French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia resulted in a new strategic partnership focusing on defense, energy, and cultural cooperation. The visit comes amidst a political crisis in France and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with Macron seeking Saudi support for Lebanon and a broader regional de-escalation.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is revolutionizing its tourism sector, focusing on sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and youth development. Ambitious projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, coupled with massive investments in training and infrastructure, are transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a dramatic tourism transformation fueled by its Vision 2030 plan. With a $100 million annual investment in youth and women’s empowerment, massive infrastructure projects, and the upcoming Expo 2030 Riyadh, the Kingdom aims to become a top global tourism destination, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and significantly boosting its GDP.
FIFA has conditionally approved Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, praising its infrastructure but raising serious concerns about human rights, regional implications, and potential damage to FIFA’s reputation. The decision has sparked intense debate and criticism.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its image, leveraging major international events like Expo 2030 and a potential Winter Olympics bid to establish itself as a global leader in tourism and cultural exchange. This strategic move, fueled by Vision 2030, promises significant economic growth and international collaboration.
Saudi Arabia’s 2025 budget introduces a VAT refund system for tourists, aiming to boost the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism goals under Vision 2030. This move, coupled with significant investments and successful tourism initiatives in 2024, positions Saudi Arabia as a leading player in the global tourism market.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, connecting Mecca and Medina, has achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding 20 million passengers since its launch. This success highlights the railway’s efficiency, sustainability, and crucial role in connecting Islam’s holy cities. Renfe’s involvement and record-breaking October ridership further solidify its position as a leading transportation solution in the region.
Experience the breathtaking spectacle of Noor Riyadh 2024, the world’s largest light art festival, illuminating Riyadh from November 28th to December 14th. This year’s festival features 62 stunning installations by 61 artists from 18 countries, transforming three iconic hubs into an open-air gallery.
South Korea’s NAVER and the National Housing Company (NHC) of Saudi Arabia are forming a joint venture to leverage digital twin technology and develop a super app for public administration, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation.
The inaugural Thailand International Mega Fair in Riyadh showcased Thailand’s diverse offerings, fostering economic and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and promising significant bilateral growth.
