Saudi Red Sea Tourism Expected To Create 100,000 Jobs, Add $5.86 Billion GDP By 2030

Saudi Arabia is transforming its Red Sea region from a modest coastal area into a premier ultra-luxury tourism hub as part of its Vision 2030, with the sector projected to add $5.86 billion to GDP and generate 100,000 jobs by 2030. This development includes not only luxury resorts and marinas but also sustainable initiatives such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s Reefscape Restoration project, which aims to protect coral ecosystems critical to the area's renowned diving attractions. Riyadh targets attracting 19 million annual visitors to the Red Sea coast, supported by plans to license up to 60 marinas, significantly expanding beyond the small-scale operators that previously dominated the region. Bayada Island exemplifies this shift by combining sustainable tourism with vibrant marine activities, drawing both local and international tourists while prioritizing environmental preservation. Alongside these tourism efforts, Saudi Arabia continues to leverage religious tourism centered on Mecca and Medina, which remains a significant economic pillar attracting over 18.5 million visitors annually and driving ongoing infrastructure and technology investments. Together, these diverse tourism sectors are integral to Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification and growth strategy.