Saudi Arabia is ramping up its investment in smart tourism technologies to transform the visitor economy and fast-track Vision 2030, integrating AI, immersive media, biometrics and IoT to position the Kingdom as a global tourism leader driven by innovation. Flagship projects such as Neom, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya and New Murabba are incorporating advanced technologies not as add-ons, but as foundational components of how tourism experiences are created, delivered and maintained.
With a goal to attract 150m visitors annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia is repositioning tourism as a key economic pillar, aiming to raise the sector’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%.
Smart technologies powering next-generation tourism
Artificial intelligence is being deployed to enable personalised trip planning, while real-time data integration allows destinations to respond to visitor behaviour and preferences. These systems support everything from biometric check-ins and AI-driven concierge services to predictive resource management in accommodation and transport.
In Neom, for example, immersive storytelling and AI-led engagement are central to visitor experience design. At the same time, at the Red Sea Project, IoT-enabled systems monitor environmental indicators to optimise utilities and operational workflows.
Diriyah, a heritage-focused development, is adopting digital documentation and interactive displays to bring historical narratives to life. These layered uses of smart tech support visitor engagement and long-term site preservation.
Driving personalisation and efficiency through data
Experts point to the rise of “cognitive tourism” as a defining trend, where systems deliver services and actively anticipate and adapt to individual needs. In Saudi Arabia, this includes generative AI tools used by travellers to plan activities and in-destination support through intelligent assistants.
These developments extend beyond consumer interfaces. AI and robotics are also being considered for internal processes, such as automating cleaning, delivery and customer support functions in budget hospitality formats.
Meanwhile, cloud and IoT integrations are helping operators meet environmental targets by automating climate control, lighting and waste systems.
