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Saudi Arabia Establishes New Tourism Authority

Saudi Arabia Establishes New Tourism Authority
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Saudi Arabia Establishes New Tourism Authority

Saudi Arabia Establishes New Tourism Authority

Local tourism in Saudi Arabia had undergone several stages of development until it turned into an organized sector supported by regulations, projects and programs.

Saudi Arabia had also further polished its image as a tourism destination by the launching of e-visas for tourists. It opened its gates to the world in a way that matches its rich heritage and tourism attractions it has to offer visitors.

Many Saudi towns, cities and historic sites are gaining a competitive edge on local and international levels thanks to the attention they have secured from Kingdom authorities that have made transforming the country into a tourism destination a prevalent trend.

The Saudi Cabinet had approved the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) based on the recommendation of Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued in February 2020 a royal decree to set up a new ministry for tourism, after cancelling the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), and appointed Ahmed Al-Khateeb as head of the ministry.

The Saudi Tourism Authority is tasked with supervising, developing and marketing tourist packages and products both locally and internationally.

Over the last two decades, Saudi Arabia underwent a number of advanced stages in the file of organized tourism. The Asir region, nestled in southern Saudi Arabia, witnessed the formation of the first committee to stimulate tourism back in 1995.

In 2000, the Supreme Commission for Tourism was established. Over the years its name was changed, until a Ministry of Tourism was established in 2020.

The Ministry seeks to raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the Gross domestic product (GDP) from 3% to 10%.

It also focuses on creating an attractive investment environment, providing diverse packages of tourism services and offers, developing tourist destinations and sites, generating one million jobs in the tourism sector, and qualifying human labor working in the sector.

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Saudi Hospitality: From Tradition to Serving Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Hospitality: From Tradition to Serving Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Arabs have a long-standing tradition of hospitality, treating guests with the utmost respect.

This value remains strong in Saudi Arabia, where generosity extends beyond family gatherings and friend visits to include the Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers. For them, the Kingdom becomes a second home, with open doors and hearts.

In northern Saudi Arabia, near border crossings that welcome travelers from neighboring countries, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services plays a key role.

Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the association focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey.

The association operates at key border points like Jadeedah Arar and Al-Hadithah, the main entry points for pilgrims coming by land from countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Syria.

Close by, the association has set up a fully equipped city for pilgrims, offering a field hospital, relaxation areas, food services and guidance to make their spiritual journey easier.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Badr Al-Shammari, the chairman of the board of directors of the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services in Al-Jawf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We are the first point of contact for pilgrims arriving from the north. Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience, ensuring pilgrims feel safe and comfortable, with all the medical and food services they need.”

The association goes beyond basic services, launching innovative projects to tackle challenges. One key initiative is the mobile workshop for fixing broken buses on the route between border crossings and Madinah. The team is always ready to respond quickly, reducing delays and easing the journey for pilgrims.

From the moment pilgrims arrive at the association's site, the team works with local government agencies to provide continuous care and services around the clock.

If pilgrims face health issues, they are immediately examined at the field hospital. For more serious conditions, they are transferred to nearby public hospitals.

One touching story that highlights the association’s humanitarian work involved an elderly pilgrim who fell ill and was taken to a health center by the association's team.

After receiving initial treatment at the field hospital, he was transferred to a public hospital. Once he recovered, he asked how to pay for the medical services he had received. He was surprised to learn that all services were free, as directed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Moved, the pilgrim told the team: “I never expected such care and services. Everything was organized, and the staff truly cared about my comfort. I pray that God protects this country and its people.”

At a Hajj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah, Al-Shammari explained that the association’s mission goes beyond providing daily services.

“Our work is a noble mission aimed at fully supporting the guests and helping them perform their rituals easily and comfortably. This is a great honor,” he stressed.