Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs

Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb says that Saudi Arabia is allocating substantial funds to boost the industry and create jobs. (SPA)
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Updated 26 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs

Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs
  • Over 50,000 training opportunities earmarked for women, says Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb
  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change

LONDON: Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb says the Kingdom is allocating substantial funds to boost the industry and create jobs, especially for young people and females.

Al-Khateeb made the comments during discussions on a joint report by the Ministry of Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council revealing the heavy toll the COVID-19 pandemic had on women and youth jobs in the industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change.”

He added: “In 2024, we have dedicated substantial funds to the tourism sector, including $100 million for skills development and training for workers at all levels, from entry to leadership.

“Specialized programs will be provided for local guides to gain comprehensive knowledge of our rich history and natural wonders. Additionally, over 50,000 training opportunities have been earmarked for women.”

Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia’s women have achieved significant milestones in the domestic tourism industry and this year make up 42 percent of the sector.

According to the World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia women now make up 22 percent of leadership positions, and 46 percent in other areas.

The report, “Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment,” sheds light on the sharp decline in women and youth employment due to the pandemic.

In 2019, the travel and tourism sector supported 48.4 million women and around 19 million young people, while in 2022 the figures are 42 million and 16.1 million respectively.

Julia Simpson, the WTTC’s president and chief executive, said: “This report emphasizes the tremendous potential of the travel and tourism sector to drive inclusive growth. However, it also highlights the urgent need for action.

“Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers. By investing in skills development, promoting inclusive policies, and encouraging entrepreneurship, we can unleash the full potential of these groups and ensure our sector leads in creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities.”


The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities

The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities
Updated 24 sec ago
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The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities

The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities
  • From the 1940s through the 1970s, trucks — typically from American manufacturers such as Ford — played a crucial role in transport
  • Red truck held a unique social standing as the main alternative to camels

RIYADH: The vintage red truck, referred to in Arabic as a “lorry” after the British synonym, has become a cherished symbol of heritage in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf.

From the 1940s through the 1970s, these trucks — typically from American manufacturers such as Ford — played a crucial role in transport, connecting remote villages with bustling cities at a time when travel options were scarce and conditions often difficult.

Historian Abdullah Al-Zahrani told the Saudi Press Agency that residents, visitors and religious pilgrims depended heavily on these vehicles for extended journeys, which could last several days.

He said that the red truck marked a turning point in transportation, providing families and children with a new level of comfort.

Beyond carrying passengers, the red truck was vital to the local economy. It transported food supplies to markets and commercial centers, enabling merchants to move goods such as dates, spices, livestock, and textiles. This, in turn, boosted rural trade and strengthened regional connections.

Salem Al-Abdali, a local resident whose father once drove a red truck in the villages south of Taif, fondly recalled its signature red paint, handcrafted sunroof, juniper wood floors, and hand-stitched canvas roof that sheltered passengers from harsh weather.

Al-Abdali noted that the red truck held a unique social standing as the main alternative to camels, and it became intertwined with memories, stories and traditional songs recited during journeys.

He added that some drivers would even transport villagers free of charge, reflecting the era’s strong sense of cooperation and community spirit.


Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade

Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
Updated 32 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade

Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
  • Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria
  • Council of Ministers welcome joint statement by 28 countries calling for end to Gaza war

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria while ensuring the country’s security, stability, unity and sovereignty.

In its weekly meeting, chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, the Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom’s support for the joint statement issued by foreign ministers of several brotherly countries regarding developments in Syria.

It also followed up on the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people.

The Council of Ministers welcomed a joint statement by 28 countries that called for ending the war in Gaza and condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid delivery to civilians in the strip.

The countries urged Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and ensure its safe delivery to residents in the Palestinian enclave.

The Cabinet renewed the Kingdom’s call to the international community to urgently take decisions and practical steps in response to Israel’s obstinacy, which deliberately prolongs the crisis and undermines regional and international peace efforts.


Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah

Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah
Updated 22 July 2025
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Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah

Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah
  • Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah’s historical narrative

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled a series of landmark achievements in the revitalization of Historic Jeddah, illustrating continued progress under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Launched in 2021, the project plays a key role in the national strategy to preserve the Kingdom’s heritage and enhance its cultural landscape, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In 2024, the ministry successfully restored 27 historic buildings, rehabilitated an additional 10 structures, and supported the stabilization of 39 others, fortifying the district’s unique architectural identity.

As part of broader adaptive reuse efforts, the first three heritage hotels opened their doors, delivering luxury experiences steeped in authenticity. This is the beginning of an initiative to transform 34 heritage buildings into boutique accommodations that merge cultural heritage with modern hospitality.

Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah’s historical narrative. Excavations at the Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed Ceylonese wooden fragments on mihrab pillars dating back to the 1st century AH (7th century CE).

