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Saudi Tourism Ministry Announces 99% Growth in Tourism Hospitality Licenses

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism logo
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism logo
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Saudi Tourism Ministry Announces 99% Growth in Tourism Hospitality Licenses

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism logo
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism logo

The Ministry of Tourism announced that the number of tourism hospitality facilities licensed to operate across Saudi Arabia has increased to more than 3,950 by the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, recording a growth rate of 99% compared to the same period last year.

The ministry said that the number of licensed rooms reached over 443,000 by the end of Q3 of 2024. This represents a growth rate of 107% compared to the same period of Q3 2023, where the number of rooms was more than 214,000. The number of licensed hospitality facilities in Q3 2023 was about 2,000.

The significant growth in the number of tourism hospitality licenses is the result of the efforts exerted by the Ministry to empower operators and investors in the hospitality sector to obtain licenses. This includes providing facilities with operating fees reduced by up to 22%.

In addition, the Ministry has contributed to a decision exempting hospitality facilities from municipal fees as part of the Ministry's keenness to ensure the upgrading of services provided by hospitality facilities to international and domestic tourists.

During its "Our Guests Are Our Priority" campaign, the Tourism Ministry invited all beneficiaries of hospitality facility services to submit their inquiries and comments about the services provided to them by contacting the unified tourism center at 930.

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Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in road network connectivity and has made significant strides, advancing to fourth place in road quality among G20 nations. These achievements are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, which have contributed to a nearly 50% reduction in traffic fatalities.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, announced these figures on Sunday, during his opening remarks at the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow,” attended by over 1,000 experts from 50 countries.
Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom has implemented numerous initiatives to maintain the safety and quality of its road network. These include “the adoption of performance-based contracts to ensure transparency, optimize spending, and improve quality and service standards,” all in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.
At a press conference on the sidelines of the event, acting CEO of the General Roads Authority, Eng. Badr Aldulami, shared that the Ministry of Transport oversees more than 75,000 kilometers of roads, while the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is responsible for over 115,000 kilometers, totaling nearly 200,000 kilometers designed to meet the highest standards in execution, quality, and safety.
For his part, Eng. Abdullah Al-Mogbel, honorary president of the International Road Federation, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with the federation, which includes over 119 member countries. He noted that the Kingdom has co-organized five conferences with the federation, all focused on improving road safety, maintenance, and performance.
The General Authority for Roads’ spokesperson, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, noted that road fatalities have decreased from approximately 28 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 13 currently, with a target of reducing this to 5 by 2030. This progress has been achieved by adopting advanced technologies, methodologies, and large-scale projects, including the use of a global AI-powered fleet to survey the entire road network, assessing factors such as cracks, skid resistance, and road strength.
He further noted that the Kingdom aims to preserve the environment through asphalt recycling technologies, which have cut maintenance time by up to 40% and reduced carbon emissions.
The conference, spanning two days, will feature over 130 scientific papers and showcase approximately 27 innovations and modern technologies, focusing on innovative transportation solutions and government policies aimed at reducing emissions and seamlessly integrating green infrastructure to enhance road safety. The event also includes an exhibition featuring 20 entities showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, intelligent transport systems, and sustainable transportation.