Latest news with #QualityofLifeProgram
Arabian Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi Crown Charts Tourism Surge Ahead of 2034 Boom
Global tourism is projected to reach 30 billion trips by 2034 and contribute $16 trillion to world GDP, growing 1.5 times faster than the global economy, according to the World Economic Forum's latest report. Amid this surge, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal force, ranking the second fastest-growing tourism destination and leading global investments in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability The WEF report, Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth, produced with Kearney and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, highlights the Kingdom's rapid evolution. Under Vision 2030, it aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, underpinned by major mega-projects like NEOM, Soudah Peaks in Asir, Trojena, Al‑Ula, and the Red Sea Project. These initiatives reflect bold efforts to diversify beyond oil and position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and cultural hub. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasises that tourism goes beyond economic benefit; it fosters cultural diplomacy and long‑term resilience. He asserts that developing 'regenerative destinations, future‑ready infrastructure, and talent pipelines' is central to both national growth and shaping future global tourism. Saudi Arabia's investments via the Quality of Life Program—backed by a US$34.6 billion budget—underscore its commitment to improving recreation and entertainment infrastructure while supporting emerging tourism projects. ADVERTISEMENT Saudi mega-developments like NEOM's Sindalah island and the mountain resorts of Soudah Peaks and Trojena illustrate the Kingdom's integrated approach. Sindalah, an ultra‑luxury island destination opened in October 2024, with 85‑berth marina and high‑end amenities, aims to host 2,400 visitors daily by 2028. Soudah Peaks, a US$7.7 billion project nestled in the Asir Mountains, targets two million annual visitors by 2033 and aims to contribute US$7.8 billion to GDP. Trojena, designed as a year‑round mountain resort with skiing and adventure tourism, continues despite budget pressures, though a 2023 audit flagged soaring costs and alleged financial irregularities. Globally, Asia is highlighted as the fastest‑growing tourism region, with India and China expected to account for over 25% of outbound trips by 2030. Within this broader context, Saudi Arabia stands out for its strategic role in shaping global travel through luxury endeavours, sports tourism, ecotourism, and travel tech investment. Rapid industry expansion demands extensive infrastructure: an additional 7 million hotel rooms, 15 million flights annually, and substantial investments in transport and hospitality—areas where Saudi Arabia is heavily investing. Yet, the WEF report raises red flags: tourism already accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and that share could climb to 15% by 2034 if unchecked. Tourist‑derived waste is expected to reach 205 million tonnes annually—about 7% of global solid waste—and acute labour shortages plague countries worldwide, with UK turnover at 53% and US firms struggling with rising wages. WEF President Børge Brende warns of potential losses of up to $6 trillion by 2030 due to inadequate planning and lack of collaboration. He calls for transformative public‑private partnerships and sustainable fuel standards to underpin the sector's future. Kearney's Bob Willen echoes this, highlighting the need for investment in green infrastructure, workforce support, cultural preservation, and community benefit. Saudi Arabia appears poised to lead this shift. Its Vision 2030 agenda is channeling funds into infrastructure, entertainment, and training to support the projected 150 million annual visitors. Initiatives like cinemas, tourism visas, and Quality of Life enhancements are central to this strategy. By aligning mega-projects with sustainability and community inclusion objectives, Riyadh seeks to set an example of responsible tourism transformation.
