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��������’s historical riches are getting increased government support to highlight their significance in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.
But the country’s rich heritage is also the subject of growing interest from people around the world who want to visit the Kingdom.
Both factors — support and interest — are combining to create a strong future for Saudi tourism.
In the past few weeks, the “Winter at Tantora” festival in Al-Ula has showcased the area’s historical heritage and hidden natural treasures.
People from around the Kingdom have been taking part in the festival, either managing the event or displaying traditional crafts.
There has been an impressive increased participation from women this year. One of the leaders behind the promotion of the festival is Iman Al-Mutairi, marketing director for tourist destinations at the Royal Commission for Al-Ula.
Her work to promote not only Al-Ula, but all of �������� as a major tourism destination is inspirational. Women such as Al-Mutairi are showing they can run large-scale events and are also empowered by their love for their jobs.
In an interview, Al-Mutairi said that women had taken on a host of major roles at the “Winter at Tantora” festival. With strong support from the Kingdom’s leadership to empower Saudi women, we are seeing many examples of female skill and potential.
The festival is bringing history to life through the work of passionate people who are committed to what they are doing because they believe in the greater message and vision of the whole group. Individual women make up a collective team that works to promote Al-Ula and its historic sites.
Tantora festival is strengthening tourism, enriching culture, highlighting nature and history, building community and empowering women — all part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms.
We are witnessing a cultural transformation in �������� that will affect the way we view our culture and present it at home and to the world.
The work of women shines a light on the fact that, yes, we are changing and developing, but we are doing so with passion and a love for the Kingdom that binds us together.
Women in Al-Ula, including Al-Mutairi and hundreds of others, are actively working to transform the way the Kingdom promotes itself in the tourism and cultural industries.

Razan Farhan Alaqil is a student of political science, international comparative politics and global studies. She is a Saudi youth representative at the UN.