Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation in tourism development. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, signaling a mutual commitment to explore joint opportunities and foster sustainable growth across the tourism sectors of both nations.
The MoU was signed by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. According to an official statement, the partnership will focus on developing innovative initiatives, enhancing the quality of tourism services, promoting sustainability, and highlighting the unique cultural and natural experiences offered by both countries.
Saudi Arabia has been a key source market for Qatar, with Saudi visitors accounting for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals to the country in 2024. The collaboration aligns with Qatarโs ongoing efforts to sustain the momentum gained from hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, which attracted millions of international visitors.
Tourism is also a central component of Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and promote social transformation. The Kingdom plans to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with at least one-third coming from overseas. As part of these efforts, Saudi authorities are focusing on doubling tourismโs contribution to the national economy, currently around 5 percent.
The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Qatar includes plans for joint marketing campaigns, collaborative events, and initiatives to strengthen the global appeal of both destinations. This MoU represents a strategic step in regional tourism cooperation and highlights the growing importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth in the Gulf region.
