RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a top destination for health and wellness tourism, working to develop specialized healthcare facilities and wellness resorts to attract international visitors. At the Global Health Exhibition, held in Riyadh Oct. 21-23, Dr.
Saad Baslom, adviser for the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program, shared valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in health tourism. Baslom participated in a session at the forum titled “Investment Opportunities in Health Tourism and Wellness in KSA,” where he discussed the country’s position as a leader in global health tourism. Highlighting the Kingdom’s advancements, he told Arab News: “The Saudi Ministry of Health is actively transforming the healthcare system by fostering partnerships with the private sector and integrating complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are now key components in providing holistic care.” This integration positions Saudi Arabia as a destination offering a comprehensive health tourism experience, enriched by the nation’s deep-rooted customs and traditions, according to Baslom. One prominent example of the country’s new wellness tourism offerings is AMAALA, a luxury wellness project on the Red Sea coast, the first phase of which is set to be completed by 2025.
It is expected to contribute SR11 billion ($2.9 billion) to the economy and create 50,000 jobs. The AlUla Wellness Festival, another key.
