RIYADH: Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) President Prince Sultan bin Salman is leading the Kingdom at the 2nd edition of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism ministers meeting in Doha, Qatar, to discuss a common tourism strategy and tourism integration among the Gulf countries to collectively promote tourism in the region.
Notably, inspired from the success of the European Union, a common currency like the euro and common police like Europol are already under consideration for the GCC.
“The ongoing second session of the GCC tourism ministers will discuss a number of topics related to upgrading tourism in the region and enhance cooperation among member states in the tourism and heritage sector,” an SCTNH spokesman said on Wednesday.
“The important issues topping the agenda of the meeting include the development of a common tourism strategy for the GCC countries with the focus on tourism integration among themselves, promoting bilateral tourism, offering programs attractive to tourists in the GCC countries with natural and heritage diversity that will attract Gulf tourists,” the official added.
Moreover, the meeting will discuss the Kingdom’s proposal for the development of the conventions and exhibitions sector as a key driver for tourism to achieve integration among the Gulf countries for smooth arrangement of events and exhibitions to avoid duplication and conflict, and work in cohesion to establish a solidarity between them, and prepare GCC cadres to work in conventions and exhibitions for mutual benefit.
The meeting also assumes significance as it will discuss a draft policy for the future of the tourism industry in GCC countries as well as the formation of a team to promote work in urban heritage conservation across the region.
The idea is to develop quality standards in the provision of tourism services and programs in a prestigious way, benefiting GCC countries in terms of fiscal and cultural segments.
Moreover, this meeting will also discuss preparations for a joint meeting of ministers of culture and tourism from GCC countries, which was already proposed by the SCTNH president earlier in cooperation with his Qatari counterpart.
GCC tourism ministers will also review ways and means to encourage GCC and foreign capitals to engage in the investment in tourism industry and participate in the formulation of the relevant regulations.
Moreover, industry experts in a discussion here recently also pointed out that Saudi tourism has potential to create a concrete change in the national economy and emerge as the future alternative of the energy resources as mainstay of the economy.
In Doha, Prince Sultan visited Mushaireb Center for enriching society, where he was received by Issa Al-Mohannadi, president of the General Authority for Tourism in Qatar, and the historic Souq Waqif.
Doha meeting tackles GCC tourism strategy
Doha meeting tackles GCC tourism strategy
Saudi Arabia witnessing comprehensive cultural development, says expert
- Clotilde Entrecanales of Acciona hails pace of change in Kingdom
JEDDAH: Museums, exhibitions and art centers play a crucial role in the development of free and educated societies such as the one now burgeoning in Saudi Arabia, an expert has told Arab News.
Clotilde Entrecanales, the Spanish art historian and cultural executive who heads Acciona Living & Culture, a leading creator of technology-driven interactive museums, exhibits and events, said the Kingdom is making efforts to expand the role of culture development to show the world the greatest possible cultural offer.
She added that the Kingdom has quickly infused new energy into the region, and is rapidly establishing itself as a global cultural hub through massive investment in world-class museums, public art and international events, aligning with its 2030 vision.
She said: “With around 70 percent of the population under 30, cultural consumption looks very different than in Europe or the US. These spaces can’t feel like quiet, isolated institutions … they need to be fast, dynamic, brave and deeply connected to the city, blending into everyday urban life rather than sitting apart from it.”
Asked about the role of these sites in the evolving global cultural landscape, particularly in emerging cultural hubs like Saudi Arabia, Entrecanales said: “Our vision is to be a purpose-led partner for cultural and entertainment institutions, helping them be more relevant, connected, inclusive and sustainable.”
She added: “In emerging cultural hubs like Saudi Arabia, that approach feels especially relevant. The cultural transformation underway is moving fast — with major heritage and cultural destinations being developed and opened to the world.”
Speaking about her impression of the Kingdom’s approach to blending heritage with modernity face, Entrecanales said: “Others who attempt to achieve this balance often end up turning heritage into a theme, a layer of storytelling or a cultural program. What feels different about Saudi’s approach is how much pressure there is to treat heritage as the foundation, not just the surface.
“When you’re building at this speed and scale, there’s always a risk that history becomes a backdrop instead of a backbone. The projects that work best are the ones that slow down just enough to let the past set the rhythm for the present.”
Regarding opportunities and challenges, she said: “The opportunity is nothing less than positioning Saudi Arabia as a global cultural center. The challenge, as always, lies in balancing the speed and scale of that ambition with long-term sustainability and a sense of authenticity that remains credible and rooted.”
She added: “You can really feel this in places like the Islamic Arts Biennale, which shows hundreds of historical artefacts of the Islamic world, while re-framing them through contemporary scenography and designs by some of the best design studios in the world; or in AlUla, a world-class heritage site that hosts a major contemporary platform like Desert X, allowing ancient context and present-day artistic practice to coexist in a way that feels genuine.”
Under her guidance, ACCIONA Cultura aspires to create museums and cultural experiences that function as landmarks while fostering sustainable, inclusive and immersive interactions.
She elaborated on how the company is integrating technology, culture, and sustainability to preserve and promote the region’s cultural heritage: “We always start with human connection and storytelling: what’s the story, what should people leave with? Tech comes later.”
Recently, ACCIONA Cultura has been involved in significant projects in Saudi Arabia and is looking forward for more.
She said: “Right now, for example, we’re designing and curating a museum gallery where the entire space is shaped by the practice of a Saudi artist. Another example is the Net Zero exhibition at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), where we brought together Saudi and international artists to explore sustainability and our relationship with the planet, including voices like Dina Haddadin, Mohammed Al-Faraj, and Zahrah Al-Ghamdi.”
She added: “One of the projects I’m most proud of isn’t a museum, but our NEXT IN Summit, which we’ve hosted in two editions in our ACCIONA Campus in Madrid, highlighting the Kingdom’s unprecedented cultural momentum as it builds future-facing institutions with a startup mindset.”
About further collaboration with Saudi Arabia, she said: “Let’s just say … something’s definitely simmering in the kitchen.”
Commenting on being recognized among the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers for 2025, she said: “It means a lot. More than anything, it feels like a nod to the years of teamwork and dedication behind Acciona Cultura, rather than to me personally.”
