Unlocking potential across the Kingdom
TDF is unlocking the full breadth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential by tailoring its funding to the distinct character and needs of each destination - whether in major urban centres, high-growth regions, or emerging areas.
| Destinations | Anticipated jobs through Direct Financing: since inception | 2024 | Expected GDP impact (SAR Mn) through Direct Financing: since inception | 2024 | Anticipated keys through Direct Financing: since inception | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Hubs | 26,265 | 1,361 | 2,559 | 153 | 3,240 | 376 |
| High Potential | 45,508 | 5,504 | 4,674 | 528 | 3,784 | 320 |
| Emerging | 8,493 | 807 | 783 | 74 | 2,089 | 753 |
This destination-based approach ensures that tourism development is not only widespread but also deeply responsive to local opportunity.
In well-established metropolitan urban destinations, the Fund’s financing has reinforced economic depth and infrastructure readiness. With 26,265 potential jobs created, SAR 2.56 Mn expected in GDP impact, and 3,240 keys to be delivered, these contributions strengthen the tourism backbone of the Kingdom’s metropolitan hubs, enhancing capacity and elevating the visitor experience.
In high-potential regions, the Fund’s impact is even more transformative. These areas are projected to deliver the highest socio-economic returns, with up to 45,508 potential jobs created, an estimated SAR 4,674 Mn in GDP impact, and 3,784 keys expected to be delivered. This reflects TDF’s ability to unlock latent potential, catalysing vibrant tourism economies and diversifying the national tourism offering.
In emerging and underserved destinations, the Fund’s support has laid the foundation for inclusive development. With up to 8,493 potential jobs created, an estimated SAR 783 Mn in GDP impact, and 2,089 keys expected to be delivered, these contributions are set to bring tourism to new frontiers, fostering local opportunity and ensuring all regions grow together.
By aligning its financing with the unique dynamics of each location, the Fund is not only building infrastructure, it is cultivating opportunity, driving regional equity, and shaping a tourism sector that reflects the full diversity and promise of Saudi Arabia.
Aseer’s Journey with TDF
Aseer offers a compelling value proposition: a temperate climate averaging 10°C cooler than the rest of the Kingdom, five distinct natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage including the UNESCO-listed Rijal Alma’a. Despite these strengths, the region has faced persistent challenges such as an 11.1% unemployment rate, infrastructure gaps, and limited private sector investment. Recognising Aseer’s untapped potential, TDF has stepped in with a targeted approach to catalyse sustainable growth by identifying priority value chain segments that can create opportunities for the Fund and lay the groundwork for a more resilient tourism ecosystem.
Since Inception
- Projects Financed by TDF
- 102
- Direct funding by TDF
- SAR 848 Mn
- Project values
- SAR 1,931 Mn
- Capital unlocked
- SAR 1,083 Mn
| Opportunities | Description | TDF’s Contribution, Investment & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding Employment Opportunities | Aseer’s youthful population presents a chance to create jobs and reduce unemployment through tourism-driven growth. | TDF expects to create 8,936 jobs, integrating youth and women into the tourism workforce and reducing unemployment. |
| Empowering Local Enterprises | There is strong potential to strengthen MSMEs and integrate them into the tourism value chain. | TDF supported 92 MSMEs with SAR 394 Mn, empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding the tourism ecosystem. |
| Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure | Aseer can benefit from expanded hospitality and retail infrastructure to meet rising visitor demand. | Contributions of SAR 388 Mn in commercial accommodation resulting in 799 potential keys which account for 45% compared to other private investors. Funding of SAR 398 Mn in retail assets significantly support improved tourism infrastructure. |
| Diversifying Visitor Experiences | Developing F&B and entertainment offerings can elevate the region’s appeal and visitors’ satisfaction. | TDF injected SAR 30 Mn into F&B outlets, improving mid-premium amenities and diversifying tourism offerings. |
| Driving Regional Economic Growth | Tourism development can serve as a catalyst for broader GDP impact and economic diversification. | TDF’s interventions are expected to create a GDP impact of SAR 618 Mn, demonstrating tourism’s role in regional economic growth. |
| Mobilising Investment Capital | There is an opportunity to unlock and deploy capital to accelerate tourism development and investor confidence. | TDF has deployed SAR 623 Mn, committed SAR 848 Mn and unlocked SAR 1.05 Bn in capital. This layered financial strategy is catalysing large-scale tourism development, attracting private sector confidence, and accelerating the region’s transformation. |
Al Ahsa’s Journey with TDF
TDF is enabling the transformation of Al Ahsa into a vibrant tourism destination. Known for its UNESCO-listed oasis, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location, Al Ahsa holds immense potential to become a key contributor to the Kingdom’s tourism economy. Despite facing constraints such as limited branded accommodation and underdeveloped entertainment offerings, the Fund’s targeted contributions are unlocking new opportunities. With SAR 636 Mn committed, SAR 143 Mn deployed, and SAR 1.57 Bn unlocked, TDF is laying the foundation for sustainable tourism growth, job creation, and economic diversification in the region.
