Ageel Alshaibani Named Saudi Tourism Authority CEO

The Saudi Tourism Authority has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as its new Chief Executive Officer, in a leadership change that took effect in early September 2026. The appointment became effective on September 1–2, 2026.

Alshaibani brings extensive experience in strategy and public-sector planning to the role. He previously served as Deputy Minister of Tourism for Strategic Planning and Monitoring, where he was involved in shaping and tracking the sector's growth priorities. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Head of Strategy at Misk.

He succeeds Fahd Hamidaddin, who stepped down from the CEO role in July 2026 after leading the organization for around seven years.

Why it matters

The Saudi Tourism Authority plays a central role in promoting the Kingdom as a destination for domestic and international visitors, a key pillar of the country's broader economic diversification goals. Leadership at the top of the authority directly influences how the Kingdom markets its cities, attractions, and seasonal events to residents and travelers alike.

For residents and expats in the Kingdom, the tourism sector continues to shape a growing calendar of experiences, entertainment offerings, and travel options across destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond. The change in leadership signals continuity in the sector's expansion while bringing a strategy-focused executive to the helm.

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