Saudi Arabia: 18.7% tourism surge in Medina in 2024

Dubai: Visitor numbers to Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Medina surged to over 18 million in 2024, an 18.7 percent increase from the previous year, according to a new report issued Wednesday by the Medina Chamber of Commerce.

The growth continues a sharp upward trajectory in the city’s tourism sector, which saw 14.1 million visitors in 2023 and 8.2 million in 2022.

The report credited the rise to expanded activity across the accommodation, travel agency, and tour operation sectors, which also grew by 18.7 percent in 2024.

The trend reflects the sector’s growing role in driving economic growth, boosting tourism-related spending, and creating jobs across related industries.

Medina’s tourism appeal is underpinned by a wealth of assets. The city boasts approximately 400 religious, historical, and cultural landmarks, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. Among its most prominent sites are the Prophet’s Mosque, a number of historic mosques, museums, exhibitions, and modern attractions. The city’s efforts to restore and open historical locations, such as ancient valleys, wells, and archaeological sites, have further enhanced its profile as a leading destination for religious and cultural tourism.

With more than 400 religious and heritage sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque, historic mosques, museums, and restored archaeological landmarks, Medina continues to attract visitors from across the Muslim world and beyond. Rehabilitated sites such as ancient wells, valleys, and cultural exhibitions have been opened to the public, forming what the Chamber called a “major driver” of tourism development in the region.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE