Tourism in Saudi Arabia#Main festivals and events

{{Main|List of museums in Saudi Arabia}}

Saudi Arabia has a variety of museums ranging from historical museums, archeological museums, and cultural and scientific museums. These museums exhibit the art life, old handicrafts, and antiquities of the Kingdom and including:

File:National Museum Riyadh (6781666263).jpg

• National Museum of Saudi Arabia: This is the most famous museum in Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1999 and is located in Riyadh as a part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalmuseum.org.sa/introduction.aspx|title=The National Museum|website=www.nationalmuseum.org.sa|access-date=2019-05-01|archive-date=2015-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525164409/http://www.nationalmuseum.org.sa/introduction.aspx|url-status=dead}} The museum highlights the prominent history of the Arabian Peninsula and its historical role in Islam expanding as well as the history of Saudi Arabia. The museum also holds many ancient manuscripts that are traced back to many ancient civilizations. Indeed Saudi Arabia is considered one of the richest countries in regards of the number of ancient manuscripts.{{Cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1479311/saudi-arabia|title=Saudi Arabia among world's richest countries with ancient manuscripts|date=2019-04-08|website=Arab News|language=en|access-date=2019-04-08}}
• Al-Zaher Palace Museum: It is a historical museum established in 1944 and exhibits the history of Makkah and various archaeological collections for different periods of Islamic history in the region.{{Cite web|url=https://scth.gov.sa/en/mediaCenter/News/GeneralNews/Pages/z-g-1-1-10-2018.aspx|title=The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage to Submit the Rehabilitation and Development Project of Al-Zaher Palace of Makkah|website=scth.gov.sa|access-date=2019-05-01|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501211038/https://scth.gov.sa/en/mediaCenter/News/GeneralNews/Pages/z-g-1-1-10-2018.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• Al-Madinah Museum: It exhibits Al-Madina's heritage and history featuring different archaeological collections, visual galleries and rare images that relate to Al-Medina.{{Cite web|url=http://sauditourism.sa/en/aboutKSA/CultureAndHistory/Museums/Pages/AlmadinahMuseum.aspx|title=Al Madinah Museum|website=sauditourism.sa|language=en-us|access-date=2019-05-01|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501211056/https://www.sauditourism.sa/en/aboutKSA/CultureAndHistory/Museums/Pages/AlmadinahMuseum.aspx|url-status=dead}} It also includes the Hejaz Railway Museum.
• Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in Jeddah: it exhibits various collections including artifacts of the stone age back to the Acheulean period, elements illustrating the rise of Islam, and a collection of ethnographic items portraying the modern culture of the region.

File:Bayt Nasif, 1872, old Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (5) (50703484406).jpg in Al-Balad, Jeddah|alt=]]

• Nasseef House in Jeddah: a historical building in Al-Balad, founded in 1872. later, In 2009, it was transformed into a museum and cultural center.
• Royal Saudi Air Force Museum in Riyadh: This museum displays the history of the Royal Saudi Air Force.
• Masmak fort: is a clay and mud-brick fort, it was built around 1865.
• Makkah Antiquities and Heritage Museum: The museum was originally a royal guest house and went by the name of Zaher Palace. It was later converted into a school, and then into a museum.{{Cite web|title=10 Must-See Sights In Makkah That You Are Probably Missing Out On|url=https://destinationksa.com/10-must-see-sights-makkah-probably-missing/|last=Mirza|first=Mohammed|date=7 May 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-09|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809113154/https://destinationksa.com/10-must-see-sights-makkah-probably-missing/|url-status=live}}

File:Masmak Fort (12753717253).jpg]]

• Tabuk Castle: is an ancient castle in Tabuk, the capital city of the Tabuk Region in northwestern Saudi Arabia which dates back to 1559.{{Cite web|url=http://sauditourism.sa/en/aboutKSA/CultureAndHistory/Antiquities/Pages/TaboukCastle.aspx|title=Tabuk Castle|website=sauditourism.sa|language=en-us|access-date=2019-05-01|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501213003/https://www.sauditourism.sa/en/aboutKSA/CultureAndHistory/Antiquities/Pages/TaboukCastle.aspx|url-status=dead}} The castle has been rehabilitated and transformed into a museum open to all visitors.
• Dammam National Museum is located on the 4th floor of the Dammam Public Library, opposite the Muhammad bin Fahd Stadium on the cross lane from the Dammam-Khobar Highway in Al Toubaishi district. The museum focuses on the country's history, culture, and inhabitants through displays of relics and remnants of handicrafts.
• Al Ula Museum: one of the most crucial tourist destinations within the Kingdom, is described as a vibrant living museum in the open air, where the rich tapestry of Saudi Arabian history unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and architectural marvels.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
• Museum of Buraidah
• Al Ahsa Museum
• The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition

