UN tourism chief sees vital Saudi role in sector’s post-coronavirus revival

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Saudi Arabia’s move to open up Hegra, in AlUla Valley, has restored a missing chapter in region’s history. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 10 November 2020
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UN tourism chief sees vital Saudi role in sector’s post-coronavirus revival

  • Secretary-general of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) spoke to Arab News on a wide range of topics
  • Zurab Pololikashvili talked about new reality for tourism sector led by innovation and sustainability

RIYADH: The tourism industry in the Middle East and North Africa region has taken a drastic hit since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

From Morocco in the west to Oman in the east, tourism has played a significant role in generating jobs and sustaining local economies in a part of the world famous for its holy cities, cultural heritage sites, sandy beaches and glittering metropolises. Ballpark figures of losses suffered by the sector run into billions of dollars.

Nevertheless, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is cautiously optimistic that the Middle East can bounce back from the pandemic quickly and that Saudi Arabia has a vital role to play in the expected recovery.

“We really hope that with such strong partners and friends, we can make tourism a priority,” Pololikashvili said in an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with Arab News.




Pololikashvili, left, says Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been very supportive of the Kingdom’s tourism sector during the pandemic. (Supplied )

Q: Tourism ministers of the G20 held a meeting in the first week of July to explore means to boost tourism. What, in your opinion, were the key takeaways?

A: Firstly, I would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia as the host of the G20 summit meetings. We started preparatory meetings in April because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had other ideas but decided to change the format.

As I mentioned, in April we had a very interesting meeting with the G20 ministers. We discussed how to restart tourism and how the industry can recover, both during and after the pandemic. G20 countries collectively account for more than 70 percent of the global GDP, of which tourism is a big part.

We created a crisis committee where we presented our vision and ideas. Saudi Arabia was a highly active member of this committee. We had five meetings. The objective was to prepare short-term and long-term plans on how to restart tourism.

The situation was evolving on a daily basis. It was a very uncertain moment to discuss the issue, but we finally received recommendations, protocols and guidelines for G20 member states on actions to take both during and after the pandemic.

The main topics will be discussed at the G20 meeting, where we will present two different projects led by Saudi Arabia, one of which concerns the empowerment of women in the Middle East as well as the rest of the world.




Pololikashvili was instrumental in developing tourism in Georgia when he was economics minister. (Supplied)

Sustainable development is another one of the main goals of our discussion in Riyadh. Unfortunately, it will be the first time the G20 tourism ministerial meeting will be held via video conference, which is a challenge.

We will give a presentation on the future of tourism, in which the ministers will discuss how we are going to adapt to new lifestyles, new economies and new challenges that we will face after COVID-19.

I will do my best to be in Riyadh during this meeting and conduct it with His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism, and the G20 ministers.

Q: The pandemic has led to an unprecedented drop in tourism demand. International tourist numbers will fall by 60 to 80 percent in 2020, according to UNWTO future scenarios. How can the industry become robust again?

A: The most important thing is health. Let us see how the pandemic plays out in the coming months. We are truly optimistic that step-by-step, borders will reopen.

The two main components necessary to restart tourism are reopened borders and a return to the connectivity that we had before.

 

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Currently, many airline companies are in trouble without connectivity because 70 percent of visitors travel by airplane. Recovery depends on how fast connectivity can restart and how soon borders reopen, but also on how the pandemic will be evaluated in different parts of the world.

The situation is changing every day. I will be very honest: It is impossible today to make a forecast for the next year.

There is much uncertainty. While we can’t predict entirely what will happen, we will be better prepared for what comes in 2021.

If everything goes smoothly, I think 2021 will be much better than 2020, which was a disaster year for the tourism sector. I am sure that in 2021 we will come back with much better figures than this year.

Q: You recently spoke with the Saudi tourism minister and praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restart tourism. What impressed you about the Kingdom’s plans?

A: I forgot to mention that the third part of the G20 summit discussion will concern jobs and skill-building.

