The Rise Of Tourism And Real Estate Development In Saudi Arabia
Tourism and تطوير العقارات are deeply connected — when one thrives, the other grows.
Across the globe, the surge in tourism has led to higher demand for properties ranging from hotels and short-term rentals to residential and commercial developments. And nowhere is this trend more evident than in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 and international events like Expo 2030 are transforming the nation’s tourism and real estate development sector.
Global Tourism Is Reviving Real Estate Growth
In 2024, global tourism rebounded strongly, with over 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals — an impressive 11% increase from 2023. As visitors return, they spend on accommodation, dining, and experiences; as a result, this spending fuels local economies and encourages governments and private investors to enhance urban infrastructure.
It’s a chain reaction: more tourists → better infrastructure → higher property values → more investment opportunities.
This same pattern is now unfolding in Saudi Arabia, making it one of the global investment hub for tourism and real estate development.
Saudi Arabia: The New Tourism & Investment Frontier
Thanks to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is on a mission to welcome 150 million tourists by 2030. That means massive real estate growth.
Major real estate-linked tourism projects are reshaping the Kingdom:
NEOM – The Smart City of the Future
A $500 billion mega project on the Red Sea, NEOM features futuristic sub-zones like The Line, Trojena, and Oxagon, blending innovation, tourism, and luxury living. NEOM is to become one of the most in-demand luxury real estate development in the Middle East.
The Red Sea Project & AMAALA
These coastal luxury destinations are set to host resorts, hotels, residences, and wellness retreats, attracting global travelers and high-net-worth investors.
Qiddiya – The Entertainment Capital
This entertainment mega city near Riyadh has a potential to receive over 17 million visitors annually, creating high demand for residential and commercial real estate nearby.
Riyadh’s Urban Expansion
As Riyadh gears up for Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034, the city is rapidly transforming. Projects like King Salman Park, the Riyadh Metro, and luxury residential towers are attracting both locals and expats seeking premium living spaces.
International Tourism Fuels Global Real Estate Markets Too
The impact isn’t just local. Globally, rising tourism is accelerating property value appreciation:
- Florida, USA: Vacation home prices rose by 15% in 2023.
- Bali & Maldives: Hotel occupancy surged by 25%, driving new hospitality developments.
- Lisbon & Barcelona: Residential property prices grew by 13% due to tourism and digital nomads.
- Vietnam: over $5 billion investment in infrastructure around tourist cities pushed property prices up by 20–30%.
Why Tourism Is Real Estate’s Secret Growth Engine
Tourism doesn’t just bring travelers — it sparks a ripple effect of economic growth. As visitor numbers rise, governments and private sectors alike ramp up investment in infrastructure, from transportation to hospitality facilities. This fuels urban regeneration, breathing new life into cities and emerging destinations.
Additionally, the sector creates job opportunities in both construction and hospitality, supporting the broader economy. Most importantly, this upward momentum fosters investor confidence across multiple sectors, making tourism a powerful driver of long-term real estate development
Why Events Like Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034 Matter
Hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh is expected to boost tourism from 11 million (2021) to 40 million visitors by 2030. That’s a 264% increase in tourist inflow, directly driving demand for:
- Hotels and short-term rentals
- Retail centers
- Residential communities
- Hospitality and event infrastructure
The FIFA World Cup 2034, which Saudi Arabia is preparing to host, will further accelerate this demand, especially for high-end urban development and sports-adjacent properties.
Final Thoughts: Invest Where the Growth Is Guaranteed
Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a top destination for real estate investors who understand the symbiotic relationship between tourism and real estate development.
Whether you’re interested in a villa in Riyadh, a resort property near the Red Sea or an off-plan apartment in NEOM or AMAALA now is the time to invest with expert guidance and data-backed approach.
Let’s talk about how tourism-driven real estate can elevate your investment portfolio.
