JEDDAH: The Committee of Tourism in the Council of Saudi Chambers said that Britain will be the face of tourism for Saudis this summer holiday, expecting some 30 percent of Saudi travelers to book their holidays in the UK this year. Dubai is expected to be the second most popular destination for short holidays.
Head of the Tourism Committee Abdulatif Alafaleq, said: “There is a great possibility that the number of Saudis going to the UK will increase by 30 percent this summer due to the low pound value, and this is a good thing for tourists as they can exchange their money at a good rate.” He added that the UK will most likely host Saudis for long-term holidays, between 15 days and one month.
Alafaleq added that Dubai will have a larger share in Saudi visitors on short vacations during this summer from two to ten days. Dubai is distinguished for attracting tourists for festivals, celebrations and conferences and is ideal for Saudi tourists because of its nearness and laws that are similar to Saudi Arabia.
“Arab countries, especially Egypt, come in third place for vacations thanks to the popularity of short-term vacations there. In fourth place is East Asia, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, because these countries are similar to ours in terms of regulations and standards,” he said.
Basma Hmedi, the manager of a travel agency, believes there will be a greater demand for international destinations this year, with bookings for Dubai expecting to reach 50 to 70 percent of the total bookings, with an additional 15 percent of holidays expected to be booked in Egypt.
UK remains top vacation destination for Saudis
UK remains top vacation destination for Saudis
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.”
