Local News
The importance of tourism culture: promoting awareness and the tourism experience
Learn how tourism boosts the local and global economy and contributes to job creation, and discover its importance in achieving sustainable economic growth.
The importance of tourism in the local and global economy
Tourism is a key driver of the global economy, contributing significantly to the GDP of many countries. According to reports from the World Tourism Organization, tourism's contribution to the global economy has reached approximately 10% of global GDP in recent years. This figure reflects the vital role tourism plays in promoting economic growth and creating jobs.
Domestically, tourism plays a vital role in diversifying national income sources and reducing reliance on traditional sectors such as oil and gas. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the government is working to bolster the tourism sector as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the positive figures, the tourism industry faces several challenges, including global economic fluctuations and health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted international travel and tourism. However, these challenges also present new opportunities for growth and development. For example, there is a growing trend toward developing domestic tourism to compensate for the decline in the number of international visitors.
In this context, domestic tourism an effective way to boost the local economy by encouraging citizens to explore their local areas and spend their money within the country. This type of tourism can significantly contribute to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and stimulating economic activity in less developed regions.
The tourist's financial literacy and its economic impact
It is important for tourists to have financial awareness and economic literacy that enables them to manage their expenses wisely to maximize their travel experience without wasting money. Understanding the importance of financial planning and setting a budget can significantly enhance their personal experience while simultaneously supporting the local economy through thoughtful spending directed towards local activities and services.
Future prospects for tourism
Future prospects for the tourism sector point to a gradual recovery with increased travel demand following the decline in the impact of the global pandemic. Experts anticipate significant growth in the sector, driven by innovation and digital transformation, which will enhance the travel experience and increase the appeal of various destinations.
The growing focus on environmental and social sustainability will also lead to the emergence of new tourism models that prioritize environmental conservation and support local communities. These new trends could contribute to creating sustainable jobs and fostering inclusive economic development.
Conclusion: The role of the informed citizen and tourist
The role of the conscious citizen and tourist extends beyond simply enjoying the personal experience; it encompasses being an active participant in the economic and social fabric of the host country or their home country. Promoting awareness of the importance of responsible spending and positive cultural interaction can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development and balanced economic growth.
Local News
Al-Haqil inaugurates Restatex Riyadh 35: A qualitative leap for Saudi real estate
Minister Majid Al-Hogail inaugurated Restatex Riyadh 35, announcing a new qualitative phase for the real estate sector based on sustainability and quality of life, and launching the PropNext Forum.
The Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, inaugurated the 35th edition of the "Restatex Riyadh Real Estate Exhibition 2026," the Kingdom's premier real estate event, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. This inauguration underscores the continued significant developmental momentum witnessed by the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia.
A new qualitative phase in the real estate sector
In his opening remarks, Minister Al-Haqil emphasized that the Saudi real estate sector is currently experiencing a new and entirely different phase, where construction is no longer the sole criterion. Instead, quality planning, speed of execution, and clear and integrated roles among regulatory bodies, developers, and investors have become the cornerstones. He pointed out that modern regulations and legislation have become the primary enabler of this rapid growth, enhancing the attractiveness of the Saudi real estate market as a safe and sustainable investment destination.
Restatex: 35 years of keeping pace with development
The 35th edition of the exhibition reflects a long history of development in the Saudi real estate market. The exhibition has evolved beyond a mere platform for supply and demand, becoming a mirror reflecting the Kingdom's economic and social transformations. Over the past three decades, Restatex has kept pace with various changes, culminating in the current era where the objectives of Vision 2030 take center stage, with the real estate sector playing a pivotal role in diversifying non-oil revenue streams and increasing homeownership rates among citizens.
Sustainability and quality of life: pillars of the future
Al-Haqil explained that the concept of real estate development has evolved to encompass deeper dimensions closely linked to the "Quality of Life" program. The current focus is on environmentally friendly green buildings, establishing smart cities, providing parks and open spaces, and ensuring easy access to services. This transformation guarantees the construction of vibrant and sustainable residential communities, not just concrete units, which positively impacts the well-being of Saudi families.
Launch of the PropNext forum and development of the "Itmam" center
This edition witnessed a significant event: the launch of the inaugural "PropNext" forum, a specialized dialogue platform aimed at discussing the future of real estate legislation, showcasing innovative financing tools, and exploring ways to enhance investment attractiveness. In the context of digital transformation, the Minister highlighted the qualitative leap in the "Itmam" Developers Services Center, which now offers 38 integrated digital services, contributing to streamlining procedures and significantly increasing business efficiency.
Economic impact and leadership support
The minister concluded his remarks by acknowledging the unwavering support the sector receives from the wise leadership, emphasizing that this phase represents a golden opportunity to foster innovation and empower national talent. This momentum is expected to contribute to boosting the GDP and creating new job opportunities for Saudi youth across various fields of development, construction, and finance. The exhibition continues to welcome visitors from February 11th to 14th, 2026, showcasing architectural models that meet future aspirations.
Local News
Four shops in Riyadh were closed for violating regulations regarding the sale of military clothing
The security committee in the Riyadh region closed 4 shops and confiscated illegal military ranks, with the participation of multiple government agencies, to control the military clothing market and prevent impersonation.
