The Tourise Forum 2025 in Riyadh concluded today, amid a dynamic atmosphere that successfully united top innovators, global investors, and policymakers from around the world.

Taking place in King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from November 11 – 13, 2025, this year’s edition of Tourise was defined by a series of landmark announcements and major deals exceeding an astonishing $113 billion, marking a defining moment in the evolution of global tourism. The momentum generated at the forum solidifies tourism's rapidly growing role in the Kingdom’s future and its position as an international destination.

Looking outside of the Kingdom, the Tourise awards ceremony recognised international excellence, with Japan's Tokyo securing the Grand Award for Best Overall Destination, cementing the forum's role in celebrating global tourism achievement.

Deals That Will Redefine Tourism in the Kingdom

The three day forum showcased an ambitious new era for Saudi hospitality, with multi million dollar deals set to redefine the country's travel landscape through a focus on ultra-luxury, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Highlights included the unveiling of the pioneering ultra-luxury brand, Seven Legends, and major advancements for the coastal development AMAALA.

AMAALA

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Nammos Amaala 13

One of the most anticipated unveilings at the Forum was the details of AMAALA's opening. AMAALA is built around a coastal lifestyle that encourages guests to reconnect with nature through both quiet relaxation and outdoor adventure. Its vision is rooted in Saudi traditions of renewal, community and well-being, offering a sanctuary for travellers seeking rejuvenation. The regenerative tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s untouched northwestern coast, will introduce five luxury resorts, an exclusive yacht club and a state of the art marine life centre.

Guests are expected to experience AMAALA soon, as Triple Bay prepares to welcome visitors to its indulgent resorts as early as Q1, 2026, including: Equinox Resort and Residences, AMAALA, Four Seasons Resort and Residences, AMAALA at Triple Bay, Nammos Resort and Residences, AMAALA, Rosewood Resort, AMAALA and Six Senses, AMAALA.

It is hoped that AMAALA sets new standards for a new coastal lifestyle destination, where guests can rediscover the true meaning of living longer and better — whether through serene relaxation or exhilarating adventures between sun and sea. Rooted in the Kingdom’s timeless traditions of renewal, connection, and well-being, AMAALA is set to become the world’s new sanctuary for rejuvenation.

SEVEN Legends

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Five years in the making, the Seven Legends project has emerged as the world’s first global brand dedicated exclusively to ultra-luxury hospitality — a revolutionary concept built on the “finite philosophy.” Announced at Tourise 2025, it was confirmed that seven extraordinary resorts will open across the globe, each situated in a distinctive natural setting designed to embody the essence of a truly transformative seven-star experience.

Attendees at Tourise 2025 were the first to hear about the project's two inaugural destinations; one in Saudi Arabia’s Asir mountains, and another in Argentina.

Seven Legends Aseer – Mountain Legend (Saudi Arabia), opening 2029: This mountain retreat will feature 82 guest rooms in addition to 30 branded residences. The resort will also have four signature restaurants, a 2,000-square-meter wellness centre, an event pavilion, and even a recording studio and grass ski slopes. This exciting destination is scheduled to open in 2029, and will be developed by AMEK Arabia, part of the AMEK Group.

Seven Legends Patagonia – Lake Legend (Argentina), opening 2027: Creating a different experience, this resort will be an intimate lakeside escape offering guests 31 rooms and 10 branded residences. The resort will feature including three signature restaurants curated by world-renowned chef Francis Mallmann. The resort also features a large, 1500-square-metre wellness centre, and an events and experiences centre, and a range of bespoke amenities. The opening is planned for late 2027.

Revitalising Hospitality in Jeddah's Historic District

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Boutique Hotel The restoration of Al Balad's old houses is a wonderful opportunity to experience the history and culture of Jeddah

With an investment valued at $3.6 billion, Al Balad Development Company announced an ambitious plan to redevelop and expand the hospitality sector within Historic Jeddah. The initiative includes the restoration and enhancement of a portfolio of heritage properties, transforming them into a collection of over 3,300 hotel units spanning from midscale to luxury categories.

This strategic move aims to breathe new life into Historic Jeddah, positioning it as a global cultural and tourism destination that harmoniously blends heritage, authenticity, and sustainable economic growth.