{{Main|List of World Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia}}

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia inscribed from 2008 to 2023;{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/sa/|title=Saudi Arabia|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=2019-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430221519/https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/sa/|url-status=live}} they are as follows:

File:Al-Ahsa Palm Oasis 2023.jpg]]

• Al-Ahsa Oasis: The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells and a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites.{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1563/|title=Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=2019-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424192502/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1563/|url-status=live}}

File:Hegra, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.png]]

• Mada'in Salih is a pre-Islamic archaeological site located in the AlUla sector, within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia.{{cite web | last = Abu-Nasr | first = Donna | title = Digging up the Saudi past: Some would rather not | date = 2009-08-30 | publisher = Associated Press | url = https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j5-VuZTJYWXZ0lwZ9LQ-5PrHXgPAD9ADBRJO0 | access-date = 2009-09-17 | archive-date = 2009-09-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912083612/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j5-VuZTJYWXZ0lwZ9LQ-5PrHXgPAD9ADBRJO0 | url-status = dead }} A majority of the vestiges date from the Nabatean kingdom (1st century AD).{{cite book | title = The New Encyclopædia Britannica: Macropædia Volume 13 | publisher = Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. | year =1995 | location =USA | pages =818 | isbn = 0-85229-605-3 }} The site constitutes the kingdom's southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, its capital.{{cite web | title = Expansion of the Nabataeans | url = http://madainsaleh.net/expansion_of_nabataeans.aspx | access-date = 2009-09-17 | archive-date = 2011-07-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723194510/http://madainsaleh.net/expansion_of_nabataeans.aspx | url-status = dead }}{{cite web | title = ICOMOS Evaluation of Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih) World Heritage Nomination | publisher = World Heritage Center | url = https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/1293.pdf | access-date = 2009-09-16 | archive-date = 2021-11-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115061602/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1293/documents/%23ABevaluation | url-status = live }} Traces of Lihyanite and Roman occupation before and after the Nabatean rule, respectively, can also be found in situ, while accounts from the Qur’an tell of an earlier settlement of the area by the tribe of Thamud in the 3rd millennium BC.{{cite web | title = Creation of Al-Hijr | url = http://madainsaleh.net/creation_of_al_hijr.aspx | access-date = 2009-09-17 | archive-date = 2011-02-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110204004623/http://madainsaleh.net/creation_of_al_hijr.aspx | url-status = dead }}

file:At-Turaif District of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.jpg, Diriyah]]

• At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, a town in Saudi Arabia located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh. Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family and served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate, which also includes the villages of Uyayna, Jubayla, and Al-Ammariyyah, among others, and is part of Ar Riyad Province.{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1329/|title=At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=2019-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430221541/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1329|url-status=live}}

File: Jokhdar House 2024.jpg]]

• Historic Jeddah: Historic Jeddah was as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to Mecca. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea.{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1361/|title=Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=2019-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430221538/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1361|url-status=live}}
• Rock Art in the Hail Region: This property shows numerous representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history.{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1472/|title=Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=2019-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301022512/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1472/|url-status=live}}
• Ḥimā Cultural Area: Ḥimā Cultural Area contains a collection of rock art images illustrating hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles of 7,000 years.{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1619 |title=Ḥimā Cultural Area |author= |date= |website=whc.unesco.org |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=2024-02-15 |quote=}}
• 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid: The property encompasses the western part of the greatest expanse of windblown sand on Earth, known as Ar Rub' al-KhaIi, and conserves one of the Earth's most spectacular desert landscapes.{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1699 |title='Uruq Bani Ma'arid

|author= |date= |website=whc.unesco.org |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=2024-02-15 |quote=}}

• Qaryat al-Faw: Lying at a strategic point of the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, the property was abruptly abandoned around the 5th century CE.{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1712 |title=The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area |author= |date= |website=whc.unesco.org |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=2024-10-12 |quote=}}

file:The Boulevard Riyadh - 2021.jpg Zone of Riyadh Season]]

