Amid the sandstone plateaus and rugged mountain ranges of NEOM’s Hisma Desert lies one of Arabia’s greatest open-air museums — an extraordinary collection of prehistoric rock art and inscriptions that capture the vitality of ancient civilizations and their way of life.

Once a bustling corridor for caravans traveling across the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient trade routes, this desert landscape still bears the marks of human creativity and endurance, etched into its stone surfaces thousands of years ago.

Abdulelah Al-Fares, a photographer and expert in ancient artifacts, and a member of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, told Arab News that the rock art is found across NEOM’s mountains and plateaus in the northwestern Tabuk region.

“The plateaus of the Hisma Desert, with their geological formations, represent an open-air museum of nature, ancient rock art, and diverse historical inscriptions,” Al-Fares said.

The Hisma Desert is bordered by the Sharah Mountains to the north, Wadi Araba to the northwest, the Hijaz Mountains to the west, and Harrat Al-Raha to the south — an area that has long served as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations.

The carvings feature detailed depictions of human figures, animals, and hunting scenes. Engravings show camels, cattle, ibexes, ostriches, wolves, and other wild and predatory animals, as well as images of human combat and daily life.

“These drawings are notable for their precision and have remarkably withstood the elements for thousands of years,” Al-Fares said. “Many of the scenes are recurring depicting wild animals and human interactions through hunting and warfare.”

According to Al-Fares, these rock drawings represent a civilizational legacy, connecting modern observers to the social and cultural lives of ancient peoples. “They are a bridge between our modern lives and the world of humans thousands of years ago a source of cultural and historical knowledge,” he added.

Across the Hisma Desert, numerous sites display a rich variety of artistic styles and inscriptions from different eras. Among the most striking are life-sized depictions of camels, carved with exceptional realism and attention to detail, reflecting the animal’s importance as a source of food and transport in ancient Arabia.

Another prominent scene shows a herd of cows, their large crescent-shaped horns gracefully curving, surrounded by human figures of varying sizes a testament to early artistic sophistication and symbolic storytelling.

These carvings serve as pictorial records of human history, documenting adaptation, survival, and the cultural evolution of the Arabian Peninsula. Their significance grows even more profound given the limited knowledge about prehistoric life in the region.

“The study of rock art here reveals the economic and cultural transformations that shaped northern Arabia,” Al-Fares explained. “They show how people interacted with animals — some now extinct — and how they lived, hunted, and traveled.”

Some carvings depict warriors mounted on animals, armed with spears and swords, their forms rendered with remarkable artistry. Others suggest the presence of distinct ethnic groups, migrations, and trade routes, shedding light on how ancient societies settled and thrived in the desert’s harsh beauty.

Each engraving, Al-Fares concluded, is more than a work of art — it is a timeless record of human endurance and creativity, carved into the heart of NEOM’s desert landscape.

U.S. Urges Saudi Arabia to Prioritize American Defense Systems Amid Regional Partnerships
Washington is encouraging Saudi Arabia to focus its advanced fighter jet acquisitions on U.S.-made platforms, amid reports of Riyadh's ongoing discussions with Turkey and Pakistan on alternative programs.

American officials express reservations about Saudi Arabia's diversification efforts, fearing they could diminish demand for U.S. arms exports, including the recently confirmed F-35 sales endorsed by President Donald Trump during high-level engagements. Diplomats seek greater clarity on Riyadh's technical collaborations across the region to safeguard longstanding defense ties.

Following U.S. advocacy, Saudi Arabia has committed to forgoing purchases of Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder aircraft, effectively pausing prior talks that linked jet supplies to debt relief for Islamabad.

Current deliberations center on Saudi Arabia's potential role in Turkey's KAAN fifth-generation fighter development, where no similar assurances have been extended to Washington. With the Kingdom's robust inventory of F-15s and Eurofighter Typhoons already in service, Pentagon assessments question the strategic value of such diversification.

These developments occur as Saudi Arabia strengthens trilateral defense frameworks with Pakistan and Turkey, underscoring evolving regional security dynamics while the Trump administration reaffirms its commitment to exclusive U.S. supply primacy.

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is entering a dynamic new phase of expansion, with around 94,500 hotel rooms currently under construction or in the final stages of planning. This growth builds on an existing base of 171,650 rooms, reflecting the rapid transformation underway across the Kingdom’s travel and tourism landscape.

The latest Saudi Report by global property consultancy Knight Frank highlights how the sector’s evolution mirrors the country’s wider economic diversification, with 2024 marking a particularly strong year as travel and tourism grew by 32 percent.

Robust performance and record spending

According to Oussama El Kadiri, Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory for MENA at Knight Frank, the market’s momentum is being fueled by a mix of government-led reforms, private sector investment, and changing consumer behaviors.

