launches ‘Visa by Profile’ initiative

 ranked first among G20 nations in international tourist arrivals in 2024 and led globally in tourism revenue growth from inbound visitors. Shutterstock
ranked first among G20 nations in international tourist arrivals in 2024 and led globally in tourism revenue growth from inbound visitors. Shutterstock
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Updated 1 min 12 sec ago

launches ‘Visa by Profile’ initiative

 launches ‘Visa by Profile’ initiative

JEDDAH: has launched a pioneering initiative, “Visa by Profile,” allowing eligible Visa cardholders to instantly obtain an electronic tourist visa within minutes, the minister of tourism announced.

In a post on his X account, Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “Launched at TOURISE25, we proudly introduce ‘Visa by Profile’ – the world’s first initiative allowing eligible Visa cardholders to instantly secure their electronic tourist visa in minutes, just by using their card and passport details.”

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the global financial services company Visa, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to seamless, technology-driven travel experiences.

The minister added: “This is how we build the future of tourism: simple, seamless, and globally connected.”

ranked first among G20 nations in international tourist arrivals in 2024 and led globally in tourism revenue growth from inbound visitors.

Having surpassed its initial goal of 100 million visitors six years ahead of schedule in 2023, the Kingdom has set a new target of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030 — including 70 million international and 80 million domestic travelers.

On the final day of the three-day summit at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Al-Khateeb also announced three additional initiatives: Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, and Beyond Tourism.

In another post, he said: “At TOURISE25, we took concrete steps to elevate the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector by announcing strategic partnerships with leading global institutions, including top schools in hospitality around the world.”

He emphasized the ministry’s focus on advancing training and skills development, fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to lead the tourism sector’s growth, noting: “Our people are the core of the future of tourism.”

Organized by the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the TOURISE 2025 Summit ran from Nov. 11 to 13 and aimed to shape the future of global tourism by driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

The next edition of TOURISE is scheduled to take place in March 2027.


$2bn joint venture to bring iconic Atlantis, One&Only brands to

$2bn joint venture to bring iconic Atlantis, One&Only brands to
Updated 15 sec ago

$2bn joint venture to bring iconic Atlantis, One&Only brands to

$2bn joint venture to bring iconic Atlantis, One&Only brands to

RIYADH: Midad Real Estate Co. has entered a landmark joint venture with Jeddah Central Development Co. — a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund — and Kerzner International, the global hospitality group behind the iconic Atlantis and One&Only brands.

The signing ceremony took place during the TOURISE Global Summit in the presence of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and Mohammad Al Shaibani, chairman of the board of directors at Kerzner International.

Under the agreement, the partners will introduce the first-ever Atlantis and One&Only destinations in , within the Jeddah Central waterfront master plan on the Red Sea coast.

The total project value stands at SR7.6 billion ($2.03 billion) and aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030.

As the project’s developer, Midad Real Estate will oversee the creation of both destinations, which aim to position Jeddah Central as a world-class hub for tourism, entertainment, and culture.

The development will feature two flagship properties: Atlantis Jeddah and One&Only Jeddah. Atlantis Jeddah will include branded residences, the region’s first Aquaventure Waterpark, the Lost Chambers Aquarium, more than 20 signature dining and lounge venues, luxury retail, and a waterfront entertainment pier.

One&Only Jeddah will offer guest rooms, suites, and villas, as well as the brand’s first Private Homes community in . It will also feature seven specialty dining venues, the Club One Wellness Centre, private beach access, and event spaces for gatherings.

Both resorts will incorporate contemporary design inspired by Jeddah’s Corniche heritage, blending modern architecture with sustainable coral-inspired landscaping and low-impact building practices that emphasize environmental preservation and community engagement.

“This partnership reinforces Jeddah Central’s position as a global waterfront destination and reflects the strength of collaboration between Saudi developers and leading international hospitality brands,” said Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Sulaim, CEO of Jeddah Central Development Co.
“It supports our mission to deliver sustainable, world-class destinations that enhance quality of life and contribute to Saudi Vision 2030.”

“This collaboration represents a defining moment for Midad Real Estate,” said Abdulelah bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, president of Midad Real Estate.
“Our partnership with Kerzner International and Jeddah Central Development Co. brings together shared values of excellence and innovation. These projects will set new standards for luxury, sustainability, and hospitality experiences in .”

“Kerzner has a proven track record of unlocking value in ambitious markets,” said Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International.
“We have consistently delivered exceptional performance and global recognition for destinations, transforming them into world-renowned entertainment and luxury experiences. The presence of Atlantis and One&Only in Jeddah aligns with our mutual commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s tourism landscape. Together with Midad Real Estate Investment and Development, we’re proud to collaborate in bringing this shared vision to life.”