Described as “one of the greatest trade routes in history”, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is once again in the spotlight. Originally announced during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, the project promises to reshape global trade and connectivity.
After facing delays due to regional tensions, including the Israel–Hamas conflict, IMEC is now regaining momentum. With new diplomatic efforts and high-level commitments in early 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the biggest potential beneficiaries of this historic corridor.
For Saudi Arabia, IMEC is more than just a logistics project – it is a vital catalyst for transforming the nation into a global tourism and economic powerhouse.
A new tourism frontier
As IMEC develops, it promises to do more than just move goods; it will move people. For Saudi Arabia, which aims to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030, the corridor could become a game-changer. Improved land, sea, and rail connectivity with India, the UAE, Jordan, and Europe means easier travel routes for leisure, religious, and business tourism.
With new high-speed rail links and world-class port infrastructure envisioned, visitors could seamlessly travel from Indian cities to Jeddah, explore the wonders of AlUla and Diriyah, and continue onwards to Petra, Athens, or Marseille. The possibility of combining cultural itineraries across continents appeals strongly to high-end travellers looking for immersive and multi-destination experiences.
Enhanced connectivity will also make religious tourism more accessible. Millions of pilgrims from India and other countries would benefit from smoother travel to Makkah and Madinah, further supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrimage Experience Programme.
Unlocking hospitality and cultural exchange
Tourism is already a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and IMEC offers a powerful platform to accelerate the development of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. As tourism flows rise, demand for hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions will expand.
Increased footfall from new markets will allow for deeper cultural exchange and reinforce the Kingdom’s image as an open, welcoming destination. From the Red Sea coast to the mountainous south, cities and regions across Saudi Arabia stand to benefit.
A strategic link in global mobility
IMEC envisions a seamless corridor combining maritime, rail, and road routes. For Saudi Arabia, it also aligns with the Kingdom’s own infrastructure ambitions, such as the Saudi Landbridge Project – a rail line connecting the eastern and western coasts. By linking ports like Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port to inland logistics zones and passenger terminals, Saudi Arabia can become the central mobility hub between Asia and Europe.
This will not only boost trade but also support cruise tourism, overland travel, and business travel. Port cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and NEOM’s Oxagon are expected to serve as multimodal gateways offering integrated travel experiences.
Investing in a sustainable tourism economy
The IMEC vision also includes green energy corridors. Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in green hydrogen and renewable energy align perfectly with this, and by exporting clean energy and promoting eco-conscious travel routes, the Kingdom can appeal to sustainability-minded travellers.
New transport infrastructure built as part of IMEC is expected to be climate-resilient and energy-efficient, supporting a low-carbon tourism sector. From carbon-neutral hotels to solar-powered airports, the opportunities to showcase sustainable tourism innovation are significant.
Rekindling IMEC: the diplomatic revival
After initial disruptions, IMEC is now being rekindled through renewed diplomacy. India, the US, France, and Greece have all re-engaged in recent months, and Saudi Arabia remains at the centre of these efforts. As regional stability gradually returns, and with Saudi Arabia celebrating 70 years of ties with countries like Japan and strengthening relations with India and Europe, the conditions for success are improving.
A key milestone came on 13 February 2025, when US President Donald Trump announced support for India’s bid to become a full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA). During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, the two leaders also recommitted to the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership, with a focus on oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
The agreement included plans to jointly realise the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement by developing U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India through large-scale localisation and potential technology transfer.
These energy ties reinforce the strategic underpinnings of IMEC, particularly in creating resilient, secure, and sustainable energy routes that benefit the entire corridor—including Saudi Arabia.
The corridor is not just a counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative; it is a bold reimagining of East-West collaboration based on infrastructure, innovation, and openness.
Tourism as the human face of IMEC
While much of the focus on IMEC has been on trade, its human dimension is equally vital. Tourism brings people together, fosters understanding, and fuels prosperity. Saudi Arabia, with its unique geography, heritage, and commitment to transformation, has the potential to become the heart of this corridor.
As IMEC takes shape, Saudi Arabia is poised to welcome the world—not only through its ports and airports, but through its stories, landscapes, and hospitality. For the Kingdom, rekindling IMEC is about rekindling connection: between continents, cultures, and people.
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Read also: Riyadh Metro and the future of public transport in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive overview
