Emerging Travel Trends: Saudi Arabia

Emerging Travel Trends: Why Saudi Arabia is the Next Hotspot for Travelers.

URBAN JOURNEYS 

City-hopping is gaining traction among Gen Z and Millennial travelers eager to explore multiple urban destinations in a single trip. Their key motivations include discovering iconic landmarks, vibrant street art, cultural hotspots, film locations, and dynamic exhibitions. While classic cities like Paris and Rome remain popular, Globe trender highlights a growing interest in emerging urban centers.

Riyadh and Jeddah are at the forefront of this trend, offering a unique blend of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage. Driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and a rapidly evolving economy, these cities provide fresh, immersive experiences for adventurous travelers. Visitors can curate their own abaya or signature fragrance, take part in Saudi Season festivals, or explore cutting-edge exhibitions like the Islamic Arts Biennale, delving into the Kingdom’s flourishing art scene and historical influences.

YOLO LIST

Saudi Arabia is redefining luxury, with 2025 marking the dawn of a new era in opulent travel. Following the 2024 launch of Red Sea Global—introducing overwater villas, wellness retreats, and fine dining to all-inclusive island escapes—Sindalah Island is now set to become a premier yachting destination, boasting a world-class marina amid the untouched beauty of the Red Sea.For those embracing the YOLO lifestyle, the Kingdom offers unparalleled experiences—from teeing off with sports legends to floating above Hegra’s ancient wonders in a sunrise hot air balloon or diving into pristine, unexplored marine ecosystems.

Luxury travelers can also look forward to an exciting lineup of exclusive openings in 2025, including:
Three new Aman properties, featuring Aman Hegra and a serene desert retreat
An Armani Hotel in Diriyah, seamlessly blending elegance with cultural heritage
Capella’s debut in NEOM, setting new standards for ultra-luxury stays
An 18-hole championship golf course at Shura Island, Red Sea Global

With these extraordinary offerings, Saudi Arabia is emerging as the next must-visit destination for luxury enthusiasts.

SPORTING SAFARIS

The 2025 sports calendar is set to be a thrilling year, featuring global events like the ICC Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is making waves on the international sports scene with marquee events such as the Saudi Grand Prix along Jeddah’s stunning Corniche and the inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
Adding to the excitement, the Kingdom will host the 47th Dakar Rally, the Spanish Super Cup Finals, and the Saudi Cup—the world’s richest horse race. These events follow a landmark year of sporting highlights in Saudi Arabia, including the WTA Women’s Tennis Finals, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the highly anticipated Fury vs. Usyk heavyweight boxing rematch, and the Six Kings Tennis Slam, where legends like Nadal and Djokovic competed during Riyadh Season.

GIG TRIPPING

Saudi Arabia’s music scene has undergone a remarkable evolution, drawing global superstars like David Guetta, Mariah Carey, and Andrea Bocelli. Festivals such as MDLBeast and SoundStorm have become cultural powerhouses, with SoundStorm now attracting crowds larger than Glastonbury. With Eminem set to headline SoundStorm 2024, another record-breaking year is on the horizon.
Beyond international icons, Saudi Arabia’s homegrown artists are carving out a unique musical identity by blending modern sounds with traditional influences. Among them, the AlTurk Twins have made a strong impression, setting the tone at Roam’s 2023 launch event with their fusion of Middle Eastern melodies and contemporary electronic beats.

As Saudi Arabia cements its status as a global entertainment hub, 2025 promises an even more star-studded lineup, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers worldwide.