Continued Growth & Investment in Riyadh's Hospitality

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Basiqat- Entry Zone

A significant step for eco-luxury, the launch of Basiqat by Mantis in Riyadh was announced at Tourise, positioning the resort to redefine sustainable hospitality when it welcomes guests by late 2026.

Comprising two exceptional sites, Basiqat by Mantis will feature 218 accommodations blending refined luxury with a deep connection to nature — including 90 premium suites, 66 private villas, 10 royal “Zad” palace suites, and 52 desert tents inspired by the beauty of Saudi landscapes. Guests will enjoy a fully immersive experience of comfort and elegance, complete with signature restaurants, lush natural gardens, and a holistic water spa offering separate facilities for men and women.

An eco-luxury resort set to redefine upscale sustainable tourism in the Kingdom, Basiqat by Mantis is set to open in the Al-Uyaynah area. This location is ideal for both local and international tourism as it sits just 40 minutes from downtown Riyadh. The location and sustainable, luxury hospitality element means that the new resort is poised to become a landmark destination upon its full opening in late 2026.

Tourise 2025 Awards

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Awards photo 1

The Tourise 2025 Forum concluded with the presentation of its prestigious global awards.

These awards are part of an international initiative celebrating cities that build cultural bridges and offer travellers truly exceptional experiences. The awards included five main categories — Arts & Culture, Adventure, Culinary Excellence, Shopping, and Entertainment.

Japan's capital city of Tokyo dominated the global awards, winning the Grand Award for Best Overall Destination, alongside Best Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination, reaffirming its position as a capital of creativity and extraordinary experiences. Whilst New York City earned the title of Best Destination for Arts & Culture for its world-renowned museums and vibrant artistic scene.

Ancash, Peru was recognised as the Best Adventure Destination, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and the iconic Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Meanwhile, Paris maintained its global prestige, claiming the Best Shopping Destination award, a testament to the city's rich cultural and historical ties to some of the world's most famous luxury fashion brands, and incredibly beautiful shopping destinations.

Durrat Al-Arous: Main Sponsors of Tourise 2025

As a main sponsor of Tourise 2025, Durrat Al-Arous showcased its growing presence as a leading coastal destination on the Red Sea coast which took place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, under the slogan "A Major Step Forward," and under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. The Forum is considered a national platform that brings together an elite group of experts, decision-makers, and business leaders in the tourism, investment, and technology sectors, aiming to enhance innovation and build a sustainable and prosperous tourism future in the Kingdom.

Durrat Al-Arous's sponsorship of the Forum, which is the world's first platform working to define new horizons for global tourism, is an extension of the destination's vision for "active participation in developing the national tourism dialogue" and strengthening the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map. This sponsorship marks the business' commitment to the Kingdom's growing tourism and hospitality industries aligns with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy, which stems from Saudi Vision 2030, and aims to diversify the economy and enhance tourism's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by developing qualitative destinations that enrich the visitor experience and keep pace with global trends in hospitality and lifestyle.

Through this participation, Durrat Al-Arous seeks to highlight its future development projects, which include the expansion of the marina, and the introduction of new hotels, public areas, and entertainment activities that enhance Jeddah's attractiveness as the capital of tourism on the Red Sea. It thus continues to consolidate its position as a vibrant coastal destination and an essential pillar in the future of Saudi tourism.

In a related context, Core Life — one of the luxury resorts affiliated with Durrat Al-Arous — participated in the Forum. It showcased its experiences in the luxury hospitality and integrated lifestyle sector, focusing on wellness and quality of life to enhance the guest experience, reflecting the Kingdom's ambition to become one of the most important tourist destinations globally.

It is worth noting that the latest edition of the Tourise Forum sought to trigger real transformation in thinking about the future of global tourism. It combines ambitious vision with responsible innovation to shape a smarter, more humane, and sustainable sector. Through its five main themes, it will contribute to creating influential initiatives that redefine the travel experience, enhance tourism's role as a bridge for cultural rapprochement, an engine for economic growth, and a platform for the integration of humanity and technology in service of the world.

With this remarkable momentum of projects, partnerships, and international recognition, the Kingdom continues to solidify its position as a global hub for the future of tourism, one that harmoniously combines luxury, sustainability, and innovation.

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Tourise, November 11 - 13, 2025
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