Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 

Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Basel Talal, managing director of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Levant at Radisson Hotel Group. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for Middle East and North Africa at Knight Frank. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Gloria Guevara Manzo, chief special adviser at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president for development in the Middle East and Africa at Hyatt Hotels Corp. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Tom Stevens, area vice president of Rotana Hotels. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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FII 2022, Riyadh. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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FII 2022, Riyadh. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Global Cybersecurity Forum, Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
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Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Fairmont Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Four seasons hotel, Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Four seasons hotel, Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 September 2023
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Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 

Why a successful Riyadh Expo 2030 bid would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Saudi hospitality sector 
  • The event would highlight the best of Saudi Arabia’s culture, cuisine, and luxury offerings on a global stage
  • With 120 million visitors expected, demand for accommodation, dining and entertainment offerings would surge

RIYADH: As Riyadh vies for the opportunity to host Expo 2030, with expectations of welcoming over 120 million visitors, the mood in the hospitality industry is visibly upbeat at the prospect of presenting the mega global event. 

Scheduled to unfold from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, the five-month exhibition is poised to cast a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar hospitality plans. With the hotel sector at the forefront, the event aims to highlight the best of Saudi culture on a global stage. 

“One of the biggest opportunity areas for the Kingdom’s hospitality market will be to deliver a diverse range of hotel accommodation options that cater to all budgets,” Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for Middle East and North Africa at Knight Frank, told Arab News. 

He noted that they are currently tracking over 310,000 hotel rooms under development for completion by 2030. Only 17 percent of this capacity falls in the three-star or lower category, highlighting the opportunity for more budget-friendly options. 

Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president for development in the Middle East and Africa at Hyatt Hotels Corp., highlighted hotels’ vital role in addressing accommodation and dining needs, creating unique and immersive stays that mirror the country’s heritage, modernity, and history. 

“From luxurious penthouses to lifestyle and business suites, guests will have plenty of choices when visiting the destination,” he said 

Tom Stevens, area vice president of Rotana Hotels, expects a diverse range of attendees at the global mega-event, encompassing business and leisure travelers, solo and family visitors, and those seeking short or extended stays. 

He added: “With an anticipated 120 million visitors to the city of Riyadh and 40 million to the Expo 2030 site, the hospitality industry can expect a significant surge in demand for accommodation, dining, and entertainment offerings.” 

If Riyadh secures the backing of the Bureau International des Expositions member countries to host Expo 2030, the Kingdom has pledged to stage the most impactful World Expo to date. 

Basel Talal, managing director of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Levant at Radisson Hotel Group, outlined their Expo 2030 preparations. “We’re investing heavily in staff training across our hotels to ensure the highest levels of service and understanding of the diverse needs of global visitors.” 

He underscored that Expo 2030’s significance surpasses a mere event, terming it a “statement to the world unraveling Saudi Arabia’s vision and future.”  

Talal noted the influx of global visitors will drive immediate demand for hospitality services, “but the impact goes beyond short-term bookings.”  

Bouldoukian echoed this sentiment, underlining that Expo 2030 presents an exciting opportunity for Riyadh. “The city’s hotels are playing an instrumental role in the destination’s bid to host the event.” 

If successful in the bid, he said the event could bring an unprecedented influx of international visitors, enabling the city to showcase its hospitality, entertainment, and cultural offerings. 

Durrani emphasized that hosting the World Expo would contribute to Riyadh’s emergence as Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and a global hub.  

The Saudi hospitality industry holds the promise of an unparalleled experience for tourists, a sentiment echoed by Bouldoukian. 

“Riyadh Expo 2030 would offer the perfect opportunity to showcase this to a global audience,” he explained, adding that attendees of Riyadh Expo 2030 will be invited to envision a different future — prosperous, innovative, and sustainable. 

Richard Schiller, general manager of Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, anticipates a “game-changing” impact on the Kingdom's hospitality industry if Saudi Arabia wins the bid.  

