Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad Named Vice Minister of Tourism

Abdulmohsen bin Mohammed bin Hamoud Al-Mazyad has been appointed Vice Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia by royal order, in a move that reshapes the leadership of one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing sectors. The appointment was issued in early 2026 and carries the rank of Deputy Minister of Tourism with excellent rank.

The royal order was published in the official Umm Al-Qura gazette (issue 5144, dated 13 February 2026), with implementation directed to the competent government entities. Ahmed Al Khateeb remains Minister of Tourism, while Princess Haifa bint Mohammed was moved from the Vice Minister role to an advisory position at the Council of Ministers.

Al-Mazyad rises to his new post after serving as Deputy Minister for Licensing and Classification at the Ministry of Tourism. In that role he oversaw the licensing, classification, and regulatory compliance of tourism and hospitality establishments, including hotels and accommodations used during the Hajj season.

As Vice Minister, he is expected to take part in official events and project inaugurations tied to the tourism sector, including hospitality resorts in Jeddah, reflecting a portfolio focused on developing and regulating the industry.

Why it matters

Tourism is a central pillar of the Kingdom's economic diversification plans, and leadership changes at the Ministry of Tourism signal continuity in efforts to raise standards across hotels, resorts, and hospitality services. For residents and visitors alike, tighter licensing and classification oversight aims to improve the quality and reliability of accommodation and tourism experiences nationwide.

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