Saturday, July 26, 2025
As Saudi Arabia prepares for the global spotlight of the 2030 Olympics, the nation is ramping up its tourism infrastructure with major developments in aviation, hospitality, and strategic partnerships. Central to this ambitious expansion is Riyadh Air, a new airline poised to play a significant role in connecting Saudi Arabia to the world. This partnership, along with an influx of investments, is reshaping the future of tourism in the Kingdom, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.
With over 180,000 hotel rooms currently under development, the hospitality sector is undergoing a major transformation to accommodate the growing number of international visitors expected during the upcoming years. These new accommodations will provide world-class services and showcase Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering high-quality experiences. Meanwhile, Riyadh Air’s formation highlights the nation’s ambition to become a key player in the global aviation market, enhancing connectivity and facilitating travel to and from the Kingdom.
The combination of a new airline, extensive hotel developments, and a strong strategic partnership signifies a clear path towards achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. This bold initiative aims to establish the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The preparations are well underway, with these developments set to reshape the tourism landscape in Saudi Arabia, ensuring the nation is fully ready to welcome the world in 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Transforming the Kingdom for Global Events
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan continues to drive transformational change within the country’s aviation, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors, positioning the Kingdom as a future leader in global tourism and international events. With a focus on diversifying its economy beyond oil, the Kingdom is strategically preparing for several high-profile events in the coming years, including the Olympic Esports Games in 2025, the 2030 World Expo, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
In light of these upcoming events, Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in its infrastructure, with the aim of becoming a major destination for international travelers, business ventures, and cultural exchanges. From the launch of Riyadh Air to the development of luxury hotels and improved airport infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a new era of tourism, business, and global connectivity. These efforts align with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and establish a thriving, diversified economy.
Riyadh Air: A New National Airline for Global Connectivity
One of the most notable developments in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is the launch of Riyadh Air, the country’s new national airline. Scheduled to begin operations in late 2025, Riyadh Air is designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global travel hub, offering flights to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Headquartered at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Riyadh Air aims to build a modern fleet that includes Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-1000s, and A321neos. This diverse fleet will allow Riyadh Air to offer both luxury cabins and economy seating, catering to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking premium services to budget-conscious passengers.
Riyadh Air is also focusing on creating a fully digital passenger experience, embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance service offerings, from booking to in-flight services. The airline’s global expansion plan includes strategic partnerships with airlines such as Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, allowing for smoother international connections. Riyadh Air aims to boost both tourism and business travel to Saudi Arabia, further aligning with the country’s broader economic diversification goals.
The Rise of Low-Cost Airlines: A New Budget Carrier Takes Flight
Alongside the high-end Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia is also set to launch a new low-cost airline from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. In collaboration with Air Arabia and KUN Investment Holding, this budget carrier aims to offer affordable travel options, serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030.
The airline is expected to operate 45 aircraft, and it will target price-sensitive travelers, making Saudi Arabia a more accessible destination for tourists from across the globe. This low-cost carrier will complement the luxury offerings of Riyadh Air and help meet the growing demand for both budget-friendly and luxury travel options within the region. The rise of these new airlines signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering diverse travel experiences for all types of visitors.
Hotel and Resort Developments: A Hospitality Boom Ahead of Global Events
In preparation for the 2025 Olympic Esports Games, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and other global events, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive expansion in its hospitality sector. The Kingdom is expected to deliver over 180,000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments by 2034. These accommodations will cater to visitors attending major events like the FIFA World Cup and World Expo 2030.
Among the most notable developments is the Red Sea Project, which will feature 50 luxury resorts and offer up to 8,000 hotel rooms on 22 islands and six inland sites. This project, expected to open in phases starting in 2025, will include high-end resorts like Shebara Resort on Sheybarah Island, designed by Killa Design. The project aims to provide travelers with a pristine, nature-focused experience that combines luxury and sustainability.
The AMAALA Project, another key part of the Red Sea development, will provide over 1,400 hotel rooms across eight luxury resorts. The first phase of AMAALA is set to welcome guests in 2025. The development emphasizes wellness tourism, with several holistic spa facilities and wellness programs designed to cater to global tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a serene, luxurious setting.
Expanding Airport Infrastructure to Support Growth
Saudi Arabia is also focusing on enhancing its airport infrastructure to handle the anticipated increase in tourism and travelers. One of the most exciting developments is the Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk, which opened in September 2023. The airport features a 3,700-meter runway, designed to accommodate large aircraft, and is expected to serve 1 million passengers annually by 2030. The airport’s design by Foster + Partners ensures that it blends modern architecture with the region’s natural beauty, providing a seamless travel experience for incoming visitors.
Additionally, Neom Bay Airport, located within the NEOM project, commenced operations in 2022 and is part of the country’s broader efforts to build a network of airports to facilitate travel to new and emerging destinations. Neom Bay Airport is positioned to become a critical hub for business, tourism, and global connectivity, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of international travel.
With these state-of-the-art airports, Saudi Arabia is building a robust transportation network that will connect major cities and tourist destinations, making it easier for travelers to explore the Kingdom.
Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Bold Move to Diversify Its Economy
The launch of these major infrastructure projects is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil. By investing in the aviation sector, hospitality industry, and tourism infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in tourism, sports, and culture.
The Kingdom has set its sights on becoming a hub for international travel, offering not just business opportunities but also cultural, sporting, and luxury tourism experiences. The 2030 World Expo in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup are key milestones in this journey, with the Kingdom planning to showcase its transformation to the world. In the coming years, Saudi Arabia will be at the center of global events, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Aviation Sectors
With the launch of Riyadh Air, the expansion of its low-cost carrier, and the ongoing development of world-class resorts and airports, Saudi Arabia is clearly committed to making itself a global leader in tourism. These bold investments in aviation, hospitality, and infrastructure will not only support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals but also create lasting benefits for travelers seeking a unique, luxury experience in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as an international travel destination, its investments in airline services, hotel developments, and transportation networks will play a crucial role in ensuring the Kingdom’s future success. By aligning its efforts with the demands of modern tourism and global connectivity, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a top destination for travelers from around the world in the coming decades.
