“Elite AlUla 2025”… Saudi Initiatives to Globalize National Hospitality Brands

AlUla – BETH News Agency

The “Elite AlUla 2025” event, organized by the Saudi Restaurants and Cafes Owners Association, concluded its third day in AlUla with the participation of more than 80 leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors across multiple sectors.
The sessions focused on ways to promote Saudi brands globally and strengthen the role of elite clubs in developing the hospitality sector.

 Marketing Saudi Brands to the World

Participants presented several high-impact initiatives aimed at empowering Saudi hospitality brands on the international stage.
Among the key announcements:
🔹 The launch of a national initiative to market Saudi brands worldwide under a unified strategy that highlights the Saudi hospitality identity.
🔹 The establishment of a Saudi model for Elite Clubs, connecting top entrepreneurs and brand owners as a platform for investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

 “Elite Report”… A Platform for Saudi Success Stories

Participants also recommended the creation of an annual platform titled “Elite Report” to document Saudi success stories in marketing, hospitality, and coffee culture — reflecting the Kingdom’s new creative identity and growing international presence.

 Economic Momentum and Future Growth

Association Chairman Abdullah Al-Salama emphasized that the sector’s dynamic growth signals strong economic potential, predicting within five years:

SAR 5 billion in direct revenues.

Over 20,000 direct jobs and 50,000 indirect jobs.

A total economic impact exceeding SAR 20 billion, equivalent to 0.1% of Saudi GDP.

The association currently includes 4,000 members representing 8,000 brands with 18,000 outlets nationwide, employing over 100,000 people and generating annual revenues of SAR 15 billion.
Overall, the hospitality sector exceeds SAR 80 billion in total revenues through more than 100,000 registered businesses.

 From AlUla to the Future

Al-Salama confirmed that the association’s activities will continue across various regions of the Kingdom, welcoming investors, consultants, and experts to join in advancing Saudi Arabia’s restaurant and café industry and enhancing its global reach.