Saudi welcome 'Hafawa', makes it a perfect destination for families
Saudi Arabia is increasingly gaining popularity as the world’s most exciting new family-friendly destination and no wonder travellers are thronging to the Gulf beauty for a few days of respite. According to a statement by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), Saudi tourism brand ambassador Lionel Messi and his family arrived in Riyadh recently for an action-packed two-day trip in the capital.
Messi visiting with his wife and children is giving a global platform to the potential of the market and encouraging people to discover the authentic home of Arabia, says STA.
STA adds that the warm Saudi welcome, known as Hafawa, makes it a perfect destination for families. Home to around 8 million people, Riyadh is listed among the top 50 safest cities in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, making it an ideal destination for families to explore and enjoy. Celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Alicia Keys, amongst many others, have been spotted in Saudi with their families, making it one of the most vibrant new family-friendly destinations in the world.
The statement says that after visiting Jeddah with friends the previous year, Messi is on his second holiday in Saudi Arabia. This time, Messi is accompanied by his family on a vacation full of enjoyable family activities and attractions, from cultural and historical treasures to immersive outdoor experiences and time in the modern entertainment districts of the city. On the first day, the family visited a Saudi farm where palm weaving was performed in front of grand palm trees, a sign of riches in Saudi Arabia. A staple of Saudi cuisine, over 1.5 million tonnes of dates are produced annually by the kingdom’s palm trees, says the statement.
STA adds that playing with and feeding the Arabian gazelle was fun for the Messi family. The elegant creature is a part of an ambitious rewilding programme that involves reintroducing Arabian Leopards, Oryx, and Gazelles to nature reserves all around the Kingdom.
It goes on to say that whilst Saudi is known for its majestic desert, the Rub’ Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the Kingdom has a diverse landscape that can be enjoyed year-round, from the UNESCO-listed oasis of Al-Ahsa, to the pristine coral reefs of Saudi’s 1,700km long Red Sea coast, which can be enjoyed by divers and cruise liners, and where the first of 16 luxury hotels will be opening later this year. Saudi also offers the cool, green highlands of Asir where the locals holiday in the summer.
STA adds that with a record 93.5 million visits last year, Saudi has emerged as one of the most dynamic and diverse, year-round destinations in the world. Riyadh is widely considered one of tourism’s last frontiers and is mesmerizingly unexpected with its bright city lights, music festivals, and range of cuisine from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. The family’s experience will be shared with Messi’s 450M+ followers worldwide, showcasing the best of Saudi to the world.