We are talking about creating one million new jobs in Saudi Arabia through tourism, so we will need trained and well-prepared new professionals. We embarked on a monumental project about eight months ago to this end.

We have a special Saudi program that will be launched at the end of September. The idea is to be ready, after two or three years, to prepare young men and women who will be involved in this mega project, in which Saudi Arabia is investing over the next five to six years.




Pololikashvili, left, with Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb at Al-Ula. (Supplied)

The project aims to create an educational hub for the Middle East in Saudi Arabia. We will thus focus a lot on education, which is a big part of tourism. Without a professional and well-educated workforce, it is impossible to develop tourism.

Q: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 80 percent of global tourism, so they are especially vulnerable to the COVID-19-linked downturn. What can governments around the world do to ensure their survival?

A: Starting from the first day, we issued recommendations and asked countries and member states to support the private sector, especially SMEs, which are still in big trouble.

We always use Saudi Arabia as an example. From the very beginning, the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom I had the honor of meeting, has been very committed to the tourism sector.

At a time when financial investments in SMEs and millions of jobs are at risk, Saudi Arabia is one of the best examples we can show to other member states to encourage them to support companies, entrepreneurs and people involved in the tourism industry. Saudi Arabia’s financial support is crucial for people in the SME sector.

We know this is neither easy nor cheap, but it is a smart and important decision to help the sector survive.

We are working on a lot on innovation. We want to export Saudi talent outside the country. We believe that there is an abundance of creative people and ideas in the sector, and we want to give them an opportunity to showcase their projects globally.

IN NUMBERS

  • 67 million - Fewer international tourists as of March 2020.
  • $80 billion - Lost exports over the same period.
  • 60-80% - Projected decline over the whole year.
  • 100-120 million - Direct tourism jobs potentially at risk.

Q: What are your thoughts on the latest Saudi domestic travel packages as a summer offer?

A: After the pandemic, I think people will start to travel domestically, not only in Saudi Arabia but also across the rest of the world.

That means that, in a period of one and a half years, people will travel more within countries than abroad because there are still many closed borders and restrictions on travel.

People will use their holidays to travel inside their countries, which will be also beneficial for these local destinations.

We declared this year as the “Year of Rural Tourism” without knowing that a pandemic would happen. The idea was to promote regional tourism development and create new jobs there. In Saudi Arabia, you have mountains, the Red Sea and cultural tourism.

All these destinations offer Saudis the opportunity to travel inside the country. Step by step, tourism will develop and become an important part of Saudi life.

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Q: As the minister of economic development, you helped tourism kick off in Georgia. What advice do you have for Saudi Arabia, a country that just last September began welcoming international tourists to its UNESCO sites, only to be forced by the pandemic to put its plans on hold?

A: I think the first very step Saudi Arabia took to open its borders and make the country more accessible was an important one.

The second step is connectivity. Saudi Arabia has excellent opportunities and the capacity to become a new hub for the region in the coming years. It has created tourism products such as cultural tourism. The Red Sea and Neom are other excellent opportunities to invest in.

Every time I travel to Riyadh, I feel at home. The people are very friendly, and the country is opening up more in a sense.

Different factors will make Saudi Arabia attractive to tourists and travelers: diverse destinations, educated staff, high-quality services and the presence of more international companies’ representatives in the Kingdom.

Q: Have you visited UNESCO World Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia?

A: We visited the historical district of Riyadh, where it was planned to organize the G20 meeting. I also had the opportunity to travel to AlUla, which I found to be unique and one of the best UNESCO Heritage sites. From what I saw there, I am certain it will become a must-see destination.

People outside the Kingdom do not know the beauty of AlUla; it will be one of the most important assets to promote. I know the investments the Saudi government has made to the project in the past two years.

I remember being one of the first tourists when it had just opened up to visitors in February and March. I always say that once tourists and people recognize a destination, it does not need any recognition from international organizations. I am sure this will be the case for AlUla. A destination recognized by tourists means it is recognized by the whole world.




