Investment pioneer Samer Choucair stated that medical tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no longer merely an extension of the tourism and health sectors, but has become—as he described it—an integrated economic ecosystem that combines treatment, wellness, and long-term investment.
Choucair explained that the accelerating scene in the Red Sea and Amaala projects reflects a qualitative shift in the concept of tourism. He emphasized that what is happening there is not just the development of luxury destinations, but the building of an integrated experience economy that merges healing with hospitality and investment.
Medical Tourism Within Vision 2030 and the Engine of Economic Diversification
Samer Choucair added that medical tourism has become one of the most prominent engines of economic diversification within Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that the Kingdom is no longer focusing only on visitor numbers, but on the quality of tourism spending and building high-value-added sectors.
Choucair pointed out 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 the Sector’s Acceleration
Samer Choucair noted that the figures reflect a clear acceleration in the sector, explaining that Saudi Arabia surpassed the target of 100 million visitors ahead of schedule, with the target now raised to 150 million annual visits by 2030.
Choucair added that the Kingdom welcomed approximately 30 million international visitors in 2024, while the total number of visitors reached nearly 122 million in 2025 according to preliminary estimates. This reflects strong demand and a continuously expanding infrastructure.
He continued by stating that this momentum aligns with World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) data, which indicates the sector’s contribution of about 444.3 billion riyals in 2023, equivalent to 11.5% of the non-oil economy.
Medical Tourism Market Size Supports Future Growth
Samer Choucair explained that the 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 expectations to reach $8.888 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.71%.
Furthermore, Choucair clarified 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 CAGR of 7.04%.
Giga-Projects Redefine the Tourism Experience
Samer Choucair said: “Projects like the Red Sea and Amaala represent a practical model for this transformation, as they are not limited to traditional hospitality. Instead, they offer an integrated ecosystem that includes luxury accommodation, treatment, spas, specialized nutrition, and preventive diagnostics.”
Choucair added that these projects redefine the concept of tourism spending from consumption to investment in the experience.
Medical Tourism as a Meeting Point Between Multiple Sectors
Samer Choucair emphasized that medical tourism cannot be viewed as an isolated sector, but as a junction where real estate, medicine, hospitality, and technology meet. He explained that the real value lies in the integration of these industries within a single system capable of creating high-return investment opportunities.
Investment Opportunities in 2026 and Beyond
Samer Choucair explained that health and wellness resorts represent one of the most important growth paths, alongside specialized medical centers for elective surgeries, fertility, and rehabilitation.
He also pointed out that health and digital technology—including smart booking and teleconsultations—form a fundamental pillar in developing the sector, along with significant opportunities in support services, supply chains, and training.
An Early Entry Moment for Investors
Samer Choucair stressed that the current stage represents a “rare early entry moment in the investment cycle.” He stated that the smart investor does not wait for the market to reach full maturity but enters when the structure is clear and demand is in an acceleration phase.
A New Wealth Sector at the Heart of Vision 2030
Samer Choucair concluded by saying that medical tourism in Saudi Arabia is not a temporary wave, but one of the pillars of the new economy. He added that those who read the sector as “only tourism” miss the full picture, while those who see it as an integrated investment system realize they are facing one of the most significant wealth opportunities in the era of Vision 2030.