saudi arabia tourism company

Saudi Arabia Tours

10 Best Saudi Arabia Tour Operators & Travel Companies

saudi arabia tourism company

Saudi Arabia has a unique experience waiting for every traveller, welcome to a journey you’ve never imagined.

Whether you want to feel like a true explorer deep in the desert, AlUla is a must see and home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, or an adventurer trekking up the mountains to the plateau where Taif sits beautifully in the Western region. Discover Diriyah’s rich historic roots dating back thousands of years, or simply enjoy walking the winding streets of Jeddah’s buzzing cosmopolitan center. 

Because there’s so much to see and do in Saudi Arabia (and not everyone has a lot of time), many travelers decide to take tours when they visit Saudi Arabia. To help you plan your trip and really get beneath the surface of this amazing destination, I’ve compiled a list of the tour companies in Saudi Arabia.

Best Luxury tour companies in Saudi Arabia, There are 10 operators in Saudi Arabia.

saudi arabia tourism company

1. Saudi Arabia Tours

Saudi Arabia Tours is the top tour operator for Saudi Arabia their head office based in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia Tours offer Luxury tour Packages and Custom Tours. They are a Local tour operator ranked #1. Online secure payments for all Saudi Arabia Tours. Saudi Arabia’s leading travel agency Licensed and insured.

https://saudiarabiatours.net/

2. Ramses Tours

They are local tour operators in Saudi Arabia based in Jeddah. They offer Saudi Arabia tours. best selling day tours in Saudi Arabia easy, They can customize every Saudi tour to make it perfect .

https://ramsestours.com/

3. Tour Dragon

They are one of the largest tour package companies in Saudi Arabia and offer tours in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Taif and Al Ula.

https://tourdragon.com/

4. Ramasside Tours

This is the travel company you need when you are looking for multi-day or multi-week trips. They employ local guides with incredible insight and appreciation for the communities they take you to.

https://www.ramassidetours.com/

Some Popular Tours in Saudi Arabia

5. Last Minute 

Last Minute specializes in making your Saudi Tours, one of freedom; freedom from deadlines and hours of planning. Just gives us a call, tell us what you want, when you want it and where. It’s that simple, They plan 365 days a year and are thorough to ensure that your Saudi Arabia Tour is well organized even if you are not.

6. Brilliant Tours

Travel to Saudi Arabia and plan your trip with Brilliant Tours which have a lot of programs for Saudi Arabia Travel Packages. They are specialist in custom tours.

7. Dubai Tours

Dubai Tours offers comprehensive history, food, and cultural tours in half a dozen cities across Saudi Arabia. These are intellectual walks packed with history, perfect for anyone looking to really get below the surface.

8. Riyadh Tours

This is one of the top tour operator in Riyadh. they have a various different Riyadh tours & trips to see the city and other neighboring cities: Such Edge Of The World Tour, Riyadh City Tours & Also Desert Safari Tours. We can also customize your tour as you wish to do.

9. Nile Blue Tours

Nile Blue Tours is one of the pioneers which have great impact on travel industry for more than 20 years of experience.

10. Egypt Ultimate Luxury Tours

Every itinerary is designed by Egypt Luxury Tours Local Experts. With their first-hand and local knowledge, they make sure every detail is looked after, while you get to enjoy a private luxury tour.

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Best Luxury Tour Compines in Saudi Arabia

The Best Tour Companies in Saudi Arabia

The ten best tour Operators in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Tour Packages

Travel Agency in Saudi Arabia

List of The Best Tour Operators in Riyadh

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Egypt Tours

Egypt Tour Packages

Egypt Luxury Tours

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More Tours in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Tour Packages Saudi Arabia Luxury Tours

Riyadh Tours Riyadh Historical Tour Edge Of The World Tour Al Qara Hill & Jawatha AlAhsaa Tour

Jeddah Tours Jeddah Historical Tour Jeddah Desert Safari By Quad Bike

Al Ula Tours Madain Saleh Tour Al Ula Luxury Tour Package – 3 Days

Abha Tours Trip To Rijal Almaa Abha City Tour Abha Historical Tour

Taif Tours Taif City Tour

Tabuk Tours Tabuk Tour Trip to Wadi Al Disah 3 Days Tabuk Tour

Jazan Tours Jazan Day Tour 3 Days Jazan Tour 3 Days Farasan Island Tour

Umluj Tours Umluj Boat Trip Tour 3 Days Umluj Tour

Dammam Tours Dammam City Tour Al-Qara Hill & Jawatha Al Ahsaa Tour From Dammam

Mecca Tours Mecca religious tour

Medina Tours Medina Tour

Saudi Arabia Day Tours 

Saudi Arabia Custom Tours

Women Traveling Alone In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Honeymoon Packages

Saudi Arabia Desert Safari Tour Packages

Saudi Arabia Shore Excursions

Jeddah Shore Excursions

Al Wajh Shore Excursions

Saudi Arabia Travel and Tours

KSA (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Travel and Tours

We provide real, guided, safe, insured, comfortable, and amazing Arabian holidays in KSA (Saudi Arabia.) From voyaging on the Red Sea or caravaning the Empty Quarter, to Excellent Hajj and Umrah to Makkah (Mecca) and via Medinah. History of the birth of Islam and Trade in Jeddah and the Persian Gulf, to Rock Palaces and Oases in the Natural Wonders of Lost Arabia, to spectacular and original Saudi Wilderness and Wildlife Safaris. Travel to the modern Kingdom too and see the roaring economic reality, the modern 30th century architecture, and step out and back into lost kingdoms and ancient desert cultures. This is real and exhilarating Arabia, and its most remote reaches, friendly people, and beautifully alien landscapes. Come see it all safely and affordably with Saudi Arabia Travel and Tours.

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Saudi Arabia Tour Operators | Saudi Arabia Tour Guides | Saudi Arabia Locals

SATT’s guides come from Saudi Arabia and have been working in the inbound and domestic tourism industry as operators and private guides for generations now, with an in-house and trusted networked fleet of vehicles and vessels, hyper-local town guides, farmers, pilots, and years of experience and exploration in the deepest reaches of the desert. The team taps a knowledge of everything in KSA from new archeological and dinosaur bone sites to rock art, Arab nomadic culture, to gold and jewelry. Want to go direct and land in KSA with licensed, registered, vetted guides and operators, who deliver the best, most comprehensive catalog of tours in the country – Safely AND affordably?

SATT is an emporium and Bazaar for Directly Led and operated tours and Packages with Saudi locals who are the best in the business and welcoming to the world. All guides and operations are led by experienced passionate professionals responsible on the ground to run the best of the best, who take everybody from statesmen to rap and movie stars to scientists to film crews and historians. All tour guides are Saudi, local, lovely, and lively!

