$14.2bn earned from record summer tourism

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Updated 14 September 2025
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$14.2bn earned from record summer tourism

  • The success underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to develop its tourism sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced record-breaking results for the “Saudi Summer” program, welcoming over 32 million domestic and international tourists, a 26 percent increase compared to the 2024 summer season.

Tourist spending also hit new heights, with total expenditures reaching SR53.2 billion ($14.2 billion), marking a 15 percent year-on-year rise. The southern Asir region saw remarkable growth, particularly from Gulf Cooperation Council visitors, with arrivals surging 49 percent over last summer. The success underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to develop its tourism sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a premier global travel destination.

Launched in June by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Summer program — under the theme “Color Your Summer” — highlighted six diverse destinations, including coastal escapes in Jeddah and the Red Sea, and mountainous retreats in Taif, Al-Baha, and Asir.  Major events included the Esports World Cup, along with Jeddah and Asir Seasons, offering a wide array of activities and cultural shows.

Building on this momentum, the Kingdom is already preparing for the Saudi Winter season, promising more global events and innovative tourism experiences for visitors year-round.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 10,588 

Updated 14 December 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 10,588 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 127.15 points, or 1.19 percent, to close at 10,588.83. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR2.57 billion ($685 million), as 28 of the stocks advanced and 232 retreated.    

Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 108.53 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 23,719.13. This comes as 22 of the stocks advanced while 47 retreated.    

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 17.17 points, or 1.22 percent, to close at 1,393.34.     

The best-performing stock of the day was Sport Clubs Co., whose share price surged 3.69 percent to SR9.00.   

Other top performers included Flynas Co., whose share price rose 2.55 percent to SR72.30, as well as National Industrialization Co., whose share price surged 2.13 percent to SR10.09. 

Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 6.61 percent to SR8.90. 

Sustained Infrastructure Holding Co. also saw its stock prices fall 5.75 percent to SR30.82. 

CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. also saw its stock prices decline 5.72 percent to SR22.40. 

On the announcements front, Wataniya Insurance Co. said it has received a notice of award for a one-year contract with Saudi National Bank to provide general insurance as well as protection and savings insurance services, in line with agreed terms and conditions. 

According to a Tadawul statement, coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2026. The contract value exceeds 15 percent of the company’s total revenues, based on its latest audited financial statements for 2024.  

Wataniya Insurance Co. ended the session at SR14.35, up 1.92 percent. 

Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., or Cenomi Retail, has announced executing a SR1.5 billion facility agreement structured as a short-term loan with Emirates NBD – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A bourse filing revealed that the financing duration is three years with an option to extend for a total of two years. 

Cenomi Retail ended the session at SR20.00, up 0.26 percent. 

First Milling Co. has announced the Board of Directors’ recommendation to amend the firm’s bylaws Article “Company Management” to increase the number of board members from seven to eight. This change reflects the firm’s commitment to broadening the range of expertise and skills on its board, in line with its growth and expansion plans for the next phase. 

The company reiterated its commitment to fulfilling all necessary procedures and obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities. The recommendation will be submitted to the upcoming General Assembly, with the date to be announced in due course. 

First Milling Co. ended the session at SR49.22, down 1.06 percent.