The Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, participated in the GREAT FUTURES initiative conference held in King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh from May 14-15.
The event aims to enhance economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in various promising sectors and boost mutual trade and investments.
In his speech during the inaugural session, Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are bound by a deep historical partnership.
He noted that GREAT FUTURES offers a chance to enhance cooperation and develop investments in 13 vital and promising sectors.
The minister said it also represents an important forum for exchanging qualitative expertise and learning about the latest practices in priority and promising fields.
He added that the conference serves as a mega platform for British companies to participate in the transformation achieved in Saudi Arabia.
Thanks to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has witnessed transformations that have unleashed its enormous potential in various fields, especially tourism.
Al Khateeb also said that he looks forward to Britain playing a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s path toward achieving Vision 2030’s objectives.
This year, Saudi Arabia has received more than 165,600 British tourists the minister said, adding that over 560,462 e-visas have been issued for British visitors since 2019.
He highlighted the significant need to boost communication and increase the number of British hotel operators in Saudi Arabia.
GREAT FUTURES is one of the initiatives of the Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council.
The council is co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
