Safeguarding Saudi’s Tourism Future
In June 2025, the Red Sea Global Tourism Security training programme celebrated its first cohort of graduates. This article delves into the program’s impact and insights from its new alumni.
A Milestone in Tourism Security Education
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Red Sea Global (RSG) launched a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing tourism security throughout the country. This training program emerged in response to the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for economic diversification and a substantial increase in tourism. With a focus on attracting global visitors while ensuring their safety, the program prepares students to meet the evolving security demands in this pivotal sector.
Partnering with King Abdulaziz University, RSG developed a comprehensive two-year vocational curriculum, setting out to educate around 400 Saudi nationals. The curriculum incorporates essential skills such as English language proficiency, hospitality principles, and emergency response strategies. It emphasizes three core protocols: react, control, and resume, alongside soft security measures.
The inaugural class comprised 194 students, with a gender distribution reflecting 133 females and 81 males. Participants commenced their English training in September 2023, proceeded with 18 months of vocational training, and concluded with a six-month internship concluding in June 2025. A second cohort of 194 students is poised to graduate in October 2025.
Insights from the Graduates
Members of the first graduating class shared their experiences and the motivations behind choosing the Tourism Security program, shedding light on their aspirations and learning journeys.
Naayf Njmy expressed a deep commitment to fostering safe travel experiences. “Realizing the importance of ensuring visitor safety motivated me to specialize in this field. Growing up in a country abundant in culture like Saudi Arabia, I recognized the vital role security plays in sustaining tourism development,” he shared. Njmy also took pride in representing his classmates during the graduation ceremony, achieving Second Class Honors, and becoming a certified Guest Service Professional.
Jawad Gharib was drawn to the program for its unique focus on maritime security. “This initiative is one of the first worldwide dedicated to securing crucial marine corridors. The Kingdom’s vision for developing this area and preparing skilled local professionals resonated with my previous experience working in coastal regions,” he noted. Gharib emphasized the practical experiences he gained, enhancing his skills in risk assessment, decision-making, and teamwork in diverse environments.
Maansour Asiri highlighted the hands-on learning aspects of the program, stating, “Understanding security’s integration with sustainability in tourism was remarkable. I witnessed how solar energy powers projects, showing that eco-friendly practices can coexist with high-quality visitor experiences.”
The Role of Community Engagement in Tourism Security
According to Remas Alotaibi, community engagement is essential for effective tourism security. “Local residents often serve as the first point of contact for tourists. Their familiarity with safety protocols and cultural nuances enhances the perception of the country and allows for early identification of unusual activities,” she explained. Alotaibi emphasized that collaboration between local communities and tourism security professionals is crucial in creating a safe environment for visitors.
When addressing future students considering the program, she advised, “Approach this opportunity with seriousness; it equips you with invaluable skills. The training combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge, which is vital in a global tourism hotspot like the Red Sea.”
Aspiring Leaders in Tourism Security
Graduates are eager to make their mark in the tourism security sector. Sarah Alshehri expressed excitement about contributing to a field that connects diverse cultures: “I look forward to utilizing both my training and passion to positively impact tourism security.”
Meanwhile, Joud Majed emphasized the importance of the human element in security practices. “I want visitors to feel safe because they are warmly welcomed and respected, not solely due to regulations,” Majed stated. She also feels honored to be among the first graduates of this initiative, believing strongly in the significance of paving the way for future professionals.
The Red Sea Global Tourism Security training program represents not only a crucial step in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s tourism security landscape but also a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of its graduates. Their experiences and insights underscore the program’s pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism in the Kingdom, ensuring that both local communities and international visitors benefit from a secure and inviting environment.