A bas-relief decorated with a lion dating from the fifth to first century BC found in AlUla Valley. (Supplied)

Q: Final question: Is there a road map for a rejuvenation of the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc’s tourism sector?

A: I think we have two international hubs in the Middle East: Dubai and Doha. Others include Bahrain, Oman and of course Saudi Arabia, which is the future of tourism. I see Riyadh and the whole country as another mega hub in this part the world.

I am sure that we will hear good news coming from the region in the future. I am also sure that one of the first regions to recover over the next two years will be Europe because it is concentrating a lot on tourism.

We have excellent news from Brussels in the form of financial support for all leading EU member countries.

If we compare the Middle East to other regions, it too is under control and in a good situation. This gives us hope that it will quickly recover and become once again a widely visited global destination.

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Twitter: @HussamMayman


UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

Updated 56 min 16 sec ago
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UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

  • Peter Kyle meets medical team responsible for world’s first fully robotic heart transplant
  • Visit follows global recognition of KFSHRC’s medical standing, groundbreaking innovations

RIYADH: The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Peter Kyle was shown the hospital’s cardiac facilities, which have pioneered advancements in cardiac care and medical innovation.

Kyle visited the Heart Center of Excellence, where he observed cutting-edge technologies and medical breakthroughs that have positioned KFSHRC as a global leader in specialized healthcare.

He was received by Dr. Hani Al-Sergani, the center's executive director, and his deputy, Prof. Feras Khaliel.

The British official met with the medical team responsible for the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, a landmark achievement led by Khaliel.

Kyle also reviewed the latest advancements in minimally invasive organ transplantation, which reduce surgical risks and improve patient recovery times.

His visit follows the international recognition of KFSHRC’s medical milestones, particularly after the groundbreaking robotic heart transplant.

KFSHRC ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second consecutive year.

It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025, and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 list.


Canadians helping to deliver Vision 2030, says ambassador

Updated 17 February 2025
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Canadians helping to deliver Vision 2030, says ambassador

  • Saudi reform program ‘will be a tool to bring peace, stability in the broader Middle East,’ says Jean-Philippe Linteau
  • Envoy will lead a delegation of Canadian companies working in the Kingdom’s smart and green cities on visit to Madinah  

RIYADH: Canadian expatriates are helping Saudi Arabia to deliver Vision 2030 at various levels, as the two countries continue to enjoy closer ties, according to the Canadian ambassador to the Kingdom.

Jean-Philippe Linteau underlined the growth in relations between the two countries, describing these as the “core” of diplomatic ties, during celebrations for National Flag Day of Canada in Riyadh on Sunday.

The ambassador told Arab News that more than 14,000 Canadians are now living and working in the Kingdom.

“These Canadians are working in the private sector, they are CEOs, they are in mid-management, they work in government, in universities — you find them everywhere,” he said.

“The Canadians are here helping to deliver on the Vision.”

Linteau expressed how proud he is to see Canadians supporting Vision 2030, saying that it will deliver “a bright future for all Saudis, and will also be a tool to bring peace and stability in the broader Middle East.”

During his interview, the ambassador also extended a message to the “tens of thousands of (Saudi) alumni” of Canadian universities saying: “Canada is your second home and you are always welcome there.”

The ambassador gave the opening remarks during Canadian Flag Day, speaking about how relations between the two countries are growing, adding that many Saudis have a connection to Canada and vice versa through education, work, and tourism.

Saudi Arabia and Canada restored ties in May 2023 following talks between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in Bangkok in November 2022.

During his remarks, Linteau also announced that he will lead a delegation of Canadian companies working in the Kingdom’s smart and green cities on a visit to Madinah.

“Following my earlier visit to Madinah we decided to take them to see how the holy cities are changing and becoming a tourist hub and a tourist attraction, and how much there are opportunities to work together to make these cities more green and sustainable,” he said.

As a part of Flag Day festivities, the Embassy of Canada hosted a photo exhibition titled “Unceded” celebrating the culture, heritage, and lives of the indigenous peoples of Canada.

