JEDDAH: Aradhana Khowala has been appointed as NEOM’s managing director of tourism, the project announced on Wednesday.
NEOM, a $500 billion megacity, is a key part of the Kingdom’s strategic vision to diversify the economy.
“We will be working alongside Aradhana to make NEOM an exceptional global tourism destination looking ahead to the future,” said CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr in a tweet on NEOM's official account.
Khowala, who was CEO & founder of Aptamind, is considered a world expert in the tourism and hospitality industry, and was awarded the 21st Century Icon Awards in association with CNBC and London School of Economics as an inspirational game changer and tourism leader.
The Red Sea project and NEOM are set to enhance Saudi Arabia's position on the touristic map of the world.
At the end of July, Saudi Arabia's King Salman holidayed at NEOM to enjoy some rest and recreation, according to state media.
In October 2017, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the 26,500-square kilometer megacity and economic hub the likes of which the world has never seen.
Backed by the Kingdom’s vast Public Investment Fund, NEOM will operate as an independent economic zone powered solely by regenerative energy, spanning three countries, complete with its own self-governing laws and regulations and all strategically designed for economic stimulation.
The project’s vision is to make it the best place in the world for living and working.
Saudi Arabia's NEOM appoints Aradhana Khowala as tourism head
Saudi Arabia's NEOM appoints Aradhana Khowala as tourism head
- We will be working alongside Aradhana to make NEOM an exceptional global tourism destination, says CEO
- Khowala is considered a world expert in the tourism and hospitality industry
Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress
- Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services
JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.
The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.
Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.
They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.
At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.
He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.
Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”
Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.
Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.
Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”
Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”
Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”
Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.
“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.
