Saudi Arabia has released its 2024 Vision 2030 Annual Report, offering a detailed look at the Kingdom’s progress as it approaches the final phase of its ambitious national transformation plan. Now nine years into Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is not only achieving its goals but often surpassing them, according to the newly published document.
The report, rich in new data and insights, highlights major achievements across tourism, cultural development, education, environmental protection, and clean energy initiatives — all under the guiding framework of building a Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation.
At the heart of the report lies a confident message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who declared: “Nine years into Vision 2030, we stand proud of what our people have accomplished. They have turned ambition into action and goals into milestones. We have not only met key targets – we have surpassed many. Looking ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. We will accelerate delivery, embrace every opportunity, and further elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global leader.”
As the Kingdom nears the full delivery phase of Vision 2030, momentum is stronger than ever — and the annual report offers a detailed roadmap of what has already been achieved and what still lies ahead.
Transforming Saudi Arabia into a global tourism powerhouse
Tourism has emerged as one of the brightest success stories of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 journey so far. In 2024, the Kingdom achieved major breakthroughs across pilgrimage, leisure tourism, hospitality infrastructure, and global partnerships — supported by unprecedented levels of investment and international engagement.
Unprecedented growth in religious tourism
Religious tourism remains foundational:
- 16.92 million foreign Umrah pilgrims were received in 2024, greatly exceeding forecasts.
- Programs like the Makkah Route and Saudi Visa Bio expedited pilgrim entry through integrated digital systems and pre-clearance abroad.
- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expanded digital services, improving accommodation, transport, and pilgrim welfare.
Saudi Arabia is solidifying its leadership not just in facilitating pilgrimage, but in setting new global benchmarks for service excellence and scale.
Strategic investments reshaping tourism infrastructure
Massive new investments are underpinning the sector’s growth:
- Over SAR 32 billion (~USD 8.5 billion) was mobilized through the Tourism Development Fund to finance resorts, attractions, and tourism-related services.
- The Kingdom aims to deliver 315,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 — 30% of which are already under construction as of 2024.
- More than 150 private-sector investment opportunities were introduced across new destinations.
- Major destination developments such as Red Sea Global, AMAALA, NEOM, and Diriyah Gate are advancing steadily, blending luxury, culture, and sustainability.
- Public-private partnerships and foreign direct investments are becoming central to tourism strategy, ensuring broader economic participation.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 will serve as global showcases for its evolving tourism landscape.
Expanding global reach and accessibility
The Kingdom is becoming easier to visit:
- Citizens from over 60 countries are now eligible for Saudi tourist e-visas.
- Strategic tourism agreements have been signed with more than 15 countries to promote mutual travel and cultural exchange.
- Saudi Arabia now plays an active leadership role within major global tourism organisations, including hosting the UNWTO Regional Office in Riyadh.
The focus is clear: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as one of the world’s most welcoming, dynamic, and accessible tourism destinations.
A cultural and entertainment renaissance redefining the Kingdom
Tourism growth is only part of the story. Saudi Arabia is also undergoing a profound cultural and entertainment renaissance, breathing new life into heritage preservation, creative industries, and leisure experiences.
Preserving and promoting Saudi heritage
Cultural tourism is booming:
- Saudi Arabia has achieved its target of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites ahead of schedule, with the addition of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw.
- Restoration projects at sites like Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, are helping reconnect visitors with the Kingdom’s historic roots.
- New and revitalised museums and cultural centres — including Ithra and emerging institutions across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla — are redefining cultural outreach.
- Cultural festivals such as Winter at Tantora and Riyadh International Book Fair are drawing global attention.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts are sending a strong signal: its ancient history and contemporary ambitions are deeply intertwined.
Building a new entertainment ecosystem
Entertainment has become one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing sectors:
- Riyadh Season alone attracted more than 15 million visitors in 2024, featuring concerts, sporting events, performances, and international exhibitions.
- Jeddah Season and other regional events are leveraging Saudi Arabia’s coastal and urban assets to host globally competitive entertainment offerings.
- The number of cinemas across the Kingdom has grown to over 70, positioning Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s fastest-growing cinema markets.