The Saudi Arabian Travel Experiences – Low Price Guaranteed!

  • See All Of These Tours Or Services
  • AlUla Experiences: Express Madakhel Canyon Adventure
  • AlUla Experiences: Gravity Cart Adventure
  • AlUla Experiences: Heritage and Nature 4×4 Safari Tour
  • AlUla Experiences: Heritage and Nature Adventure Trail
  • AlUla Experiences: Hidden Valley Hiking Adventure
  • AlUla Experiences: Madakhel Canyon Twisted Maze Experience
  • AlUla Experiences: Madakhel Hiking Excursion
  • AlUla Experiences: Moonlit Night Experience
  • AlUla Experiences: Ridge Walk Experience
  • AlUla Experiences: The Road to Eldorado
  • AlUla Experiences: Stargazing Experience
  • AlUla Experiences: Volcano Hiking Experience
  • AlUla Camping Adventures: 3-Day AlUla Grand Canyon Weekend
  • AlUla Camping Adventures: 3-Day AlUla Madakhel Canyon Weekend
  • AlUla Cultural Tour
  • AlUla Adventure: 3-day trip to Arabian Deserts
  • Southbound Spectacles: Red Sea to Misty Mountains
  • Saudi Wild North & Secret Rock Civilizations
  • Red Sea to Persian Gulf All-Saudi-Cross
  • Saudi Arabia 9-Day Tour: Jeddah, Riyadh, Madain Saleh & Elephant Rock
  • Saudi Arabia 13-Day Culture and Archaeological Sites Tour from Jeddah to Dammam
  • Saudi Arabia Museums, Roses and Souks: Jeddah and Taif 3-Day Tour
  • Saudi Arabia Luxury Holiday: 6-day Jeddah, Riyadh, Al-‘Ula
  • Saudi Arabia Ethnic Tour
  • Qassim, Hail, Jubbah, and the Northern Desert
  • Best of Saudi Arabia (If you only come once!)
  • Culture and Adventure Short & Sweet Tour
  • Saudi Arabia 13-Day Riyadh to Jeddah Desert Adventure
  • 10-Day Saudi Arabia Tour
  • Saudi-Cross: From Sea to Shining Sea
  • Saudi Seaside & Shoreside Tour: Persian Gulf Explorer (From Dammam/Al Khobar)
  • Arabian States Private Yacht trip from Saudi Arabia (Dammam) to Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, and Oman
  • Two Days Taif Mountain Customs and Culture Tour
  • Abha Culture and Heritage Day Tour: Shada Palace, Muftaha Village, Al Basta District
  • Abha Soudah Mountain Tour with Cable Car Ride
  • Four Days In The Hidden Pearl Of The South: The Asir Region
  • 14-Day Explore the Wonders of Asir Mountains Cycling Adventure
  • 2-Day Cultural Trip to Taif
  • Sample Driving Tour from Jeddah (coast) to Dammam (coast) 1 week
  • Romantic Luxury Tour of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al’Ula Sampler 6 Days in top class hotels
  • PRIVATE JET TOUR OF SAUDI ARABIA SAMPLE ITINERARY (REVISED PER AVAILABILITY AND PREFERENCE
  • DUBAI ROUNDTRIP PAN-KSA PROGRAM : TOUR OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF SAUDI ARABIA FROM DUBAI – LUXURY AND COMFORT TRIP
  • LUXURY PRIVATE TOUR OF SAUDI ARABIA GOING SOUTH – SOUTH MOUNTAINS AND NATURE ROUTE LUXURY TRIP IN SAUDI ARABIA PROGRAM
  • Jeddah Food Tour
  • Yacht Cruise and Red Sea Villa Package
  • Jeddah Day Tour – Old and New
  • Jeddah Desert Royal Camp Excursion and Rental (High End Parties) with Off-Road Rally
  • Riyadh Food Tour
  • Edge of the World Day Tour from Riyadh
  • Ushaiger Heritage Village Historical Tour from Riyadh
  • Al Kharrarah National Park Desert Adventure from Riyadh
  • Riyadh History & Heritage: Museum, Fort and Palace City Tour
  • Al Kharj Museum, Palace and Tomb Day Tour from Riyadh
  • Central Riyadh Al Masmak Fort, Grand Mosque and Deira Souk Tour
  • Al-Ghat Traditional Village Tour from Riyadh
  • Ad Diriyah Heritage Tour with AMA Art Gallery and Al Awad Grand Mosque Visit
  • National Museum of Saudi Arabia and Al Murabba Palace Afternoon Tour
  • Al Majma’ah City Tour from Riyadh via SAR Train
  • Sudair Province Day Tour from Riyadh
  • Ancient Silk Road Port Ruins
  • Al Ahsa Green Desert Oasis
  • 6 Days 5 Nights Umrah and Islamic Places Panorama
  • 4 Days 3 Nights Umrah Budget Package
  • 3 Day 2 Nights Umrah with Mecca Islamic Sites
  • Family Umrah Package
  • 6 Days & 5 Nights Mecca and Madina
  • Medina (Madinah) Complete Tour for 4 Days
  • Cross the Empty Quarter and Sail Both Seas Tour
  • Empty Quarter 4 Days 3 Nights Deep Desert
  • Empty Quarter 5 Days 4 Nights with Fly-In Package from Jeddah or Riyadh
  • Persian Gulf Boat Exploration Tour from Saudi Arabia
  • 4-Day Adventure Trip to Empty Quarter and Abha
  • 4-Day Trip with Family in Empty Quarters
  • SUV and Jeep Rental with Driver
  • Saudi Arabia Premium SUV Rental with Expert Driver
  • Saudi Arabia Luxury Car Rental: Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Porsche and More
  • Rent a Boat (Charter a Yacht and Captain and Crew)
  • Yacht Charter and Cruise Expeditions Around the Kingdom
  • Private Security Staff, Vehicles, Armored, Maritime, Elite
  • Crossing Service: from Saudi to Iraq, Sudan, Eritrea, Jordan, UAE
  • Film Permits, Fixing, and Staging & AV
  • Saudi Arabia Tours
  • Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Saudi Arabia 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Saudi Arabia. Below you will find 6 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Saudi Arabia offering in total 68 tours and holidays through-out Saudi Arabia. Combined they have received 0 customer reviews and an average rating of 0 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Saudi Arabia are: Adventure and sport, Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history & Air tours, road trips and transfers.

