Hail, 8 October 2025 (16 Rabi’ al-Thani 1447H) – Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region, patronized today at the University City the launch ceremony of the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Heritage 2025, organized by the University of Hail from 8 to 9 October. The ceremony was attended by Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region, along with a number of officials, academics and international experts in tourism and archaeology from around the world.

His Highness opened the exhibition accompanying the conference, touring the pavilions of participating entities and reviewing the initiatives and research and development projects on display that promote the concept of sustainable tourism and link heritage to the national economy.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. Badr bin Shuja Al-Harbi, Acting President of the University of Hail, said the university’s organization of the conference reaffirms the importance of tourism and heritage in strengthening national identity and supporting the local economy, drawing on the Kingdom’s diverse geographic and heritage environment and the rich natural and cultural wealth of the Hail region.

He added that the conference aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which has made tourism one of the Kingdom’s promising sectors, noting that global shifts in the industry highlight the need to adopt a methodology of sustainability and balance between people and the environment, and to invest natural and heritage resources in ways that enhance tourism’s contribution to national output.

An introductory film about the conference and its objectives was then screened, after which Dr. Bashir bin Ali Al-Luwaish, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Dean of the College of Arts, gave a speech affirming that the conference includes scientific sessions, panel discussions and specialized exhibitions with the participation of a select group of local and international researchers, aiming to exchange expertise and develop mechanisms for managing sustainable tourism in service of national development.

Among the speakers, Dr. Maria Gwanin from the United Kingdom thanked the Prince of Hail for his patronage, affirming that Saudi Arabia has become a global tourism destination thanks to its civilizational heritage and exceptional natural landscapes, praising the University of Hail’s efforts in launching this specialized academic conference.

During the ceremony, His Highness witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements: the first between the University of Hail and the Hail Chamber of Commerce, to boost tourism investment and develop joint research and technical projects; and the second between the University of Hail and the Saudi Archaeological Society, to support scientific research and studies and exchange expertise and knowledge resources in tourism and archaeology.

In his closing remarks, the Prince of Hail affirmed that the Kingdom’s leadership places great importance on the tourism and heritage sector as part of national identity and a sustainable economic resource, noting that Hail possesses unique historical and human assets that qualify it to be one of the most important contributors to national tourism, and calling on all to help showcase its historical story and rich culture.

The International Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Heritage 2025 aims to discuss modern trends in environmental and heritage tourism and strengthen research partnerships between academic institutions and government and private entities, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to develop a sustainable tourism industry linked to community and economic development.