Minister Inaugurates Ramlah Tourism Company in Hail

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al Khateeb inaugurated Ramlah Company for Tourist Trips and Resorts during an official visit to Hail, one of the seven featured destinations of the Saudi Winter Season 2024–2025. The launch, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, marks a further step in the Kingdom’s drive to empower private-sector partners across the tourism ecosystem and to deepen the visitor experience in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historically rich regions.

The Saudi Winter Season began in October and runs until the end of the first quarter of 2025, spotlighting Riyadh, Jeddah, the Red Sea, AlUla, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail. Within that national framework, Ramlah Company has been licensed by the Ministry of Tourism to organize a distinctive portfolio of activities in Hail, from desert camping and sandboarding to historical tours of Jubbah and overnight stargazing experiences. The inauguration reflects a deliberate strategy: as visitor numbers climb, the Kingdom is investing in licensed, quality-assured local operators who can convert natural and cultural assets into memorable, bookable experiences. For international audiences, the development offers a clear signal that Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth is being built not only on megaprojects but also on community-level enterprise and regional discovery.

Context and Background

Why does the licensing of a single regional tour operator matter in a sector as large as Saudi tourism? The answer lies in the scale and speed of the Kingdom’s tourism transformation. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets to attract 150 million visits annually by 2030 and to raise tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product to around 10 percent. Achieving those goals requires capacity at every level — international marketing, aviation links, hotel supply, and, crucially, a vibrant base of licensed local operators capable of delivering authentic experiences in every region.

Hail occupies a special place in that map. Located in the north-central part of the Kingdom, the region is known for its archaeological heritage, including the Hail Rock Art, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic city of Fayd, a stop on ancient pilgrimage and trade routes. Its desert landscapes, temperate winter climate, and cultural traditions make it a natural fit for the winter season’s outdoor and heritage offerings. The Saudi Winter Season is designed to spread tourism demand beyond the traditional peak summer months and beyond the major metropolitan centers, and Hail’s inclusion among the seven key destinations underscores its strategic role.

The inauguration also reflects a broader philosophy of partnership. The Ministry of Tourism has repeatedly emphasized that private enterprises are essential to executing and enriching seasons, programs, events, and experiences. By meeting all regulatory requirements and obtaining the necessary licenses, Ramlah Company demonstrates how the licensing framework channels entrepreneurial energy into reliable, visitor-ready services. For a traveling public that increasingly values safety, authenticity, and variety, such licensed operators are the front line of the Saudi tourism experience.

Key Details

What exactly will visitors to Hail be able to do through Ramlah Company? According to the Saudi Press Agency, the company specializes in organizing tourism activities in the region and offers a variety of unique programs. These include desert camping, sandboarding, off-road and safari adventures, cycling, and camel interaction experiences. It also arranges historical tours to sites such as Jubbah, home to some of the region’s most celebrated rock art, and overnight stays featuring stargazing under the desert sky. Discounts and tailored packages are available for individuals, families, and groups, making the offerings accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The company’s licensing follows a rigorous process. The Ministry of Tourism requires operators to meet standards covering safety, service quality, and compliance with regulations before they can offer commercial tourism activities. Ramlah Company has satisfied these requirements, joining a growing network of authorized partners that the Ministry and the Saudi Tourism Authority can promote with confidence. This matters because international visitors often plan trips around trusted recommendations; licensed operators provide a clear quality signal in a market that is expanding rapidly.

Hail itself adds considerable depth to the proposition. Beyond the Hail Rock Art and Fayd Historic City, the region boasts natural attractions such as Al-Adham Park, which hosts social and recreational activities for families. The combination of heritage, nature, and adventure gives Ramlah Company a rich palette from which to build itineraries. Whether a visitor seeks a quiet night under the stars, an adrenaline-filled dune drive, or a guided walk through millennia of history, the region can now offer structured, professionally managed options.

International and Regional Impact

How does a regional tourism launch in Hail resonate beyond Saudi borders? For international travelers, it expands the menu of authentic experiences available in a country that is rapidly opening to the world. Saudi Arabia’s tourism visa regime, relaxed in recent years, has made it easier for visitors from dozens of countries to explore beyond the traditional business hubs. As more licensed operators emerge in regions like Hail, the Kingdom can present a more diverse and textured travel offering, appealing to cultural explorers, adventure seekers, and family vacationers alike.

Regionally, the development reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a tourism leader in the Middle East. By investing in winter-season programming and regional destinations, the Kingdom complements established Gulf tourism markets while differentiating itself through heritage and nature. Neighboring countries and global travel companies are watching closely: the growth of Saudi tourism creates opportunities for airlines, tour wholesalers, and hospitality brands, and it strengthens the case for cross-border itineraries that include Saudi destinations. The winter season’s seven-destination lineup, including Hail, signals that the Kingdom intends to compete across the full spectrum of travel segments.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic value do local operators like Ramlah Company generate? Tourism is a labor-intensive sector, and licensed activity companies create jobs in guiding, transportation, hospitality, and retail. They also extend the length of stay and spending of visitors, multiplying the benefits of national marketing campaigns. By empowering private-sector partners, the Ministry of Tourism helps ensure that tourism revenue reaches regional communities, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. This aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic aim of diversifying the economy away from hydrocarbons and building sustainable, high-value industries.