“As Canada comes to grip with its colonial past, this exhibition is about our commitment to reconciliation, cultural preservation, and fostering deeper understanding across nations,” Linteau said.

Flag Day also celebrates the national symbol of Canada, the maple leaf, which was adopted on the flag and raised for the first time 60 years ago over Parliament Hill.

“Flag Day is about celebrating our national symbol, the maple leaf. In 1965, Canada adopted the maple leaf in the flag that you know today,” the envoy said.

The maple leaf “is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects their common values of democracy, inclusion, and equality,” he added.


Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

  • Competition winners to display their work at Saudi Cup exhibition
  • Techniques include hand embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork

RIYADH: A fusion of tradition and innovation stole the spotlight at the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition on Sunday, where local designers used age-old techniques to craft high-fashion pieces.

Held at Mansard Hotel – The Gallery in Riyadh, the event celebrated 10 winners whose designs honored the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity through embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork, and even 3D printing.

First-place winner Rand Al-Saif’s design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert landscapes of Hijaz and Tihama. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

• ‘Sidrat Najd’ by Maha Al-Qahtani is an ethereal gown that integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The ‘Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion’ initiative is a program designed to promote traditional Saudi attire within the contemporary fashion industry.

“It emphasizes Saudi cultural heritage, enhances and preserves Saudi cultural identity, and fosters local talent in creative design,” he told Arab News.

Second-place winner Maha Al-Qahtani stands next to her design, “Sidrat Najd,” a gown inspired by the sidr tree. The piece incorporates sustainability by using sidr fruit kernels wrapped in silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Cakmak added: “By emphasizing Saudi culture at the forefront of the competition, we were able to foster creative talent to create new designs showcasing the vast heritage of Saudi in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Year of Handicrafts.’”

Rand Al-Saif’s winning design, “Saudiya,” is a five-piece ensemble showcasing intricate hand embroidery, natural dyeing, and traditional leatherwork — techniques deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia history.

“My design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert of Hijaz and Tihama,” Al-Saif said.

In second place was “Sidrat Najd” by Maha Al-Qahtani. Her ethereal gown integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The name of my design is ‘Sidrat Najd,’ inspired by the sidr tree, which holds deep cultural significance in Saudi heritage,” she explained.

Third was “Bride of the Arabian Peninsula” by Ghaida Majdali, who took a bold and innovative approach.

“The fabric was worked on for 350 hours of hand embroidery, without any machine. The skirt is made of metal with 3D printing, covered in natural camel leather,” she said.

 


Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center

Updated 17 February 2025
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Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center

  • The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work

RIYADH: When Matilda, an 8-year-old Ukrainian girl confined to a wheelchair, visited a prosthetic limbs center in Poland affiliated with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, it was with hope for the future.

Before the war in Ukraine, Matilda was like any other child, full of life and laughter, playing in the alleys of her village. However, in an instant, her life changed irrevocably. The war tragically resulted in the amputation of both her legs below the knees. This sudden transformation from an active, energetic child to one facing an uncertain future was devastating.

Matilda’s parents were struck with shock and despair as their daughter faced a life-altering loss of mobility, unable to walk, play, or even sit comfortably. The sudden change weighed heavily on her physical and mental health.

The specialized team provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. (SPA)

Overwhelmed by financial burdens and uncertainty, the family found a glimmer of hope when KSrelief announced its prosthetic limbs program, offering rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.

Matilda’s parents learned about this vital program, targeting those affected by the war in Ukraine residing in Poland. Upon learning that the Polish Ministry of Health had included their daughter on the list of eligible amputees, they finally saw a glimmer of hope.

Her journey to regain her life began with a complex logistical process that brought her to the prosthetics center in Poland. Greeted by the warm smiles of the medical team, she felt hope that the pain would soon begin to subside. A comprehensive medical assessment was conducted, and a detailed medical file was created, outlining a personalized treatment plan that considered Matilda’s physical and psychological needs.