Also, the discovery of a 13th-century pottery shard reaffirmed Jeddah’s long-standing status as a pivotal maritime and commercial hub linking the Islamic world to the Far East.

In a milestone of urban regeneration, the ministry completed Phase I of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon waterfront project, which included the removal of obstructive infrastructure to reconnect the sea with the historic Al-Bunt Port.

In parallel, 90,000 sq. meters of green space were developed, significantly enhancing the environmental and visual quality of the district. To enhance operational readiness, 110 pieces of equipment were used to service a six-sq. kilometer area.

Historic Jeddah is also going through a surge in cultural engagement. The Red Sea International Film Festival was hosted at Culture Square for the first time, attracting local and international audiences.

Simultaneously, the ministry inaugurated the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum, spanning 10,000 sq. meters, and launched a Performing Arts and Cinema Centre, offering immersive experiences that bridge traditional heritage with contemporary expression.

A significant step in skills development was marked by the opening of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, which promotes local craftsmanship and empowers Saudi youth to participate in cultural restoration. To integrate leisure with heritage, the ministry introduced Irth, a concept store and cafe that blends cultural offerings with a modern hospitality experience.

In support of long-term sustainability, the ministry signed six strategic agreements aimed at bolstering investment and enhancing cultural infrastructure. A dedicated digital tourism platform was also launched to provide comprehensive access to landmarks, events, and visitor services in the district.

In 2024, more than 140 educational trips were organized, engaging 2,100 students in immersive cultural experiences. To enrich visitor journeys, 500,000 copies of the official visitor map were distributed. These efforts contributed to a record-breaking 5.7 million visitors to Historic Jeddah over the year, including 2.5 million during Ramadan.

As part of the Historic Jeddah Master Plan, the Ministry of Culture is committed to restoration, infrastructure enhancement, and improving livability. These endeavors aim to position the district as a global destination for cultural tourism and creative industries, reflecting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and celebrating the Kingdom’s enduring cultural legacy.


Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge

Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge
Updated 22 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge

Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, continues to strengthen its role as a leading authority in preserving Saudi history and safeguarding the nation’s documentary heritage through forward-looking initiatives that expand public access to knowledge.

Last month, Darah launched its strategic initiative, Darah Documents, as part of a broader development plan to enhance access to historical sources and improve the user experience for its research services.

Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Darah’s board of directors, endorsed efforts to expand access to the foundation’s content and transform it into a comprehensive digital resource that supports researchers and reinforces the role of documents in shaping national identity, according to Darah CEO Turki Alshuwaier.

Alshuwaier told Arab News the Darah Documents initiative builds on the foundation’s work to collect, classify, and make national documents accessible through innovative means.

“It also represents one of the main pillars of our new strategic plan,” he said, “which focuses on maximizing knowledge impact by organizing initiatives to reinforce Darah’s authority in historical preservation and broaden its reach.”

The initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal. (SUPPLIED)

He said that the initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal and the Beneficiary Services Center, to facilitate fast and efficient access for scholars and the general public.

Alshuwaier described Darah Documents as “a qualitative leap in national archiving,” transferring records from traditional paper formats into organized digital content that supports the knowledge economy and strengthens the Kingdom’s presence in digital history.

He explained that Darah applies a comprehensive system of scientific and technical procedures — including acquisition, verification, digitization, indexing, and access — using high-resolution scanners and international standards to ensure accuracy and fast retrieval.

According to Alshuwaier, the documentary content is preserved in secure digital and physical repositories in an intelligent institutional environment, enabling researchers to access reliable primary sources seamlessly and efficiently for their academic and knowledge-driven projects.

“The objectives of the initiative go beyond preservation and accessibility,” he added. “It aims to transform the document into a living knowledge tool that enriches cultural and scientific output and applies across history, education, politics, society, and the arts — contributing to a national digital narrative for future generations.”

He also emphasized Darah’s ambition to lead the national historical content landscape through initiatives that blend authenticity with innovation, turning documents into a dynamic platform that serves both knowledge and society.


Saudi Arabia welcomes joint statement calling for ending Gaza war

Saudi Arabia welcomes joint statement calling for ending Gaza war
Updated 22 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes joint statement calling for ending Gaza war

Saudi Arabia welcomes joint statement calling for ending Gaza war
  • Saudi Arabia reiterates its categorical rejection of Israel's continued targeting of civilians trying to receive aid

RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry on Tuesday welcomed a joint statement by 28 countries stating the war in Gaza ‘must end now.’

“We reiterate our categorical rejection of the practices of the Israeli occupation authorities and their inhumane methodology of blocking aid and targeting civilians seeking it,” the statement said. 

The foreign ministers of 28 countries, including the UK, Australia and Canada, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.”

They condemned “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the UN human rights office.

“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” the countries said. “The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the statement, saying it was “disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.” It accused Hamas of prolonging the war by refusing to accept an Israeli-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release.

(with AP)