KSA to add over 250,000 hotel keys in 5 years: Minister

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib said Saudi Arabia is working to add more than 250,000 hotel rooms over the next five to seven years to host the Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Addressing a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum 2026, the minister added that the private sector is driving the local tourism sector, highlighting the government's regulatory role as the private sector builds, operates, and invests in experiences, hotels, airports, and airlines.

He further noted that the government is working closely with the private sector to ensure that new regulations enable its growth.

The biggest challenge lies in the availability of aircraft to meet tourism needs, as airlines must wait for up to nine years to obtain their procured aircraft, said Al-Khatib.

He also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s testament in preserving human capital in the tourism sector, which is key and must be protected and not replaced by technology.