“This presents a unique chance for the sector to not only cater to immediate needs but also to leave a lasting impression on visitors, potentially turning them into repeat travelers in the post-Expo period,” he told Arab News. 

In conclusion, Gloria Guevara Manzo, chief special adviser at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, affirmed the country’s worthiness of hosting the mega event, adding that it’s a “unique opportunity for international visitors to experience its impressive transformation, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary hospitality.”  

As the curtains rise on Expo 2030, Riyadh’s hospitality sector is gearing up to stage a grand performance, blending the richness of Saudi culture and luxury, beckoning the world to partake in an unparalleled experience. 


13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders

13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders
Updated 09 September 2024
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13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders

13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders
  • Drug haul includes 917kg of qat, 39.5kg of hashish
  • 2 Yemenis, Saudi citizen arrested for peddling drugs

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s southern border forces have arrested 13 Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 917 kg of qat and other narcotic substances into the country, the Saudi Press Agency said in a series of reports on Sunday.

Two Yemenis and a Saudi Arabia citizen were arrested in separate operations for peddling drugs, the SPA reported.

Seven of the Ethiopian suspects were arrested by the Border Guard in Al-Ardah, Jazan, while allegedly trying to enter the Kingdom with 320 kg of qat, the SPA said in one of eight reports.

Another report said Border Guard land patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan, arrested four Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and possession of 39.5 kg of hashish and 19,960 tablets of amphetamine.

In Fifa, Jazan, security patrols arrested two Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and possession of 59,998 tablets of illegal drugs.

A sample of the narcotic qat plant, a key export of drug traffickers from Yemen. (SPA/File) 

Border Guard patrols reportedly seized, in separate operations, 432 kg of qat in Al-Raboah, Asir; 165 kg of qat in Al-Dayer, Jazan; and an undetermined amount of qat in Al-Farsha, Asir.

In Asir, security patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi Arabia citizen for the suspected peddling of hashish and methamphetamine, the SPA reported.

And in Jeddah, officers of the directorate arrested two Yemeni nationals for the suspected peddling of hashish and amphetamine.

The government has called on the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.

Reports to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control can be submitted by using the number 995 or email [email protected].


Saudi leaders congratulate Algerian president on re-election

Saudi leaders congratulate Algerian president on re-election
Updated 09 September 2024
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Saudi leaders congratulate Algerian president on re-election

Saudi leaders congratulate Algerian president on re-election

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Sunday on his re-election, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The King and Crown Prince wished the Algerian people further progress and prosperity.

Tebboune won a second term as president with almost 95 percent of the vote, the country’s electoral authority ANIE said.

More than 5.3 million people voted for him, accounting for “94.65 percent of the vote,” ANIE head Mohamed Charfi told reporters.

ANIE said it only counted the number of voters who cast a ballot for one of the candidates, excluding blank votes.


Saudi FM receives International Organization for Migration chief in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the Director-General of the IOM Amy Pope in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the Director-General of the IOM Amy Pope in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi FM receives International Organization for Migration chief in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the Director-General of the IOM Amy Pope in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
  • During the reception, Prince Faisal and Amy Pope reviewed cooperation relations between the Kingdom and the IOM and ways to support and enhance them

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the reception, Prince Faisal and Amy Pope reviewed cooperation relations between the Kingdom and the IOM and ways to support and enhance them.

The two officials also discussed regional and international developments of common interest.


Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life

Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life
Updated 08 September 2024
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Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life

Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life
  • Ali Almenaie’s tourism project resulted from the desire to tell the story of the ‘Bride of the Red Sea’

JEDDAH: Jeddah has long been the gateway to the Kingdom, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economy through its historic ties to commerce and its unique position as a hub for religious tourism, primarily Umrah and Hajj.

With the launch of Vision 2030, the city was destined to be at the forefront of the National Transformation Program, which elevates the tourism sector and establishes an ecosystem capable of welcoming 100 million tourists annually.

Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

In a stroke of serendipity, Discover Jeddah was founded in 2017 — the same year the program’s execution began. Today, the tourism startup is not just encouraging local and international tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, but to discover Jeddah, the Kingdom’s vibrant coastal hub.

The concept is pretty simple: it is all about telling the story of the “Bride of the Red Sea,” said Ali Almenaie, the CEO of the project with roots in Jeddah, where he was born and raised.

Ali Almenaie, Discover Jeddah founder

He told Arab News: “With too much information out there, I felt that there was a need to show Jeddah through the eyes of those who love it, so that those who have not visited Jeddah or those who have but did not experience the heart and soul of the city, fall in love with it.”

As demand for authentic experiences grew, Almenaie pursued certification from the Ministry of Tourism to become a registered tour guide.

Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

In 2023, he launched Discover Al-Balad, a tour service offering an immersive experience of one of Saudi Arabia’s World Heritage Sites.

On Instagram, Almenaie has curated a visual love letter to Jeddah and Al-Balad, capturing people’s interest, sparking their curiosity and encouraging more people to visit.

I felt that there was a need to show Jeddah through the eyes of those who love it, so that those who have not visited Jeddah or those who have but did not experience the heart and soul of the city, fall in love with it.

Ali Almenaie, Discover Jeddah founder

“From a young age I found myself drawn to the art of curation, capturing and collecting images that resonated with the things I cherished most in life,” Almenaie explained.

“I was captivated by the power of visuals to tell a story. This love for storytelling naturally extended to Jeddah, the city of my heart. I began to gather images that could capture its essence, hoping to piece together a narrative that was both personal and profound.”

A brief tour of Al-Balad takes about 1.5 hours, while a more in-depth exploration, including its hidden gems, can last three to four hours. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

Almenaie added that he felt there was “a glaring absence, a silence where there should have been a vibrant, visual tale of Jeddah.”

He said: “The city’s story was out there, waiting to be told, but it was missing the richness that only images could convey. I realized that what was lacking was a visual narrative — one that could bring to life the soul of Jeddah, beyond words, in a way that was immediate and impactful.”

Kholoud Abdulwassie, tour guide.

In addition to guided tours, Discover Jeddah offers advertising services that include storytelling about significant locations in Jeddah.

It also offers multilingual tours to ensure that everyone can easily appreciate the city’s significance and its heritage sites. It also suggests optimal times for tours, so visitors can make the most of their experience, capturing beautiful moments to cherish and share.

Domestic tourists have mostly been Saudis, and British, German, Russian, and Egyptian residents. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

One tourist from Ghana provided feedback, which said: “This tour doesn’t just show you the structures and tell you the facts, it takes you back in time to sense, see, and feel the old city. The tour is very family-friendly and tailored to the interests of the audience.”

Almenaie said: “We are planning to add more tour guides who can communicate in Japanese, Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, and Malayalam.”

There are only five tour guides, including Almenaie, at present. The reason for the small number is to ensure that quality does not get compromised while giving tours.

And while the focus is on Jeddah, the company occasionally runs tours in Madinah, Makkah and Riyadh in Arabic, English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.

To Almenaie, running a tourism operation means avoiding “a purely transactional approach to business.”

He added: “This helps us identify people who have a genuine interest in discovering the city, allowing us to focus our efforts on them and save time by not pursuing those who may not fully appreciate what we offer.”

The most common nationalities using the services of Discover Jeddah are Americans, Brazilians, Europeans, Indians, and Ghanaians. Domestic tourists have mostly been Saudis, and British, German, Russian, and Egyptian residents.

One of the veteran tour guides is Kholoud Abdulwassie, who used to live in Germany. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in zoology from King Abdulaziz University, which gave her valuable insights into the fauna of Saudi Arabia.