In 2024, the tourism sector contributed SAR444.3 billion to the Saudi economy, accounting for 11.5 percent of GDP, the highest proportion in the region. Early 2025 figures continue that trend, with international visitor spending rising 9.7 percent year-on-year to SAR49.4 billion, and total tourism expenditure reaching SAR284 billion, up 11 percent.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 29.7 million international visitors in 2024—an 8 percent increase—alongside 86.2 million domestic trips, up 5 percent from the year before. International travelers accounted for SAR169 billion of total spending, a 19 percent jump compared to 2023.

“Saudi Arabia’s tourism scene is evolving fast, powered by higher-value travelers and world-class hospitality projects being delivered under Vision 2030,” said Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, MENA at Knight Frank. “The government has now raised its 2030 target from 100 million to 150 million annual visitors, with religious tourism expected to make up about one-third of that figure.”

Religious and leisure travel on the rise

Religious tourism remains the backbone of the market. In 2024, the Kingdom hosted 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims and 35.7 million Umrah pilgrims, including 16.9 million international visitors—a 25 percent increase and the highest number ever recorded.

At the same time, leisure travel is expanding rapidly. Non-religious international travelers now account for 59 percent of arrivals, up from 44 percent in 2019. Spending on holiday and leisure trips alone reached SAR36.4 billion in 2024.

Asia continues to lead as the top source region with 9.7 million visitors, followed by Egypt (3.2 million), Pakistan (2.8 million), and Bahrain (2.6 million).

Expanding hotel supply

Between January and August 2025, the average daily hotel rate nudged up to SAR746 ($199), while occupancy levels rose to 61 percent, pushing revenue per available room up by 1.3 percent. By September 2025, Saudi Arabia’s total quality hotel inventory reached 171,650 rooms, with an additional 18 percent increase expected by 2027.

Nationwide, about 358,000 new hotel rooms are in the pipeline. Four major “mega-projects” are leading this expansion, particularly in the holy cities and key urban centers:

• Rua Al Haram – over 70,000 keys

• Rua Al Madinah – around 47,000 keys

• Knowledge Economic City – about 42,000 keys

• Masar Makkah – roughly 41,000 keys

Domestic travel trends

Domestic tourism remains the largest segment, with Saudi citizens making up 74.3 percent of visitors in 2024. Roughly one in three Saudis travels within the Kingdom every two to three months, a number that rises to half among those earning more than SAR80,000 monthly.

Staycations are now a major trend:

• 36 percent favor long weekend trips (4–6 days)

• 20 percent take full-week stays

• 67 percent of high earners prefer 7–10-day getaways

Since 2019, around 250,000 Saudis have relocated to Riyadh, largely due to the city’s strong job market—it has accounted for two-thirds of new employment opportunities since then.

Favorite domestic destinations include:

• Makkah – the most visited city (42%)

• Riyadh – most popular among high earners (61%), tied with Jeddah (40%) as key business and cultural centers

• Dammam Metropolitan Area – 16 percent

• Abha (24%), Taif (22%), and Al-Ula (20%) – appreciated for their cooler climate and heritage attractions

Rising demand for high-end hospitality

Currently, around 60 percent of Saudi Arabia’s hotel rooms fall under luxury, upper-upscale, or upscale categories—a share expected to rise to 76 percent by 2030. This shift reflects growing consumer preferences, with 83 percent of travelers favoring four- or five-star stays.

Serviced apartments have also gained popularity, representing 22 percent of total stays, while resorts have grown to 11 percent, helped by ongoing Red Sea projects that will add about 8,000 rooms by 2030.

El Kadiri summed up the trend, saying:
“Saudi Arabia’s tourism and leisure industry is on the verge of historic change. By merging pilgrimage, heritage, and modern leisure experiences, the Kingdom is building a tourism identity where luxury meets authenticity—and ambition meets results.”

Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its role as a major global aviation center, with several of its air routes earning places among the busiest in the world for 2025, based on updated rankings by OAG, the leading international aviation data firm.

The achievement highlights the Kingdom’s accelerating progress in civil aviation, fueled by expanding airport capacities, a surge in passenger traffic, and greater operational efficiency. These developments stem from the Aviation Program — a key initiative within the National Transport and Logistics Strategy — and reflect the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance connectivity and economic diversification.

According to OAG’s 2025 report, the Jeddah–Riyadh domestic route secured the fifth spot globally among the busiest air routes, with a total of 9.8 million seats available. It saw a 13% increase compared to the previous year and a 22% rise compared to 2019, underscoring the route’s pivotal role in domestic travel.

