Significant achievements in the Saudi housing sector in line with Vision 2030

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced exceptional achievements during 2024, representing a significant boost towards realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in the housing sector. These achievements included the signing of over 99,000 homeownership contracts for Saudi families and the provision of rental support to more than 38,000 families in dire need, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to enhancing housing stability and the quality of life for citizens.

General context: The housing program within the Kingdom's vision

These efforts are part of the Housing Program, one of the key initiatives of Vision 2030, launched with the goal of increasing homeownership among Saudi citizens to 70% by 2030. Since its inception, the program has worked to provide diverse housing and financing solutions through platforms such as Sakani, in partnership with the private sector and financial institutions. This strategy aims to transform the housing sector into a cornerstone of economic and social development by providing suitable housing that meets the aspirations of Saudi families and strengthens the social fabric.

Details of housing support: Enabling homeownership and easing burdens

The ministry explained that the housing support program has successfully enabled thousands of families to own their first home through an integrated system that includes subsidized mortgage loans and diverse housing solutions. The signing of 99,000 contracts in a single year is a strong indicator of the effectiveness of the policies implemented and their success in reaching a broad segment of the population, thus enhancing their family stability and providing them with a property of increasing value.

In a parallel effort aimed at achieving social protection, the “Housing Rent Support” program provided assistance to more than 38,000 low-income families. This support directly contributes to easing the financial burden on these families and ensures their continued access to decent housing, thereby strengthening social cohesion and promoting solidarity within the community.

Strengthening the role of the non-profit sector and governance

The Ministry's efforts were not limited to direct support, but extended to empowering the non-profit sector as a strategic partner in development. Eighty-one non-profit organizations specializing in developmental housing were established and empowered, in addition to launching impactful initiatives such as the "Jood Endowment Fund" and "Jood Business" to enhance the contribution of the private and non-profit sectors. Furthermore, the role of the community was activated by providing more than 342,000 volunteer opportunities , thus strengthening a culture of community participation. To ensure that support reaches those who deserve it, the Ministry conducted more than 15,000 monitoring visits , underscoring its commitment to governance and transparency standards.

Expected economic and social impact

These achievements extend beyond the immediate social impact of providing housing, reaching broader economic and developmental dimensions. Locally, these projects revitalize the construction and real estate sectors, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Internationally, the Kingdom's success in implementing housing programs of this scale reinforces its position as a leading model for sustainable urban development and social welfare, potentially attracting international investment and expertise to contribute to this vital sector.

Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is preparing to host one of the region's most prominent tourism events: the Jeddah International Tourism and Travel Exhibition, taking place from January 28th to 30th. Organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event will be held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center and will feature wide international participation, including 27 countries and more than 179 exhibitors specializing in promoting local and international tourist destinations, as well as showcasing the latest products and services related to the travel sector.

The organization of this exhibition comes at a crucial strategic juncture for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning directly with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce dependence on oil. The tourism sector is a cornerstone of this vision, with the Kingdom striving to attract over 100 million tourist visits annually by 2030. Therefore, the exhibition is significant as a vital platform for showcasing the Kingdom's immense tourism potential, from mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, to its rich heritage and cultural sites.

Jeddah is the ideal choice to host this international event, thanks to its historical significance as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vital trading port throughout the ages, in addition to being a modern economic and cultural hub. Its rich history, embodied in the historic district of Al-Balad (Jeddah Al-Haditha), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines with its modern waterfront and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, making it a microcosm of the integrated tourism experiences that the Kingdom offers its visitors, blending tradition with modernity.

Locally, the exhibition is expected to stimulate economic activity in Jeddah and support local businesses operating in the hospitality and travel sector, as well as encourage domestic tourism among citizens and residents. Regionally and internationally, the exhibition will solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East, capable of competing and attracting tourists from around the world. It also presents a valuable opportunity for foreign investors to explore promising growth opportunities in the Saudi market.

The exhibition provides participants and visitors with a comprehensive platform for networking and expanding their professional relationships. For exhibitors, it is an ideal annual marketplace to showcase their services, launch new products, forge strategic partnerships, and reach a broad audience and media presence. For visitors and travel enthusiasts, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends in the tourism industry, discover new destinations, and take advantage of exclusive offers from participating companies, making it an essential event for anyone involved in the travel and tourism industry.

Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is preparing to host one of the most prominent events in the regional tourism sector: the Jeddah International Tourism and Travel Exhibition 2026. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center from January 28 to 30. Organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, this significant event underscores the growing stature of Saudi Arabia as a global tourist destination, bringing together 179 exhibitors from 27 countries to showcase the latest tourism destinations, products, and services.

Strategic context within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This exhibition cannot be viewed as an isolated event; rather, it is an integral part of the comprehensive national transformation spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Vision aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, and the tourism sector is a key pillar in achieving this goal. By hosting such international events, the Kingdom is attracting foreign investment, enhancing its tourism infrastructure, and promoting its mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, which are redefining the concept of luxury and sustainable tourism.

The importance of Jeddah as a tourist and commercial gateway

Jeddah has long been a historic gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vibrant commercial hub on the Red Sea coast. Today, the city leverages its rich heritage and strategic location to become a center for tourism, entertainment, and business. Hosting the Expo in Jeddah reinforces its position as a destination capable of organizing world-class events and highlights its attractions, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of Al-Balad to its modern waterfront and luxury shopping malls.

Promising opportunities for participants and visitors

The exhibition provides a vibrant annual platform that brings together industry professionals and travel enthusiasts. For exhibitors, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their new services and products to a broad audience, build strategic partnerships with travel agents and tour operators, and generate new business opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing markets. For visitors, the exhibition offers a comprehensive marketplace where they can explore new destinations, access exclusive offers, plan their next trips, and connect directly with representatives from tourism boards, hotels, and airlines worldwide.

Expected impact at the local and international levels

The exhibition is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, it will stimulate economic activity in Jeddah and support the hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors. Regionally, it will reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Middle East's tourism sector. Internationally, the exhibition will enhance the Kingdom's image as an open and diverse tourist destination, capable of welcoming visitors from all cultures, thus contributing to the realization of Vision 2030's goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually.