Connections Saudi unveils event programme for travel trade

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At-Turaif heritage site in Diriyah, Riyadh / ©Saudi Tourism Board

Connections Saudi has revealed details of its upcoming travel trade programme ahead of its debut in Riyadh from 10 to 14 November 2025, featuring curated cultural experiences and a visit to Qiddiya City’s upcoming Six Flags theme park.

Held in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and running alongside Tourise – a new platform shaping global tourism’s future – the five-day, invitation-only event will convene 500 global travel industry professionals, including 250 handpicked buyers and 250 Saudi suppliers.

Part of the global Connections series, which has previously hosted editions in Qatar and Bahrain, the Saudi event will focus on building meaningful partnerships across the luxury, adventure, culture and hospitality sectors.

Attendees will take part in pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and enjoy immersive experiences delivered through The Connections Way – a business approach that fuses commercial discussions with shared cultural, culinary and wellness activities.

Cultural activities in Saudi Arabia / ©Saudi Tourism Board

The programme also includes dedicated content sessions designed to support international buyers in promoting Saudi Arabia to travellers, highlighting opportunities in investment, culture and tourism development.

To complement these sessions, delegates will embark on curated tours organised by partners Aseer, Al Baha, AlUla and Six Senses, offering first-hand insight into Saudi Arabia’s diverse destinations and landscapes.

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A key highlight will be a cultural engagement experience in Diriyah, one of the kingdom’s most celebrated heritage destinations. Attendees will tour the Unesco-listed At-Turaif Historical District, followed by dinner at Villa Mamas on Al-Bujairi Terrace, overlooking the illuminated site.

Delegates will also visit Qiddiya City for a guided experience showcasing the entertainment and leisure megaproject’s progress, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, scheduled to open in late 2025.

The EduTour programme will cover record-breaking rides, retail and dining concepts, VIP experiences and opportunities in MICE and VVIP events, concluding with a mocktail reception and drone show at The Citadel.

At-Turaif Unesco-listed heritage site in Diriyah

Participants will have the opportunity to join the Tourise programme on 13 November for networking and panel sessions, before the Connections event concludes with a private dinner at the InterContinental Riyadh hosted by Red Sea Global, the developer behind Saudi’s regenerative tourism project aiming to open 80 resorts by 2030.

Greg Reeves, Managing Director of Connections, said Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the world’s most “ambitious and fast-evolving destinations”, with Connections Saudi set to showcase this momentum by uniting global travel leaders and the kingdom’s pioneering suppliers through an approach that builds lasting business relationships.

“By experiencing Saudi hospitality and giga projects first-hand, delegates will gain a true understanding of the scale and opportunity that lies ahead for tourism in the Kingdom,” he said.

Abdullah Aldakhil, Spokesperson for the Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “With Connections Saudi taking place alongside the inaugural Tourise summit, the industry’s brightest minds and boldest innovators will unite in Riyadh to shape the future of tourism for decades to come. This synergy reflects our commitment to building a tourism sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused, setting new standards for partnerships and progress.”

For more information, visit connectionsluxury.com