Al-Khateeb launches 'Saudi Summer' program 2025 titled 'Color Your Summer'
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program under the theme "Color Your Summer" at a workshop organized by the authority on Saturday.
The event brought together over 120 partners from across the Kingdom's tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both public and private sectors. The workshop fostered collaboration in preparation for the upcoming summer season, aligning efforts to achieve the program's goals and maximize its economic and tourism impact.
Running from May to September 2025, the Saudi Summer program will feature six distinct destinations—from the moderate-climate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Asir. Key highlights include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, and the dynamic Jeddah and Asir seasons, offering diverse events, activities, and promotional campaigns.
'Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry,' said Minister Al-Khateeb. 'This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SR300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi Arabia's destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene,' he added.
Minister Al-Khateeb noted that the summer season is more than a peak travel period—it is a vital opportunity for the tourism sector to reach new heights, embrace innovation, and make a lasting impact. 'This year, we aim to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round,' he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin emphasized the transformational nature of the Kingdom's tourism offerings: 'Saudi is redefining how the world views summer travel. In partnership with over 120 stakeholders, this summer will introduce more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, along with over 250 special offers,'
the minister said and added: 'From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Red Sea, to iconic new luxury resorts such as St. Regis and Desert Rock, to five new beaches in Jeddah, and the cool retreats of Asir, Taif, and Al-Baha—Saudi Arabia is turning every visit into a vibrant summer highlight reel.'
The program's theme "Color Your Summer" reflects the diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism assets, designed to meet the expectations of various types of tourists and visitors. It includes coastal and mountain destinations, international events, exclusive offers, and a wide array of tourism products presented across the Kingdom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
43 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Redington's Vision for Saudi Arabia: Powering Digital Transformation and Ecosystem Growth
Marking more than two decades of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Redington has emerged as the country's largest IT distributor, with annual revenues nearing $1.5 billion. As the company inaugurates its new headquarters in Riyadh, it is doing more than expanding infrastructure; it is signaling long-term commitment to shaping the future of digital transformation across the Kingdom. With a growing workforce, partnerships with hundreds of global technology brands, and a renewed focus on ecosystem development, Redington is placing itself at the heart of Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving tech landscape. V.S. Hariharan, Managing Director and Group CEO at Redington, shared insights into the company's journey, its strategic priorities, and the pivotal role it is playing in the Kingdom's digital ambitions. From Modest Beginnings to Market Leadership 'Our journey in Saudi Arabia spans more than 20 years,' Hariharan shared, 'and it has been a remarkable path of growth and transformation.' With strong support from the Saudi government and a willingness to invest in talent and technology, Redington has grown steadily, now generating nearly $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Its team of 360 professionals is spread across multiple offices, anchored by the company's new Riyadh headquarters. 'This headquarters represents more than a physical space,' Hariharan said. 'It's a statement of intent, a symbol of our commitment to people, partnerships, and innovation.' Located in Riyadh's dynamic Al Olaya technology district, the facility is designed to foster collaboration, serve as a technology showcase hub, and deepen relationships with vendors and customers. Reimagining the Role of a Distributor Redington's transformation reflects wider changes in the Saudi market. 'When we began, our revenues were in the low millions,' Hariharan recalled. 'It took time to reach $100 million, then $500 million, and eventually the $1.5 billion mark.' The acceleration, he explained, stems from two key shifts, sustained investment from the government and private sector, and a vastly improved ease of doing business in Saudi Arabia. Where the Kingdom once lagged in areas like cloud and digital infrastructure, it has now nearly caught up with Western markets. 'Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global technology leader,' Hariharan noted, 'and we're proud to be a part of that evolution.' Once focused primarily on logistics and financing, Redington has evolved into a solution-driven company. 'Today, we don't just move products—we help partners apply technologies like AI and Cloud to real-world challenges,' he said. The Riyadh office now functions as a center of excellence, offering hands-on demonstrations and practical use cases for resellers and enterprise clients alike. Supporting Saudi's Cloud and AI Momentum As the Kingdom ramps up investments in AI and digital infrastructure, Redington is positioned to support both supply and demand. 'We may not have been directly involved in recent announcements, but the growth of AI and cloud services aligns closely with our capabilities,' Hariharan explained. The company partners with leading global brands to provide core data infrastructure and works directly with enterprises and SMEs looking to adopt cloud and AI solutions. 'Whether it's equipping new data centers or guiding cloud migrations, we're active at both ends of the value chain,' he said. Strategic Priorities and Future Outlook Looking ahead, Redington is focused on two core strategic pillars, deepening partnerships with global technology brands and building a strong, enabled partner ecosystem. 'We work with 300 to 400 brands—Apple, HP, Lenovo, Dell, and many others, and they represent 70 to 80 percent of our revenue,' Hariharan shared. With many of these brands establishing local operations in Saudi Arabia, Redington is committed to enhancing collaboration and joint go-to-market efforts. At the same time, the company is expanding its software business, driven by increased demand for cloud services, cybersecurity solutions, and AI tools. To meet this demand, Redington has developed CloudQuarks, a proprietary digital platform that streamlines software sales, manages renewals, and supports customer engagement, moving beyond traditional distribution models. A critical focus for Redington is its long-standing reseller network. From consumer and SME segments to large enterprises, the company is investing in upskilling and empowering its partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions and services to end customers. 'We want to ensure that our ecosystem is future-ready,' Hariharan emphasized. A Future-Facing Headquarters in Riyadh The inauguration of Redington's new headquarters in Riyadh is more than a milestone; it is a reflection of the company's role in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation journey. Strategically located in the heart of Al Olaya, just steps from the iconic Kingdom Tower, the office is designed to be a hub for innovation, collaboration, and partner growth. As the Kingdom continues to pursue its Vision 2030 goals, Redington is doubling down on its commitment to the market, investing in talent, building new capabilities, and helping shape a connected, intelligent, and digitally empowered future. 'We're not just adapting to change,' Hariharan concluded. 'We're helping lead it.'