  • Tours in Saudi Arabia

6 Tour Operators in Saudi Arabia

88 Destinations Travel

88 Destinations Travel

  • Address Al Asalah Dist, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
  • Response Rate 73%
  • Response Time 2 hours

Encounters Travel

Encounters Travel

  • Address Leigh House, Varley Street, Leeds, England
  • Response Rate 94%
  • Response Time 3 hours

Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels

  • Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
  • Response Rate 85%

saudi arabia tourism company

  • Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
  • Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
  • Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Explore

  • Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
  • Response Rate 96%
  • Response Time 1 hour

Europamundo

Europamundo

  • Address c/ Garcia de Paredes Nº 55 1ª Planta, Madrid, Spain

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
  • Response Rate 97%
  • Eco tours in Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Arabia guided tours
  • Saudi Arabia family tour packages
  • Saudi Arabia solo trips
  • Saudi Arabia tailor-made vacation packages
  • Saudi Arabia tours for senior citizens
  • Saudi Arabia tours for young adults
  • Saudi Arabia group tours

Upcoming Departures

  • Spring 2024/2025
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saudi arabia tourism company

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Zahid Travel was established in 1958 as one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first travel agencies.  Since that time, Zahid Travel has evolved into a Kingdom wide, highly regarded customer experience consultant with a dedicated team that is committed to guiding businesses and individuals to their travel aspirations.  As travel enthusiasts, we demonstrate our passion through the delivery of extraordinary travel experiences across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and well beyond.  

Round the ring road we go, zahid travel is proud to support and sponsor yasmine idriss on her 17 day journey along iceland's famous ring road.  yasmine became the first arab and saudi arabian woman to complete this journey.  .

saudi arabia tourism company

Our Offering.

As part of its commitment to deliver comprehensive travel solutions across tourism travel, destination management and business travel zahid travel engages audiences via three brands that invite them to go with zahid travel..

saudi arabia tourism company

It is all about  personalisation.  GoZahid is our leisure travel brand.  Via our team of passionate Customer Experience Consultants we create memorable travel experiences for our customers.  Our travel packages are based on our understanding of each customer's travel aspirations, age, cultural preferences, family or group size, desired activities and budget.  Find out more by visiting:

www.gozahid.com

GOZAHID - DESTINATION MANAGEMENT - LOGO

Our passion for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been the driving force behind the establishment of our destination  management  arm: GoZahid Destination Management.  Working Closely with the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudia Holidays and other public and private sector stakeholders we deliver holistic destination management solutions.

www.gozahiddm.com

GOZAHID - BUSINESS TRAVEL - LOGO

We are proud to be the exclusive  representative of Reed & Mackay in Saudi Arabia.  (Reed & Mackay is a NAVAN company).   This partnership gives us on-the-ground presence and support in over fifty countries.  Therewith giving each customer the confidence that we are with them every step of the way.  With a digital travel booking solution for business solutions and a well versed corporate travel team we adapt to the needs of corporate customers of all sizes

saudi arabia tourism company

A Unique Approach To Travel

At zahid travel, we take complex travel demands, simplify them and convert them into real traveler value.  we leave no stone unturned to find potential in the highest performing travel programs.  we are all about personalization, understanding and transparency.  it’s how we live and operate and keep our customers happy..

saudi arabia tourism company

Proud to be part of Reed & Mackay’s International Partnership and to be the exclusive representative of Reed & Mackay in Saudi Arabia.  Reed & Mackay is a NAVAN company.

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Sana tourism.

Your one-stop-shop partner for everything Travel and Tourism in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Summer season 2021

Enjoy our summer season packages with diverse experiences from the Red Sea, passing by Sarwat Mountains to the Arabian Gulf!

Aseer Mountains

We craft Unforgettable Tourism Experiences in Saudi Arabia

At Sana Tourism, we dedicate our efforts, knowledge and quality to make your tourism experience enjoyable and enriching all over the Kingdom.

Heritage & Culture

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Top destinations in Saudi to spend New Year’s Eve 2023

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Experience a wonderfully unique winter in Saudi Arabia

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Why incentive trips are the perfect way to reward employees

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Here’s What You Need to Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

For the first time in its history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that will be opening its doors for tourism by issuing an electronic visa for visitors coming from 49 countries — including the United States.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for an eVisa . It costs approximately $120 and is valid for a period of one year with an option for multiple entry, and permits a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. Previously, the Kingdom issued only visitor visas for religious pilgrimage and business visas. This monumental announcement is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform program, Vision 2030 , which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and diversify its economy by way of tourism and entertainment.

Over the past two years, the government has also announced the launch of several ambitious projects, including an entertainment mega-city in Riyadh (reportedly, twice the size of Orlando’s Disney World ), a futuristic beach destination along the coast of the Red Sea, and restoration of UNESCO World Heritage sites. By 2030, the government expects 100 million annual visits, increased foreign and domestic investment in hotels and associated amenities, the creation of million jobs, and an increase in tourism revenue from the current 3% to 10% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, according to Reuters.

To attract Western tourists and market itself as a tourist destination — on par with neighboring Gulf states— Saudi Arabia has eased some of its conservative restrictions, like granting women rights to drive and travel without a guardian, curbing the powers of the moral police, permitting unmarried tourist couples to rent hotel rooms, and relaxing dress codes.

Within the first 10 days of the introduction of the eVisa 24,000 visitors entered the Kingdom, according to Arab News . Although there is a lack of adequate tourism infrastructure, those curious to learn about and experience the country will find Saudi’s natural landscape and its welcoming locals incentive enough to visit.

If you find yourself heading to Saudi Arabia to explore the land uncharted to tourists, here are a few basic and cultural tips for first-time travelers to the Kingdom.

With this news, people are asking: Is Saudi Arabia Safe for tourists? Yes, Saudi Arabia is safe for tourists. As with travel to any other country in the world, be respectful of local rules and customs, be mindful of your surroundings, and carry out due diligence before traveling. Be sure to consult travel advisories before your trip.

Public spaces

Public spaces may be segregated, and you will find separate entrances or seating areas for men and women. Refrain from public displays of affection.

Seek permission before photographing locals. Under the public code of conduct , it is a punishable offense. Other offenses include vandalism of public property, playing music during prayer times, and dress code violations.

Female tourists are not required to wear the abaya (a cloak, previously mandated by the government). However, both men and women should dress modestly, avoiding tight fitting and revealing clothes in public. The official Visit Saudi tourism website provides further details on what this entails.

Stores and restaurants close during prayer times, five times a day. To make the most of your trip, plan your itinerary according to these times.

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. While non-Muslims are welcome and permitted to practice their religion in private spaces, preaching in public forums or on social media platforms is prohibited. Malicious propaganda against the country, government, and religion is a severe offense.

The sale, purchase or consumption of alcohol and drugs is illegal in the country.

Social customs

You will find locals to be hospitable, generous, and as equally curious about you as you may be about them. It is not uncommon to be invited to share a meal or a cup of gahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates. Your hosts — and even strangers — will want to extend their welcome and offer a token of their hospitality, like food or even a small gift. It is considered rude to refuse such an offering. Just remember, always accept and consume food and beverages with your right hand.

