Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt drive Saudi tourism boom
Surge in regional travel boosts Saudia and Emirates flights as Vision 2030 transforms Kingdom’s hospitality and pilgrimage sectors
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is witnessing record growth, with visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt emerging as the leading contributors to the Kingdom’s expanding travel market.
Travel and Tour World reported that the surge has spurred airlines and hotels to scale up operations in line with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
According to tourism authorities, Bahrain remains the top source of international arrivals, with thousands of travelers crossing the King Fahd Causeway each week for both leisure and religious purposes.
In 2023 alone, Saudi Arabia welcomed over 27 million foreign visitors — a 65 percent increase from the previous year — with Bahraini tourists accounting for nearly 13 percent of total arrivals.
Kuwait and Egypt also play a major role in this growth, with millions of Kuwaiti nationals traveling for short leisure trips and pilgrimages, while more than 2.5 million Egyptians visited the Kingdom last year for tourism and Umrah.
Officials say this cross-border movement reflects deep cultural and religious ties that continue to strengthen regional tourism flows.
The increased travel demand has prompted major airlines, including Saudia and Emirates, to expand their flight networks.
Saudia has added direct routes connecting Bahrain, Kuwait City, and Cairo to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca — enhancing accessibility for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Emirates has also boosted its operations, adding more flights from Gulf capitals to Saudi Arabia’s key destinations, including Dammam and Medina.
Industry analysts note that this air travel expansion is being matched by rapid development in the hospitality sector.
International hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Accor are accelerating investments in major Saudi cities, while mid-range hotels, serviced apartments, and short-stay rentals cater to budget-conscious travelers.
Religious tourism remains the cornerstone of this growth, as millions of Muslims travel annually to Mecca and Medina for Hajj and Umrah.
The Saudi government has streamlined visa procedures, introduced online booking platforms, and expanded transport services to accommodate pilgrims, especially from neighboring Arab nations.
The government’s tourism infrastructure projects — from the Red Sea resorts to historical sites like AlUla — are also drawing global attention. Officials say such efforts are transforming the Kingdom into one of the region’s most attractive destinations for both business and leisure travel.
With increased connectivity, upgraded hospitality, and simplified visa processes, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional tourism hub.
Travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt are expected to continue driving the Kingdom’s tourism boom, reflecting its growing appeal as a destination that combines modern comfort with cultural and spiritual depth.
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