Saudi Arabia's International Tourism Revenue to Reach $47 Billion in 2025
KUNA – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Statistical Center confirmed that Saudi Arabia is witnessing diversified economic growth, an expansion in its investment base, and a rise in non-oil, commercial, and investment sectors, thereby strengthening its presence in the path of GCC integration.
In a report titled “Saudi Arabia: The Heart of the Gulf Economy and Partner in Shaping the Future,” issued on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 96th National Day, the Center presented a set of economic and social indicators that track the Kingdom’s transformation pathways and highlight their extension into the framework of joint GCC efforts.
The Center added that these indicators reflect the broadening economic and social interaction between the Kingdom and citizens of the GCC member states. It noted that Saudi border crossings recorded the entry of 9.1 million GCC citizens in 2024, while the number of GCC citizens employed in the private sector in the Kingdom reached 7,690.
The Center mentioned that the number of GCC shareholders in the Saudi stock market reached 5,749, alongside 353 companies listed for GCC trading. It pointed out that this interconnection extends to education and social services, with the number of GCC students in the Kingdom’s public education system reaching 10,096, and the number of GCC citizens benefiting from social services reaching 5,467 in 2024.
It emphasized that these indicators reflect one aspect of GCC integration that goes beyond the movement of goods and capital to include the movement of people, education, work, and investment, thereby enhancing the interconnection of interests and benefits among GCC states.
Regarding Saudi economic indicators, the Center pointed out that the economy recorded real growth of 4.5% last year, with gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices reaching approximately $127.5 billion, and net foreign direct investment inflows reaching approximately $32.5 billion.
It stated that structural economic indicators show an expanding contribution of non-oil activities, which accounted for 72.5% of GDP, while the contribution of the non-oil private sector reached 54%, reflecting the growing role of productive and service sectors in the Saudi economy.
The Center added that the Kingdom’s merchandise trade volume reached approximately $565 billion in 2025, reflecting the expansion of commercial activity and the growing importance of Saudi Arabia in regional and international trade flows.
In its report, prepared in collaboration with the Saudi General Authority of Statistics, the Center highlighted the Kingdom’s growing international presence through hosting global conferences and events in the fields of economy, technology, environment, and development, which enhance business activities and international and regional partnerships.
It noted that international tourism revenues in the Kingdom reached $47 billion in 2025, a 70.9% increase compared to 2019, reflecting the growing role of tourism within the pathways of Saudi economic diversification.
On the level of technology and innovation, the Center clarified that Saudi Arabia is witnessing a growing presence of technology and artificial intelligence in its economy. The value of investment in artificial intelligence reached approximately $2 billion in 2025, while the percentage of enterprises using artificial intelligence technologies reached 33.1%.