If you are invited into a Saudi house, remove your shoes, unless your host insists you keep them on. In a traditional Majlis, (a sitting hall with floor cushions) you are expected to sit on the floor. If hosted elsewhere, you can expect a modern setup with armchairs and other furniture.

Saudis encourage and welcome Westerners asking questions about their culture. To avoid offending local sensibilities, it's best to steer clear of political or religious topics of conversation.

Familiarizing yourself with Saudi rituals like greetings and handshakes will always make a favorable impression with your hosts. “Marhaban!” (Welcome) is a common way of greeting and you may respond with “Marhabtain” (I give you two welcomes).

Men shouldn’t extend a handshake to a Saudi woman, unless she does so first. To err on the side of caution, place your hand over your heart and greet with a hello.

  • (966) 920003000

ar

Established in 1980, Saudi International Travel Company is renowned for offering the best travel, tourism services.

Over 42 years, we’ve earned a reputation for excellence in the diversity and quality of our offerings and the professionalism of our staff.

We’re proud of the ongoing vital role we play in serving numerous public and private sector entities across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to serving guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for Hajj and Umrah for over 16 years.

Our Approach

Customer satisfaction is the heart of everything we do. As we strive relentlessly to reach greater heights of excellence, we do our best to improve, evolve, and build upon our credibility. As our customers expect nothing but the best, we refuse to settle for anything less.

Years Of Experience

Destinations, executive management.

Suleiman Mohammed W. Suleiman

Suleiman Mohammed W. Suleiman

Sultan Suleiman M. Suleiman

Sultan Suleiman M. Suleiman

Board member & chief executive officer.

Here at SITC, our vision is to be established as the premier provider of travel experiences while maintaining our principles as we grow and leveraging our elements to build a better tourism future. Our vision is to always provide exceptional & seamless travel experiences for every client at all times.

Abdulaziz S. Suleiman

Abdulaziz S. Suleiman

Board member & business development manager.

Hassan Anwar

Hassan Anwar

Deputy chief executive officer.

Azaam Fashir

Azaam Fashir

Director of sales & marketing.

Mahmoud Sawan

Mahmoud Sawan

Business relations manager.

Abdulaziz Basha

Abdulaziz Basha

Finance manager.

Abdulrahman Alqeaid

Abdulrahman Alqeaid

Human resources manager.

Ziad El Tawil

Ziad El Tawil

Sales operations manager.

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Elaf Travel & Tourism Company was established in 1981, by providing world class standards of customer service in the KSA.

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We have many branches around the kingdom such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina. Our offices provide all travel and tourism services. The services include Leisure, Educational trips, Airline tickets, and Visas.

Elaf Tourism operates a network of travel agency branches staffed by more than 80 professionals. With a range of services catering to the retail, corporate and airline sectors, the company holds ISO 9001 certification and is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

To become the gateway to Saudi Arabia destinations. We not only live up to our reputation but strive to exceed expectations as a leading comprehensive tourism innovator with 40 years of experience. We are a change agent developing a new corporate culture in Elaf Travel, actively innovating world-class standards in products and services, cultivating new ideas, and pursuing new partnerships – all to provide exciting, progressive products and services to our travelers.

The division’s operations are organized under three divisions: Elaf Holidays, Elaf Corporate Travel, and General Sales Agent (GSA) services.

The Travel ranks among Saudi Arabia’s top-10 travel companies due to its purchasing power with airlines and other service providers. It was recently included in the Middle East’s top-10 travel agencies by Arabian Travel News magazine.

OUR PARTNERS

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Elaf Holidays

Elaf Holidays provides mainly out-bound retail travel agency services through its branches around the kingdom including Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina.

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Elaf Corporate Travel

On the business-to-business side, Elaf was one of the first operators to recognize that digital innovation was fundamental to remaining competitive and being able to cope with rapidly changing client needs.

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General Sales Agent

Contact Information

Elaf Travel

Sun – Thu: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM T: +966 (12) 5758080

4271 Zayd Ibn Al Katab, An Naim District، Jeddah 23622

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Jeddah is the commercial centre of Saudi – a cultural crossroads and a vibrant hub combining…

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Dammam is home to numerous historical and cultural sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site,…

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Yanbu’s history dates back at least 2,500 years, when it was a staging point on the spice and…

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A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

An unexplored destination.

Saudi has an incredibly rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is filled with historical wonders, natural landscapes, and pristine waters as well as modern architecture and cities which are all underpinned by the quintessential Saudi hospitality, generosity, and vibrancy. 

With significant investment in the growing tourism industry in Saudi, there is a range of activities that visitors can explore. From experiencing the culture and heritage to discovering the vast entertainment and adventure offerings and appreciating the varied landscapes of the region, there is something for every visitor.

It is a unique and unmissable destination. With cruise-ready ports located on the coastlines of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, tourists can now explore Saudi from the sea. Cruise Saudi invites the world to experience everything that makes Saudi unforgettable. 

A GATEWAY TO SAUDI

Cruise Saudi is both the architect and the driver of the cruise industry in Saudi. As a conduit between land and sea, Cruise Saudi is a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner to international and local entities that oversees the development of services and infrastructure – including cruise berths, state-of-the-art passenger terminals, training of ground services, and the creation of shore excursions –     that will transform the country’s coastlines into premier global cruise destinations.

Cruise Saudi aspires to provide a seamless, comfortable, and memorable journey for guests, from arrival to departure.

DESTINATIONS

saudi arabia tourism company

Jeddah is the commercial centre of Saudi – a cultural crossroads and a vibrant hub combining heritage and modernity. With a population of about 4.8 million, Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi.

Visitors can travel back in time walking through the streets of the Historical AlBalad District - Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its Hijazi style old town, or enjoy the modern landmarks of the city, strolling down the waterfront corniche and taking time to admire the world’s tallest fountain of its kind.

Jeddah is also the principal gateway to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, located just 65 km to the East; while Madinah, the second holiest city is located 360km to the north, making it an important access point for Muslim pilgrims.

With cruise passenger facilities in place at Jeddah Islamic Port, the city is well positioned as a regional hub to welcome international visitors to come and experience Saudi by sea, and for cruise lines to consider Jeddah as a Home Port, Port of Call or Turnaround Port.

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Dammam is famously the location where oil was first discovered in Saudi. However, the history of the area dates back more than 2,000 years with many tombs and dwellings discovered in the area.

Over a span of a little more than half a century, the area has developed from small fishing communities into a thriving hub of industry, commerce and science and is home to more than half a million people.