On the international front, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second worldwide, offering 5.8 million seats in 2025. This route recorded a 5% annual increase from 2024 and an impressive 71% jump relative to 2019 levels, reaffirming the strong and growing passenger demand between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Dubai–Riyadh connection claimed the seventh position among the world’s busiest routes, with a total capacity of 4.5 million seats. The route posted a 4% year-on-year growth and a 42% expansion compared to 2019, reflecting strengthened ties with one of the region’s most active travel markets.

These strong showings underscore the success of initiatives led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in partnership with stakeholders across the aviation sector. The ongoing efforts to boost connectivity, streamline operations, and extend global reach have positioned Saudi airports as competitive hubs that serve both tourism and business travel needs.

The recognition of Saudi air routes among the world’s top performers highlights the profound transformation underway in the Kingdom’s aviation sector — strengthening its contribution to national development and consolidating its standing as a key gateway for international air transport.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), took part in the Changi Aviation Summit 2026 and the Singapore Airshow, held in Singapore from 1 to 3 February 2026.

The Saudi delegation was headed by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of GACA’s Board of Directors, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and included the President of GACA, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, alongside senior executives and experts from the aviation, airport management, aviation services, and Air Connectivity Program (ACP) sectors.

The Kingdom’s participation reflects its continued commitment to maintaining a strong presence in prominent international aviation gatherings and contributing to global dialogue on the future of the aviation industry.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the Changi Aviation Summit demonstrates its dedication to expanding international collaboration and assuming an influential role in the development of civil aviation. The summit provides a high-level forum for policymakers and industry leaders to address evolving challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector amid accelerating global change.

This participation also highlights the Kingdom’s growing stature and strategic importance within the global aviation landscape. Through GACA’s involvement, Saudi Arabia seeks to remain aligned with the latest regulatory frameworks and technological advancements, while promoting the highest standards of safety, security, and operational performance in accordance with international benchmarks.

As part of the visit, the President of GACA and the Authority’s vice presidents toured the Singapore Airshow 2026, widely recognized as a leading global platform for advanced aviation and aerospace technologies. The delegation reviewed a range of innovations across aerospace engineering, manufacturing, operational systems, and support services, in addition to future-oriented solutions aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness across the industry.

The visit further underscores the Saudi civil aviation ecosystem’s focus on strengthening direct engagement with major international organizations and companies, and on identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange and the localization of advanced technologies within the Kingdom.

These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to adopt innovative practices that reinforce its role as a global center for aviation and logistics services, consistent with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the Aviation Program, and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

On the margins of the summit, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Jeffrey Siow, attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Air Connectivity Program and Singapore Airlines.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of GACA and Chairman of the ACP Executive Committee, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, as well as the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Mr. Han Kok Juan.

The agreement is intended to strengthen air links between Saudi Arabia and Singapore through the introduction of the first direct flight connecting Riyadh and Singapore, supporting tourism growth, enhancing trade exchange, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Additionally, in the presence of the President of GACA, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services conducted several bilateral meetings with senior international counterparts, including Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, France’s Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot, the President of the ICAO Council Toshiyuki Onuma, and Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El-Hefny.

These discussions focused on expanding cooperation, sharing expertise, and advancing joint initiatives in air transport and aviation innovation.

The President of GACA also held meetings with senior representatives from Boeing, Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to explore strategic cooperation and opportunities for localizing aviation industries in support of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Meanwhile, GACA’s Deputy President for Air Transport and International Cooperation met with Japan’s Deputy Assistant Minister for International Civil Aviation to discuss avenues for further collaboration in the civil aviation field.

Saudi Arabia’s Asir region has launched what officials describe as the Kingdom’s first pilot program using drones for municipal operations, in a move aimed at accelerating services and strengthening oversight through digital transformation.

Asir Mayor Abdullah Al Jali said the initiative is being implemented by the Asir Emirate in coordination with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and other relevant authorities. Trial operations began in February in Abha and Khamis Mushait as an initial phase.

Al Jali said the drones operate using artificial intelligence with no direct human intervention, enabling them to monitor municipal projects and detect violations such as unauthorized construction or excavation. The system can also identify illegal waste dumping and encroachments, flag emergency situations, and carry out rapid, high-accuracy topographic surveys.

Officials expect the technology to improve municipal performance by speeding up services and administrative processes, including the issuance of licenses and plan approvals, while supporting stronger regulatory control.

According to Al Jali, the program is also designed to reduce errors, improve transparency, enhance project quality, and address “visual distortions” across urban areas. He added that the scope of the pilot will be expanded, with additional applications under review—such as responding to residents’ reports and tracking maintenance and cleanliness work—as part of wider efforts to modernize municipal services in the region.