Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh (SR)

Riyadh, Sep 27: In a major breakthrough, Saudi Arabia on Friday, September 27 announced that it will offer tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries. The announcement, which has come just two weeks after devastating attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme, to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.

"It will be a historic moment for our country," said tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb in a statement.

"Visitors will be surprised by the treasures we have to share that include five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty,” he added.

Khateeb also added, that the strict dress code in the kingdom will be eased by allowing the women to go out without the body-shrouding Abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women.

The visas of the desert kingdom are currently restricted to expat workers, their dependents and Muslim pilgrims travelling to holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

Last year, Saudi Arabia has begun issuing temporary visas to visitors for attending sporting and cultural events in a bid to kick-start tourism. As a part of the programme, Prince Mohammed has implemented sweeping liberalisation drive that has brought new cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas to Saudi Arabia.

Fear of a regional conflict after the September 14 attacks on state oil giant Aramco may also dampen the kingdom's appeal to holidaymakers.

The Saudi government, reeling from low oil prices, especially after the September 14 attack, now hopes that the new step in the tourism industry will contribute up to 10 percent of the gross domestic product by 2030.

The desert kingdom however currently lacks the infrastructure to accommodate visitors in such high numbers.