STA Launches Saudi Winter Events Calendar

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has unveiled the “Saudi Winter” events calendar, a comprehensive program featuring over 1,000 tourist experiences and events across seven key destinations, running from October 2024 through the end of the first quarter of 2025. The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency, underscores the Kingdom’s growing stature as a global tourism hub and aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and attract 150 million annual visits by 2030.

Context and Background

The “Saudi Winter” calendar is part of the broader Saudi Winter Program 2024-2025, which aims to showcase the Kingdom’s diverse offerings during the cooler months. The program spans seven destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Region, Madinah, and Hail. It includes more than 500 special offers and over 1,000 events, ranging from cultural festivals to sporting spectacles, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to providing unique and memorable experiences for visitors from around the world.

The launch event, attended by tourism stakeholders, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to elevate Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the STA, emphasized the unprecedented support from the nation’s leadership, which has been instrumental in driving the sector’s growth and setting new benchmarks.

Key Details

The Saudi Winter Program features a lineup of marquee events, including Riyadh Season, Diriyah Season, AlUla Season, Madinah Season, and the Jeddah Calendar. Major international attractions such as the Dakar Rally, MDL Beast, Saudi Cruise, and the Islamic Arts Biennale will also take place, alongside outdoor activities like hiking trails, camps, and caravans in winter destinations. Tourists can explore these offerings through the “Spirit of Saudi” platform, which provides exclusive discounts and packages. The first phase alone includes over 50 offers in collaboration with private sector partners.

“With unprecedented support from the country’s leadership for the tourism sector, and through the integrated efforts of the tourism stakeholders and private sector partners, we are launching this year’s winter events calendar as part of the Saudi Winter Program. This raises our ambitions and expectations for achieving new record-breaking milestones,” said Minister Al-Khateeb. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the STA, added that the program has tripled the number of global and specialized activities compared to last year, catering to diverse tourist demographics.

Implications and Impact

The launch of the Saudi Winter calendar is expected to significantly boost domestic and international tourism, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. By offering a wide array of events and experiences, Saudi Arabia aims to attract visitors from around the globe, further establishing itself as a premier destination. The program also highlights the Kingdom’s ability to host world-class events, enhancing its reputation on the international stage. The increased collaboration with the private sector is set to stimulate investment and create job opportunities, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Saudi Winter Program exemplifies the Kingdom’s strategic vision to transform tourism into a key economic pillar. By showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern attractions, the initiative supports the Vision 2030 objective of increasing tourism’s contribution to the GDP and attracting 150 million visits annually by 2030. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and hospitality, the Saudi Winter calendar serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to becoming a global tourism leader.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Winter events calendar?

A1. The Saudi Winter events calendar is a comprehensive program launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority, featuring over 1,000 tourist experiences and events across seven destinations in Saudi Arabia from October 2024 to the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Q2. Which destinations are included in the Saudi Winter Program?

A2. The program covers seven destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Region, Madinah, and Hail, each offering unique winter experiences and events for visitors to enjoy.

Q3. How many tourist experiences and events are part of the Saudi Winter Program?

A3. The program includes more than 1,000 tourist experiences and events, along with over 500 special offers, providing a wide range of activities for all types of travelers.

Q4. What are some of the major events in the Saudi Winter calendar?

A4. Major events include Riyadh Season, Diriyah Season, AlUla Season, Madinah Season, the Jeddah Calendar, the Dakar Rally, MDL Beast, Saudi Cruise, and the Islamic Arts Biennale.

Q5. Who announced the launch of the Saudi Winter Program?

A5. The program was announced by Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, during a workshop with tourism stakeholders.

Q6. What is the “Spirit of Saudi” platform?

A6. The “Spirit of Saudi” platform is an online portal where tourists can explore offers, packages, and exclusive discounts related to the Saudi Winter Program, with the first phase featuring over 50 offers.

Q7. How does the Saudi Winter Program support Vision 2030?

A7. The program supports Vision 2030 by boosting tourism’s contribution to the economy, creating jobs, and helping achieve the goal of 150 million annual visits by 2030, while diversifying revenue sources.

Q8. What did Minister Al-Khateeb say about the program?

A8. He highlighted the unprecedented support from Saudi leadership and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, expressing confidence that the program will achieve new record-breaking milestones for the tourism sector.

Q9. How does this year’s program compare to last year’s?

A9. According to Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the STA, the number of global and specialized activities has tripled compared to last year, with unprecedented offers and packages for diverse tourist demographics.

Q10. What types of activities are available in the winter destinations?

A10. Activities include hiking trails, camps, caravans, cultural festivals, sporting events, and entertainment experiences, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.

Q11. When does the Saudi Winter Program start and end?

A11. The program runs from October 2024 until the end of the first quarter of 2025, covering the cooler months ideal for outdoor activities and events across the Kingdom.

Q12. Who can participate in the Saudi Winter events?

A12. The events are open to both domestic and international tourists, with programs designed to cater to various demographics, including families, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.

Q13. What is the role of the private sector in the Saudi Winter Program?

A13. The private sector collaborates with the STA to provide offers, packages, and services, contributing to the program’s success and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Q14. Are there any exclusive discounts available?

A14. Yes, the first phase of the program includes more than 50 exclusive offers and discounts available through the “Spirit of Saudi” platform, in partnership with private sector entities.

Q15. How can tourists learn more about the Saudi Winter Program?

A15. Tourists can visit the “Spirit of Saudi” platform to explore various offers, packages, and exclusive discounts, and to plan their winter itinerary in Saudi Arabia.

Q16. What is the significance of the Dakar Rally in the program?

A16. The Dakar Rally is a major international sporting event that attracts global attention, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s capability to host world-class events and boosting tourism during the winter season.

Q17. What cultural events are featured in the Saudi Winter calendar?

A17. Cultural events include the Islamic Arts Biennale, AlUla Season, and Diriyah Season, which highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and artistic traditions.

Q18. How does the Saudi Winter Program benefit local communities?

A18. The program stimulates local economies, creates job opportunities, and promotes cultural exchange, benefiting communities across the seven destinations.

Q19. What is the expected impact of the Saudi Winter Program on tourism?

A19. It is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals, extend visitor stays, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premier winter destination, contributing to economic growth.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of Saudi Arabia’s tourism initiatives like the Saudi Winter Program?

A20. The long-term goal is to establish Saudi Arabia as a top global tourism destination, diversify the economy away from oil, and achieve the Vision 2030 target of 150 million annual visits by 2030.

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