The ‘Spectacular Saudi’ Multi-City Showcase 2025 concluded on a high note after an extraordinary three-day run across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, drawing an impressive 200,000+ visitors. The experiential showcase brought to life the soul and culture of Saudi Arabia through art, calligraphy, Ardah dancing, Sadu weaving, culinary showcases, on-spot visa kiosks, and unbeatable travel offers. Celebrity visits by Kareena Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Rakul Preet Singh, Arjun Kapoor and others added significant star power.
During his India visit, Meshaal Qureshi, Senior Director – India & Subcontinent, Saudi Tourism Authority, spoke to us about India’s phenomenal response, new attractions like Qiddiya, easier visa access, women-friendly travel initiatives, and more.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
You were in Mumbai, and now in Delhi. How has the vibe in India been through this showcase?
India never fails to surprise us. The energy has been overwhelmingly positive across all five cities. We crossed 100,000 footfalls in just two days and ended with more than 200,000 visitors. People are genuinely excited to discover Saudi’s culture, food, history, and experiences. Seeing over a dozen Saudi dishes being served with Jain and vegetarian options amazed many visitors.
The showcase offered on-spot visa processing. How has that impacted travellers?
Hugely. We had visa kiosks in every city, making the process seamless. Along with this, 11–15 major Indian travel partners offered exclusive Saudi packages—some starting as low as ₹13,000 for two nights. Saudi has never been this accessible and affordable.
Qiddiya has created massive buzz. Tell us more.
Qiddiya is the world’s first “city built for play”—the largest entertainment city globally with over 140 experiences. Its first attraction, Six Flags Qiddiya, opens on 31 December, followed by Aqua Arabia, e-gaming zones, a futuristic stadium, and more. It will redefine entertainment tourism.
How is Saudi enhancing safety and appeal for solo women travellers?
Safety is a top priority. Madinah has been ranked among the safest cities for women by independent global bodies. We also offer dedicated itineraries under “Saudi for Her”, and even host Indian-style kitty parties in Saudi.
What about MICE and weddings? Are these segments growing?
Massively. We launched major MICE initiatives earlier this year, and destinations like King Abdullah Economic City and Qiddiya are emerging as strong contenders. During this showcase alone, we received several wedding and pre-wedding enquiries from India.
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