Fahd Hamidaddin
Fahd Hamidaddin is a visionary leader driving one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets. As the founding CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), established in 2019 to align with Saudi Vision 2030, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism hub. Under his leadership, STA has been at the forefront of steering new destinations, reshaping global perceptions of Saudi Arabia, and enhancing traveler experiences across the Kingdom. In 2023, Saudi Arabia achieved a global milestone by welcoming 109.34 million visitors, surpassing its 2030 tourism targets seven years ahead of schedule.
STA plays a central role in the nation’s tourism ecosystem, acting as a bridge between government entities, private sector innovators, and international partners. With a mandate to build and promote Saudi Arabia’s national tourism brand, STA collaborates with tourism operators, airlines, and global travel distributors to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unmatched experiences to the world.
Hamidaddin holds prominent positions on the boards of several influential organizations, both internationally and within Saudi Arabia. These include the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the Tourism Development Council, Qiddiya Investment Company, Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Air Connectivity Program, Cruise Saudi, the Red Sea Authority, King Saud University (KSU), the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Red Sea Cruise Company, and the Expo 2030 Executive Committee.
In addition, he has served as Secretary of the Umrah Strategy Steering Committee under the Pilgrim Experience Program amongst others. These roles underscore his pivotal contributions to advancing strategic objectives and strengthening the Kingdom's leadership on the global stage.
Hamidaddin also serves as Vice Chair of TOURISE, the world’s premier platform shaping a new horizon for global tourism. In this capacity, Hamidaddin helps guide TOURISE’s strategic direction, championing cross-sector collaboration and innovation to drive sustainable growth and transformation across the global tourism ecosystem.
Under the leadership of Fahd Hamidaddin, STA has launched the “Visit Saudi” brand, opening the doors of the Kingdom to the world. He has been a key advocate for making travel more accessible for both consumers and trade partners. Through innovative initiatives such as the "Tourism Sector Accelerator Program" and the launch of the Nusuk platform, he has fostered transformative solutions that redefine the global travel experience.
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HORIZON STAGE
ICON TALKS
NOT JUST AN AD MAN
As CEO of Omnicom Group, John Wren has spent decades at the helm of one of the world’s most influential media and marketing conglomerates; shaping global brands, navigating disruption, and driving creative transformation at scale. In this exclusive conversation, he shares the lessons learned from a lifetime of leadership, reflecting on resilience, reinvention, and what it takes to stay relevant in a world where attention is the most valuable currency. How can insights from the media world guide the next generation of leaders in building lasting impact?
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TOURISM OPENS MINDS
Tourism holds the unique power to break down barriers, foster empathy, and build bridges between cultures and communities. It can reshape perceptions, turning divisions into opportunities for connection and understanding. For emerging destinations, this power is amplified, offering new narratives and fresh perspectives that challenge stereotypes and spark curiosity. How can, and how have, destinations champion openness and mutual understanding, supported by AI-powered language tools and cultural insights, to inspire travelers to see the world, and each other, with fresh eyes?