Since Inception
- Projects Financed by TDF
- 75
- Direct funding by TDF
- SAR 636 Mn
- Project values
- SAR 2,201 Mn
- Capital unlocked
- SAR 1,574 Mn
| Opportunities | Description | TDF’s Contribution, Investment & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding Branded Hospitality | Addressing the shortage of quality accommodation to attract both domestic and international visitors. | TDF has invested SAR 581 Mn in commercial accommodation, expected to deliver 499 keys, significantly boosting lodging capacity. |
| Boosting Investor Confidence | Enhancing infrastructure and offerings to build momentum and credibility with foreign investors. | With SAR 636 Mn committed and SAR 1,574 Mn unlocked, the Fund is signalling strong institutional backing, encouraging private sector participation. |
| Creating Local Employment | Leveraging tourism development to generate jobs and stimulate the local economy. | TDF’s initiatives are expected to create 3,184 jobs, contributing to a relatively low unemployment rate of 5% in the region. |
| Accelerating Progress | Strategic tourism contributions can help Al Ahsa contribute to national targets for economic diversification and visitor growth. | TDF’s interventions can potentially generate a GDP impact of SAR 309 Mn, with more growth expected as 7 additional projects become operational. |
| Enhancing Retail and Leisure Offerings | Developing vibrant retail and entertainment spaces to enrich the visitor experience. | TDF has invested SAR 19 Mn in retail and SAR 28 Mn in entertainment, with further potential as more projects are launched. |
| Supporting Local Enterprises | Empowering MSMEs to participate in the tourism value chain. | TDF supported 72 MSMEs with SAR 223 Mn, empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding the tourism ecosystem |
Hail’s Journey with TDF
Hail stands as a hidden gem in Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled between the Aja and Salma mountains and surrounded by the golden dunes of the Nafud Desert, Hail is renowned for its agricultural productivity, ancient rock art, and iconic landmarks like A’arif Fort and Qishlah Palace. Despite its cultural depth and strategic location, Hail remains under explored, with an unemployment rate of 6.9% and limited tourism infrastructure. Recognising the city’s untapped potential, TDF is driving targeted anchor projects to unlock more capital and opportunities to attract private investment and position Hail as a vibrant destination for heritage, adventure, and sustainable growth.
Since Inception
- Projects Financed by TDF
- 7
- Direct funding by TDF
- SAR 89 Mn
- Project values
- SAR 271 Mn
- Capital unlocked
- SAR 195 Mn
| Opportunities | Description | TDF’s Contribution, Investment & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Niche Hospitality Development | Hail’s desert landscapes and cultural heritage create demand for boutique accommodations catering to adventure and heritage travellers. | TDF has unlocked SAR 195 Mn through 7 projects to support small-scale hospitality infrastructure. |
| Adventure & Desert Tourism | The Nafud Desert and surrounding mountains offer opportunities for outdoor activities and desert experiences. | Investments within the SAR 271 Mn project portfolio aim to develop tourism assets that leverage Hail’s natural terrain. |
| Cultural Heritage Promotion | Historic forts and archaeological sites provide potential for cultural tourism experiences. | TDF-backed initiatives are designed to integrate heritage elements into tourism offerings, enhancing visitor engagement. |
| Employment Creation | Tourism development can generate jobs and stimulate local economic participation in a region with limited opportunities. | With initial employment opportunities already created, TDF is laying the groundwork for future employment growth as projects scale. |
| Economic Activation | Tourism investments can help diversify Hail’s economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors. | TDF’s SAR 89 Mn committed and SAR 39 Mn deployed signal long-term economic activation potential. |
Al Baha’s Journey with TDF
Al Baha, often called the “Garden of the Hejaz,” is a city of striking contrasts, lush forests, ancient stone villages, and beautiful mountain landscapes set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s smallest province. With over 50 forests, a temperate climate, and heritage sites like the ‘’Thee Ain Historical Village”, Al Baha offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and serenity that positions it as a standout destination for eco-tourism and heritage exploration. Yet, despite its natural and cultural wealth, the region faces persistent challenges including limited infrastructure, seasonal tourism flows, and a relatively high unemployment rate of 9.3%. In response, TDF has deployed a strategic approach to unlock Al Baha’s latent potential by investing in anchor projects to enhance accessibility and foster sustainable tourism models that can transform the city into a year-round destination for domestic and international travellers.