Dammam boasts endless views of the tranquil Arabian Gulf and is known for its airy waterfronts and sandy beaches. The modern city is a metropolis that thrives on its coastal location and has a growing reputation as an arts, sports and entertainment destination.

Dammam is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlAhsa Oasis, Qara Mountain with its intriguing caves, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), souqs and more.

saudi arabia tourism company

Yanbu’s history dates back at least 2,500 years, when it was a staging point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean Region. The city was built around its port, where most of its people made their living.

Modern Yanbu is a major industrial city, known for its oil refineries and petrochemical plants, home to a unique cultural mix of people, with many of its 220,000 expatriate residents from around the world.

Adventure and nature-oriented travellers can experience the beauty of untouched coral reefs, teaming with colorful fish to the Iona shipwreck.

With this fusion of history and modernity, along with its proximity to major cities in the country, Yanbu offers an ideal port of call on the Red Sea. Currently, it is the coastal access point of UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra, AlUla.

International Industry Memberships

saudi arabia tourism company

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community.

saudi arabia tourism company

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel & tourism.

saudi arabia tourism company

The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports promotes the cruise industry and unites the ports of ‘Mare Nostrum’ and its adjoining seas.

saudi arabia tourism company

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Saudi Arabia's PIF establishes tourism investment company

Saudi tourism investment company, or asfar, will invest in new tourism projects and develop destinations in cities across the kingdom.

Hot air balloons flying over the Unesco World Heritage Site of AlUla. Photo: Consulum

Hot air balloons flying over the Unesco World Heritage Site of AlUla. Photo: Consulum

Alkesh Sharma author image

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has established Saudi Tourism Investment Company, or Asfar, to support the growth of the kingdom’s ​​tourism sector .

The company will invest in new tourism projects and develop destinations with hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings in cities across Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s biggest economy, the PIF said in a statement on Thursday.

Besides offering co-investment opportunities to the private sector, Asfar will aim to create a supportive environment for local suppliers, contractors, and small and medium-sized enterprises to develop tourism projects.

It aims to create a competitive environment that will boost the “variety and quality of the hospitality and tourism offering”.

“The creation of the company is in line with PIF’s strategy to create opportunities in the tourism sector and reinforce strategic partnership opportunities with the private sector,” Mishary Alibraheem, head of entertainment, leisure and sport sector in Middle East and North Africa investments at PIF, said.

“Asfar will activate the role that Saudi Arabia’s cities play in supporting the national economy.

“It will enable each city to make the most of its unique tourism offering, further diversifying and enriching the tourism and entertainment experience in Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is implementing social reforms alongside the economic agenda to help modernise the kingdom, including holding music concerts, opening cinemas and allowing women to drive.

The kingdom's economy, which expanded 8.7 per cent last year, grew by 3.8 per cent in the first quarter on an annual basis, boosted by growth in the non-oil sector.

One of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, the PIF is at the centre of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the country’s economy from hydrocarbons.

Under the initiative, the kingdom is developing non-oil sectors such as entertainment, culture and sports to create jobs, boost quality of life and attract highly skilled talent and tourists.

Earlier this year, the PIF-owned AlUla Development Company launched operations with the aim of turning the city into a global tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. The company plans to deliver hospitality, residential, retail and infrastructure projects as part of the tourism push.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) , a wholly owned unit of the PIF, said in November that it plans to invest 50 billion Saudi riyals ($13.3 billion) to develop 21 integrated entertainment destinations in 14 cities in the kingdom.

Asfar intends to attract domestic and international tourists to a large number of untapped destinations across the country and contribute to the national target of attracting 100 million visitors per year by 2030, the PIF said.

The wealth fund owns various companies that aim to develop tourism destinations across the country. These include Aseer Investment Company, which aims to transform Aseer into a year-round tourism destination, and Saudi Downtown Company that is mandated to build and develop downtown areas within Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia's tourism boom: Aiming for 150 million visitors by 2030

S audi Arabia, known for its penchant for luxury and significant investments, is on the path to becoming a coveted tourist destination fueled by nearly limitless financial reserves and an ambitious drive for success. The country is earnestly working towards achieving this vision.

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism revealed on Tuesday, February 27, that 2023 saw a remarkable influx of tourists, reaching 106.2 million. This marks a 56 percent increase from the numbers recorded in 2019 and a 12 percent growth compared to 2022. Of this impressive total, foreign guests alone accounted for 27.4 million visitors last year.

Yet, Saudi Arabia's aspirations do not end here. Five years ago, the National Tourism Strategy articulated the country's ambitious goal to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030—an increasingly achievable target.

Saudi Arabia to host the world's largest urban park

Riyadh, the nation's capital, is on course to establish the world's largest urban park. King Salman Park, developed on a former military airport's site, aims to offer a verdant oasis amid the desert, featuring extensive green spaces, trees, and shrubs.

New attractions: An amusement park and ski resort underway

Saudi Arabia is making headway with an amusement park, "The Rig," constructed on an oil rig platform on the eastern coastline near Al Juraid Island and the Berri oil field. This development is roughly 3.2 million square feet and promises a unique blend of excitement and innovation.

The world's largest airport in the making

Plans are afoot to construct a new airport in Riyadh to replace the current one. The forthcoming King Salman Airport will boast six runways. By 2050, it is projected to manage up to 185 million passengers annually, making it the largest airport globally.

Another addition will be the Neom Airport, which aims to support the nascent Neom Airlines. The national carrier is looking to broaden its network of routes by 2025 considerably.

Major changes in Thailand aim to encourage tourist spending

Venice starts charging entry fee to control 'hit and run' tourism during peak periods

Hagia Sophia reinstates entry fees for tourists. $27 for a glimpse of divine wisdom

Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans.

saudi arabia tourism company

How to Setup Travel and Tourism Company in KSA?

travel and tourism

An ideal travel and tourism sector is one of the fundamental driving forces for any economy. Unlike UAE and other countries, Saudi Arabia has launched massive tourism projects across the Kingdom to make the country a tourism leader in KSA and all across the Middle East. Today, many foreign investors and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia find travel tourism companies one of the fastest-growing in the upcoming years. Are you also one of them who wants to get started with their tourism and travel agencies in the Kingdom?

If yes, you are at the right place! This article will be your complete guide for setting up a business in Saudi Arabia . From why you should choose Saudi Arabia for a tourism company to how to open it, you will find everything under a single roof! So, are you excited?

Let’s get started!

Why Travel and Tourism Company in Saudi Arabia?

Undoubtedly, the oil sector has been playing an essential role in the growth and development of Saudi Arabia’s economy for many decades. But we should not forget the landmark decision of the Saudi Government regarding the issuance of instant tourist visas in 2019, which built a strong foundation to make the country less dependent only on the oil sector.

