Princess Haifa: Sporting events draw 14 million tourists with SR22 billion spending in 2024
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Deputy Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa Al-Saud said that sporting events have attracted 14 million tourists with a total spending of SR22 billion in 2024.
Attending a panel discussion at the 2025 Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday, Princess Haifa emphasized the growing role of sports tourism in the Kingdom. She noted that the Kingdom has welcomed visitors from more than 160 different nationalities to attend sporting events.
The opportunities that are opened up by sports tourism and sporting events are limitless, Princess Haifa said, while emphasizing that there is a strong desire among people to come to Saudi Arabia and explore it.
According to Princess Haifa, applications for licenses to carry out tourism activities have shot up by 390 percent since the announcement that the Kingdom would host the World Cup in 2034.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
31 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj comes to a close officially as remaining pilgrims bid farewell to Mina
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — On the third day of Tashreeq, pilgrims completed the ritual of stoning at three Jamarat in Mina on Monday afternoon and left the Tent City for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf), the last obligatory ritual of Hajj. Pilgrims, who stayed back in Mina on Sunday night to perform the stoning ritual for the fourth consecutive day, threw pebbles at three Jamarat on Monday afternoon. They hurled seven pebbles each, first at Jamarat Al-Sugra, then at Jamarat Al-Wusta, and finally at Jamarat Al-Aqaba in a calm and peaceful atmosphere inside the sprawling Jamarat Complex manned by a contingent of security forces, health workers and volunteers. They then left Mina for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wida, marking the end of the hassle-free annual pilgrimage on a joyous and spiritual note. Their movements to and from the Jamarat and Makkah were remarkably smooth. As they bid farewell to Mina, having completed Hajj and fulfilled the fifth pillar of Islam, pilgrims depart with sweet memories and self-realization of fulfilling the once-in-lifetime spiritual journey. Each moment and location within the holy sites is filled with memories and stories of love and gratification, enriched by acts of obedience, submission and worship of God. Although Hajj concludes officially on Monday, the third day of Tashreeq, pilgrims were allowed to hasten to complete it the previous day. By taking advantage of this concession, most pilgrims left Mina before sunset of Sunday. After completing the stoning ritual this afternoon, pilgrims returned to their accommodation in Mina camps, packed their baggage and boarded buses that took them to Makkah to perform Farewell Tawaf.
Leaders
2 hours ago
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Declares Success of Hajj 2025, Receives Praise from Gulf Leaders
Saudi Arabia has declared the success of the Hajj season 2025, thanks to the tireless efforts of Saudi authorities in serving around 1.4 million pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, on Sunday announced the successful conclusion of this year's Hajj in terms of security, health and services. Speaking from the governorate's headquarters in Mina, Prince Saud congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, on this remarkable achievement. He also praised the excellent execution of the operational plans, which enabled pilgrims to perform Hajj with ease, safety and tranquility. Furthermore, Prince Saud thanked the members of the security, health and services sectors, as well as the volunteers, who spared no effort to serve pilgrims and commit to the directives of the Kingdom's leadership. Moreover, he commended pilgrims' compliance with regulations and instructions, which contributed to the success of the Hajj season. Prince Saud also emphasized that the preparations for the upcoming Hajj season would begin immediately. On this occasion, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have extended their congratulations to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for the successful management and organization of the Hajj season. This included congratulatory messages from the UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa; Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq; Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani; and Kuwait's Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in addition to the Secretary-Generals of the GCC and the Muslim World League. Short link : Post Views: 2
Saudi Gazette
16 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Transport minister inspects Jeddah airport's readiness for pilgrims' departure
Saudi Gazette Report MAKKAH — Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inspected on Sunday King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess its operational readiness for the departure of pilgrims following the completion of their Hajj rituals. During the visit, the minister reviewed the procedures in place for receiving pilgrims and facilitating their departure, including the workflow in departure lounges, the performance of services and facilities, and overall operational efficiency. The inspection aimed at ensuring a smooth travel experience and deliver top-quality services to pilgrims in line with the highest international standards. The arrival phase of this year's Hajj season saw more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrive by air from outside the Kingdom. They traveled on over 10,000 scheduled and chartered international flights via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Pilgrims came from 71 countries and 238 destinations, with 11 departure halls designated for their reception.