Since Inception
- Projects Financed by TDF
- 12
- Direct funding by TDF
- SAR 412 Mn
- Project values
- SAR 795 Mn
- Capital unlocked
- SAR 449 Mn
| Opportunities | Description | TDF’s Contribution, Investment & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique Hospitality Development | Al Baha’s scenic forests and heritage villages create demand for small-scale, high-quality accommodations that blend with nature. | TDF has unlocked SAR 449 Mn across 12 projects, expected to add 591 keys to support eco-friendly hospitality and enhance visitor experience. |
| Eco-Tourism & Nature Experiences | The region’s lush landscapes and temperate climate offer strong potential for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. | Investments within the SAR 795 Mn project portfolio are enabling nature-based tourism infrastructure, positioning Al Baha as a sustainable destination. |
| Cultural Heritage Tourism | Historic sites like Thee Ain Village provide opportunities for immersive cultural experiences. | TDF-backed projects are designed to integrate heritage preservation with tourism offerings, attracting culturally inclined travelers. |
| Employment & Community Development | Tourism growth can create jobs and empower local communities in a region with limited economic diversification. | With 2,670 potential jobs created, TDF is helping reduce Al Baha’s 9.3% unemployment rate, fostering inclusive growth and local participation. |
| Economic Activation | Tourism-driven investments can stimulate local businesses and increase regional prosperity. | An expected GDP contribution of SAR 257 Mn reflects TDF’s role in driving economic activation and tourism-led growth. |
| Infrastructure Enhancement | Upgrading basic infrastructure is critical to improve accessibility and support tourism expansion. | TDF has committed SAR 412 Mn and deployed SAR 147 Mn in active projects to accelerate infrastructure development and unlock Al Baha’s full potential. |
Jeddah’s Journey with TDF
Jeddah presents a dynamic opportunity for sustainable tourism development: a strategic coastal location on the Red Sea, a vibrant coastal culture, and proximity to key religious and commercial hubs. Despite its advantages, the city faces notable challenges, including a 7.9% unemployment rate and the need for diversified private sector engagement in tourism. To unlock Jeddah’s full potential, TDF is implementing a focused strategy aimed at strengthening priority value chains, fostering inclusive economic growth, and laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism ecosystem.
Since Inception
- Projects Financed by TDF
- 60
- Direct funding by TDF
- SAR 2,502 Mn
- Project values
- SAR 6,842 Mn
- Capital unlocked
- SAR 4,441 Mn
| Opportunities | Description | TDF’s Contribution, Investment & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Hospitality Expansion | Jeddah’s role as a commercial and cultural hub, combined with its Red Sea coastline, drives strong demand for premium hospitality infrastructure. | The Fund has unlocked SAR 4,441 Mn and is expected to add 2,398 new keys to elevate hospitality standards and cater to growing visitor demand. |
| Luxury & Lifestyle Tourism | The city’s cosmopolitan character and proximity to major events create opportunities for high-end retail, dining, and leisure experiences. | Within the SAR 6,842 Mn project portfolio, TDF has committed SAR 2,502 Mn and deployed SAR 1,329 Mn to enable large-scale lifestyle and leisure developments that enhance Jeddah’s global appeal. |
| Business Tourism | Jeddah’s position as a gateway for trade and business makes it ideal for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. | TDF-backed hospitality projects, including 2,398 expected keys, are designed to support event spaces and business tourism infrastructure, positioning Jeddah as a leading business destination. |
| Employment & Skills Development | Tourism growth in Jeddah can generate significant employment opportunities and up skill the local workforce. | With 12,489 potential jobs created, TDF is directly contributing to reducing Jeddah’s 7.9% unemployment rate and fostering inclusive economic participation. |
| Economic Diversification | Tourism-driven investments can stimulate broader economic activity and reduce reliance on traditional sectors. | An expected GDP contribution of SAR 1,367 Mn reflects TDF’s role in driving economic activation and tourism-led growth. |
| Infrastructure Modernisation | Large-scale infrastructure upgrades are essential to support Jeddah’s ambition as a global tourism hub. | TDF has committed SAR 2,502 Mn and deployed SAR 1,329 Mn in active projects to accelerate development and deliver visible progress on the ground. |