Riyadh hosts the world: UN General Assembly tourism marks 50 years of global cooperation | News

As the United Nations Tourism Organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, all eyes are on this country Riyadhthe host city of the 26th UN General Assembly Tourism (UNTGA 2025). Takes place from November 7–11, 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotelthis groundbreaking event will unite ministers, policymakers and industry leaders from more than around the world 160 Member States– making it the largest meeting in the organization’s history.

For Saudi Arabia, this is more than a global conference. It is a powerful statement of how far the country has come as a leader in tourism and how deeply it is shaping the future of the sector under Vision 2030.

A defining moment for global tourism

The 26th General Assembly comes at a time when tourism is being redefined through digital transformation, sustainability and inclusive growth. The theme of the event, “AI-powered tourism: redefining the future” captures this evolution and positions Saudi Arabia at the heart of the next chapter of global tourism.

HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism

HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourismemphasized the importance of the milestone:

“Hosting the General Assembly in Riyadh is an honor and a responsibility. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cooperation and to building a tourism sector that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.”

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb is the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and the first to hold this position. He is leading efforts to open the kingdom to global tourism and unleash its social and economic potential.

He chairs several major boards, including the Tourism Development Council, Saudi Tourism Authority and Tourism Development Fund, and serves on the boards of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM and Red Sea Global. He also holds leadership positions at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and the Jeddah Central Development Company.

A key architect of Saudi Vision 2030, Al Khateeb also chairs the Quality-of-Life Program and played a key role in the National Transformation Program 2020. His experience includes more than 30 years in investments and financial services, with a strong track record in institutional transformation and economic reforms.

He was previously Minister of Health, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and Advisor to HRH the Crown Prince. He founded Jadwa Investment Company and the Islamic Banking (Amanah) division at SABB Bank. Al Khateeb holds a BBA from King Saud University and a Diploma in Asset Management from Dalhousie University, Canada.

Over five days, delegates will hold discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence, sustainable investments and social inclusion. The sessions aim to create actionable frameworks for global destinations navigating a rapidly evolving landscape – one that increasingly values ​​authenticity, technology and regeneration over volume-based growth.

Riyadh: the new global capital of tourism dialogue

Riyadh’s transformation over the past decade has been extraordinary. Once primarily a business hub, the Saudi capital has now become a global destination, hosting world-class events such as the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summitthe Future Hospitality Summitand the Global Aviation Conference.

The city’s hospitality infrastructure has expanded at the same time, with luxury brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis setting new standards for service and experience. According to the Saudi Tourism Authoritywelcomed the Kingdom 116 million visitors in 2024generate $75 billion in tourism expenditure and employs almost a million people in the sector.

These achievements reflect the success of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s roadmap for diversification and sustainable development. Tourism is a central pillar of this vision, with objectives to attract people 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 10%.

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Global cooperation for a shared future

The 50th anniversary of the UN Tourism Organization underlines the sector’s role as a bridge between cultures and economies. The meeting in Riyadh will host a series of ministerial dialogues, policy forums and innovation showcases sustainable destinations, AI-driven tourism and climate-responsible travel.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourismdescribed Saudi Arabia’s role as “instrumental in modernizing and accelerating the organization’s global agenda,” highlighting the Kingdom’s investments in infrastructure, education and community empowerment as a benchmark for member states.

The event also marks the inauguration of the Global tourism innovation huban initiative designed to connect startups, investors and policy leaders to accelerate technology adoption across destinations.

Beyond the Meeting: A Lasting Legacy

Hosting the General Assembly is not a one-time feat; it is part of a broader legacy. Saudi Arabia continues to invest in mega projects such as NEOM, Diriyah, The Red SeaAnd AlUlaeach representing a different facet of the country’s reimagined tourism identity.

HH Princess Haifa Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism

If HH Princess Haifa Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourismnoted:

“Our mission is not just to welcome the world, but to inspire it. Tourism is the language of understanding, and through innovation we can create a future where every journey adds value – to people, to nature and to the planet.”

Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed AlSaud is Deputy Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia and a key architect in building the country’s tourism sector from the ground up. She has played a central role in driving high-impact sustainable growth and implementing the National Tourism Strategy, which has led to the establishment of several major tourism organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Tourism Development Fund.

Before becoming Deputy Minister in 2022, she was Vice President of Strategy at the Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and later Assistant Minister for Executive and Strategic Affairs.

Princess Haifa also holds numerous board and committee positions on major national initiatives, such as Qiddiya Investment Company, Riyadh Air and the Aseer Region Development Authority, reflecting her broad influence in Saudi Arabia’s development and quality of life programs.

The Riyadh General Assembly symbolizes a turning point: the moment when the past and future of tourism meet on one stage. As Saudi Arabia welcomes the world, it reaffirms a simple yet powerful message:the future of global travel starts here.