Saudi Arabia’s Asir region is set to advance major tourism projects, notably the Seven Entertainment Complex, by 2025 under the leadership of Hashem Al-Dabbagh of the Asir Development Authority. The region aims to attract 8 million tourists by 2030 while promoting sustainable development and significant investments approaching SR28 billion. Asir is the only Saudi region with an approved strategy to enhance its tourism assets.
The Asir region in Saudi Arabia is poised to progress from the planning phase to implementation in 2025, with the completion of significant projects, notably the Seven Entertainment Complex. Hashem Al-Dabbagh, Acting CEO of the Asir Development Authority, highlighted this transition during the Saudi Tourism Forum held in Riyadh, emphasizing the authority’s goal to attract 8 million tourists by 2030 and to position the region as a premier global tourist destination. He stated, “2025 is a very exciting year for a number of reasons. Maybe the first one is that the first large project, Seven Entertainment Complex by the airport, will be completed in 2025.” Al-Dabbagh showcased the diligent collaboration between the authority and various governmental entities to support these initiatives, reporting approximately SR28 billion ($7.45 billion) in investments under consideration across different project phases. He noted that Asir is uniquely positioned as the only region in Saudi Arabia with an approved strategy from the government, aligning it closely with the Kingdom’s broader tourism objectives, including hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Moreover, the authority aims to balance development and conservation while expanding Asir’s tourism and investment landscape, positioning it as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. The third Saudi Tourism Forum emphasizes these developments, showcasing projects that are instrumental in boosting national tourism and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The Asir region is an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its tourism sector, particularly by transitioning from planning to execution of major projects. With a vision aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 goals, the region aspires to attract millions of tourists, establishing itself as a year-round destination leveraging its unique cultural and natural attributes. The authority’s efforts involve collaborations with various governmental ministries and investment sectors, emphasizing capital influx in the tourism industry as well as preparing for high-profile international events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.
In conclusion, the transition of the Asir region from planning to the execution of tourism projects marks a significant advancement for Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy. Hashem Al-Dabbagh’s leadership within the Asir Development Authority is crucial in navigating investments and fostering essential partnerships for sustainable development. The anticipated completion of major projects by 2025 is set to enhance Asir’s status as a competitive global tourist destination, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com