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The Saudi Press Agency detailed on January 23, 2026 how Madinah Region welcomed 10,433,982 visitors during the first six months of 2025, securing second place nationally in tourism metrics. This total reflects a blend of domestic and international arrivals drawn to the city’s religious significance and historical sites. The performance positions Madinah just behind the leading region in a Kingdom-wide surge in travel activity that has drawn sustained government support.
Ministry of Tourism data cited in related reports placed the national visitor count at 60.9 million for the period, a 1.5 percent rise from the prior year that generated SR161 billion in spending. Makkah and Madinah remained the top draws for inbound tourists while Riyadh and the Eastern Province led among domestic travelers. Average stays for international visitors reached 18.6 nights, underscoring the depth of engagement with Saudi destinations.
A Ministry of Tourism assessment found that leisure, shopping and sports trips accounted for the largest share of travel motivations in the first half of 2025, followed by religious and family visits. Madinah’s growth builds on earlier figures that saw the region receive 9.6 million inbound visitors in 2023 as a secondary destination. The consistent increase aligns with ongoing infrastructure enhancements aimed at accommodating higher volumes.
Development initiatives such as the Alsirah Gardens project, launched in December 2025 by a Public Investment Fund-owned company, are designed to attract up to 10 million visitors per year upon completion. The cultural destination will offer world-class facilities to complement existing attractions around the Prophet’s Mosque. According to the project’s announcement, it will serve pilgrims, tourists and local residents alike.
Broader sector indicators from the Ministry of Tourism show licensed hospitality facilities rising 22.7 percent year-on-year to 6,122 by the third quarter of 2025. Tourism employment exceeded 1.04 million workers, a 6.5 percent annual gain that supports economic diversification targets. Hotel occupancy averaged 61 percent while serviced apartments reached 51.6 percent, with longer average stays reported across both categories.
Oxford Business Group analysis of the Saudi market highlighted how increased visitor demand has driven expansion in hospitality capacity throughout the Kingdom. The first-half results for 2025 demonstrate the effectiveness of policies promoting Saudi Arabia as a year-round destination. Regional benchmarks place the Kingdom among the fastest-growing tourism economies in the Middle East.