• Riyadh Season: is a six-month long entertainment festival that includes a wide range of entertainment events from international concerts, sport events, Michelin star restaurants and family-oriented activities such as Winter Wonderland.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-20|title=Riyadh Season 2021 kicks off in Saudi Arabia's capital|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/10/20/Riyadh-Season-2021-kicks-off-in-Saudi-Arabia-s-capital|access-date=2022-01-16|website=Al Arabiya English|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108113537/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/10/20/Riyadh-Season-2021-kicks-off-in-Saudi-Arabia-s-capital|url-status=live}}
• Jenadriyah: It is an annual cultural and heritage festival held in Jenadriyah near Riyadh. The festival hosts various cultural and heritage events such as Al Janadriya Operetta, Saudi ardah, and camel racing.
• Souk Okaz: It is an annual cultural event held in Ta'if. It was known as an open market in the ancient past. Nowadays, Souk Okaz combines more than 150 attractions of heritage and cultural events, theatre performances, and arts and crafts.{{Cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1323071/saudi-arabia|title=Saudi Souq Okaz festival set to become major tourist attraction|date=2018-06-17|website=Arab News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503114345/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1323071/saudi-arabia|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://scth.gov.sa/en/Programs-Activities/Programs/Pages/Souk-Okaz.aspx|title=Souk Okaz|website=scth.gov.sa|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501094729/https://scth.gov.sa/en/Programs-Activities/Programs/Pages/Souk-Okaz.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• Historic Jeddah Festival: is a celebration that takes place in the historical Al Balad district of Jeddah. The festival exhibits the culture and heritage of Jeddah.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sauditourism.sa/en/ExploreKSA/Events/Pages/HistoricalJeddahFestival.aspx|title=Historic Jeddah Festival|website=www.sauditourism.sa|language=en-us|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-date=2019-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424051846/https://www.sauditourism.sa/en/ExploreKSA/Events/Pages/HistoricalJeddahFestival.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• “Winter at Tantora” festival : an annual festival held in the old town of AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
• Ha'il International Rally
• Al Qassim Date Festival: is the largest date festival in the world held in the central Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
• King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1595321/saudi-arabia|title=Most beautiful falcons to compete at King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival|date=2019-12-07|website=Arab News|language=en|access-date=2019-12-07|archive-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208020318/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1595321/saudi-arabia|url-status=live}} is an international festival organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and witnesses the participation of a group of falcon owners in the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council.{{cite web |title=King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival |url=https://sfc.org.sa/en/king-abdulaziz-festival-of-falconry-en/ |access-date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804032329/https://sfc.org.sa/en/king-abdulaziz-festival-of-falconry-en/ |url-status=dead }}
• Riyadh Fashion Week: a spectacular showcase of Saudi Arabia's flourishing fashion identity, featuring a curated lineup of 16 mesmerizing runway shows that invite attendees to embark on an extraordinary and evocative journey into the heart of style, cultural richness, and innovation. {{Cite web |last=Çakmak |first=Burak |date=2023 |title=ABOUT RFW 2023 |url=https://www.riyadhfashionweek.com/about |website=Riyadh Fashion Week}}

File:Kaaba, Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia - panoramio.jpg]]

Tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages. Mecca and Medina receive over three million pilgrims a year during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in Hajj,{{cite web | title = Hajj Requirements: Visas for 1430 Hajj | publisher = Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia | url = http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/hajj_requirements.aspx | access-date = 2009-07-30 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090811002403/http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/hajj_requirements.aspx | archive-date = 2009-08-11 }} and around two million during the month of Ramadan to perform Umrah.{{cite web | title = 1430H Umrah Visas | publisher = Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia | url = http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/umrah_visas.aspx | access-date = 2009-07-30 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090726195031/http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/umrah_visas.aspx | archive-date = 2009-07-26 }} During the rest of the year, Mecca and Medina receive around four million for Umrah. The Hajj, or pilgrimage to the city, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Only Muslims are permitted in Mecca, while non-Muslims can enter Medina.