Earlier, people with business visas and pilgrims were allowed to visit the country. But you won’t believe that within ten days of implementing the decision of instant tourist visa, 24000 foreigners visited the Kingdom, and that was unimaginable!

Along with that, Vision 2030 launched by the Saudi Government has also reshaped the roadmap for the economic growth of KSA to a large extent. As a part of Vision 2030 , the Saudi Government emphasizes expanding the travel tourism industry with the best tourism projects of more than $810 billion.

You must be surprised that the travel and tourism sector lies at the heart of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Interesting, right? Bearing all the facts stated here, it is clear that the Saudi Government wants to open the country to the world and make it one of the largest tourism industries.

If you plan for big growth in Saudi Arabia, establishing a travel tourism company is one of the most trending and lucrative opportunities; thanks to Vision 2030!

How to Apply for Travel and Tourist Activities’ Licenses in KSA:

The Government of Saudi Arabia has well designed and developed a separate e-portal to apply for any licenses for tourism activities such as:

  • Tour Operator/Organizer License,
  • Tourism & Travel Agency License,
  • Tourist Guide License,
  • Tourism Accommodation Facility License, etc.

The e-licensing service portal has made it effortless for tourism license seekers. Apart from obtaining a new travel business license, this portal also provides various other perks, for instance:

  • License modification
  • Trade name modification
  • Location change
  • Add or cancel any activity
  • License cancellation
  • Updating the current data, etc.

Basically, there are two principal goals of the Saudi Government in providing the e-government procedure:

  • To increase speed, accuracy, performance, and transparency
  • To meet the targeted goals of the Government as fast as possible without any hassle

Four Essential Pre-requisites for Obtaining the License:

  • Commercial register (Except in the case of tourist guides activity license)
  • Municipal license (Except in the case of tourist guides activity license)
  • An account in the unified access service
  • National address

Step By Step Guidance for Obtaining Travel and Tourism Company License in Saudi Arabia:

  • Go to the Ministry of Tourism website
  • Click on the “Create an Account” button if you don’t have an account with the ministry of tourism website. If you have already registered, you can directly log in to your account with your Username/ID number and password.
  • Once you land on the electronic system, apply for a license
  • Agree to the terms and conditions
  • Now affix the copy of the commercial register stating the activity name, category, and license number, or reserve the company name.
  • Now, it’s time to enter your personal information
  • After that, you need to attach a copy of a municipal license indicating the activity.
  • It will ask the trademark and your office photos to be attached
  • Now, it’s time to pay the financial consideration, which may vary for different activities. But remember that it will not be refundable once the license is issued.
  • At this stage, it is require to attach the national address
  • Once you complete all the above procedures, your license will be issued, and you can print online.

While following the above process to get the license of travel tourism activities, if you get any issues, you can send the technical support report to the respective department and affix a picture explaining your complete problem.

Final Note:

Setting up a travel tourism company in KSA is one of your commendable choices, but it asks for a huge technical knowledge. It might be difficult or sometimes impossible for an individual to go through all these processes to set up his travel business in the Kingdom.

But wait, what if we, the Business Link team, can be your savior from this lengthy and complex procedure? Yes, we can, and we will be your ultimate destination to let you assist in bringing your dream travel agency to reality in Saudi Arabia!

But you might think why we are so much confident about it? Isn’t it?

The only reason is our strong team of highly professional business setup consultants who have years of experience to assist ‘N’ no. of foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and the local Saudi citizens to set up any business in KSA.

So, why are you waiting now? Just drop us a message or call us; we will be more than happy to assist you! ✉ [email protected] | 🌐 www.businesslink.sa/en | 📞+971-556070118 | ☎+971-43215227

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Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Sets up Tourism Investment Company

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

August 2nd, 2023 at 2:30 AM EDT

Asfar's launch aligns with the Saudi sovereign fund’s broad strategy, which is centered around tapping opportunities within the tourism sector and building strategic partnerships with private companies.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Series: Middle East Travel Roundup

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Get the latest news from the Middle East in one easy-to-digest newsletter.

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (Asfar) to support the growth of the country’s tourism sector.

What Will the Tourism Investment Company do?

  • Invest in new tourism projects.
  • Develop attractive destinations.
  • Invest in the local tourism value chain.

Involving the Private Sector: The company will help the private sector by partnering on investments and by creating an attractive environment for local suppliers, contractors, and small and medium-sized enterprises to develop tourism projects and destinations.

Other Tourism-Related Companies Owned by PIF:

  • Aseer Investment Company, which aims to transform Aseer into a year-round tourism destination
  • Saudi Downtown Company, mandated to build and develop downtown areas within Saudi Arabia.

Dubai Hotel Market Finds Its Balance

We read JLL’s second quarter market overview report and this is what we found out about the hotel market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:

For Dubai Dubai’s hotel market began to show signs of stabilization in the second quarter. While average daily rates (ADR) decreased by 6% to $188, occupancy increased to 78% from January-June.

However: The decline in rates is not a sign of a slowdown but rather a healthy indicator of the market finding its balance, JLL said. In the second quarter, around 1,000 keys were added in Dubai, increasing the total supply to 151,000 keys. By the end of this year, another 6,000 keys are slated to be added.

saudi arabia tourism company

For Abu Dhabi Hotel Figures: The hotel industry maintained its steady growth from January-June in Abu Dhabi. Average daily rate increased by 26% to $137, while city-wide occupancy surged to 71%. Revenue per available room went up 28%. Abu Dhabi’s total stock remained stable at 32,500 keys and the capital is slated to add another 200 keys by the end of this year.

Decoding the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp

What? Dubai’s sustainable tourism stamp seeks to serve as a validation of hotels’ dedication to sustainability and showcase its sustainable practices. The stamp will feature a three-tier scheme with categories ranging from Gold , Silver and Bronze .

Who? The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET ) has developed the new stamp in collaboration with Dubai’s hospitality sector. DET announced that the accreditation process would be overseen by a committee of senior industry professionals “to ensure integrity and independence, with the initiative designed based on global best practices.”

How Does it Work? To obtain the stamp, hotels of all classifications must meet the highest standards of DET’s 19 sustainability requirements , which include:

  • Energy and water efficiency
  • Waste management programmes
  • Staff education
  • Engagement initiatives.

When? Nominations for hotel establishments to obtain the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on August 3 and end on August 31 .

Global Hotel Brand to Debut in the Middle East

Which Hotel Group: IHG Hotels & Resorts .

Brand : Regent Hotel.

Where : Saudi Arabia.

When : The hotel is expected to open in mid-2024

Other Destinations Featuring the Regent Brand: Bali, Santa Monica and Hong Kong.

One of the first new generation Regent Hotels to open globally, Regent Jeddah will feature 182 rooms and five penthouses .

