KARACHI: Saudi Arabia continues to attract a growing number of Pakistani travellers, with visits rising from 2.70 million in 2024 to an estimated 2.87 million in 2025, Managing Director of Travel Design Pvt Ltd, Muhammad Ali, said during a presentation at a local hotel on Thursday. Addressing the event, Muhammad Ali highlighted that the Kingdom’s tourism growth is being driven by religious tourism, leisure travel, and improved air connectivity. “Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of culture, spirituality, modernity, nature, and entertainment, making it a compelling destination for travelers from Pakistan,” he said. Sophia Al Khawar from the Saudi Tourism Authority shared her insights on how Saudi Arabia is attracting tourists from around the globe. She added that the Kingdom is strategically promoting a wide range of tourism experiences. Muhammad Ali also shared key attractive sights of the kingdom to visit Spirituality: Makkah and Madinah, central to Islamic pilgrimages, featuring landmark sites such as Masjid al-Haram and Masjid Quba. Culture & History: AlUla, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra with 2,000-year-old tombs, and Diriyah as a heritage hub showcasing the Kingdom’s rich history. Modernity & Urban Life: Riyadh, with iconic landmarks like the Kingdom Centre, high-end dining, and a vibrant cityscape. Nature & Adventure: Red Sea coast offering diving experiences, NEOM (including Magna) providing luxury sustainable coastal tourism, and Aseer and Al Baha offering scenic mountain landscapes. Entertainment & Relaxation: King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) for leisure and sports, complemented by desert landscapes ideal for stargazing. The presentation also highlighted major leisure destinations, including Taif, Qiddiya, and KAEC, along with enhanced air connectivity through direct carriers from Pakistan, Saudi domestic carriers, and via carriers, supported by the Saudi visa portal. Featured destinations emphasized during the session included AlUla, Jeddah, Riyadh, Aseer, and the Red Sea, reflecting the Kingdom’s diversified tourism offerings. The event was attended by Senior Politician Mansoor Wassan and other notables. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026