Saudi tourism license applications up 390% after World Cup announcement: vice minister
RIYADH: Tourism license applications in Saudi Arabia have surged nearly fourfold since the Kingdom secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a senior official has revealed.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh, taking place from April 7 to 9, the Kingdom's Vice Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, said applications had surged by 390 percent — highlighting the growing interest of international tourists and boosting economic growth, according to local broadcaster Al-Ekhbariya.
The increase comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up investments in sports infrastructure as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom's strategic framework to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
It also aligns with the growing recognition that sports tourism is a key driver of economic development, accounting for 10 percent of global tourism expenditure and projected to grow by 17.5 percent by the end of this decade.
'Sports tourism has no limits. The number of tourists who came solely to attend sporting events reached 14 million by last year, spending nearly SR22 billion ($5.86 billion),' Princess Haifa said, according to a post on Al-Ekhbariya's X account.
'In 2018, visitors from 70 nationalities visited the Kingdom to attend sporting events, and today the number has exceeded 160 nationalities, thanks to various facilities,' she added.
During the session, the vice minister emphasized the role of the broader tourism ecosystem in supporting the Kingdom's sporting ambitions and contributing to sustainable economic development through public-private collaboration.
The inaugural edition of the three-day Sports Investment Forum sees local and international leaders, officials, investors, and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the Kingdom's evolving sports landscape.
The forum aims to expand the scope of sports investment in Saudi Arabia by fostering effective partnerships, attracting capital, and launching initiatives to drive growth across the sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
AWPT's vision for sustainable water leadership: growth, green goals, and global expansion
TASHKENT: As the Middle East embraces transformation under the banner of sustainability and economic diversification, water security stands as one of the most critical obstacles and opportunities of our time. At the helm of addressing this challenge in Saudi Arabia is Alkhorayef Water & Power Technologies, also known as AWPT. This company has not only solidified its market leadership but is now actively expanding its international footprint. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Rami Moussilli — CEO of AWPT since 2014 — shared key insights into the company's strong performance in 2024, its alignment with Vision 2030, and its ambitions beyond Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Moussilli told Arab News that AWPT is supporting Uzbekistan's Sustainable Development Vision. Uzbekistan is a key international focus for AWPT as the country undergoes significant transformation through infrastructure modernization and sustainable development. Moussilli noted that AWPT has held high-level discussions with multiple ministries, which culminated in a meeting with the president of Uzbekistan. 'There is strong alignment between our core strengths and Uzbekistan's national development priorities,' said Moussilli. As Uzbekistan ramps up investment in urban expansion and essential services, AWPT is offering support across the entire water infrastructure lifecycle— from system rehabilitation and advanced wastewater treatment to non-revenue water reduction and energy-efficient technologies. AWPT's approach in Uzbekistan is built on three foundational pillars: strengthening public-private partnership frameworks, delivering engineering excellence, and promoting environmental and economic sustainability With a focus on knowledge transfer and local capacity building, AWPT is not just exporting services; it is building lasting partnerships. A model for the future of water AWPT sets itself apart from others in the sector with its integrated delivery model. By operating across all stages of the water asset lifecycle — from design and construction to operation and rehabilitation — AWPT achieves efficiencies that traditional players often miss. This holistic approach allows the company to offer clients and investors a unique value proposition: resilient profitability and proven risk management. AWPT closed 2024 with what Moussilli described as 'a year of exceptional performance and strategic progress.' The financial numbers support this assertion. Net income surged by an impressive 64 percent over the previous year, while revenues rose by 16 percent, underscoring both strong demand and operational excellence. Profit margins also improved significantly, growing from 8.2 percent to 12 percent, and earnings per share followed suit with over 64 percent growth. The company's shareholder equity expanded by 44 percent, further bolstered by a return on equity of 38 percent and a return on assets of 35 percent, clear indicators of efficient capital and