Egypt joins Kuwait, India, Indonesia and others in making Saudi Arabia a leading global tourism destination, with more than sixty million visitors and significant growth in 2025.

Posted on November 3, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector will emerge as a global powerhouse in 2025, with more than sixty million visitors flocking to the Kingdom. This increase in tourist arrivals was driven by key markets such as Egypt, Kuwait, India and Indonesia, all of which played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s growth as a top international tourist destination. The Kingdom’s amazing growth, which reflects a significant increase in domestic and international travel, confirms the success of its strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, cultural offerings, and world-class events. With a 4% increase in tourism spending and a variety of attractions, Saudi Arabia is establishing itself as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.

The tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed remarkable growth in the first half of 2025, with the number of visitors reaching a record 60.9 million visitors from within the Kingdom and from around the world. This boom in tourism reflects the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and become a major player in the global tourism industry. According to recent figures issued by the Ministry of Tourism, total tourism spending reached 161.4 billion Saudi riyals ($43 billion), recording a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This upward trend is a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s success in attracting international and domestic tourists, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure, and its growing appeal as a leisure destination. The increase in spending highlights the Kingdom’s appeal as a sought-after travel destination and indicates that the sector is not only growing, but also becoming more sustainable and diversified.

Key tourism drivers and trends

The Kingdom’s tourism sector continues to be driven by a variety of factors, with leisure travel remaining the largest sector. International visitors averaged a stay of 6.7 nights, while domestic tourists stayed an average of 18.6 nights, reflecting the growing interest in long-term stays and repeat visits.

Leisure activities, shopping and sports tourism were the main reasons for international and domestic travel. Saudi Arabia’s modern infrastructure, luxury shopping malls and vibrant cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are attracting increasing numbers of tourists seeking unique experiences and world-class amenities. The rise of sports tourism, with events such as Formula E and international football tournaments, has also contributed to the growth of the sector, attracting large numbers of international visitors.

Religious tourism remains one of the most important contributors, especially with the influx of Muslim pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina for Hajj and Umrah. The spiritual importance of these cities, coupled with the Kingdom’s continued investment in infrastructure to support religious tourism, continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world.

Family tourism has also seen a notable increase, with families flocking to Saudi Arabia to enjoy a wide range of entertainment options, including theme parks, cultural festivals and family-friendly resorts. This growing sector shows that Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination for tourists of all ages.

Leading destinations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Mecca and Medina remain top destinations for international visitors, given their importance as the holiest cities in Islam attracting millions of pilgrims each year. These cities continue to benefit from significant investments in infrastructure, ensuring that they remain central to Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy.

For local tourists, Riyadh and the Eastern Province are the most visited areas. As the capital, Riyadh offers a mix of traditional culture and modern attractions, while the Eastern Province is known for its coastal beauty and rich history. Together, these areas offer a wide range of experiences, from cultural immersion to entertainment and relaxation.

Strong international source markets

Saudi Arabia has become a prominent destination for tourists from all over the world. The main source markets for domestic tourism in the first half of 2025 were Egypt, Pakistan and Kuwait, with visitors from these countries making up a significant portion of total arrivals. The Kingdom’s attractiveness to these markets is enhanced by common cultural and religious ties, as well as proximity.

India and Indonesia also ranked highly among international visitors to Saudi Arabia, reflecting the presence of large diaspora communities in the Kingdom and increased religious and cultural ties. This broad geographic scope is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a global tourism destination.

Housing trends and preferences

In terms of accommodation, hotels remain the most popular option, accounting for 43% of all bookings. The hotel industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed amazing growth, with many international hotel chains opening properties in major cities, offering visitors world-class facilities and services.

Private residences and furnished apartments have also become a popular choice for tourists, especially those looking for a longer stay or a more homely atmosphere. This trend indicates the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape, as visitors increasingly choose to immerse themselves in local life and enjoy more flexibility during their stay.

Future prospects for the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised for further growth as the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism offerings. With its plans to attract more international tourists, especially from Asia and Europe, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a tourism hub, catering to a wide range of interests, from cultural and religious tourism to sports, entertainment and family holidays.

As the Kingdom continues to develop its tourism sector, it is expected to create more job opportunities, stimulate local economies, and enhance its global presence. The country’s vision for the future remains focused on sustainability, innovation and diversification of its economy, ensuring that tourism remains a fundamental pillar of its economic growth.

Egypt, Kuwait, India, Indonesia and other key markets helped Saudi Arabia attract more than 60 million visitors in 2025, leading to significant growth and strengthening its position as a leading global tourism destination.

Saudi Arabia’s ability to attract millions of visitors, coupled with its growing appeal as a destination and business hub, indicates a bright future for the Kingdom’s tourism industry, paving the way for continued success in the coming years.