.
Tourism Spending Reaches SAR300 Billion
The rise in visitor numbers has been matched by strong spending. Tourism expenditure in 2025 reached around SAR300 billion, highlighting not just volume, but value.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, measures aimed at improving visitor experience have helped extend average stay lengths and increase per capita spending. These include smoother licensing for tourism operators, better-trained local talent, and upgraded transport and hospitality services.
From luxury desert resorts and cultural festivals to shopping districts and international sports events, Saudi Arabia is encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more.
This focus on quality mirrors trends seen in the UAE, where tourism success is measured not just by arrivals, but by overall economic impact. The Saudi model now reflects a similar approach, combining scale with experience-driven travel.
Expanding Experiences Across the Kingdom
One reason Saudi Arabia continues to attract repeat visitors is the diversity of its destinations. AlUla has become an international cultural hotspot, drawing travellers with its heritage sites, concerts, and natural landscapes. The Asir region offers cooler weather, green mountains, and traditional villages, a sharp contrast to the desert image many still associate with the Kingdom.
Riyadh’s transformation has been particularly striking. The capital now hosts global entertainment events, international exhibitions, and major sporting tournaments, making it a frequent stop for business and leisure travellers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
These developments are supported by ongoing investments in hotels, transport networks, and public spaces. New parks, event venues, and waterfront developments continue to reshape how visitors experience Saudi cities.
For readers interested in regional travel trends, new destinations in the GCC, and emerging cultural hubs, Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape offers plenty to explore.
UAE Travellers and the Region
Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth also has a wider regional impact. Increased visitor flows strengthen economic ties across the Gulf, while competition encourages higher standards across the travel and hospitality sectors.
For UAE residents, Saudi Arabia now offers more reasons to travel beyond religious visits. Short leisure trips, food-focused travel, music festivals, and business events are becoming part of regular travel plans.
The ease of travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has played a major role. Frequent flights, improved road infrastructure, and simplified entry requirements make spontaneous trips more realistic than ever.
As tourism continues to expand across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s performance in 2025 positions it as a serious regional player alongside established destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
With a target of 150 million visitors annually, Saudi Arabia still has ground to cover. But the 2025 figures suggest the Kingdom is firmly on track.
Future growth is expected to come from mega-projects, international events, and further diversification of tourism products. Sustainability, cultural preservation, and community involvement are also becoming central themes, aligning with global travel trends.
For now, the numbers tell a clear story. Saudi Arabia is no longer an emerging tourism market. It is already shaping travel patterns across the region.
Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2025 highlights how quickly the Kingdom’s travel sector is evolving. With 122 million visitors and SAR300 billion in spending, tourism is now a key economic driver and a growing part of everyday travel choices for UAE residents.
As regional travel continues to grow, Saudi Arabia’s expanding list of attractions ensures it remains firmly on the radar for both short breaks and longer stays.
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