HereWeGo
June 14, 2026 • 3 min read
Saudi Arabia is making significant shifts in its tourism strategy, moving its focus towards artificial intelligence and scaling back major projects like NEOM.
Shifting Tourism Strategies
Saudi Arabia is undergoing major adjustments in its tourism development strategy, particularly concerning the colossal NEOM project and the resorts along the Red Sea. The government has decided to redirect investments from tourism towards the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its Vision 2030 plan.
Vision 2030 and the NEOM Project
Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 has been a key driver for Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependency on oil. NEOM, with an investment of up to $500 billion, was expected to transform the country from barren deserts into a modern city. However, plans for this project are currently being scaled back.
During a seminar in April, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), stated that some priorities have been adjusted, focusing more on AI infrastructure and investments in AI companies. This indicates that the government is pulling funding from large tourism projects while ramping up investments in technology.
Projects Facing Cuts
The cuts are not just short-term; they profoundly impact ongoing projects. NEOM has failed to open hotels as planned, and the Red Sea project, once promoted with dozens of luxury resorts, now has only nine operational hotels. Future tourism investment plans are expected to rely more on the private sector rather than government budgets.
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New Opportunities in Tourism
Despite the cuts, the government remains focused on aviation infrastructure and major events, creating demand for international tourists. Riyadh Air is still being launched, airports are expanding, and Saudi Arabia will host Expo 2030 along with World Cup 2034. These events are set to attract real tourists to the country.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
For Vietnamese travelers, Saudi Arabia is currently offering e-visas that are easy to obtain for over 60 nationalities, with applications available online in just a few minutes. While traveling here may still present certain challenges, the Red Sea resorts are now providing truly luxurious offerings. A meal at upscale hotels can range from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, travelers should book tickets in advance and thoroughly research upcoming events to make the most of their visit. Flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Riyadh range from 10 million to 15 million VND, depending on the booking period.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is not abandoning tourism, but rather recalibrating its strategy to align with current realities. A robust aviation hub, a limited number of truly impressive resorts, and a calendar filled with global events can serve tourists much better than distant dreams. The takeaway here is that genuine demand will create real destinations, and projects that adapt will be the ones that endure.
This article was referenced and edited from: Live and Let's Fly
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