European arrivals to Saudi Arabia up 14% in 2025

The number of European visitors to Saudi Arabia rose by 14% in the first nine months of 2025, while arrivals from East Asia and the Pacific grew by 15%, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism.

Speaking at the Budget Forum 2026 in Riyadh on 3 December 2025, Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud said total domestic and international tourist numbers have now surpassed 116 million so far this year. 

The kingdom recorded 60.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 1.5% increase year on year, and remains on track to meet its ambitious target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030. 

International visitor growth has also been strong this year from Egypt, Pakistan and Kuwait, with additional momentum from India and Indonesia, supported by new flight connections and an increase in Umrah travel.

RELATED:

Red Sea Global secures US$1.73 billion for Amaala ahead of opening

Hilton to add more than 22,000 rooms in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia visitor numbers rise to more than 60.9 million in H1 2025

Princess Haifa highlighted the tourism sector’s rapid expansion as one of Saudi’s most promising non-oil industries, noting that the sector has generated SAR275 billion (US$73 billion) in 2025 to date, and is on course to contribute 10% of national GDP by the end of the year.

While international arrivals continue to rise, Princess Haifa underscored the vital role of domestic tourism in driving sustainable growth. Domestic travellers accounted for 46.6 million visitors in the first half of 2025, with spending exceeding SAR105 billion by the end of Q3, an 18% year-on-year increase. 

The number of private hospitality facilities has surged by 1,250% compared to last year, with more than 31,000 licences issued for rural inns and privately operated guest houses.