RIYADH: Domestic tourism is on the rise with huge turnouts recorded at various tourist destinations across the Kingdom, especially at the archaeological sites of Madain Saleh and the historic Al-Masmak Palace Museum in Riyadh.
According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), Madain Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was visited by more than 20,000 people during the Eid Al-Fitr break.
The world heritage site receives visitors on a daily basis from sunrise to sunset but the number of visitors increases during weekends, seasonal holidays, as well as national and religious occasions.
An SCTNH official told Arab News that when the visitors arrive at the site, they record their names at the main gate before entering. They then use their own cars to visit the sites with the help of map obtained at the visitor's center.
“The site is witnessing an increasing number of visitors lately, both in terms of citizens coming from different parts of the Kingdom as well as foreign nationals, especially after the completion of site's development project implemented by the SCTNH, which included a visitor's center, the Hejaz Railway Museum, the Islamic Castle, and corridors and signboards and other facilities,” the official noted.
The Hejaz Railways station represents the cornerstone of the rehabilitation project of Madain Saleh. It is located in the northwestern part of the site and forms the focus of the tourist activities there, offering tourism information and museum exhibits.
The heads of diplomatic missions in the Kingdom recently toured the historic landmark with their families to see the sites in Al-Ula and the Hejaz Railway. The historical tour was organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SCTNH.
Besides Madain Saleh, the historic Al-Masmak Palace Museum in Riyadh is a major attraction, with the museum authorities recently participating in the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr by undertaking special arrangements such as additional exhibits including historical photos, paintings, visual presentations and displays.
During Eid, museum authorities distributed a large number of publications by the SCTNH as gifts to visitors and guests.
The official noted that the Al-Masmak museum’s celebration of Eid comes as part of the strong partnership between the SCTNH, Ar-Riyadh Development Authority (ADA) and Riyadh municipality as important institutions that represent various aspects of the history of the nation and the cultural identity of the Saudi people. These landmarks also play a key role in raising people’s awareness of the importance of preserving the country's national heritage.
Tourists flock to Madain Saleh, Al-Masmak museum
Tourists flock to Madain Saleh, Al-Masmak museum
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
