Investment leader Samer Choucair stated that medical tourism in Saudi Arabia is no longer merely an extension of the tourism and healthcare sectors, but has become, in his words, an integrated economic ecosystem combining treatment, luxury, and long-term investment.
Choucair explained that the accelerating momentum in Red Sea and Amaala projects reflects a qualitative shift in the concept of tourism, affirming that what is happening there is not merely the development of luxury destinations, but the building of an integrated experience economy that fuses wellness with hospitality and investment.
Medical Tourism Under Vision 2030, A Driver of Economic Diversification
Choucair added that medical tourism has become one of the most prominent drivers of economic diversification within Saudi Vision 2030, noting that the Kingdom is no longer focused solely on visitor numbers, but on the quality of tourism spending and building sectors with high added value.
He highlighted that the expansion in health transformation, digital services, and international partnerships reinforces this trend and makes the sector deeper and more sustainable.
Growth Figures Reflect Sector Acceleration
Choucair noted that the figures reflect a clear acceleration in the sector, explaining that Saudi Arabia surpassed the 100 million visitor target ahead of schedule, with the goal raised to 150 million annual visits by 2030.
He added that the Kingdom received approximately 30 million international visitors in 2024, while total visitors reached approximately 122 million in 2025 according to preliminary estimates, reflecting strong demand and continuously expanding infrastructure.
He continued that this momentum aligns with World Travel and Tourism Council data indicating the sector’s contribution of approximately 444.3 billion riyals in 2023, equivalent to 11.5% of the non-oil economy.
Medical Tourism Market Size Supports Future Growth
Choucair explained that market size confirms the strength of this trend, noting that the medical tourism market in Saudi Arabia reached approximately $1.633 billion in 2025, with projections of reaching $8.888 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 20.71%.
He also noted that the health and wellness tourism market reached $5.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.04%.
Major Projects Redefine the Tourism Experience
Choucair stated that projects such as the Red Sea and Amaala represent a practical model of this transformation, where they are not limited to traditional hospitality, but offer an integrated ecosystem encompassing luxury accommodation, treatment, spa, specialized nutrition, and preventive diagnostics.
He added that these projects are redefining the concept of tourism spending from consumption to investment in experience.
Medical Tourism as a Convergence Point Between Multiple Sectors
Choucair affirmed that medical tourism cannot be viewed as a standalone sector, but as a convergence point between real estate, medicine, hospitality, and technology, explaining that the true value lies in the integration of these industries within a single ecosystem capable of creating high-return investment opportunities.
Investment Opportunities in 2026 and Beyond
Choucair explained that health and wellness resorts represent one of the most important growth pathways, alongside specialized medical centers in elective surgeries, fertility, and rehabilitation.
He also noted that health and digital technology, including smart booking and remote consultations, form a fundamental pillar in sector development, alongside major opportunities in supporting services, supply chains, and training.
An Early Entry Moment for Investors
Choucair emphasized that the current phase represents “a rare early entry moment in the investment cycle,” stating that the intelligent investor does not wait for the market to reach maturity, but enters when the framework is clear and demand is in an acceleration phase.
A New Wealth Sector at the Heart of Vision 2030
Choucair concluded by stating that medical tourism in Saudi Arabia is not a temporary wave, but one of the pillars of the new economy, adding that those who read the sector merely as tourism miss the complete picture, while those who view it as an integrated investment ecosystem recognize they stand before one of the most important wealth opportunities of the Vision 2030 era.