Sabine El Najjar, Chief Commercial Officer and KSA Managing Director - Silkhaus
Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a transformative shift in its tourism and real estate sectors, driven by the ambitious Vision 2030. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global tourism and business hub, the short-term rental market is emerging as a key enabler for growth in the hospitality industry.
At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental growth is Vision 2030, the country’s long-term economic diversification strategy. With the goal of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, the government is heavily investing in infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism experiences. Mega projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate are creating new destinations, increasing the need for expansive accommodation options beyond traditional hotels. A number of major trends in the market are indicative of the demand from guests.
Rising Demand from Business Travelers
The Saudi government is recognising the importance of short-term rentals in meeting this demand and has been working on regulatory frameworks that ensure a structured and professional rental market while encouraging investment. By facilitating licensing processes, improving property management standards, and supporting professional operators, the government is making it easier for both local and international players to enter and thrive in this space.
Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding business hubs, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, are fueling a surge in demand for accommodations from corporate travelers. Riyadh, the capital and financial center, is home to multinational corporations, government institutions, and major industry events. Meanwhile, NEOM is attracting global talent, with business executives, project managers, and expatriates needing flexible, high-quality accommodation.
Unlike traditional hotels, short-term rental properties offer business travelers more space, privacy, and home-like amenities, making them a preferred choice for extended stays.
Regulatory Evolution & Licensing Compliance
As the offer for short-term rental options matures, the Saudi government is taking steps to ensure that operators comply with hospitality standards, taxation policies, and safety regulations. In the past, short-term rentals were dominated by individual hosts, but now, new regulations are favoring structured property management companies that can provide a professional and consistent experience.
Authorities are implementing clearer licensing requirements, which will help establish trust and reliability in the sector. These regulations will likely set minimum quality standards, pricing guidelines, and guest verification procedures, ensuring that short-term rentals align with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a high-quality tourism and business environment.
Those who align with regulations early on will gain a competitive advantage, ensuring for themselves a stable position in a market set to grow relentlessly in the next few years.
Growth of Branded & Serviced Apartments Create Trust with Guests
One of the most noticeable trends in Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is the growing preference for branded and serviced apartments. Unlike traditional vacation rentals, serviced apartments offer hotel-like services such as housekeeping, concierge support, and premium amenities, making them particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, corporate travelers, and families.
This trend is especially evident among Saudi families traveling for major events, such as Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season. These large-scale cultural and entertainment festivals attract millions of visitors, creating demand for luxurious, spacious, and well-managed accommodations. Instead of booking hotel rooms, families prefer short-term rental apartments that offer more flexibility and privacy, particularly when traveling in groups.
Religious tourism in Makkah and Madinah is further driving demand for short-term rentals. Pilgrims visiting these cities for Hajj and Umrah often seek accommodation that combines comfort, convenience, and affordability, making professionally managed rental properties a desirable alternative to hotels.
Increase in Market Players & Investment Opportunities
With demand on the rise, both local and international operators are expanding their footprint in Saudi Arabia. Since 2020-2021, local players have been actively scaling their businesses across multiple cities, capitalizing on the surge in demand. At the same time, global short-term rental companies like Silkhaus have entered the market, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s potential as a major hospitality hub.
This influx of experienced operators, technology-driven platforms, and professional management firms is reshaping the industry: guests can expect standardized service, seamless booking experiences, and premium quality—factors that were previously inconsistent in the Saudi short-term rental market.
For investors, Saudi Arabia presents a lucrative opportunity in short-term rentals. The combination of rising tourism, strong government backing, and increasing professionalization of the sector makes it an attractive space for real estate developers, hospitality brands, and property owners looking to maximize returns.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Saudi’s Short-Term Rental Market?
Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is entering a pivotal phase, driven by the country’s ambitious event calendar of the next few years and increasing global visibility. Major international events like the FIFA World Cup and Expo are on the horizon, and demand for high-quality, well-located accommodations will surge. Operators, to keep pace, must scale rapidly: portfolio expansion, distribution channels optimization, and technology leverage for higher guest volumes are the next must-have. These years will also push the industry toward greater standardization, as travellers expect seamless, hotel-like experiences.
At the same time, we expect the competitive landscape to shift. As the market matures and regulatory frameworks stabilize, we can expect a wave of consolidation. Larger players will likely absorb smaller operators who struggle to meet evolving guest expectations and compliance requirements. Institutional investors, hotel brands, and real estate funds may also enter the space, bringing greater professionalism and capital to accelerate growth. The industry will transition from fragmented growth to a more structured and competitive ecosystem, where scale, operational efficiency, and brand reputation will define long-term success.
Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is definitely entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. With strong government backing, evolving regulations, and increasing demand from business and leisure travelers, the sector is rapidly becoming a key pillar of the Kingdom’s tourism strategy.
As local and international players continue to scale operations, and improve service quality, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a leading market for short-term rentals in the Middle East. For investors, property owners, and hospitality operators, the time to enter this dynamic market is now.