File:Wadi Ashar in Al-'Ula.jpg]]

In 2019, in support of Saudi Vision 2030, the country launched an initiative known as Saudi Seasons to help promote domestic and international tourism. Backed via public and private sector investments, Saudi Seasons consists of "seasons" in specific areas of the country throughout the year, which serve as a collective brand for cultural and entertainment events (including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports, and other attractions) held during the periods:{{Cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1521781/saudi-arabia|title=Saudi festival seasons for Taif and Al-Soudah launched at the double|date=2019-07-07|website=Arab News|language=en|access-date=2019-07-30|archive-date=2019-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810192743/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1521781/saudi-arabia|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2024-06-02 |title=Everything you need to know about the Saudi Seasons |url=https://www.timeoutriyadh.com/culture/saudi-seasons-guide |access-date=2024-07-24 |work=Time Out Riyadh |language=en-US}} Riyadh Season, the largest of the events in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, runs from October through March annually. The inaugural edition of Riyadh Season generated six billion riyals in revenue and over eleven million visitors.{{Cite news |date=2020-01-29 |title=Revealed: the impact of Riyadh Season on Saudi tourism |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-culture-society/438912-revealed-the-success-of-riyadh-season-on-saudi-tourism |access-date=2024-07-23 |work=Arabian Business |language=en-US}}{{cite news |date=21 October 2021 |title=Saudi Arabia's Entertainment Blowout is Twice as Big This Year |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-21/saudi-arabia-s-entertainment-blowout-is-twice-as-big-this-year |newspaper=Bloomberg.com}}

File:Elephant Rock 2020.jpg in Al-Ula]]

File:The Red Sea seen from the Ummahat Islands, Saudi Arabia.jpg]]

The Red Sea Project is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/02/saudi-arabia-open-luxury-beach-resort-women-can-wear-bikinis/ | title=Saudi Arabia to open luxury beach resort where women can wear bikinis | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=2 August 2017 | last1=Sanchez | first1=Raf | access-date=25 February 2019 | archive-date=11 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011120654/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/02/saudi-arabia-open-luxury-beach-resort-women-can-wear-bikinis/ | url-status=live }} The construction began in 2019. The Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it is listed as one of the best diving locations in the world.{{cite web |title=Blue Water Travel |date=6 July 2019 |url=https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/red-sea-diving |access-date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712054911/https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/red-sea-diving |url-status=live }}

The Travel & Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set for impressive growth, with an anticipated annual average increase of 11% over the next decade, positioning itself as the fastest-growing industry in the Middle East. This positive trajectory is highlighted by a projection that the Kingdom is expected to attract a substantial 22.1 million international arrivals by 2025. Such a promising outlook not only emphasizes the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination but also signifies the country's strategic efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape.{{cn|date=December 2023}}

Most visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia on a short term basis were from the following countries:

Saudi Arabia's overall number of tourist trips is on course to be 93.8 million by 2023, up from 64.7 million in 2018. Riyadh and Jeddah hosted Color Runs in late 2019. Hotels are no longer required to ask Saudi couples for proof of marriage for a check-in. The government is spending billions{{clarify|date=January 2022}} on bringing forms of entertainment such as wrestling, tennis, car racing, expensive restaurants and concerts to expand tourism.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-is-changing-fast-11572909143 |title=Saudi Arabia is Changing Fast - WSJ |website=www.wsj.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109005835/https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-is-changing-fast-11572909143 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |url-status=dead}} Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country announced its bid in October 2023, and was the only nation to submit a bid by the deadline, presenting a significant and promising opportunity for the future development and global recognition of Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web |last=Al Misehal |first=Yasser |date=2023 |title=Saudi Arabian Football Federation submits official letter of intent to bid for 2034 FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.saff.com.sa/en/news.php?id=2572 |website=Saudi Arabia Football Federation}}

Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is closely aligned with the 2030 vision, seeking to significantly enhance the sector's role in the domestic economy. The plan targets a contribution of over 10% to the growth of domestic product (GDP), the creation of one million new job opportunities, and the attraction of 100 million annual visits by 2030. This ambitious agenda reflects a comprehensive effort to position the Kingdom as a prominent player in the global tourism landscape.{{Cite web |last=Times (Ed) |first=Saudi Arabia |date=2023 |title=Tourism Strategy in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/aboutksa/tourism/ |website=GOV.SA}}

Embarking on a transformative journey to diversify its economic, social, and cultural dimensions, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has unveiled four pivotal projects under the ambitious 2030 vision. Qiddiyah Entertainment City, a colossal recreational and entertainment hub, promises a world of theme parks, sports facilities, desert tracks for motorsports, and a diverse array of historical and cultural events. NEOM, a $500 billion endeavor, envisions a futuristic city near the Red Sea, incorporating multiple cities, airports, seaports, and innovation centers. Meanwhile, the Red Sea Project focuses on luxury tourism, highlighting the natural wonders of the Red Sea through sustainable practices. Amaala Resort, an ultra-luxurious project, centers on wellness, healthy tourism, and cultural experiences, all aimed at not only elevating the nation's income but also transforming the quality of life for its citizens through world class tourism and entertainment experiences. With these visionary projects under the 2030 vision, the future prospects for the nation's economic, social, and cultural landscape appear promising and transformative.Aldakhil, F. (2020). FIU Digital Commons: Florida International University Research. FIU Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5914&context=etd

