Riyadh gears up for 1st TOURISE 2025 under Crown Prince’s patronage 

The TOURISE 25 sponsorship ceremony held last month, attended by Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, marked a defining moment in the Kingdom’s journey to reshape global tourism. Supplied
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Updated 10 November 2025
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Riyadh gears up for 1st TOURISE 2025 under Crown Prince’s patronage 

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh is set to host the inaugural edition of the TOURISE 2025 Summit, organized by the Ministry of Tourism from Nov. 11 to 13. 

TOURISE aims to shape the future of global tourism by fostering its growth and sustainability. It will bring together leading figures from key sectors intersecting with tourism, including technology, aviation, entertainment, education, sustainability, and media. 

Discussions at the event will focus on developing innovative, actionable solutions that enable the tourism industry to address future challenges and thrive over the next five decades. 

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE Ahmed Al-Khateeb expressed his gratitude to the Crown Prince for his generous patronage, which he said expands the event’s reach and influence. He added that the Crown Prince’s continued support reflects his commitment to advancing the tourism sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030. 

Al-Khateeb noted that “work is progressing on all fronts to empower our vital sector, which continues to demonstrate its readiness and competitiveness day after day.” 

He further highlighted that Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 countries in international tourist arrivals for 2024 and led globally in the growth of tourism revenues from inbound visitors. 

TOURISE 2025 will feature a dynamic agenda of discussions, panels, and interactive experiences built around four key themes: addressing challenges, seizing growth opportunities, stimulating major investments, and shaping future policies. 

Sessions will also explore rapid transformations in the tourism industry, including artificial intelligence applications, bold investment models, innovative travel experiences, and sustainable tourism that balances people and the planet. 


Saudi EXIM reports record credit facilities of $10bn in 2025

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Saudi EXIM reports record credit facilities of $10bn in 2025

RIYADH: The total credit facilities provided by the Saudi Export-Import Bank surpassed SR40 billion ($10.6 billion) in 2025, according to the institution’s chairman. 

In an interview with Argaam, Saad Al-Khalab said that since its establishment in February 2020, the bank has now extended cumulative credit support exceeding SR100 billion. 

This portfolio is allocated with approximately 40 percent dedicated to direct financing and 60 percent to insurance solutions, designed to bolster Saudi exporters, local financial institutions, and foreign buyers of Saudi goods.

Sectorally, industrial exports receive the largest share of support at 60 percent, followed by over 20 percent for the mining sector. The remaining facilities are directed towards services, technology, and agricultural industries.

Al-Khalab highlighted a significant surge in demand for both raw and processed mining products. To meet this demand, Saudi EXIM has established revolving credit facilities worth over $1.5 billion for more than eight major exporters and global trading firms, facilitating exports to over 150 countries worldwide.

The chairman outlined the bank’s ongoing mission to address financing challenges for exporters, strengthen export risk insurance, and help penetrate new international markets. 

Key initiatives include the Jusoor program, which allows manufacturers in the Kingdom to secure international financing for importing essential raw materials and equipment, and the introduction of investment insurance for Saudi ventures abroad.

In terms of geographic focus, Saudi exports continue to prioritize Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The bank is simultaneously driving expansion into African markets, supported by operational offices in Johannesburg and Casablanca, with a planned branch in Cairo to enhance coverage across the continent.