Saudi Tourism Names New CEO Amid Vision 2030 Spending Cuts
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Authority has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as CEO, succeeding Fahd Hamidaddin who left in May. Alshaibani, a former deputy tourism minister and ex-McKinsey executive, inherits the goal of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030. However, the Public Investment Fund is pivoting toward AI infrastructure, scaling back giga-projects like Neom (The Line reduced to 2.4km), postponing the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and ending LIV Golf funding after 2026.
Impact and considerations
Leadership change and project cuts signal a shift in Saudi tourism strategy, impacting business travel and major events.
Key points
- Alshaibani previously served as deputy tourism minister and helped develop the National Tourism Strategy.
- Saudi Arabia hit its 100 million annual visitor target early, but largely through domestic and religious travel.
- PIF is pivoting to AI, scaling back giga-projects like Neom.
- The Line was reduced from 170km to 2.4km.
- The 2029 Asian Winter Games postponed and LIV Golf funding ends after 2026.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 2 Sept 2026, 20:17
- Page published
- 2 Sept 2026, 20:31
- Last updated
- 2 Sept 2026, 20:17
- Original links
- Skift Feed：Saudi Tourism Names New CEO As Kingdom Pulls Back On Vision 2030 Spending (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 2 Sept 2026, 20:17