Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage sector recorded strong growth in 2025, surpassing key performance targets under the Quality of Life Program while advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s cultural influence and economic impact.

Among the year’s landmark achievements was the opening of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Madinah. The centre serves as an international hub for Arabic calligraphy, featuring a permanent museum, rotating exhibitions, research grants, a business incubator and an artist residency programme designed to support calligraphers, researchers, emerging talent and cultural organisations.

The Kingdom also inaugurated the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah. The museum houses more than 1,000 artefacts and artworks displayed across 23 galleries, with collections including ceramics, incense burners, navigation tools, historic maps, rare manuscripts and contemporary works by Saudi and international artists.

The sector also recorded significant growth in cultural participation. Cultural event days reached 6,314, more than double the target of 3,010, while the number of cultural facilities increased to 94, exceeding the planned 87. Employment in the sector rose to 282,709, surpassing the target of 247,000, and local publishers produced 12,879 book titles during the year.

Progress was equally notable in heritage preservation and tourism. The number of accessible heritage sites reached 232, while visits to national heritage locations and UNESCO-listed sites climbed to 14.1 million, nearly twice the target of 7.19 million. Saudi Arabia also participated in 71 international cultural events, exceeding the target of 34, further expanding the Kingdom’s global cultural presence.

The results reflect continued momentum towards the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing national identity, increasing public engagement with culture and positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging global cultural destination.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK-based Vertical Aerospace to support the growth of the Kingdom's advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.

The agreement was signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom in the presence of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. It is intended to help establish the regulatory and operational framework required for next-generation aviation technologies.

Under the MoU, the two parties will collaborate on certification processes, regulatory approvals and the exchange of technical expertise with leading international aviation authorities, supporting the implementation of Saudi Arabia's Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap.

The partnership also reflects GACA's efforts to develop a flexible regulatory environment that encourages the adoption of innovative and environmentally sustainable aircraft technologies.

The initiative supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Program, which aim to position the Kingdom as a global aviation and logistics hub.

In a separate agreement, Cluster2 Airports Company signed a memorandum of understanding with Vertical Aerospace to develop infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across Saudi Arabia.

Source: TradeArabia

ALULA, Saudi Arabia: AlUla's Old Town has established itself as one of the governorate's leading cultural and tourism destinations, offering visitors a journey through more than 700 years of history alongside a wide range of heritage experiences.

The settlement traces its origins to the 12th century, when communities developed near AlUla Oasis along the historic caravan routes connecting the southern Arabian Peninsula with the Levant. Over time, the town evolved into an important centre for commerce and hospitality.

Home to more than 900 mud-brick houses built around seven centuries ago, AlUla's Old Town later became a major stop on the Syrian Hajj route. Its strategic location strengthened its economic and social importance, serving traders, pilgrims, and travellers for generations.

Throughout its history, the town attracted explorers and travellers who documented their journeys through AlUla, highlighting its significance along historic trade and pilgrimage routes. Today, it continues to serve as the main gateway to AlUla, welcoming visitors beginning their exploration of the governorate.

The town's preserved urban layout offers insight into traditional architecture and the daily life of earlier generations, allowing visitors to experience the area's cultural identity in an authentic setting.

Modern-day AlUla's Old Town combines its historic character with contemporary attractions, featuring traditional souqs, handicrafts, locally produced goods, exhibitions, cultural events, cafés, and restaurants. Together, these experiences preserve the town's heritage while presenting it in a way that appeals to today's visitors.

Source: SPA

AL-BAHA, Saudi Arabia: Resorts across Saudi Arabia's Al-Baha Region are enhancing the summer travel experience by combining cool weather with scenic mountain landscapes, reinforcing the region's reputation as one of the Kingdom's leading seasonal tourism destinations.

Among the standout attractions is Rosemary Resort in Al-Qura Governorate, which has become a popular destination for families and holidaymakers. Covering more than 17,000 square metres, the resort reflects the area's natural beauty and rural character, further strengthening Al-Qura's role as the northern gateway to Al-Baha Region.

Designed to blend with its mountainous surroundings, the resort offers a countryside retreat featuring a wide range of leisure facilities. Its central open-air area can accommodate more than 1,800 visitors and is surrounded by retail outlets, restaurants, and cafés. Additional attractions include children's playgrounds, horse stables, and padel courts, providing activities for visitors of all ages.

During this year's summer season, Rosemary Resort has expanded its role beyond a nature retreat to become a key contributor to domestic tourism and the local economy. The resort currently employs more than 50 young Saudi men and women across its operations.

The project also highlights the growing contribution of the private sector to Saudi Arabia's tourism development through investment in high-quality destinations. The initiative supports economic growth, strengthens Al-Baha's position as a premier tourism destination, and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to expand the tourism sector and improve quality of life.

Source: SPA

TAIF, Saudi Arabia: Taif Governorate is diversifying its tourism sector by expanding beyond its renowned mountain scenery and mild climate to offer a broader mix of rural, environmental, and recreational experiences.

The destination has seen significant growth in rural resorts and lodges that make use of the area's mountainous terrain and surrounding farms. These venues provide visitors with immersive activities such as farm stays, agricultural experiences, cultural and artistic events, fruit-harvesting tours, and family-friendly programmes that celebrate the region's heritage.

Eco-tourism is also gaining momentum in Taif, with attractions including wildlife observation, bird watching, safari adventures, and mountain hiking trails. These experiences are designed to combine outdoor recreation with greater awareness of environmental conservation.

Tourism specialist Bassem Ahmed said Taif's wide-ranging attractions enable visitors to enjoy mountains, farms, traditional markets, and entertainment venues within a single trip. Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, he said the diversity of experiences is helping strengthen the governorate's tourism industry while creating new opportunities for investment.

Source: SPA

AL-BAHA, Saudi Arabia: Scattered rainfall across the Al-Baha Region on Friday brought cooler temperatures, encouraging residents and visitors to spend time outdoors at parks, forests, and natural attractions across several governorates.

The region's mountainous areas were blanketed in fog and low clouds, creating picturesque landscapes that attracted large crowds. Visitors took advantage of the mild weather while enjoying Al-Baha's green forests, elevated terrain, and scenic surroundings.

Seasonal rainfall and fog are defining features of Al-Baha's highlands during the summer months. These weather conditions help maintain the region's pleasant climate and play a key role in supporting tourism by enhancing its appeal as a seasonal destination.

Source: SPA