resource management. Notably, AWPT ended the year with a 300 percent increase in free cash flow, a critical marker of financial health in a capital-intensive sector. Powering Vision 2030 through water privatization At the heart of AWPT's strategy lies a firm alignment with the Saudi National Water Strategy 2030, which outlines the privatization of key infrastructure sectors, including water treatment, wastewater management, and the reuse of treated effluents. Moussilli emphasizes the instrumental role water infrastructure plays in national development, saying: 'Water is no longer just a utility — it is a strategic pillar for economic resilience and public health.' AWPT's integrated services span the entire water and wastewater value chain — from engineering, procurement, and construction to operation and maintenance, public-private partnerships, and city management contracts. This depth of capability positions the company to benefit from the estimated $200 billion in upcoming water infrastructure investments under Vision 2030. Sustainability at the core With increasing global attention to environmental conservation, AWPT has integrated sustainability into its operational DNA. Serving over 26 million people across the Kingdom, the company advocates resource optimization, water quality, and long-term resilience. 'Our sustainable water practices are rooted in prevention, remediation, and efficiency,' said Moussilli. This includes proactive leak detection and repair of water lines, maintenance of sewage lines to prevent environmental contamination, and advanced treatment of sludge to enable its reuse in agriculture or other sectors. 'Every drop we save is a step toward decarbonizing our sector,' he added, noting that AWPT's treatment of wastewater not only protects the environment but also allows for the reuse of treated effluent for irrigation, reducing reliance on freshwater sources. Strategic objectives: local strength, global reach With its commanding position in the Saudi market, AWPT is setting its sights on international expansion. Moussilli outlined a three-pillar strategy for the future, including a focus on sustaining market leadership in Saudi Arabia by capturing new value pools across water and wastewater infrastructure. Expanding into global markets and leveraging AWPT's superior operating capabilities and integrated model as competitive advantages is another part of the vision, with diversifying into new environmental services and creating synergies around its water-centric core competencies the final pillar. This strategy is underpinned by AWPT's unique ability to grow both top-line and bottom-line performance simultaneously while preserving a strong balance sheet, enabling resilience even amid inflation and rising interest rates.
Al Arabiya
5 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Housing Minister on how Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom's real estate
Saudi Arabia's Municipalities and Housing Minister Majed Al-Hogail highlights how Vision 2030 is accelerating global demand for Saudi real estate. Key drivers include rapid growth in the young population, adoption of international standards, and investor-friendly reforms, all contributing to a sustainable and dynamic market expansion.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Strategic reforms and cultural depth are driving Uzbekistan's tourism boom, says official
TASHKENT: As Uzbekistan undergoes an economic transformation, tourism has emerged as both a cultural ambassador and a powerful growth engine. At the forefront is Umid Rustamovich Shadiyev, chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology. Formerly Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Shadiyev brings both diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of the nation's rich heritage. Arab News spoke with Shadiyev during the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, a flagship platform bringing together global investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore Uzbekistan's investment landscape. Now in its fourth edition, the forum has become a cornerstone of the country's reform agenda, highlighting strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. This year's event welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 70 countries, with tourism receiving special focus as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. Saudi-Uzbek tourism ties deepen The conversation turned to Saudi Arabia, where tourism is undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030. Shadiyev praised the Kingdom's diversification efforts, calling it 'a new center of global tourism.' Uzbekistan sees an opportunity for synergy, and a memorandum of cooperation in tourism was signed in 2022, followed by joint forums and high-level meetings in 2023 and 2024. 'Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is growing stronger each year,' said the official. The results are visible. Saudi tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan rose from 1,731 in 2022 to over 4,100 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in cultural, gastronomic, and mountain tourism. 