Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud: Heritage Guardian & Tourism Policy Leader

Saudi Arabia’s journey under Vision 2030 is not only about giga-projects and skylines. It is also about stories, symbols, and the cultural soul of the Kingdom. The world now visits AlUla, Diriyah, historic Jeddah, and the museums of Riyadh with new eyes. Behind this shift are dedicated leaders linking heritage to jobs, tourism, and global partnerships. Among them stands Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud, a rising Saudi figure whose career bridges heritage preservation, tourism diplomacy, and the space economy.

As Vice Chairman of the Board at the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS) and Senior International Cooperation Consultant at the Ministry of Tourism, he operates where culture meets policy and global engagement, helping ensure that Saudi history is not just remembered, but experienced and invested in.

Early Life and Education

Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud is a leader shaped by both business thinking and public service. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Marketing from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University between 2008 and 2012, grounding him in market analysis, customer behavior, and strategic communication.

That marketing background is evident today in how he “packages” Saudi heritage for the world, translating cultural assets into experiences that attract visitors, investors, and partners. Rather than treating culture as a static treasure locked in archives, he approaches it as a living brand for the Kingdom: one that can inspire pride locally and curiosity globally. From the start of his career, he gravitated toward roles that sit at the crossroads of government, international relations, and strategic communication, reflecting a mindset very much aligned with Vision 2030’s call for ambitious, globally engaged leaders.

Leadership Role in Heritage and Tourism

Saud’s professional journey in state service began early, with a long tenure at the Ministry of Tourism (previously the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage). He first served as an International Cooperation Researcher from 2013 to 2018, working on cross-border partnerships that support tourism growth and mutual understanding between Saudi Arabia and other nations.

In May 2022 he was appointed Senior International Cooperation Consultant at the Ministry, a role in which he helps craft and manage relationships with international organizations, NGOs, and private-sector stakeholders. His work supports policies and projects that enhance the tourism sector, attract visitors, and showcase the Kingdom’s diverse heritage to the world.

Parallel to this, his influence within the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society has grown steadily. He joined the Society’s board in 2020 and, by September 2023, became Vice Chairman of the Board. SHPS, established in 2010 and registered by UNESCO as an international NGO, focuses on protecting, documenting, and promoting Saudi cultural heritage, from archaeological sites to traditional crafts and intangible traditions. As Vice Chairman, Saud contributes to the Society’s strategic direction, governance, and alignment with national goals.

A Mission that Inspired a Generation

What distinguishes Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud is his strategic vision in how he presents the Kingdom’s transformation. In his official roles, he consistently focuses on the same core themes: diplomatic engagements, national projects in tourism and culture, and the revival of historical sites and heritage programs across Saudi Arabia. His communication style centers the work itself. Heritage files, tourism initiatives, partnerships, and on-the-ground projects, rather than personal promotion.

By highlighting real projects, locations, and achievements, he helps make major strategies like Vision 2030 more tangible and understandable for a broader audience. For many young Saudis, his career path offers a practical example of modern public service: combining policy work, institution-building, and clear national storytelling, while staying grounded in identity, culture, and long-term development goals.

Scientific Innovation and National Impact

Beyond heritage and tourism, Saud has played a notable role in one of the most forward-looking sectors in the Kingdom: space. He joined the Saudi Space Commission (now Saudi Space Agency) in its early days, serving as:

• Head of External Relations Department (2018–2022)
• Member of the Founding Team
• Representative of International Relations at the Chairman’s Office
• Coordinator of the Chairman’s program for space-sector engagement at the G20 in 2020

These roles placed him at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s emerging space diplomacy building partnerships, coordinating with global space agencies, and helping organize the Space Economy Leaders Summit that ran alongside the G20 Presidency in Riyadh. His certification “Organizing the Space Economy Leaders Summit” further reflects this specialized expertise.

By moving comfortably between heritage sites on the ground and strategic work in the space sector, Saud embodies the spirit of a diversified, knowledge-based Saudi economy. He demonstrates that Vision 2030 is not a choice between tradition and technology, but a fusion of both.

Recognition and Legacy

Even at this stage of his career, Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud has already built a multi-dimensional track record across tourism, heritage, and the space sector. This progression reflects a leadership style that values long-term institutions over short-term visibility. Whether dealing with heritage files, international tourism agreements, or space-economy initiatives, his work has been tied to building structures, programs, and partnerships that can endure beyond any single project or role. His emerging legacy can be seen in three overlapping areas:

• Stronger channels for international cooperation in tourism and heritage
• The development and governance of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society as a key national actor in cultural preservation
• Foundational participation in shaping Saudi Arabia’s early presence in the global space economy

Together, these efforts contribute to Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, strengthening cultural identity, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing.

As Saudi Arabia continues its remarkable transformation, leaders like Saud Bin Sultan AlSaud show how Vision 2030 is lived day to day in meticulous policy work, international negotiations, social-media storytelling, and the quiet determination to protect what is ancient while building what is new. His journey illustrates a powerful idea that heritage, when combined with strategy and innovation, becomes not just a memory of who we were, but a roadmap for who we can become.

For those following Saudi Arabia’s evolving story, Saud’s path is one to watch closely, on the ground in heritage sites and online across his public platforms.

Discover more inspiring stories at Saudi Wins, where Vision 2030 comes to life.