Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the hospitality leader in the GCC, attracting unmatched investor attention due to exceptional growth across key metrics. According to Exits, the Kingdom has recorded a +65% increase in visitors since 2019, outpacing the UAE (+38%) and Qatar (+27%).
The country is set to add over 275,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, far exceeding announced figures in neighboring countries (UAE: 150,000 – Bahrain/Oman: under 50,000 rooms). Occupancy rates peak at 95% in Makkah (Hajj season) and 85% in Riyadh, signaling strong demand.
A major driver is sustained religious and cultural tourism, with a goal to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. Saudi Arabia is also advancing hospitality through megaprojects like NEOM and the Red Sea, and strategic partnerships in the Eastern Province.
Unlike other Gulf nations that lack cohesive goals or offer limited government incentives, Saudi Arabia has committed over $1 trillion in tourism investments, solidifying its position as a top-tier investment destination in the region.
