His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, met with investors, operators and service providers to launch the Saudi Summer 2026 program, under the slogan “Summer Our Way.” H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb underscored the role of public-private partnerships in delivering a successful summer program that transforms offers and packages into distinctive experiences for domestic and international visitors. H.E. added that Saudi Summer 2026 highlights the diversity of the Kingdom’s destinations, from the coastal destinations of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the mountain destinations of Aseer, Al Baha and Taif, as well as the cultural and urban destinations of Riyadh and AlUla. The Minister of Tourism stated that this year’s edition will feature experiences many visitors will encounter for the first time in Saudi Arabia, following the opening of world-class resorts in the Red Sea destination, the launch of global attractions in Qiddiya, and other new activations. During the workshop, H.E. Al Khateeb discussed with private-sector partners ways to deepen cooperation, enhance service quality and elevate the tourism experience. He also underlined the tourism ecosystem’s commitment to supporting partners in developing integrated products that make travel easier for visitors. As part of the program, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) launched the Saudi Summer Offers platform to help visitors find travel offers and packages tailored to their preferences. This workshop is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s broader strategy to advance Saudi tourism through innovative private-sector partnerships that build more competitive, sustainable tourism seasons in the years ahead.
Dr Shehara Rizly Fernando manages Middle East content, bringing over three decades of experience across print, broadcast, and digital journalism in Asia and the Middle East region. Beginning as a broadcast journalist, she transitioned into print and digital platforms, covering news, travel, tourism and destinations, hotel development, and aviation. She is also a strong advocate for women in the industry, consistently championing their growth and empowerment throughout her career.
