Saudi Arabia Ranks 12th Globally in International Tourism Receipts

Saudi Arabia Ranks 12th Globally in International Tourism Receipts
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Saudi Arabia Ranks 12th Globally in International Tourism Receipts

Saudi Arabia Ranks 12th Globally in International Tourism Receipts

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues its impressive growth, advancing 15 positions in international tourism receipts and leading the Top 50 ranking in upward movement, SPA reported.

According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia ranked 12th in 2023, making a significant improvement from its 2019 ranking.
In a press release issued Friday, Saudi Arabia has led G20 countries in growth on the UN Tourism Barometer, achieving a 73% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 207% rise in international tourism receipts based on the latest data from the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

These impressive gains reflect the Kingdom’s success as a leading tourism destination. The steady increase in international tourist arrivals further underscores the trust visitors place in Saudi Arabia’s rich and diverse attractions. Globally, international tourist arrivals reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, totalling an estimated 790 million tourists – an 11% increase over the same period in 2023.
The release disclosed that the Middle East maintained the lead as the strongest-growing region, with international arrivals rising 26% over 2019 levels.



Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work towards jointly anchoring a new investment fund, with a target size of $1 billion.

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh.

Under the MoU, the fund would explore investment in manufacturing, renewables, fintech, and healthcare, supporting the localization of companies connected to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay area in Saudi Arabia. It would create highly skilled local jobs and drive economic growth by fostering regional champions in the target sectors. It would reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, leveraging its diverse talent pool, efficient financial infrastructure and deep liquidity. The signing of this MoU is a new milestone that underlines the economic ties between two leading institutions: PIF and HKMA.

The proposed new fund aligns with PIF’s economic diversification and sustainability strategy.

This partnership has the potential to drive shared prosperity by investing in industries that will shape future economies. It combines HKMA’s long-term investment expertise with PIF’s strategy for the target sectors.

The new fund would promote foreign direct investments via Hong Kong, providing a platform for companies to internationalize their businesses and access attractive investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.