As part of ongoing efforts to regulate markets and enhance compliance with security regulations, the Security Committee for Monitoring Military Clothing Sales and Tailoring Shops in the Riyadh Region carried out an extensive inspection campaign, which resulted in the closure of 4 shops that were found to have clear violations of the regulations for selling and tailoring military clothing, in addition to confiscating quantities of military ranks and emblems that were being traded illegally.
These field operations come in implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and with direct follow-up from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region, as these directives aim to eliminate the illegal practices that may affect the prestige of the military sector or constitute a security gap.
Integrating government efforts to control violations
This operation was not a one-man effort, but rather the result of high-level coordination between several vital sectors. Representatives from the Ministry of the National Guard, the Ministry of Commerce, the Presidency of State Security, the Riyadh Police, the Riyadh Passport Office, the Riyadh Municipality, and the Riyadh Labor Office participated in the inspection tour. This extensive and diverse presence reflects the state's commitment to enforcing regulations in all their aspects—security, commercial, and labor-related—to ensure the market is free of any violations.
Security and organizational dimensions of the campaign
These campaigns are of paramount importance, extending far beyond simply monitoring commercial violations. Regulating the sale of military uniforms is a cornerstone of maintaining public security. The strict regulations in this area aim to prevent unauthorized access to uniforms and military ranks, thus thwarting any attempts to impersonate security personnel or use such equipment in illegal activities that could threaten the safety and stability of society.
The regulations governing this activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia indicate the need to fully comply with the granted licenses, and not to sell any military supplies except under official documents proving the identity of the buyer and his military status, which is what the shops that were closed violated.
Continued field monitoring
The security committee affirmed that these inspections are not a one-off event, but rather part of an ongoing and intensive monitoring strategy that will encompass all establishments operating in this sector. The committee emphasized that it will not hesitate to take deterrent legal action against any establishment found to be in violation of regulations, urging shop owners to fully comply with the instructions to avoid penalties that could include permanent closure and substantial fines.
Local News
Saudi Arabia's HEET armored vehicle: Specifications and capabilities with 100% intellectual property rights
Meet the new Saudi HEET armored vehicle from SAMI. 100% Saudi design and intellectual property, advanced weaponry capabilities, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to support Vision 2030.
In a historic move reflecting the rapid development of military industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SAMI Ground Systems, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company (SAMI), unveiled its new strategic project: the HEET wheeled armored vehicles. This announcement, made during the third edition of the World Defence Exhibition 2026, represents a significant leap forward in the localization of defense industries, as the project was developed with 100% Saudi intellectual property, design, and production.
A qualitative leap towards achieving Vision 2030
The HEET project is not merely a new military product; it is a tangible embodiment of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, which aim to localize more than 50% of government military spending. This project enhances the Kingdom's strategic decision-making independence and reduces reliance on foreign imports in the land-based armament sector. This step is of paramount importance in light of global geopolitical challenges, as possessing local manufacturing technologies provides significant flexibility in meeting the needs of the Saudi Armed Forces quickly and efficiently.
Advanced technical specifications and combat capabilities
The HEET armored vehicles feature a unique engineering design that combines rigidity and flexibility. The family of vehicles includes multiple drive variants (4x4, 6x6, and 8x8). These vehicles are designed to operate efficiently in diverse terrains, from harsh desert environments to rough and paved areas. Key technical features of the armored vehicle include:
- Armor systems: Provide advanced ballistic protection for crew and equipment.
- Operational flexibility: The ability to operate as manned or unmanned platforms.
- Armament: It supports the integration of the 12.7 mm "Vision" combat turret system, in addition to the possibility of integrating a 105 mm turret to provide direct and powerful fire support.
A smart industrial complex built to the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
These armored vehicles will be produced at the company's complex, which is considered the largest integrated industrial complex of its kind in the region. The complex spans 82,000 square meters within a vast industrial area of one million square meters. What distinguishes this industrial complex is its complete reliance on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, employing artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and industrial robotics to ensure the highest standards of quality and precision in production.
Economic and strategic impact
Engineer Mohammed Al-Hudaib, CEO of SAMI, affirmed that this project represents a fundamental pillar in building a solid national manufacturing base. The project is expected to contribute to:
- Providing more than 1000 quality jobs for Saudi talent.
- Reaching a production capacity of up to 1500 military vehicles per year.
- Strengthening border protection, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities of ground forces.
In doing so, the Kingdom places itself among the countries that manufacture advanced defense systems, confirming the Saudi engineer’s ability to innovate, produce and compete globally.
-
Local News 7 days agoLaunch of the city's shuttle bus service in Ramadan 1447 AH: Routes and stations
-
Local news one week ago
Rabigh inaugurates the world's largest water innovation oasis and enters the Guinness World Records
-
Culture and Art, 1 week ago
The series "Rouh OFF" was permanently canceled by a decision of the Actors' Syndicate
-
Culture and Art 7 days ago
Yasser Galal and Radwa El Sherbiny: Details of a new artistic project that brings them together
-
Local news one week ago
Schedule of Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers at the Two Holy Mosques for Ramadan 1447 AH
-
Local news one week ago
The Ministry of Education revokes the licenses of 74 private schools due to safety and quality violations
-
Local news one week ago
Saudi Arabia weather: Rain in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Qassim, and dense fog
-
Local News 6 days ago
Mohammed Al-Rasasmeh appointed as official spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing
