INTERVIEW SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY
Fahd Hamidaddin
Chairman and CEO
Your country is a crossroads of discovery, with Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Ula. What other wonders would you recommend to our readers?
Saudi Arabia, as vast as two-thirds of Europe, offers a mosaic of landscapes and cultures. I'd encourage you to discover the South, in particular the oasis town of Najran, the province of Jizan, with its villages and magnificent walks in the avian highlands of Asir. These places are perfect for a summer getaway when it can get too hot elsewhere.
Is it possible for non-Muslims to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina?
Only Medina is open to all, allowing visitors to discover the first capital of Islam and its sacred mosque. It's an enriching opportunity that I highly recommend.
With large-scale projects such as the Six Flags park in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia seems to be redefining its entertainment offering. What is the philosophy behind these colossal investments?
For a fulfilled life, we need culture, spirituality and entertainment. At Qiddiya, for example, we have created a space where adventure reaches world-class heights, already captivating hundreds of thousands of visitors. These investments enrich our well-being. In Riyadh, with more than 11,000 events organized last year, our offer even surpassed a city like Las Vegas.
To conclude, what is your main message for our readers?
As Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice". Come and explore Saudi Arabia, experience our hospitality and immerse yourself in the diversity of our cultures. We welcome you all with open arms to discover the beauty and authenticity of our beautiful country.
After a day of discovery, some tourists may regret the absence of wine or champagne. Do you plan to change this policy?
Our choice not to include alcohol is deliberate, reflecting our desire to offer an authentic experience, connected to our culture and history, as well as to nature. Tourism trends show a growing interest in sober, alcohol-free holidays, as proven by Expedia's 'Unpack'24' study. This authenticity sets us apart from the global market.
We are seeing a notable presence of women in key roles within the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. Can you tell us about any initiatives or policies you have put in place to promote diversity and equal opportunity in this sector?
Yes, the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunity. We are proud to have achieved a female participation rate of over 45%, and we continue to work to ensure an even greater balance in decision-making positions.
SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY
Amr Al Damri Street, as-Safarat, RIYAD 12512
