Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb participated in the 51st meeting of the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, held in Doha, Qatar, on February 13, 2025. During the meeting, the minister thanked Qatar for hosting and expressed appreciation for the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) partners for their ongoing cooperation in advancing the tourism sector regionally and globally.
Context and Background
The United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East convenes annually to coordinate tourism development strategies among member states. The 51st meeting focused on post-pandemic recovery, sustainable tourism, and regional collaboration. Saudi Arabia has played an increasingly prominent role in global tourism governance, including chairing the UNWTO Executive Council and hosting the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh.
Key Details
Minister Al Khateeb highlighted that the Middle East welcomed over 95 million international tourists in 2024, an 11% increase from pre-pandemic levels, making it the fastest-recovering region globally. Saudi Arabia contributed significantly, receiving nearly 30 million international tourists in 2024—a growth of over 69% compared to 2019, according to UNWTO data. The minister emphasized the need for collaborative reform to enhance sustainability, facilitate travel, and promote cultural exchange. He noted Saudi Arabia’s efforts during its chairmanship of the UNWTO Executive Council to advance these goals.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in regional tourism underscores its strategic importance in the Middle East and its commitment to global economic diversification. The Kingdom’s successful hosting of major UN tourism events positions it as a hub for international cooperation. The record growth in tourist arrivals demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s visa reforms, infrastructure investments, and marketing campaigns, which align with Vision 2030’s goal of becoming a top global destination.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The minister’s participation directly supports Vision 2030’s objective to diversify the economy and develop the tourism sector as a key driver of growth. Hosting the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in November 2025 further cements Saudi Arabia’s global leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism. By fostering regional collaboration and promoting cultural exchange, Saudi Arabia continues to build bridges and enhance quality of life, in line with its long-term vision.
20 Questions
Q1. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission meeting?
A1. Saudi Arabia was represented by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb at the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
Q2. Where was the meeting held?
A2. The meeting was held in Doha, Qatar, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency on February 13, 2025.
Q3. What is the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East?
A3. It is a UNWTO body that coordinates tourism policies and strategies among Middle Eastern member states to promote regional cooperation and sustainable tourism development.
Q4. How many international tourists did the Middle East welcome in 2024?
A4. The Middle East welcomed over 95 million international tourists in 2024, an 11% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Minister Al Khateeb.
Q5. What was Saudi Arabia’s contribution to Middle East tourism in 2024?
A5. Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists in 2024, achieving over 69% growth compared to 2019, based on UNWTO figures.
Q6. What did Minister Al Khateeb emphasize regarding global tourism reform?
A6. He emphasized comprehensive reform focusing on sustainability, environmental responsibility, facilitating tourist movement, and improving access to unique destinations and cultural exchange.
Q7. What role has Saudi Arabia played in the UNWTO Executive Council?
A7. Saudi Arabia chaired the UNWTO Executive Council for the past two years, promoting global sustainability and enhancing tourism’s role in economic and social growth.
Q8. Where is the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East based?
A8. The UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting regional tourism cooperation.
Q9. When will Saudi Arabia host the UNWTO General Assembly?
A9. Saudi Arabia will host the 26th UNWTO General Assembly from November 7 to 11, 2025, marking the first time it hosts a UN general assembly.
Q10. What significance does hosting the UNWTO General Assembly have for Saudi Arabia?
A10. Hosting underscores Saudi Arabia’s leading role in global tourism and its commitment to international cooperation under Vision 2030.
Q11. How does Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth align with Vision 2030?
A11. Tourism growth supports Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, job creation, and transforming Saudi Arabia into a top global destination.
Q12. What challenges did Minister Al Khateeb highlight?
A12. He highlighted challenges hindering global tourism development, including sustainability issues, travel facilitation, and the need for cultural exchange.
Q13. What was the theme of the 51st meeting?
A13. The meeting focused on post-pandemic recovery, sustainable tourism, and regional collaboration among Middle Eastern countries.
Q14. How did Saudi Arabia contribute to the UNWTO Executive Council’s agenda?
A14. Saudi Arabia prioritized sustainability, cultural exchange, and economic growth through tourism during its chairmanship of the Executive Council.
Q15. What is the role of the UNWTO General Assembly?
A15. The UNWTO General Assembly is the supreme governing body that sets global tourism policies, elects leadership, and approves budgets and work programs.
Q16. How many UNWTO member states are there?
A16. The UNWTO has 160 member states and over 500 affiliate members, representing the global tourism sector.
Q17. What is the expected impact of hosting the General Assembly on Saudi tourism?
A17. Hosting will boost Saudi Arabia’s international profile, attract investment, and showcase its tourism offerings to a global audience.
Q18. What initiatives has Saudi Arabia launched to boost tourism?
A18. Saudi Arabia has introduced e-visas, mega-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, and cultural festivals to attract international tourists.
Q19. How does the UN Tourism Regional Commission support member states?
A19. The commission provides a platform for dialogue, sharing best practices, and coordinating policies to enhance regional tourism development.
Q20. What is the long-term vision for Saudi tourism under Vision 2030?
A20. The vision aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP, create one million jobs, and attract 150 million annual visits by 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global tourism hub.
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