Haitham Mattar, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East and Africa, called Saudi Arabia a priority market for IHG in the Middle East.

  • IHG currently operates 39 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia
  • 30 more hotels are set to open within the next three to five years.

Saudi Arabia Gets a New Luxury Address

Saudi Arabia-based developer Red Sea Global has announced a partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Equinox , to create Equinox Resort Amaala .

Set to open as part of the first phase of development, the 129-key hotel will also include two luxury penthouses.

Amaala : Amaala is a destination expected to be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes.

When is it Opening? Phase One of Amaala, consisting of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200 hotel keys, is underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2024.

Some more hotel openings in the Middle East:

Ennismore will be debuting its first lifestyle hotel in Turkey in early 2024 with the Hyde Bodrum . The brand’s debut property in Turkey, the Bodrum property will be the first Hyde to offer an all-inclusive experience.

Qatar Airways Joins Forces with British Airways and Iberia

Qatar Airways, British Airways , and Spanish national carrier Iberia are joining forces to create the world’s largest airline joint business covering more than 60 countries .

How? Iberia will add a new daily service from its hub, Madrid Barajas International Airport, to Hamad International Airport, from December 11. Passengers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations through the three global airlines.

Frequency: Iberia and Qatar Airways’ expanded service will operate three times daily on the route.

Aircraft: Iberia will operate the Airbus A330-200, with 288 seats in Business and Economy cabins.

Loyalty: Members of British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can collect and spend using their common currency, Avios. Loyalty members are able to transfer Avios between accounts and combine their balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.

Welcome Chinese Certification for Riyadh Airports

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has obtained a Welcome Chinese Certification , the first in the region.

What Does the Certification Mean? The accreditation affirms Riyadh Airports’ competency in studying and assessing passengers’ needs. Chinese travelers look at it as a global standard for travel and hospitality services.

Why Is This Necessary? Chinese tourists still face difficulties whilst travelling abroad, which are mainly caused by language barriers, dietary customs and inconvenient payment methods.

Standards and Requirements: The Welcome Chinese Certification released by the China Tourism Academy in cooperation with Select Holding has developed a number of standards for travel services provided to Chinese tourists. It requires travel-related businesses to tailor their services accordingly in order to improve them.

Why Does Riyadh Airport Need This? With its ambitious vision to attract 100 million tourists by 2030, Saudi Arabia would need to tap the Chinese tourists, who were the strongest outbound market in 2019 with 155 million outbound international trips.

Oman Airports Look to Surpass 2019 Operation Levels This Year

Airports in Oman are now operating at nearly 70% of pre-pandemic capacities . Forecasts predict that activity levels will surpass those of 2019 in the coming months.

How does the country plan to do this?

Bilateral arrangements: Oman plans to sign three additional bilateral air agreements soon with negotiations underway with several countries for similar arrangements. Oman plans to bring this number to 122, including 66 open skies agreements.

Airlines: Approximately 40 airlines are currently serving Oman’s airports.

The authorities plan to return to 2019 passenger levels by:

  • Introducing the national carrier Oman Air to new destinations
  • Expanding the national fleet with new aircraft
  • Inviting more carriers to operate in Oman.

In the first half of 2023, passenger numbers at Oman’s airports reached over 1.1 million passengers. Aircraft traffic also rose until the end of June 2023, with 9,784 flights compared to 7,622 flights in June 2022.

According to a report issued by international firm BMI , a Fitch Solutions Company, 3.5 million international tourists are expected to visit Oman in 2023.

S. Korea’s Onda Enters Turkish Hotels Market

South Korean hospitality technology company Onda , is looking to make inroads into the Turkish hotel solutions market.

How: Through a partnership with Turkish hospitality company CMH Solutions, Onda will offer its cloud-based hotel management solution to hotels in the Turkish market.

The Arrangement: Onda will initially provide its software as a service-based (SaaS) hotel management solutions to hotels that CMH Solutions newly opens this year, and also plans to expand its offering to a broader range of CMH-operated hotels in the future.

Other details: The agreement also includes the introduction of Onda’s branded hotels in Turkey, including SoTA (State of The Art) Collection. CMH Solutions will undertake the development, construction, and operation of Onda-branded hotels in the country, while Onda will provide SaaS hotel management solutions.

Earlier South Korea-CMH collaborations: Another South Korean travel tech company Yanolja Cloud had also  collaborated with CMH in 2021 to jumpstart its entry into the Turkish market.

Etihad A380 is Back

Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways celebrated the return to service of its Airbus A380 on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow .

The first of Etihad’s four Airbus A380s.

Onboard the A380:

  • 68 economy space seats offering an additional 4 inches in leg room
  • 337 Economy Smart seats
  • 70 Business Studios on the upper deck
  • 9 First Apartments
  • The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area on the upperdeck.

The Highlight: The three-room suite in the sky – The Residence features a private living room, bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

The Residence can now be booked online, by selecting a first-class ticket and then choosing to upgrade, from $2,500 per person, one way.

Doha Airport Receives Over 2 Million Passengers from Jan-June

Doha’s Hamad International Airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 recording a 33.5% increase in passenger traffic.

Aircraft movements during the first half of 2023 also went up to 116,296, recording an 18% increase from the same period last year.

Processing Time: 28 seconds is the average processing time at security screening for transferring passengers

The Future: Phase B of the airport expansion is currently underway and once completed will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually.

Saudia Fleet Expands To Include New A321neo Aircraft

Saudi Arabian national carrier Saudia announced the expansion of its fleet with the addition of new aircraft type, Airbus A321neo .

Expansion Plans: The airline aims to add 20 more A321neo aircrafts to its fleet by 2026 .

What’s the A321neo: The A321neo aircraft is a narrow-body airliner part of the A320 family, the most popular single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft offers seating for 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class interior layout.

Why Does Saudia Want it? The main reason behind the purchase of the aircraft is its ability to run on much less fuel. Saudia in a release listed out some of the advantages of the aircraft :

  • The A320 family of aircraft has reportedly saved 20 million tons of Co2 since the A320neo came into service globally in 2016.
  • The A320neo is also said to have seen a 20% decrease in fuel burning and Co2 emissions.
  • A 50% reduction in noise footprint.
  • 5% lower airframe maintenance costs.
  • 14% lower cash operating costs per seat versus previous generation aircraft. 

