Tourism fund and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu team up to boost tourism projects in Jazan

Wadi Lajab in the Jazan region south west of Saudi Arabia. Shutterstock.
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Updated 30 November 2023
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Tourism fund and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu team up to boost tourism projects in Jazan

RIYADH: The Tourism Development Fund has signed a cooperation agreement with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu aiming to develop a number of projects in the city of Jazan. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the goal is to strengthen and promote the tourism sector by supporting projects related to hospitality, tourist accommodation, and more. 

The TDF will evaluate investment requests and finance tourism projects in the Jazan region, adhering to its specified conditions, according to the agreement. It will also provide financial programs and products, facilitating support for investors. 

Simultaneously, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu will participate in projects through either cash or in-kind investments. The commission will also offer logistical support and streamline procedures for investors, creating a conducive investment environment. 

CEO of the TDF Qusai Al-Fakhri emphasized the extension of the agreement to include Jazan, highlighting the fund’s commitment to supporting various promising tourist destinations and encouraging investment in them.  

He stated: “The signing of the agreement is in line with the fund’s commitment to supporting diverse tourist destinations and projects, enriching the tourism experience and encouraging private sector engagement in tourism investments that have competitive advantages contributing to enriching tourist experiences.” 

CEO of Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries Hussain bin Yahya Fadhli emphasized the importance of providing an integrated system of services and developmental projects to propel Jazan towards a developmental renaissance that supports tourism investment.  

He said: “We continuously work towards the renaissance of this city, paving the way for the establishment of a new tourism reality in the region, given its natural assets that enhance maritime and mountain tourism.” 

Fadhli added: “Through this agreement with the TDF, we look forward to contributing to building a promising tourism future in the Jazan region, aligning with the strategies of the commission that contribute to the crucible of our country’s developmental projects. This is in light of the significant transformations that have touched various aspects of life according to the vision of the Kingdom 2030.” 

The TDF is dedicated to stimulating tourism investments in targeted destinations, offering financial and non-financial programs, solutions, and easy loans.  

The fund aims to empower investors and businesses related to the tourism sector, encouraging private sector contributions to building a thriving future for tourism in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Vision 2030 of the Kingdom. 


Manufacturing and trade drive 5% rise in Saudi operating revenue 

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Manufacturing and trade drive 5% rise in Saudi operating revenue 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Operating Revenue Index rose 5 percent year on year in November, supported by growth in manufacturing, trade and construction, official data showed. 

In its latest report, the General Authority for Statistics noted that the rise was “supported by an increase in manufacturing activities by 6.5 percent,” while wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles, increased by 9.5 percent. 

Construction activity expanded 7.4 percent, while financial activities grew 14.4 percent and insurance activities rose 8.6 percent. 

The data underline the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification drive under Vision 2030, with non-oil activities such as manufacturing, construction, finance and trade continuing to expand and contribute a larger share to overall economic activity.

On a monthly basis, the index fell 1.2 percent from October, according to the preliminary figures released by GASTAT, pointing to uneven momentum across sectors at the end of the year. 

The fall was attributed to weaker performance in some sectors, including a 3.8 percent decrease in mining and quarrying activities and a 25.8 percent drop in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply activities. 

In the labor market, the Employees Compensation Index recorded strong annual growth, rising 13.6 percent compared to November 2024. The increase was supported by an 18.8 percent rise in manufacturing activities and a 10.5 percent increase in wholesale and retail trade activities. 

On a monthly basis, employee compensation edged up 0.1 percent, reflecting modest gains across several sectors. 

Indicators linked to construction activity also strengthened. The number of issued building permits increased 28.4 percent year on year in November 2025, reaching 8,034, compared to 6,258 in the same month a year earlier. 

The surge in building permits indicates robust investment in physical infrastructure, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, while rising wages support its aim of improving citizen prosperity. 

The report stated this was “a result of the increase in the number of issued building permits during November.” Furthermore, permits showed strong momentum from the previous month, increasing by 7.7 percent compared to October 2025.