Leaders
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Jeddah Season 2025: Premier Summer Destination for Culture, Entertainment, Tourism
Jeddah Season 2025 promises an immersive and vibrant summer experience, offering a dynamic mix of cultural, entertainment, and tourism activities across seven flagship destinations. Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the season highlights the Kingdom's rich cultural tapestry and evolving tourism landscape. This year's edition showcases an exceptional marine experience at cutting-edge waterfront venues. From upscale beaches and luxury resorts to the renowned Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, visitors can enjoy a range of water-based leisure and sports. The marina hosts a certified academy offering sailing, kayaking, and wingfoiling, alongside a tech-integrated children's summer camp that blends innovation with aquatic fun. A surge in visitor numbers underscores Jeddah's rising profile as a regional hotspot for culture and tourism. With a variety of events that merge art, entertainment, and adventure, Jeddah Season delivers fresh, engaging content aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program. Additional events across cultural, artistic, and tourism sectors are set to be announced later in the year, further solidifying Jeddah's status as a dynamic, year-round destination and reinforcing the long-term vision of Jeddah Season as a leading national entertainment platform. Related Topics : Summer Speed Festival: More Excitement at Jeddah Season 2024 Saudi Women Participate in Several Development Projects Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Earns AACSB Business Accreditation Saudi Property Prices Record 1.7% Increase in Q2 2024 Short link : Post Views: 81
Business Upturn
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Powers Investment Through Vision 2030 Reforms
Riyadh, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, the Quality of Life Program (QoL) is emerging as a central driver of both national well-being and global investment momentum. Launched in 2018, the program is one of 11 Vision Realization Programs and is led by CEO Khalid Albaker. It focuses on enhancing livability while positioning sectors such as tourism, culture, and sports as strategic economic assets. 'We don't view quality of life as an abstract ideal,' Albaker said. 'It's a measurable, investment-ready platform that's already delivering real returns—for our citizens and for our partners around the world.' In 2024, the Kingdom reported a 3.9% increase in non-oil gross domestic product, driven significantly by lifestyle sectors historically seen as non-core. Foreign direct investment surged to $20.69 billion in Q4 2024, underscoring growing global confidence in the Saudi economy. 'We've always seen arts, culture, and sports not as luxuries, but as industries. They are engines of economic diversification, talent retention, and global perception,' Albaker said. The Quality of Life Program delivered 173 initiatives in 2024 alone, with 85 percent of its key performance indicators achieved or on track. Notable developments include: The number of hotel rooms rising from 280,800 in 2023 to 475,900 in 2024. The planting of 1.12 million trees and the establishment of 149 new parks. Public space increasing to 6.53 square meters per capita—130% above initial targets. Tourism growth has been robust, with international visits climbing from 41 million in 2018 to 115.9 million in 2024. The Kingdom is also preparing to host global events including the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, Expo 2030, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. 'Whether it's 100 million annual tourists, a 390% increase in Public Investment Fund assets since 2016, or our leap in global happiness rankings, our progress is tangible,' said Albaker. QoL is also contributing to Saudi Arabia's innovation-based economic shift. Private sector GDP contribution has increased from 40% in 2016 to 47% in 2024. Public-private collaborations are accelerating innovation and unlocking opportunities across creative sectors. 'Our reforms have empowered entrepreneurs, opened new doors for creatives, and created environments where global and local ideas can thrive together,' Albaker said. Saudi Arabia currently ranks first among G20 countries in safety perception and has raised life expectancy to 78.8 years. These achievements reflect wider investments in public health, infrastructure, mobility, and urban livability. 'The real measure of success is when quality of life becomes self-sustaining,' Albaker added. 'When cities organically support wellness, creativity, and community—that's when you know you've created a thriving ecosystem.' With major international platforms on the horizon, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Quality of Life Program is positioned to expand its influence. The program will continue to direct investment into sustainable development, cultural infrastructure, and next-generation entertainment technologies. 'We're building a lifestyle economy at scale,' Albaker said. 'For investors, this is an invitation not only to witness transformation—but to be a part of it.' Saudi Arabia's evolving national landscape offers measurable impact, long-term economic vision, and cultural ambition—framing a new regional benchmark for livability and investment potential. Attachments The Quality of Life Program delivered 173 initiatives in 2024 alone, Quality of life as an abstract ideal Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Showcased During Trump Visit Amid National Transformation
U.S. President Donald Trump was introduced to a new chapter in Saudi Arabia's national narrative Tourism increasing from 41 million visits in 2018 to over 115.9 million in 2024 National festivals drawing global interest Riyadh, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saudi Arabia — During a recent high-profile visit to the Kingdom, U.S. President Donald Trump was introduced to a new chapter in Saudi Arabia's national narrative—one defined by social transformation, economic diversification and cultural renaissance. Central to this engagement was the Media Oasis, an activation curated by the Ministry of Media to coincide with the presidential visit and highlight progress under Vision 2030. The immersive platform, hosted in Riyadh, spotlighted Saudi Arabia's transition across public life, culture, and entertainment, with a special focus on the Quality of Life Program (QoL). The Media Oasis included digital installations and interactive exhibits offering policymakers, diplomats, and media representatives a detailed view of how the Kingdom is reshaping its identity and economy to align with global benchmarks. President Trump's presence reaffirmed the long-standing U.S.