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims start flocking to Mina from Makkah early on Wednesday
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — Pilgrims started flocking to Mina from their residences in Makkah early on Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 8, to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they are reciting talbiyah and glorifying God while heading to the Tent City. Hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims join more than 1.47 million foreign pilgrims who came from all over the world to perform Hajj this year. Dr. Mohammed Al-Qarni, director general of Hajj and Umrah at the General Transportation Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, said that international pilgrims have completed their arrival in Makkah, while domestic pilgrims reached Makkah and performed Tawaf Al-Qudum before heading to Mina tonight in preparation for performing the Hajj rituals. "The arrival phase of international pilgrims has been completed, with travel between Makkah and Madinah occurring over the past 36 days. No incidents have been recorded that would impede the movement of pilgrims during this phase. We are now receiving domestic pilgrims, who started arriving in Makkah on Monday night and Tuesday and performed tawaf,' he said. Dr. Al-Qarni said that pilgrims' movement will begin from 8:00 pm on Tuesday until 10 am on Wednesday. The Tarwiyah phase of the ascent from Mina to Arafat will begin via three modes of transportation. 'The Mashair train will carry 316,000 pilgrims, while multi-modal and traditional transportation will transport approximately 720,000 pilgrims. These numbers include their arrival and ascending on Arafat on the morning of Thursday, Dhul Hijjah 9, the Day of Arafat,' he said. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has completed preparations at Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina to receive pilgrims with spreading prayer rugs on an area covering more than 27,000 square meters as part of an integrated operational and technical service system designed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the pilgrims. This year, Al-Khayf Mosque underwent several major upgrades, including a comprehensive overhaul of its air-conditioning and ventilation systems. The enhancements feature the installation of advanced cooling units connected to smart control systems, as well as monitoring systems that detect carbon dioxide levels and automatically activate fans and cooling devices, thereby improving operational efficiency and maximizing comfort for the pilgrims. In the wake of the forecast of sweltering summer temperatures, the Saud authorities have made elaborate arrangements and preparations to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Dr. Abdullah Asir, deputy minister of health, said that the ministry has mobilized a total of 50,000 healthcare workers and administrative staff for the Hajj, far exceeding previous years' numbers. More than 700 hospital beds are ready, equipped with fans to treat severe cases of heat illnesses. "Capacity this year has been expanded by more than 60 percent compared to last year," he said. Eng. Khaled Al-Tala'a, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, revealed that the health status of pilgrims is stable. He announced the launch of three field hospitals and the operation of 71 emergency points. Al-Tala'a also noted that the bed capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to the previous year, and that more than 98,000 health services have been provided to date.
Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Health Ministry urges pilgrims not to expose to heat stress
Saudi Gazette report MINA — As pilgrims are preparing to move to Mina, to mark the beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, the Ministry of Health has intensified its comprehensive field and awareness initiatives to safeguard pilgrims' health and prevent heat stress. This effort aligns with Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program that aimed for a safe and healthy Hajj. Preventing heat-related illnesses is a top priority of the ministry. It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink water regularly, even if they are not thirsty, and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Symptoms of heat stress include headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, thirst, and nausea. Upon noticing these, pilgrims should immediately move to a shaded area, cool down with water, and drink plenty of fluids. Pilgrims are advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities, such as climbing mountains, on the Day of Arafat, which can increase the risk of heat stress. The ministry affirmed that the health sector is highly prepared, with over 34 equipped field health units strategically distributed across the holy sites. These units provide urgent medical care and rapid response for heat stress cases, enhancing pilgrim safety. The ministry has also launched a health awareness kit, available in eight languages, offering comprehensive health guidelines. Through its advanced field system and qualified medical personnel, the Ministry of Health continues its extensive efforts to provide comprehensive health and preventive services, promoting safety and ensuring pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and tranquility in a healthy environment.