She has been with Discover Jeddah for two years now, and told Arab News: “My love for my city, especially the historic Al-Balad, where my family’s roots are and our houses still stand, drew me to this role. After learning about Discover Jeddah, I was eager to join a team that felt like the perfect match.”

Abdulwassie believes that each day brings something new, and added: “On tour days we welcome guests and lead them through the wonders of Jeddah. On days without tours, we focus on brainstorming and creating fresh experiences to offer.”

Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm, remains the most popular destination. Other must-see highlights in Jeddah include the bustling fish market, the luxurious Jeddah Yacht Club, the serene Al-Rahma Mosque, popularly known as the “Floating Mosque,” and the picturesque Al-Hamra Corniche, home to the stunning King Fahd’s Fountain.

A brief tour of Al-Balad takes about 1.5 hours, while a more in-depth exploration, including its hidden gems, can last three to four hours. Full-day tours, which cover multiple locations, typically extend to around eight hours. These experiences often include tasting traditional Saudi food and learning about the daily life of a typical Saudi family.

Abdulwassie said that to engage with tourists from different cultural backgrounds was crucial.

She added: “It allows me to tailor each experience to the unique interests of our guests.

“As Jeddah natives, we’re accustomed to interacting with people from all over the world, especially during Hajj. My personal experiences, having visited around 25 countries and lived in Germany and Egypt, provide me with a broad cultural perspective that I bring to every tour.”

Among the most challenging situations Abdulwassie encounters is dealing with Jeddah’s humidity and blistering summer heat.

She said: “Summer weather can be challenging, so we design special routes with frequent air-conditioned stops to keep our guests cool and hydrated.”

She added: “I once had the privilege of guiding a UK traveler who was visiting Saudi Arabia as her 198th country. It was an honor to show her around, and she later invited me to her home in London. Together, we enjoyed marking Saudi Arabia on her travel map.”

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations

Saudi Arabia’s Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations

Saudi Arabia’s Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations
  • With nearly one million palm trees, Al-Jouf region produces more than 43,000 tonnes of dates each year, including the popular Hilwah Al-Jouf

RIYADH: Generations of Al-Jouf natives have been associated with palm trees, underlining the deep connection between them and their homeland.

Palm trees provided essential sustenance to community members in the past, but also served purposes beyond food. Palm trunks, fronds and branches provided the basis for building shelters, the skill and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Hilwah Al-Jouf symbolizes the identity of the region, embodying traditional values, and serves more than just as food. (SPA)

Young people today maintain their connection to palm cultivation, learning from their fathers and grandfathers, and celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Hilwah Al-Jouf cultivation, in particular, is a source of pride for date farmers and an important element of the region’s economy. The Hilwah Al-Jouf date is known not only for its flavor, but also for its cultural significance in the Al-Jouf region.

Hilwah Al-Jouf cultivation, in particular, is a source of pride for date farmers and an important element of the region’s economy. (SPA)

When English traveler Lady Anne Blunt visited the region in 1879, she noted that these dates were of exceptional sweetness and quality.

Hilwah Al-Jouf is in great demand in local markets, particularly during the harvest season, which begins in September. With nearly one million palm trees, Al-Jouf region produces more than 43,000 tonnes of dates each year, including the popular Hilwah Al-Jouf.

Hilwah Al-Jouf symbolizes the identity of the region, embodying traditional values, and serves more than just as food. (SPA)

Dates support the local economy by providing the produce sold at regional festivals and holding contests honoring the best dates every year.

Farmers using a careful harvesting and production process, transform the dates from their initial red appearance, known as basr, into fully ripened varieties. The dates are carefully stored and pressed, ready to be enjoyed during the winter months, when they are known as Al-Majrash, a local delicacy characterized by its sugary texture and molasses-like.

Hilwah Al-Jouf represents more than a simple food item, it is the center of the Al-Jouf region’s culture and economy, embodying traditional values that are central to the community’s identity.