Latest news with #Taif
Arab News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program. The program, launched in May with the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea's coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities. Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality. He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif's natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA. Al-Khateeb said at the program's launch in May: 'This year we aim to welcome more than 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.' The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures. Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather. Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer. Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903. Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom's luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures. Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards. The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region's rich heritage. Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.
Arab News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Reimagining Saudi Arabia's future: creating new economies within
Imagine waking up to cool, crisp air, surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning mountain views. Your morning commute is a short, traffic-free drive through scenic roads, and by the evening, you're enjoying dinner on a terrace with year-round comfortable weather. This starkly contrasts the congestion and high-rise density of a major metropolis. Imagine, on weekends, taking a two-hour drive to the beautiful shores of the Red Sea, hiking through the mountains, camping in the desert, or simply enjoying the serenity of Friday morning at a local cafe. For many in Saudi Arabia, this kind of lifestyle is often dismissed as unrealistic. The country's economic heartbeats — Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — have become the primary hubs for jobs and business opportunities, making them the default choice for most professionals. But what if Saudi Arabia's smaller cities and towns — with stunning landscapes, cooler climates, and a balanced pace of life — became viable economic centers? The Future Saudi Cities Program is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the UN Human Settlements Programme. It is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and aims to guide urban transformation by enhancing the livability and sustainability of 17 cities across Saudi Arabia. One such city is Taif — historically known as a summer retreat for royals and elites because of its cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, and its strategic location close to Makkah and Jeddah. Taif has the potential to be more than just a seasonal destination — it could be a thriving economic hub, attracting professionals looking for an alternative to big-city life. However, like many other secondary cities, it lacks the necessary infrastructure to support a modern workforce and economy. Most professionals and businesses gravitate toward Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam because that's where the opportunities exist. Before the announcement of Vision 2030, companies — whether local, regional, or international — prioritized establishing a presence in major cities. The need for proximity to government entities, regulatory and legislative bodies, reliable logistics infrastructure, modern office space, and access to essential services such as schools and health care facilities primarily drove this. However, with Vision 2030's emphasis on digital transformation and the widespread availability of e-services, the business environment has fundamentally evolved. Today, companies can access many government services remotely, reducing the necessity of being physically based in traditional urban centers. Instead of allowing this cycle to continue, why not encourage large corporations to establish offices and operations in smaller cities? What if Taif, Jazan, Hail, or Abha were considered touristic destinations and places where professionals could build their careers without sacrificing quality of life? If multinational and local companies were incentivized to move into these secondary cities — with tax cuts, subsidies, or access to government-backed contracts where applicable — it would trigger a chain reaction of economic and social transformation by creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth. The presence of these corporations in smaller cities would create high-paying jobs, reducing the need for local talent to relocate. With better salaries, residents would spend more locally, supporting small businesses and services. When new industries and professionals settle in these areas, they introduce different lifestyles, work ethics, and cultural perspectives. This shift can lead to greater entrepreneurial activity and a more diversified economy. In addition, unlike the rapid, often unsustainable urbanization seen in major cities, developing secondary urban centers allows for smarter, more environmentally friendly expansion. Just as Riyadh is emerging as a hub for corporate headquarters, secondary cities in Saudi Arabia are being strategically developed as specialized economic zones in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives. For instance, Taif is enhancing its tourism, hospitality, medical, and agribusiness sectors through initiatives like the New Taif project. Similarly, Jazan has been designated a special economic zone to attract international investors. In Tabuk, NEOM encompasses developments like The Line and Trojena. Abha is part of the Future Saudi Cities Program. The future of Saudi Arabia: a multi-city economic powerhouse. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, but diversification should not only be sectoral — it should also be geographical. The opportunity is here — it's time to seize it.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship Concludes in Taif
The first round of the Saudi Toyota Championship Hill Climb concluded with 65 competitors facing challenging mountain twists amid dense fog and hailstones, testing their skills and determination, SPA reported. The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. By hosting such championships, Taif aims to boost tourism, attract both local and international participants, and highlight the role of sports in community development, while contributing to the region's economic growth.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Taif to Host Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Challenge Amid Mountainous Terrain
For the third consecutive year, Taif is set to host the Mohammediyah Hill Climb Championship as part of the opening round of the Saudi Toyota Championship. Scheduled to take place from June 27 to 28, the event is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport. The championship, to be held along the winding roads of Mohammediyah slope, is one of the key events organized by the federation, aiming to promote and develop motorsports across the Kingdom. It also seeks to encourage community participation, hone drivers' skills, and promote a culture of safe competition in line with the highest standards of safety and organization, SPA reported. In addition, it provides an ideal platform to showcase driving talent in a competitive environment that prioritizes safety, and aligns with the federation's broader efforts to foster motorsport culture in the Kingdom and open new horizons for local talent. The event is expected to draw wide interest from motorsport enthusiasts—both competitors and spectators—reflecting the growing appeal of the sport within Saudi Arabia and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a premier destination for hosting major sports events at both the local and international levels.
Arab News
20-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Taif Municipality launches tree-planting initiative
RIYADH: Taif Municipality launched the 'Neighborhood Friends' initiative to establish a volunteer team to plant trees around housing units in the Taif governorate and identify the needs of occupants, the Saudi Press Agency reported. According to SPA, the initiative aims to enhance communication with beneficiaries of developmental housing, identify the units' issues, engage volunteers in tree planting, activate professional volunteering, encourage individual participation, and acknowledge the importance of social responsibility in serving the community. Engineers and specialists are also involved in this project. The mayor of Taif, Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the municipality will help everyone meet the development needs of their neighborhoods. He also pointed out that this initiative is a pivotal intersection between community engagement and urban development, as it represents a collaborative process in which residents and other stakeholders work together to create a shared vision for their neighborhood's future.
