Skift Power Rankings: Ahmed Al Khateeb

Key Points

• Ahmed Al Khateeb became Saudi Arabia's first tourism minister in February 2020, just before the global pandemic.
• Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has grown rapidly, with international tourist spending reaching $37.6 billion in 2023.
• The '2030 Vision' includes launching Riyadh Air, achieving 150 million visitors, contributing 10% to GDP, and creating 1.6 million jobs by 2030.

Summary

Ahmed Al Khateeb, appointed as Saudi Arabia's first-ever minister of tourism in February 2020, has significantly transformed the country's tourism sector despite the onset of the global pandemic. Initially focused on religious travel, Saudi Arabia has seen a remarkable increase in international tourists, with spending reaching $37.6 billion in 2023. Al Khateeb aims to fulfill the crown prince's '2030 Vision,' which includes launching Riyadh Air and achieving 150 million visitors, contributing 10% to GDP and creating 1.6 million jobs by the end of the decade.