Top 20 Gulf Tourism Professionals: Khalid M. R. Al Dahlawi, A Trailblazer in Saudi Tourism at Red Sea Global
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Arab Times News is celebrating the Top 25 Tourism Gulf Professionals in KSA and is proud to feature Khalid M. R. Al Dahlawi, a visionary in the fields of tourism, conservation, and media. His journey, spanning over three decades, has significantly shaped Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism landscape and contributed to the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This includes advancing sustainable tourism practices and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14 & 15): Life Below Water and Life on Land.
Saudi Tourism Convergence
Khalid Al Dahlawi’s career began in banking, but his true passion lies in Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural heritage. As a certified scuba diver since 1990, he became an SDI-TDI instructor, breaking barriers as the first Scubility instructor in the MENA region. He enabled individuals with medical conditions to explore the ocean’s wonders. In 2018, he introduced horse trail riding in Saudi Arabia, providing a unique way to engage with the country’s cultural and natural landscapes. This innovative initiative aligns with Vision 2030, promoting sustainable tourism while enriching local experiences.
Conservation and Sustainable Development
Al Dahlawi’s dedication to cultural and natural heritage conservation is evident through his co-founding of Rawasheen, an initiative to preserve the historic Rabat Al Khunji in Jeddah’s historic district. He also launched the Leave Positive Trace Initiative, which promotes responsible tourism and destination development.
In 2019, Al Dahlawi earned an Environmental Leadership License from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), where he proposed transforming Jabal Al Noor in Mecca into a vibrant tourist destination with cultural and natural significance. By 2020, he was working at Red Sea Global, building and managing a team of 30 environmental stewards from the local community. This team protects and enhances the environment, supporting scientists in marine and terrestrial baseline surveys and habitat enhancement programs to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative and UN SDGs 14 and 15.
In line with this vision, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently launched the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy. This initiative perfectly aligns with Al Dahlawi’s work, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Film and Media Industry Expansion
Al Dahlawi’s contributions extend to the media and entertainment industries. Since 2007, he has supported film production and media partnerships, creating opportunities for local and international filmmakers. His media contributions capture his adventures, promote conservation, and inspire appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty.
Commitment to Education, Growth, and Collaboration
Al Dahlawi’s strong commitment to education is reflected in his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and multiple management certifications. He is a certified advisor in Strategic Thinking from KAU and actively participates in committees focused on shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.
Summary
Khalid M. R. Al Dahlawi is a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s tourism, environmental, and media sectors. His dedication to learning, collaboration, and innovation positions him as a driving force in realizing Saudi Vision 2030. As one of the Top 25 Gulf Professionals in KSA, he continues to inspire change and contribute to a sustainable, prosperous future.
