The future of Middle East tourism must be regenerative

Unsplash/Neom

When Riyadh hosted Cop16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in December, it brought together policymakers, scientists and industry leaders to tackle one of humanity’s greatest environmental challenges. 

The event raised a critical question for tourism: how can we shift from seeking to reduce harm to actively regenerating the environments on which we depend? Regenerative tourism, a model that prioritises leaving destinations better than we found them, offers an answer.

Tourism is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Globally, it accounts for 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

In the Middle East, tourism is poised for rapid growth, with a projected annual increase of 8 percent over the next decade. Saudi Arabia is leading the way, positioning itself as a global pioneer in regenerative tourism through Vision 2030 and its ambitious giga-projects.

The Middle East’s fragile ecosystems – mangroves, coral reefs and deserts – attract visitors while serving as critical buffers against climate change.

However, as Cop16 highlighted, these ecosystems face threats from desertification, rising temperatures and overdevelopment. Without a shift in approach, tourism risks undermining the very assets it depends on.

Regenerative tourism in action

Across the Middle East, projects show that regenerative tourism is not just a concept but a transformative reality.

In Jordan, the Feynan Ecolodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve is powered by solar energy, employs local Bedouin and uses local products. It empowers communities while preserving fragile ecosystems.

On Saudi Arabia’s west coast, the Red Sea Global destination embeds regeneration into its core. It focuses on coral reef restoration and mangrove reforestation and limits development to 22 of its 90 islands to safeguard marine and terrestrial habitats. 

Nearby, Amaala seeks to blend a high-end offering with environmental preservation, targeting a significant net conservation benefit by 2040.

Desertification, rising temperatures and water scarcity threaten the ecosystems that draw travellers

Oman’s Jebel Akhdar, or “Green Mountain,” promotes eco-friendly tourism while protecting a unique high-altitude environment. Visitors experience natural beauty responsibly, ensuring biodiversity endures.

Egypt’s coral reef protection initiative, launched in December 2024 in collaboration with Shell, demonstrates the power of partnerships in marine conservation. Combining private sector investment with scientific expertise, this project seeks to restore the Red Sea’s ecosystems while enhancing tourism value.

Balancing opportunity and risk

The Middle East has the potential to become a global centre for regenerative tourism. Its rich biodiversity offers opportunities to attract visitors while investing in environmental regeneration.

However, the risks are significant. Desertification, rising temperatures and water scarcity threaten the ecosystems that draw travellers. Overdevelopment, if unchecked, can degrade natural habitats. To make regenerative tourism the standard, actionable steps are essential. Many are under way.

Adopting renewable energy must underpin tourism infrastructure. Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the largest globally, powers much of the city with clean energy. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Neom Green Hydrogen project aims to transform operations through sustainable hydrogen production.

Empowering local communities ensures long-term success. At the Red Sea Global resort, the Tamaala initiative supports 3,000 local farmers by providing marketing expertise and technical training, improving incomes and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This engagement cultivates a shared responsibility for protecting and regenerating destinations.

Governments, developers and operators must collaborate to measure and report progress transparently, using tools like natural capital accounting. By aligning tourism strategies with environmental goals, the industry can ensure benefits for people and the planet.

The desertification Cop16 in Riyadh made one thing clear: incremental action is no longer enough to reshape the tourism industry. Climate change and ecosystem degradation demand bold, regenerative approaches.

The choices we make today will define the future of travel. 

Maryam Ficociello is group chief governance officer at Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia