Saudi Tourism Authority names new CEO

STA appoints Ageel Alshaibani to lead the authority as Saudi tourism targets further growth

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026.

Alshaibani succeeds Fahd Hamidaddin, who served as the founding CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority from March 2020 to July 2026.

The appointment was made by STA’s Board of Directors and reflects Alshaibani’s leadership and strategic experience across several sectors, as well as his previous work within Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem.

Alshaibani previously served as deputy minister of Strategic Planning & Monitoring at the Ministry of Tourism. In that role, he contributed to the development and implementation of the National Tourism Strategy and took part in strategic initiatives aimed at developing the tourism sector and meeting its targets.

Before joining the Ministry of Tourism, he served as chief strategy officer at Misk Foundation and worked as an associate partner at McKinsey & Company.

He also held roles as advisor to the Minister of Health and director general of the Strategic Partnerships Office, with experience across public services, community enablement, healthcare and consultancy.