The Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, recently stated that Saudi Arabia is on its way to becoming a global aviation hub. He highlighted the strength of the tourism and aviation sectors in the country, noting that the Kingdom has been leading the post-pandemic recovery rate in terms of the number of international tourists in the Middle East. In fact, there has been a significant growth of 122 percent in the past year. Al-Khateeb emphasized the efforts being made to improve local tourism through collaboration with Gulf countries. One such initiative is the unified visa for Gulf countries, which aims to boost religious tourism by increasing the number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation and other stakeholders in the tourism industry are working together to create an integrated and sustainable tourism system that can meet the high demand in the field. The Minister highlighted the importance of cooperations between coordinators, travel agencies, airport investors, and the Tourist Experience Program in achieving this goal. The three-day Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, with the theme “Enhancing the level of global connectivity,” is providing a platform for aviation industry experts to discuss solutions to the challenges facing the sector. The forum also aims to showcase investment opportunities in the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, which is estimated to be worth $100 billion.
The Future Aviation Forum is expected to offer unprecedented opportunities for the aviation industry in the Kingdom and contribute to the development of the sector globally. The discussions at the forum will focus on addressing priority challenges in the global aviation sector and exploring ways to enhance global connectivity. The goal is to promote growth and innovation in the aviation industry, both in Saudi Arabia and on a global scale. The forum is a unique platform for industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders to collaborate and drive the growth of the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global aviation hub aligns with its broader goal of diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil. The Kingdom has been making significant investments in tourism infrastructure and aviation technology to position itself as a leading player in the industry. By focusing on improving local tourism, attracting international visitors, and enhancing connectivity, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a key destination for global travelers. The Future Aviation Forum is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to driving innovation and growth in the aviation sector and establishing itself as a key player in the global aviation industry. Through collaboration, investment, and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia is poised to realize its vision of becoming a global aviation hub.