FASTFACT

Ukrainian child Matilda has a chance at a better future with KSrelief’s prosthetic limbs program that offers rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.

This plan carefully assessed the level and type of amputation, the characteristics of the remaining limbs, and most importantly, Matilda’s goals, expectations, and desires. The Saudi medical team reassured Matilda, explaining the journey ahead and emphasizing that this center was more than just a medical facility; it was a place dedicated to restoring lives.

Before the prosthetic limbs were fitted, Matilda underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program focused on strengthening her muscles, improving her balance, and alleviating the pain associated with the amputation.

Matilda’s journey with the prosthetics center, managed by a team of dedicated Saudi specialists, marked the beginning of her recovery. The multidisciplinary team included orthopedic and rehabilitation doctors, prosthetic limb specialists, and experienced physiotherapists. The team also included dedicated volunteers who provide essential support services, including logistics and organizing activities within the rehabilitation centers.

In Matilda’s case, the specialized team determined the final measurements and selected the appropriate materials for her prosthetics based on her individual needs and condition. After the manufacturing process was complete, Matilda entered a pre-installation rehabilitation phase. The team also provided invaluable guidance on coping with the amputation and adapting to the changes in her body and life.

After weeks of evaluation and rehabilitation, the day Matilda had been eagerly anticipating, yet also dreading, finally arrived. With the assistance of the team, she stood for the first time with both prosthetic limbs in place. Step by step, she began the journey of regaining her balance, learning to walk again, and reclaiming the life she thought she had lost.

The specialized team also provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. They diligently trained her on how to use her prosthetic limbs in everyday activities, from walking and running to playing games.

Matilda underwent regular follow-up sessions to ensure a smooth transition and adaptation to her new life with the prosthetics. Gradually, she regained her independence, no longer reliant on others for assistance.

The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work. Recognizing the critical importance of alleviating human suffering and enabling individuals to live dignified lives, the Kingdom, through KSrelief, implements and expands humanitarian and relief projects.

The center prioritizes localizing and improving prosthetic limb services and rehabilitation programs, while also building the capacities of local health institutions to ensure the sustainability of these vital services.

KSrelief adopts a meticulous approach to selecting and classifying beneficiaries for the prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation program. The selection process relies on lists of amputation patients provided by the Ministry of Health in the respective countries where the project is implemented.

Priority is given to amputation patients resulting from direct war injuries, mines, or the remnants of war, encompassing all age groups, children under the age of 18 suffering from motor disabilities due to amputation or congenital deformities, and other categories, such as individuals injured in traffic accidents or those affected by various diseases.

The program empowers target groups by providing them with the opportunity to reintegrate into society and engage in various activities independently. This enhances their economic, social, and psychological well-being. Through its four centers, the program offers free, high-quality services to beneficiaries in countries in critical need, including Yemen, Syria, those affected by the earthquake in Turkiye, and those impacted by the Ukrainian war in Poland.

Since its inception in 2020 through 2024, the program has provided services to over 109,000 beneficiaries, delivering 298,999 free, high-quality services. Moreover, 10,851 modern prosthetic and orthotic limbs were manufactured and fitted. Notably, 98,612 beneficiaries received rehabilitation services.

According to program statistics, female beneficiaries constituted 33 percent, while males comprised 67 percent. Approximately 24 percent of cases stemmed from pathological injuries, while a significant 76 percent resulted from war injuries, including those caused by mines, war remnants, and unexploded ordnance.

Today, Matilda is no longer the little girl who entered the center confined to a wheelchair. She has transformed into a confident young girl walking independently, her eyes filled with hope as she embraces the future.

Matilda’s story is one among countless others that exemplify KSrelief’s commitment to embodying the Kingdom’s message of support for people in need, wherever they may be.

 


Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) holds talks with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung in Muscat. (Supplied)
Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat

  • They reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues

MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Korea’s special representative for the Indo-Pacific, at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to address them, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah Yousef Al-Tunaib on Monday.

During their meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.