'There's huge potential in developing family-oriented tours, heritage trails, and collaborative media campaigns,' Shadiyev noted. Tourism university exchanges, journalist visits, and influencer collaborations are also being explored. In 2025, Uzbekistan is emphasizing sustainable tourism and aims to increase the average stay of foreign visitors to 10 to 12 days. Strategic partnerships — such as with Saudi Arabia — are seen as central to achieving this goal. Tourism emerges as economic pillar 'Tourism is currently one of the key sectors of Uzbekistan's economy,' Shadiyev noted. 'In 2024, we saw a significant leap forward: the export of tourism services increased by 1.6 times, reaching $3.5 billion.' This performance is backed by a rise in entrepreneurship, with more than 2,000 new tourism businesses launched in the past year alone. From boutique hotels to eco-lodges and cultural tour operators, a new generation of investors is responding to supportive government policies and the sector's strong profitability. The transformation is evident across the country. Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6.5 billion in tourism-related investments and added 130,000 new hotel beds. 'These achievements reflect our commitment to building a world-class tourism ecosystem,' Shadiyev said. A major milestone came in April, when over 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a single month — a national record. Shadiyev attributes this growth to visa policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and active global engagement. 'We're not only opening our doors wider; we're creating lasting experiences for visitors,' he said. Looking ahead, Uzbekistan aims to further increase both international arrivals and tourism export volumes in 2025. The government is systematically working toward these goals by investing in digital transformation, human capital, and diversified tourism offerings. Four seasons, one destination Positioned at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has long served as a bridge between East and West. Shadiyev highlighted the country's unique geographic and cultural positioning: 'We're the heart of Central Asia — no regional tour is complete without including Uzbekistan.' What makes Uzbekistan truly special, he said, is its year-round appeal. In spring, visitors celebrate Navruz, the festival of renewal, and explore blooming gardens, vibrant bazaars, and the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Summer brings tourists to mountain resorts and natural lakes, rich fruit harvests, and traditional crafts festivals. Winter offers skiing and tranquil nature retreats, while autumn is ideal for cultural immersion and warm Uzbek hospitality. 'Every season offers a new story, a new flavor,' Shadiyev said. The country's legacy is underscored by its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan is also witnessing a boom in niche tourism markets, including ziyarat, or pilgrimage tourism, ecotourism, domestic travel, and culinary tours. Uzbekistan's rise on the global travel radar is also backed by international accolades. The country was named the Most Desirable Emerging Destination by Wanderlust, UK; won the tourism in the CIS award from Russian Traveler; and was featured among the Top 25 Destinations of 2025 by both BBC Travel and The New York Times. Gulf travelers drawn to shared culture When asked about Uzbekistan's appeal to Arab travelers, particularly from the Gulf region, Shadiyev emphasized deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties. 'Our shared Islamic heritage and atmosphere of religious respect make Uzbekistan especially attractive to Gulf visitors,' he said. Khiva's designation as the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reflects this connection. Other key events include the Economic Cooperation Organization's tourism forum in Shakhrisabz, which spotlighted opportunities in religious and cultural travel. Uzbekistan is enhancing its appeal through substance and strategy. A 30-day visa-free regime now applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as those of Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Direct flights from Gulf capitals are expanding, and tour operators are curating experiences tailored to Arab travelers. The country offers a rich mix of gastronomy — including signature dishes like plov, manti, and shurpa — as well as ethno-tourism experiences in traditional villages, and a vibrant calendar of music, art, and food festivals. Uzbekistan is also rolling out a UN tourism platform and a unified tourist card integrating visa services, tickets, and discounts. 'We're not just promoting Uzbekistan; we're building a seamless visitor experience,' Shadiyev added. Vision rooted in heritage and openness As the interview concluded, Shadiyev returned to a theme central to Uzbekistan's tourism push: openness. 'We are a country that welcomes the world — with history in our stones and hospitality in our hearts,' he said. The Tashkent International Investment Forum served as the perfect setting for this conversation, reflecting Uzbekistan's economic momentum and its growing network of global partnerships — none more vibrant than those flourishing through tourism. As Shadiyev put it, quoting an old proverb: 'It's better to see something once than hear about it a hundred times.'