- Qiddiya, under rapid development, is set to become a world-class hub for theme parks, motorsports, arts, and leisure by the late 2020s.
Entertainment is no longer simply a new sector — it is central to national identity, youth empowerment, and Saudi Arabia’s global cultural positioning.
Vision 2030 tourism targets within reach
The Vision 2030 report confirms that Saudi Arabia is well on track to achieve its tourism goals:
- 150 million visitors annually by 2030 (domestic and international combined)
- 10% contribution of tourism to national GDP
- Creation of 1 million new tourism sector jobs
With religious, cultural, leisure, and entertainment tourism advancing on multiple fronts, Saudi Arabia is firmly on course to become one of the world’s premier destinations by the end of the decade.
Investing in people: Nurturing Saudi talent
Vision 2030’s success depends heavily on the development of Saudi Arabia’s human capital — and this year’s report shows impressive gains in education, employment, and inclusion.
- Graduate Employment: Employment rates among Saudi university graduates reached 43% within six months of graduation, well above original targets.
- Technical Skills: Employment for technical and vocational graduates rose to 47.8%, showing the success of programs that align education with market demands.
- Women’s Workforce Participation: Female workforce participation now stands at 33.5%, surpassing the 2030 target several years early and signalling a profound social shift.
- Inclusion of People with Disabilities: Employment rates among Saudis with disabilities climbed to 13.4%, reflecting national efforts to build a more inclusive workforce.
Through major initiatives like the Human Capability Development Program, Saudi Arabia is preparing a generation of globally competitive, highly skilled citizens — the real driving force behind Vision 2030.
Toward a greener future: Restoring ecosystems and combating desertification
Environmental stewardship is another pillar where Saudi Arabia is moving from commitment to action. The report outlines major progress in combating desertification and restoring ecosystems:
- The Saudi Green Initiative: Reforestation, land rehabilitation, and urban greening projects are underway at scale, contributing to a greener, healthier environment.
- Protecting Coastal Ecosystems: Special focus is being given to preserving Saudi Arabia’s mangroves, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity, especially in regions tied to tourism development such as the Red Sea Project.
The shift toward environmental protection reflects a broader vision: economic prosperity and ecological health must advance together.
Biodiversity: Safeguarding a natural legacy
Saudi Arabia’s unique ecosystems — from deserts to coastlines — are at the heart of its new tourism offerings and sustainability commitments.
- Protected Areas: The expansion of protected nature reserves under the Royal Reserves Program is helping preserve fragile desert and coastal ecosystems.
- Wildlife Conservation: Species reintroduction and biodiversity protection efforts are being intensified, ensuring that future generations can experience Saudi Arabia’s rich natural heritage.
Alongside economic diversification, Vision 2030 is proving that environmental conservation can be a growth sector in itself — particularly for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences.
Powering a cleaner future: Renewable energy and innovation
Energy remains a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s global role — but the energy landscape is shifting fast, and the Kingdom is determined to lead the clean energy transition.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Solar and wind energy initiatives are expanding rapidly, supported by massive investments and partnerships both domestically and internationally.
- Green Hydrogen Leadership: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a world leader in green and blue hydrogen production, with projects like NEOM’s energy initiatives already setting benchmarks.
- Circular Carbon Economy: Carbon capture and recycling technologies are being deployed, aligning energy security with climate responsibility.
Saudi Arabia’s clean energy drive is not just about meeting future demand — it’s about redefining the Kingdom’s role in the global economy for decades to come.
…Momentum towards 2030 and beyond
The 2024 Vision 2030 Annual Report is more than a progress update — it is a clear statement of intent. Tourism is booming. Saudi human capital is being unlocked. The environment is moving from risk to opportunity. Clean energy innovation is reshaping economic models.
With much of Vision 2030’s groundwork laid, Saudi Arabia is poised for its next phase: accelerated delivery and sustained global leadership.
The message from Riyadh is clear — Saudi Arabia is no longer simply preparing for 2030. It is already living its transformation, confident, outward-looking, and ready to shape the global stage.
…
…
Photos: STA