{{See Also|List of Saudi Vision 2030 Projects}}

The following list contains major Saudi Vision 2030 tourism projects under construction:

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Argentine professional footballer and Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi, as its tourism ambassador in May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sponsorship-psg/|title=Lionel Messi unveiled as Saudi Arabia tourism ambassador|access-date=10 May 2022|website=SportsPro|date=10 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511091517/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sponsorship-psg/|url-status=live}} Messi was signed by Saudi Arabia as its ambassador during a trip he made to the country's port city of Jeddah, along the Red Sea. Saudi's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb officially announced the signing in a tweet by writing, “This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it will not be the last”, indicating the footballer's future visits to Saudi for promoting its tourism.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/12/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-deal-tourism|title=Lionel Messi earned $122m last year. He still felt the need to take Saudi money|access-date=12 May 2022|website=The Guardian|date=12 May 2022|archive-date=12 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512143419/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/12/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-deal-tourism|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AhmedAlKhateeb/status/1523707725389381633|title=Ahmed Al Khateeb's Tweet on Messi|access-date=9 May 2022|website=Twitter|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509165342/https://twitter.com/AhmedAlKhateeb/status/1523707725389381633|url-status=live}} The news received critical reactions from media and human rights groups calling it Saudi Arabia's use of sports to improve its reputation.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sportswashing/|title=Messi Is Accused of Being the Face of a Blood-Soaked Regime|access-date=20 June 2022|website=VICE|date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620130330/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8dk/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sportswashing|url-status=live}}

-->File:Abha1.jpg|Abha City, located {{convert|2270|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level in the 'Asir Region

File:Al-Rifai House 2021.jpg| Al-Rifai House in Farasan Islands

File:Shebara Resort 2025.jpg|Shebara Resort in The Red Sea Project

File:1قرية ذي عين.jpg|Thee Ain village located in Al Bahah Province

File:Rijal Almaa village 2021.jpg|Rijal Alma'a Heritage Village in 'Asir Province

File:Rub al khali sunset Nov 2007.jpg|The desert of Al-Rub' Al-Khali (The Empty Quarter)

File: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) (cropped).png | King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran

File:The old city of Adummatu.jpg|The 3000-year-old ancient historical city of Dumat al-Jandal in Al Jawf Province

File:Soudah Mountain.png|Jabal Soudah ({{convert|3000|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=or}}) located in the 'Asir subrange of the Sarat Mountains

File:Old Jeddah (Al Balad), Saudi Arabia in November 2022.jpg|The historic district of Jeddah

File:Banyan Tree AlUla pool.jpg|Rock pool at Banyan Tree AlUla

File:Imarah Palace.jpg|Imarah Palace which is built using traditional Najrani architecture

File:Boulevard Riyadh City.jpg|Boulevard World Zone of Riyadh Season

File:Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024.jpg|Art Street in Abha

{{Portal|Saudi Arabia}}

• List of tourist attractions in Riyadh

• Saudi Tourism Authority
• Economy of Saudi Arabia
• Museums in Saudi Arabia
• Visa policy of Saudi Arabia
• Public Decency Law in Saudi Arabia

{{reflist}}

{{wikivoyage|Saudi Arabia}}

• [https://www.visitsaudi.com/en Visit Saudi Website]
• [https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ Saudi eVisa]
• [https://mt.gov.sa/ Saudi Ministry of Tourism Website]
• [https://www.sta.gov.sa/en/home Saudi Tourism Authority Website]
• [https://www.nusuk.sa/ Nusuk Website for Performing Umrah]
• [https://riyadhseason.com/en-US Riyadh Season Website]
• [https://www.visitalbalad.com/ Visit Al-Balad Website]
• [https://www.experiencealula.com/en Experience Al-Ula Website]
• [https://www.diriyah.sa/ Diriyah Website]

{{World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia}}

{{Saudi Arabia topics}}

{{Asia topic|Tourism in}}