–Saudi partnership, while drawing international attention to the nation's modernization initiatives. Vision 2030—spearheaded by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—was prominently featured. The national strategy aims to establish a diversified, knowledge-based economy and to attract global investment and innovation. At the center of the activation was the Quality of Life Program, which illustrates how cultural and lifestyle reforms contribute to broader economic goals. Attendees explored new developments including public parks, modern stadiums, art and music festivals, and the return of cinema—each marking a shift in how daily life is experienced across the Kingdom. 'Quality of life is not a luxury. It is a measurable driver of economic growth, productivity, and investment attractiveness,' said Khalid Albaker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program. Since Vision 2030's launch, more than 674 initiatives have been completed. Of these, 173 were concluded by the Quality of Life Program during 2024. This includes major investments in recreational infrastructure, cultural programming, and livability standards. Key outcomes reported by the program include: Tourism increasing from 41 million visits in 2018 to over 115.9 million in 2024. Foreign direct investment reaching $20.69 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. A 3.9% year-over-year increase in non-oil gross domestic product, driven in part by entertainment, wellness and cultural sectors. National festivals such as Riyadh Season and art initiatives like the Diriyah Biennale are drawing global interest. New sports academies, concert venues and public spaces are also contributing to a reshaped image of the Kingdom—one that aligns modern leisure with economic opportunity. 'Saudi Arabia's transformation is attracting not only capital but also global talent. These sectors are no longer peripheral—they are essential to the future of our economy,' said Albaker. Looking ahead, major global events such as AFC 2027, Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 are set to extend international engagement with the Kingdom. These milestones will provide further platforms to showcase national reform. 'We welcome the world to witness the transformation,' said Albaker. 'The invitation is clear: explore the new Saudi Arabia, invest in it, and be part of its growth.' As the Media Oasis closed, its message remained clear: Saudi Arabia's transformation is not aspirational—it is actively underway and open to the world. Attachments Tourism increasing from 41 million visits in 2018 to over 115.9 million in 2024 National festivals drawing global interest CONTACT: Badr Al-Rashed Media & Communications – Quality of Life Program Center balrashed@ | +966 553 472 559 Naif Al-Shahrani Media Relations – Edelman Saudi Arabia | +966 530 633 777Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Powers Investment Through Vision 2030 Reforms
Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, the Quality of Life Program (QoL) is emerging as a central driver of both national well-being and global investment momentum. The Quality of Life Program delivered 173 initiatives in 2024 alone, Quality of life as an abstract ideal Riyadh, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, the Quality of Life Program (QoL) is emerging as a central driver of both national well-being and global investment momentum. Launched in 2018, the program is one of 11 Vision Realization Programs and is led by CEO Khalid Albaker. It focuses on enhancing livability while positioning sectors such as tourism, culture, and sports as strategic economic assets. "We don't view quality of life as an abstract ideal," Albaker said. "It's a measurable, investment-ready platform that's already delivering real returns—for our citizens and for our partners around the world." In 2024, the Kingdom reported a 3.9% increase in non-oil gross domestic product, driven significantly by lifestyle sectors historically seen as non-core. Foreign direct investment surged to $20.69 billion in Q4 2024, underscoring growing global confidence in the Saudi economy. "We've always seen arts, culture, and sports not as luxuries, but as industries. They are engines of economic diversification, talent retention, and global perception," Albaker said. The Quality of Life Program delivered 173 initiatives in 2024 alone, with 85 percent of its key performance indicators achieved or on track. Notable developments include: The number of hotel rooms rising from 280,800 in 2023 to 475,900 in 2024. The planting of 1.12 million trees and the establishment of 149 new parks. Public space increasing to 6.53 square meters per capita—130% above initial targets. Tourism growth has been robust, with international visits climbing from 41 million in 2018 to 115.9 million in 2024. The Kingdom is also preparing to host global events including the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, Expo 2030, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. "Whether it's 100 million annual tourists, a 390% increase in Public Investment Fund assets since 2016, or our leap in global happiness rankings, our progress is tangible," said Albaker. QoL is also contributing to Saudi Arabia's innovation-based economic shift. Private sector GDP contribution has increased from 40% in 2016 to 47% in 2024. Public-private collaborations are accelerating innovation and unlocking opportunities across creative sectors. "Our reforms have empowered entrepreneurs, opened new doors for creatives, and created environments where global and local ideas can thrive together," Albaker said. Saudi Arabia currently ranks first among G20 countries in safety perception and has raised life expectancy to 78.8 years. These achievements reflect wider investments in public health, infrastructure, mobility, and urban livability. "The real measure of success is when quality of life becomes self-sustaining," Albaker added. "When cities organically support wellness, creativity, and community—that's when you know you've created a thriving ecosystem." With major international platforms on the horizon, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Quality of Life Program is positioned to expand its influence. The program will continue to direct investment into sustainable development, cultural infrastructure, and next-generation entertainment technologies. "We're building a lifestyle economy at scale," Albaker said. "For investors, this is an invitation not only to witness transformation—but to be a part of it." Saudi Arabia's evolving national landscape offers measurable impact, long-term economic vision, and cultural ambition—framing a new regional benchmark for livability and investment potential. Attachments The Quality of Life Program delivered 173 initiatives in 2024 alone, Quality of life as an abstract ideal CONTACT: Badr Al-Rashed Media & Communications – Quality of Life Program Center balrashed@ | +966 553 472 559 Naif Al-Shahrani Media Relations – Edelman Saudi Arabia | +966 530 633 777
