Saudi Arabia introduces new...

Licensing processes have been streamlined

Saudi Arabia has passed a new law aimed at accelerating the development of its tourism sector.

Approved by a council of Ministers, the resolution will establish new regulatory environments in the Kingdom to attract tourism innovators and increase the efficiency of doing business.

The resolution will allow new or experimental tourism businesses to receive special licences and support from the ministry. It will streamline licensing processes and procedures by creating a one-stop-shop platform for all tourism stakeholders. Both initiatives were announced as part of the Ministry’s digital tourism strategy.

The new legal framework will also allow the Ministry of Tourism to have greater control of the quality of tourism services offered within the kingdom, ensuring the highest standards possible for both tourists while strengthening destination development.

The country's tourism goals are laid out within the National Tourism Strategy and Vision 2030. They include a target of100 million new visits, a 10% GDP contribution from tourism and one million new jobs in tourism by 2030.

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Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said: "In our continued work to develop, promote and enable an internationally competitive tourism sector as a key pillar of Vision 2030, we are delighted to announce the approval of the new tourism law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will drive business and investment, support innovation and attract tourists.

"This law follows the Kingdom’s recent announcement of the Regional Tourism Development Councils Regulation, a major milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy. The regulation will accelerate the development of tourist destinations in the various regions, including NEOM, Al-Soudah, the Red Sea and Diriyah Gate.

"With a future-focused vision, we are working diligently to upgrade hospitality standards and provide unprecedented and enriching visitor experiences.”

The tourism sector’s rapid development and its integration with modern technologies is considered within the law, including the provision of a new tool which administers permits for experimental tourism activities. The tourism sector is amongst the first sectors in the Kingdom to use this regulatory tool.

For more information, visit www.mt.gov.sa