Middle East tensions drive Saudi domestic tourism to double-digit growth

RIYADH: Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with the closure of some airspaces, have led to a redirection of travel toward domestic destinations. Growing demand for nearby, stable destinations with easier access within the Kingdom drove double-digit growth in domestic tourism, experts told Al-Eqtisadiah. Data from the Ministry of Tourism confirms this trend, showing that the number of domestic tourists reached SR28.9 million ($7.7 million) during the first quarter of 2026, a 16 percent year-on-year increase.