Saudi Arabia’s wellness boom

Saudi Arabia’s wellness boom

Saudi Arabia’s wellness boom

Soraya Jouzy, founder of Pearl Tree who actively champions luxury beauty and wellness, talks with experts about the evolution of wellness in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s wellness innovation

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a leader in wellness and lifestyle innovation, driven by advanced health technologies. Additionally, under Vision 2030, the kingdom’s USD 19.8 billion wellness economy emphasizes holistic health, blending tradition with modernity. Furthermore, as one of the fastest-growing wellness markets in MENA, the kingdom is reshaping the regional health services landscape. Ultimately, this trend highlights the increasing demand for health-oriented spaces, services and experiences across the Middle East and beyond. 

Saudi Arabia’s era of holistic health

Saudi Arabia’s wellness travel sector is thriving, drawing luxury travelers with exclusive experiences, high-end offerings, and robust growth since 2023. Moreover, renowned brands like Aman, Six Senses, La Prairie and Banyan Tree are launching new wellness-focused hotels, elevating the sector’s appeal. Simultaneously, events like the Al Ula Festival are gaining celebrity status, further cementing the kingdom’s reputation for unique wellness experiences. In Riyadh, hotels are expanding wellness offerings, transforming spas into lifestyle destinations with dedicated women’s facilities to meet growing demands. Consequently, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global wellness hub, driving innovation and introducing the next big trends.

Additionally, government initiatives have played a pivotal role in raising wellness awareness and fostering the Kingdom’s growing sector. The Amaala project stands out as a beacon of innovation, embodying the concept of “Afiya” — a commitment to holistic well-being. Scheduled to debut in 2025, Amaala will feature exclusive wellness spaces, offering curated brands from Pearl Tree, including innovative concepts. These offerings will include wellness menus redefining luxury wellness for discerning travelers and visitors alike.

Furthermore, set along the pristine Red Sea coast, Amaala is home to The Triple Bay resort, a premier wellness destination. This unique retreat will offer equestrian activities, polo, camel racing and sports academies, catering to travelers seeking health-focused getaways.

 Expert opinion

The demand for lifestyle gyms, yoga centers and specialized wellness practitioners has grown significantly, making wellness hubs accessible nationwide. Moreover, Lamfouri Evapudan, senior director of spa, hospitality operations, shared that Saudis are embracing active lifestyles, nutritious diets and dedicated self-care routines. Consequently, many are now committed to achieving long-term health and well-being. This consequently underscores a transformative shift in cultural priorities across the nation.

Additionally, the younger Saudi generation is particularly drawn to wellness, heavily influenced by social media and an engaged wellness advocacy community. This demographic eagerly supports healthy cafes, fitness trends and mental-health initiatives, facilitated by wellness apps and AI technology for self-care. Furthermore, Charbel Watfa, senior spa director at Four Seasons Riyadh, emphasized that Saudi wellness now includes mental and social well-being. This significant evolution beyond physical health reflects Vision 2030’s ethos of creating a more balanced and holistic lifestyle.

At the same time, technological advances are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s wellness landscape, introducing innovative tools to elevate the guest experience. For instance, biohacking tools like lymphatic boots and oxygen chambers are now available at high-end resorts nationwide. Additionally, Laura Lishman, multi-property director of Spa at NUJUMA, Ritz Carlton Reserve and The St. Regis Red Sea, highlighted the impact of biohacking. This innovation allows guests to personalize wellness programs based on their sleep, energy levels and lifestyle preferences.

Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s wellness boom represents a cultural shift toward personalized and holistic health experiences, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Consequently, the kingdom is positioned to become a global leader in wellness tourism, setting new standards for transformative and meaningful travel experiences.

soraya Jouzy
Soraya Jouzy
Founder of Pearl Tree
pearltree.ae
@pearltree_uae
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