Strategically, the inauguration demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and promotional ecosystem. The Ministry of Tourism sets standards and issues licenses; the Saudi Tourism Authority markets destinations and seasons; and private operators deliver experiences on the ground. This division of labor allows for rapid scaling while maintaining quality. For investors and international partners, it provides a transparent framework for engagement. As the winter season progresses through the first quarter of 2025, the performance of operators like Ramlah Company will offer valuable insights into consumer demand and regional potential, informing future investment and programming.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this inauguration connect to Saudi Vision 2030? Tourism is one of the pillars of the Vision’s economic diversification agenda, and the National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million visits and a 10 percent GDP contribution by 2030. Every licensed operator, every new experience, and every regional destination brought into the national spotlight contributes to those targets. The Saudi Winter Season, with Hail as a featured destination, is a concrete expression of the Vision’s emphasis on showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural and natural wealth to the world.

The Ramlah Company launch also embodies the Vision’s commitment to empowering the private sector and creating opportunities in every region. By supporting local enterprises that meet high standards, the Ministry of Tourism is helping to build a resilient, visitor-focused industry that benefits citizens, residents, and international guests. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward 2030, developments like this in Hail will serve as building blocks for a thriving, sustainable tourism economy — one that welcomes the world while celebrating the Kingdom’s unique heritage and hospitality.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Ramlah Company for Tourist Trips and Resorts?

A1. Ramlah Company for Tourist Trips and Resorts is a licensed tourism operator in Hail, Saudi Arabia, specializing in organizing activities such as desert camping, sandboarding, off-road adventures, cycling, and historical tours. It was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism during the Saudi Winter Season.

Q2. Who inaugurated Ramlah Company?

A2. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, inaugurated the company during his visit to Hail, one of the featured destinations of the Saudi Winter Season 2024–2025.

Q3. When did the Saudi Winter Season begin and end?

A3. The Saudi Winter Season began in October 2024 and runs until the end of the first quarter of 2025, highlighting seven key destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, the Red Sea, AlUla, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail.

Q4. What activities does Ramlah Company offer?

A4. The company offers desert camping, sandboarding, off-road and safari adventures, cycling, camel interaction experiences, historical tours to sites like Jubbah, and overnight stays featuring stargazing. It also provides discounts and tailored packages for individuals, families, and groups.

Q5. Why is Hail significant as a tourist destination?

A5. Hail is renowned for its historical and archaeological landmarks, including the Hail Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Fayd Historic City. It also features natural attractions like Al-Adham Park, which hosts social and recreational activities for families.

Q6. What licenses does Ramlah Company hold?

A6. Ramlah Company has met all requirements and obtained the necessary licenses from the Ministry of Tourism, allowing it to legally organize tourism activities in Hail and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Q7. How does this launch support Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem?

A7. The launch reflects ongoing efforts to support and empower private-sector partners, who play a vital role in executing and enriching tourism seasons, programs, events, and experiences, aligning with the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Q8. What is the Saudi Winter Season?

A8. The Saudi Winter Season is a national tourism initiative that began in October 2024 and runs until the end of the first quarter of 2025, highlighting seven key destinations across the Kingdom to attract visitors during the cooler months.

Q9. Which destinations are featured in the Saudi Winter Season?

A9. The seven featured destinations are Riyadh, Jeddah, the Red Sea, AlUla, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail, each offering unique cultural, heritage, and recreational experiences.

Q10. What is the Hail Rock Art?

A10. The Hail Rock Art is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Hail region, featuring ancient rock inscriptions and carvings that reflect the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Q11. What is Fayd Historic City?

A11. Fayd Historic City is a historical site in Hail, known as a former stop on ancient pilgrimage and trade routes, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and its role in regional commerce and travel.

Q12. What is Al-Adham Park?

A12. Al-Adham Park is a natural attraction in Hail that hosts various social and recreational activities for families, providing a green space for relaxation and community gatherings.

Q13. How does Ramlah Company cater to different visitor groups?

A13. Ramlah Company offers discounts and tailored packages for individuals, families, and groups, ensuring that its programs and activities are accessible and customizable to meet diverse preferences and needs.

Q14. What role does the Ministry of Tourism play in licensing operators?

A14. The Ministry of Tourism sets standards, issues licenses, and ensures that operators like Ramlah Company meet requirements for safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance before offering commercial tourism activities.

Q15. How does this launch align with Vision 2030?

A15. It aligns with Vision 2030 by supporting economic diversification, empowering the private sector, creating jobs, and helping achieve the National Tourism Strategy’s targets of 150 million visits and a 10 percent GDP contribution by 2030.

Q16. What economic benefits can local tourism operators bring?

A16. Local operators create jobs in guiding, transportation, hospitality, and retail, extend visitor stays, increase spending, and ensure tourism revenue reaches regional communities, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Q17. How does the Saudi Winter Season benefit regional destinations?

A17. The season spreads tourism demand beyond major cities and summer months, promoting regional destinations like Hail, creating economic opportunities, and showcasing the Kingdom’s diverse cultural and natural attractions to domestic and international visitors.

Q18. What makes Hail suitable for winter tourism?

A18. Hail’s temperate winter climate, desert landscapes, archaeological heritage, and cultural traditions make it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, sandboarding, and stargazing, as well as historical tours.

Q19. How can international visitors access these experiences?

A19. International visitors can access these experiences through Saudi Arabia’s tourism visa regime, which has been relaxed in recent years, and by booking directly with licensed operators like Ramlah Company or through travel agencies.

Q20. What does the future hold for tourism in Hail?

A20. With continued support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority, Hail is poised to attract more visitors, expand its tourism offerings, and contribute to the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic diversification and global tourism leadership.

---