Riyadh hosted the Athar Festival 2025, bringing together global leaders and experts from the tourism, media, and creative industries to spotlight the Kingdom’s growing leadership in sustainable tourism, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030.
The festival aimed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s efforts in building a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that balances economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, while promoting eco-friendly destinations that meet international sustainability standards.
Throughout the event, discussions and workshops focused on sustainable tourism marketing, innovation in visitor experiences, and the role of national brands in driving responsible travel, with participation from leading industry professionals and decision-makers.
Speakers emphasized that Saudi Arabia has become a global model for integrating sustainability principles into its major tourism projects, including The Red Sea, AMAALA, and Diriyah, which operate entirely on renewable energy and adopt environmentally conscious designs to preserve natural resources and biodiversity.
The festival also highlighted initiatives led by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority to empower local communities through training and entrepreneurship, fostering job creation and sustainable economic development driven by innovation.
Ultimately, the Athar Festival reaffirmed the Kingdom’s vision of making tourism a key economic driver and a platform for creativity, sustainability, and global connection, as part of its journey toward a greener and more balanced future.
