ROSHN Group, Saudi Tourism Ministry Sign Memorandum of Collaboration

ROSHN and the ministry will discuss potential tourism investments and sector-specific opportunities. SPA
ROSHN and the ministry will discuss potential tourism investments and sector-specific opportunities. SPA
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ROSHN Group, Saudi Tourism Ministry Sign Memorandum of Collaboration

ROSHN and the ministry will discuss potential tourism investments and sector-specific opportunities. SPA
ROSHN and the ministry will discuss potential tourism investments and sector-specific opportunities. SPA

ROSHN Group, a Public Investment Fund-owned company, has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism that will support the realization of the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy and the achievement of targets, including welcoming 150 million tourists and generating one million tourism-related jobs by 2030.

The partnership between ROSHN, a major player in Saudi Arabia’s property development sector, and the Ministry will advance the Kingdom’s tourism industry through collaborative efforts in developing tourism destinations, sharing data, insights, and knowledge, and rolling out training programs for young Saudis for different career opportunities in the industry.

ROSHN and the ministry will discuss potential tourism investments and sector-specific opportunities.

“ROSHN is a leading player nationally in developing destinations and communities, and we are looking forward to working with ROSHN to collaborate on how we can best support the Kingdom’s tourism aspirations as spelt out by the National Tourism Strategy,” said Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Destinations Enablement.

The collaboration includes a comprehensive framework to support the development of tourism capabilities and infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, promoting quality of life for both Saudi nationals and visitors from abroad. ROSHN’s current development portfolio includes retail and entertainment to complement its community living for its current and future residents.

“With a portfolio that includes communities and destinations throughout the Kingdom, ROSHN is already playing a role in promoting Saudi Arabia as a preferred place to visit,” explained Yassen Kattan, Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, ROSHN Group. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism underscores our dedication to pursuing developments that create memorable experiences for all, with a focus on quality of life and entertainment as we look to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030.”



Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.