H.E Ahmed Al Khateeb: Where Historic Responsibility Meets Modern Ambition

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's first Minister of Tourism, leads with vision and passion. Discover how he's transforming the Kingdom’s tourism and quality of life sectors, aligning with Vision 2030.

In the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, few names carry the weight of transformation like His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb. With a leadership journey that cuts across finance, health, entertainment, defense, and now tourism, he has become more than a minister — he is a nation builder. A leader whose brand is defined by historic responsibility and modern ambition, Al Khateeb represents a new archetype of Saudi statesmanship: grounded in heritage, yet driven by forward motion.

The Legacy of Place

From his pivotal role in the founding of the General Entertainment Authority to his current post as Minister of Tourism, Al Khateeb has always seen "place" not as infrastructure, but as identity. Under his guidance, destinations like Diriyah, AlUla, the Red Sea, and Qiddiya are not simply projects — they are platforms for cultural pride and global storytelling.

In his own words, “We don’t build cities to be seen. We build places to be felt.” It’s a philosophy that has turned Saudi tourism into an engine of emotional connection, not just economic growth.

The Architect of Systems

What sets His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb apart is not just the number of sectors he has led — it is the depth of institutional transformation he brings. Whether building Jadwa Investment from the ground up, launching SAMI in the defense industry, or implementing KPI-driven reforms in the healthcare sector, he is a leader who does not manage systems — he designs them.

This operational DNA now powers the Ministry of Tourism, where he has launched strategic pillars, future-proof policies, and most recently, led the charge to win Expo 2030 for Riyadh.

The Person Behind the Portfolio

Al Khateeb’s leadership is not only defined by performance but by principle. He left a successful banking career due to religious convictions, reflecting his ethical clarity. He speaks openly about his missteps — notably during his health ministry tenure — and treats each role as a chapter of learning, growth, and legacy.

He rewards excellence, demands high standards, and leads with intensity — but never without empathy. He is known for identifying and nurturing top-tier talent, from Sarah Al-Suhaimi to rising leaders across every ministry he has touched.

Pride as Policy

Born into a family with direct ties to the Kingdom’s founding era — his father marched with King Abdulaziz — His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb carries his historic responsibility with humility. Yet his gaze is unmistakably fixed on the future.

He doesn’t just want the world to visit Saudi Arabia — he wants them to feel its soul. Through immersive experiences, heritage-driven development, and global soft power diplomacy, he is turning the Kingdom’s untold stories into unforgettable journeys.

A Legacy in Motion

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb is not building a brand — he is building a legacy. One that is measured not only in numbers, but in narratives. Not just in reforms, but in relevance. He is the steward of Saudi Arabia’s cultural invitation to the world — and the architect of a future that honors its past.

“Leadership,” he says, “isn’t about control. It’s about contribution. The files may close — but the impact should last.”