TOURISM

SAUDI PAVILION MAKES A SPLASH AT EXPO 2020

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is the second largest and is aimed at attracting tourists, businesses, and skilled workers to the kingdom.

“Our participation at Expo 2020 Dubai revolves around creating a thought-provoking and memorable journey, which invites global audiences to experience the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for themselves,” according to the government.

“The combination of a young, ambitious population, rich cultures steeped in heritage, natural wonders and a rapidly diversifying economy, makes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an exciting prospect for anyone with an adventurous spirit.”

Located at the event’s Opportunity District, the Saudi Pavilion will showcase the transformative developments underway in the kingdom, focusing on five UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, and Historic Jeddah.

“The pavilion offers rich and varied content, activities and programmes covering the economy, development and culture, targeting all segments from children and families to businessmen and investors,” said Hussain Hanbazazah, the commissioner-general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

“All visitors will see Saudi Arabia as it really is: an exciting fusion of old and new – an ancient and evolving tourist destination for adventurers, explorers, and luxury travellers and a destination unlike any other. Our Pavilion is a bridge that will connect the people of Saudi Arabia to the world and will help deepen regional and global ties.”

The tourism sector is a major focus of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy.

In late September, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, crown prince, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, launched a SAR 50 billion plan for the development of the Aseer Region under the theme of "The Arabian Highland.”

The strategy aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2030 and turn the mountainous region in the southwestern part of the kingdom into an all-year-round destination, harnessing the region’s natural beauty and rich culture.   

A spate of new tourism projects have been launched in recent months.

In September, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) signed two financing deals with Dallah Al-Baraka Group and Dallah Real Estate Company to develop the Durrat Al-Arous resort in Jeddah.

The first deal was focused on TDF funding to develop the ‘Durrat Lagoon’ destination, which will be operated by Hotel Indigo, part of IHG Hotels and Resorts’ portfolio. The second deal was with 17Sixty to provide a variety of first-of-their-kind recreational activities and adventures, enabling visitors to the Durrat Al-Arous resort to safely explore the depths of the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy aims to develop 10 main destinations in various areas of the tourism sector. These destinations are characterised by broad diversity where history and culture meet the beauty of nature, and a wealth of ancient monuments.

Another project expected to rise near the west coast of Saudi Arabia is the Desert Rock Resort being developed by the Red Sea Development Company (RSDC).

"We wanted to create a destination that allows guests to experience Saudi Arabia’s untouched beauty. Desert Rock will provide guests with uninterrupted spectacular views while preserving the natural landscape for future generations to enjoy", said John Pagano, CEO of RSDC.

Set against the rugged beauty of the mountains, the hotel will feature 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms within the mountain, with its architecture fully integrated into the rock to preserve its striking silhouette, being created by the architectural design firm, Oppenheim Architecture.

“Site preparation works have commenced, and construction began in July 2021,” the company said.

Desert Rock Resort is part of the massive Red Sea Project, considered to be one of the most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, spread across an archipelago of more than 90 islands, sweeping desert and mountain landscapes.

The project has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022, when the first hotels will open. By 2023, the resort will have 16 hotels in total.

Once fully complete by 2030, the destination will feature 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, leisure facilities, and an international airport.