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Tags: a380 , abu dhabi , asia monthly , british airways , Chinese tourists , doha , dubai , ennismore , etihad , hotels , iberia , ihg , jll , middle east newsletter , oman , qatar airways , red sea , riyadh , saudi arabia , saudia airlines , sustainable tourism , turkey , yanolja

Photo credit: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has announced the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (Asfar). Haidan / Unsplash

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  • Politics & Security
  • Economy & Business

Saudi PIF-owned company, tourism fund partner on new downtown for Riyadh

The Mukaab structure as envisioned by Saudi Public Investment Fund. - Saudi Public Investment Fund

A property development company backed by Saudi Arabia’s deep-pocketed Public Investment Fund has partnered with the kingdom’s Tourism Development Fund to create "the world’s largest downtown" in Riyadh.

The New Murabba Development Company will work with the tourism fund to create New Murabba, a model for future urban programs to develop the city of Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The New Murabba project was announced in February. 

Under the agreement, the fund will provide direct financing opportunities through its network of investors and financial partners, SPA reported.

The project is expected to be completed by 2030, in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the Saudi economy away from its reliance on oil . The downtown project will be “built around the concept of sustainability” and feature green areas, according to the news agency, which said the development is expected to add 180 billion Saudi Arabian riyals ($48 billion) to the kingdom’s non-oil economic output and create 334,000 jobs by 2030.

The downtown will also feature a museum, a technology and design university, an immersive theater and more than 80 entertainment and cultural venues. 

The sprawling Mukaab tower will form the center of the new development and serve as a hospitality destination with retail, cultural and tourist attractions along with residential and hotel units, commercial spaces and recreational facilities.

The new downtown will be situated at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads to the northwest of Riyadh over an area of 19 square kilometers (12 miles), to accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents. It is expected to include more than 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms and vast areas of retail space as well as office space, leisure assets and areas dedicated to community facilities, SPA reported.

As Saudi Arabia moves ahead with major urban development plans, Egypt is revamping Cairo’s historic downtown area, with work expected to begin in the next few months.

The government-owned Sovereign Fund of Egypt is finalizing plans to revitalize the area after most government ministries have been relocated to the new administrative capital east of the capital.

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    Proudly serving as the one-stop-shop for everything tourism in the Kingdom, Sana Tourism not only works to craft unique and unforgettable travel ex... VisitSaudi روح السعودية موسم السياحة باقات تجارب سياحية Tours packages Experiences Saudi Arabia.

  12. Here's What You Need to Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

    Her work has appeared in Shondaland, Teen Vogue, Travel + Leisure, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, The National UAE, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 13, 2019

  13. Destinations

    Plan a holiday in Saudi and discover its unique heritage and culture, enjoy extraordinary outdoor activities, and taste its delicious cuisine.

  14. 'Tourism is the new oil': How Saudi Arabia is targeting an influx of

    In 2022, more than 93.5 million tourists visited Saudi Arabia, 77 million of whom were domestic travellers and 16.5 million were international tourists. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, is one of several new luxury hotels opening in Saudi Arabia this year. Photo: Red Sea Global. The country has committed $550 billion to tourism development across ...

  15. About Us

    Established in 1980, Saudi International Travel Company is renowned for offering the best travel, tourism services. ... proud of the ongoing vital role we play in serving numerous public and private sector entities across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to serving guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for Hajj and Umrah for ...

  16. Saudi Arabia Wants Your Next Vacation

    And for Saudi tourism entrepreneurs, it seems like a new day. For instance, Madawi Bander Al Saud says her company, The Traveling Panther, is preparing customized tours of the kingdom for clients ...

  17. Travel

    Elaf Travel & Tourism Company was established in 1981, by providing world class standards of customer service in the KSA. ... The Travel ranks among Saudi Arabia's top-10 travel companies due to its purchasing power with airlines and other service providers. It was recently included in the Middle East's top-10 travel agencies by Arabian ...

  18. Home

    A GATEWAY TO SAUDI. Cruise Saudi is both the architect and the driver of the cruise industry in Saudi. As a conduit between land and sea, Cruise Saudi is a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner to international and local entities that oversees the development of services and infrastructure - including cruise berths, state-of-the-art passenger terminals, training of ground services, and ...

  19. Saudi Arabia's PIF establishes tourism investment company

    Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has established Saudi Tourism Investment Company, or Asfar, to support the growth of the kingdom's tourism sector.. The company will invest in new tourism projects and develop destinations with hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings in cities across Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's biggest economy, the PIF said in a ...

  20. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia thriving, according to travel trends

    Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 aims to attract 150 million tourists annually by the start of the next decade, with half of its tourism demand to come from domestic travel. With the average ...

  21. Saudi Arabia's tourism boom: Aiming for 150 million visitors by 2030

    The Saudi Ministry of Tourism revealed on Tuesday, February 27, that 2023 saw a remarkable influx of tourists, reaching 106.2 million. This marks a 56 percent increase from the numbers recorded in ...

  22. PIF announces the establishment of the Saudi tourism investment company

    The company will leverage Saudi Arabia's unique strategic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe as well as the competitive advantages of its cities. It will seek to benefit from the natural beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia's terrain and culture to further enhance tourism experiences in the country.

  23. How to Set Up Travel and Tourism Company in KSA?

    Expand your travel & tourism business & get foreign investment license in saudi arabia, for more info reach out to Business Link, Enquire now. Call us: +966 54 568 1491 [email protected]

  24. Dan Company, Hilton to Operate Three Resorts at Unique Farm‑Based

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia-Following a signing ceremony during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia by global Hilton leaders, leading global hospitality company Hilton and Dan Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company specializing in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism signed an agreement to operate three resorts in Al-Ahsa - Al-Ahsa ...

  25. Saudi Arabia seeks $80 bln in private funding in push for 150 mln

    Saudi Arabia is seeking to attract as much as $80 billion in private investment into the tourism industry as the Kingdom looks to share the financial burden of plans to become one of the world's ...

  26. Saudi Arabia's Sovereign Wealth Fund Sets up Tourism Investment Company

    Doha Airport Receives Over 2 Million Passengers from Jan-June. Doha's Hamad International Airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 recording a 33.5% increase in ...

  27. Saudi Arabia Seeks $80 Billion Investments in Push for More Tourists

    Saudi Arabia is seeking to attract as much as $80 billion in private investment into the tourism industry as the kingdom looks to share the financial burden of plans to become one of the world's ...

  28. PIF

    Established in 2022, Diriyah Company is dedicated to developing Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al Saud royal family, which includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proudly offering a blend of cultural, historical, and tourism landmarks, Diriyah Company presents 300 years of Saudi Arabia's rich history to a global audience.

  29. Saudi PIF-owned company, tourism fund partner on new downtown for

    A property development company backed by Saudi Arabia's deep-pocketed Public Investment Fund has partnered with the kingdom's Tourism Development Fund to create "the world's largest downtown" in Riyadh.. The New Murabba Development Company will work with the tourism fund to create New Murabba, a model for future urban programs to develop the city of Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.