The Asir region in Saudi Arabia is set to initiate major tourism projects by 2025, including the Seven Entertainment Complex. Acting CEO Hashem Al-Dabbagh highlighted partnerships with government entities to attract 8 million tourists by 2030 and noted investments exceeding SR28 billion. The region aims to balance development with conservation while preparing for significant events like the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
In a significant transition from planning to execution, the Asir region of Saudi Arabia is poised to initiate major tourism projects by 2025, including the highly anticipated Seven Entertainment Complex. Hashem Al-Dabbagh, the Acting CEO of the Asir Development Authority, emphasized strategic collaborations with various government sectors to facilitate progress in this initiative, which aims to attract approximately 8 million tourists by 2030. This development reflects a balanced approach between growth and environmental preservation, aligning with national tourism aspirations.
Al-Dabbagh highlighted that 2025 marks an important milestone, particularly with the planned completion of the Seven Entertainment Complex, the first major project scheduled for this year. He expressed enthusiasm for transitioning from conceptualization to tangible investment, which involves multiple stakeholders to ensure the success of various initiatives underway. Over the past three years, substantial agreements have been established with critical governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Tourism, showcasing a commitment to the Authority’s vision.
Further elaborating on the region’s investment landscape, Al-Dabbagh indicated that the Authority’s investments exceed SR28 billion ($7.45 billion), noting the participation of the Public Investment Fund in bolstering this figure. He stated this portfolio spans various phases of development, recognizing that not all investments will materialize as anticipated. Al-Dabbagh affirmed Asir’s unique position as an attractive destination for potential investors in the tourism sector, underpinned by a nationally sanctioned strategy to enhance its cultural and natural appeal.
The upcoming hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2034 serves as a further impetus for enhancing tourism infrastructure, with Asir expected to be among the regions attracting significant visitor traffic. The third Saudi Tourism Forum, organized collaboratively with the Saudi Tourism Authority, aims to elevate tourism prospects through a gathering of over 100 exhibitors, providing a platform for discussion on investment opportunities and national growth strategies.
The Asir region is undergoing a transformative development phase aimed at becoming a prominent global tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. With an explicit goal of attracting 8 million tourists by 2030, the Asir Development Authority has been engaged in extensive planning and collaboration with various stakeholders to implement significant investment projects such as the Seven Entertainment Complex. This approach highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to enhance its tourism sector, coinciding with major events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.
In summary, the Asir region’s shift from planning to execution signals a strategic move toward enhancing Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape. The emphasis on collaborative efforts with governmental agencies, substantial investment portfolios, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup positions Asir to emerge as a premier tourist destination. As the region prepares to launch key projects by 2025, it holds promising potential for economic growth and cultural promotion in alignment with national tourism objectives.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
