Featuring football superstar and Saudi Arabia’s most famous foreign resident, CR7, the film takes viewers on a journey through Saudi Arabia’s cornerstone events. An awed CR7 sits in the stands – comparing the different sports to his own.  Hushed monochromes give way to vibrant colour as we see more of what enticed CR7 to stay in Saudi Arabia. From the adrenaline coursing through the crowd, we hear its roar – feeling the highs and lows of a shared experience. The emotion is palpable and brings audiences into the thick of the action.  This is Saudi – engaged, excited, and eager to take its place on the world stage.    

The campaign highlights Saudi Arabia’s diverse, year-round sports and entertainment events held across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, with curated packages making it ever easier to visit.  As hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Esports Olympics Games 2027, Asian Winter Games 2029, among others, Saudi Arabia is bringing sport home.  Its regular calendar includes large-scale international events such as the Esports World Cup, Formula 1, LIV Golf Riyadh, Tennis, and Saudi Pro League (RSL) – cementing its position as a hub for large-scale events. 

From sports to culture and entertainment, SaudiArabia offers something for all interests.  Its annual calendar continues to grow, with Riyadh Fashion Week, the Red Sea International Film Festival, Arts Biennales, and the eponymous Seasons – held in Riyadh and Jeddah- forming the cornerstone of activities.  From music to comedy, international and regional acts are taking the stage in Saudi Arabia, furthering reach and accessibility for ever more audiences.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, stated:

“Today, Saudi Arabia is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. In the tourism sector, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing a seamless landscape that inspires the world and provides visitors with unforgettable experiences.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, added:

Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Being part of Saudi Arabia’s journey as a global sports hub has been truly special and somehow unexpected for me a few years ago. Today, the truth is that from the energy of the fans to the scale of ambition, this is where the future of sport is being written. What I admire most about Saudi Arabia is how it honors its roots while building for the future. From camels to horses, racing to esports, from the desert to the stadium — this is a place where every young athlete can dream big.”

Saudi is investing to become a global hub for events, as part of its Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the economy and expanding the tourism sector. It has committed $800 billion to the sector, which is projected to reach $22.4 billion in market value by 2030 and contribute $16.5bn to GDP by 2030.  Events play a pivotal role in this, boosting tourism numbers, driving infrastructure growth, creating jobs, and inspiring youth participation. Investments in stadiums, arenas, and grassroots programs are helping shape Saudi Arabia’s legacy as a leader not only in global sports tourism but wider entertainment.

Explore Saudi’s Unreal Calendar here.

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PUNE: Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.

Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences.

The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Campaign https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHz6uwP5uX4 

Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travelers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures, and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.

We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians traveled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”

With a 240% surge in leisure visits from India as compared to last year – It has never been easier to visit Saudi, with over 330 direct weekly flights and 8 airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible under the above-mentioned criteria can apply for the visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India. For more information, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations, the one-stop for all Saudi visa requirements. Indian travelers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website.

To explore the heart of Arabia, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/india and book your next getaway with access to exclusive packages and offers from 12 trade partners in India.

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Gearing up to take Saudi’s spirit of hospitality to a whole new level, the country is slated to welcome a series of new properties set against some of the most spectacular backdrops. Blending nature, tradition, and modernity, here’s a look at the hottest new openings that will forever change your definition of a ‘hotel’.

Six Senses Southern Dunes

Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, stands the Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea resort that honors the Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings. With Oasis being the heart of the resort, the canopy of the hotel, inspired by a desert flower is a self-shading structure that will host vibrant activities and functions under one roof. The villas are structured parallelly for the guests to enjoy the views of the surrounding dunes. This spot also has two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a world-class Six Senses Spa for guests to enjoy.

Lastly, a fun fact about this hotel- it made it to the ‘2024 Hot List’ published by Condé Nast Traveller for best hotels in the world.

Desert Rock Resort

Set in a hidden valley and nestled between the mountains is the Desert Rock Resort which will be welcoming guests across the globe this year. Part of Red Sea Global, the hotel will allow its guests to immerse themselves in nature on a whole new level while offering unparalleled luxury.

The hotel is an architectural masterpiece and sits fully integrated in the mountainside, preserving its striking natural silhouette. Offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience guests can even stay in rooms carved out of the rock itself. All rooms provide undisrupted views out to the horizon, allowing guests to admire the vast desert vistas that stretch out ahead.

Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve The Red Sea

Blending intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design, Nujuma is the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. The hotel is situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort features 63 one-to-four-bedroom water and beach villas.

When not soaking up the tranquil surroundings from the comfort of their own villa, guests will be able to indulge in a lavish spa, swimming pools, a range of restaurants, and a retail area, or learn more about the prized natural setting at a Conservation Centre.

Bab Samhan, Diriyah

Bab Samhan is set to open its doors this year, making it the first-ever hotel to open within the UNESCO World Heritage site Diriyah. Promising to blend contemporary luxury with the signature Najdi architectural style, the hotel will boast 106 rooms each offering a distinct ambiance that will immerse guests in the culture and history of the area. With the property located in North Diriyah and close to both scenic Wadi Hanifah and At-Turaif, guests get a chance to enjoy the hotel’s amenities as well as nearby attractions.

Dar Tantora, AlUla

Dar Tantora is an upscale eco-lodge from The House Hotel, which has recently opened its door to the world. Located in the historic AlUla Old Town, the property is a fusion of heritage and contemporary design which is set to transport guests back to the 12^th century while offering them the utmost comfort of modern-day hospitality. The hotel includes 30 guest rooms created from restored and repurposed historical mud-brick buildings using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques for a truly authentic Old AlUla experience.

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