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.
Comment on this article
Ahmed K. C., Mangalore
Fri, Sep 27 2019It looks like they have opened only for the citizens of following countries:-
Citizens from the UK, countries in the Schengen Zone, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China and Japan can apply.
Nothing there for we Indians.
PM Modi may have to make a "Modi in Saudi" program first.
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Anonymous, Europe
Sun, Sep 29 2019It seems like they are clearly targeting high-spending groups. I know Indians do spend more on vacations abroad compared to vacations in India, but it is way to less when compared to Chinese or some Schengen country citizens.
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Shuba, Mumbai
Fri, Sep 27 2019Good movement. People hardship in difficult time to visit the kingdom to see their relatives ... rules will be eased and the historical dresscode of Abhaya will disappear.
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neil, lalaland
Fri, Sep 27 2019Tourists who came to India never left..... India is paying the price
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Jossey Saldanha, Atlanta
Fri, Sep 27 2019What does India offer to Tourists ...
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Dsouza, Mudarangadi/Udupi
Fri, Sep 27 2019Garma garam Spl pakodas cooked by graduates and post graduates.
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Chandu, Karla
Fri, Sep 27 2019Garam Masala Chai and Pakodas....!!
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SJM, Mangalore
Fri, Sep 27 2019Pakoda's
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SP Shetty, Tulunad
Fri, Sep 27 2019Statue of Unity, Waterfront Ahmedabad, War Memorial, in future Ram Mandir, Statue, Shivaji Statue,
Rest all you know I am sure .
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Al Dsouza, Canada
Fri, Sep 27 2019Everybody have it's own days. Finally Saudi has learned it's own ways to liberalize and open to rest of the world the way they wanted from others. Time is a key whether it is 2000 years or 5000 years. Finally be like UAE open and free to everyone. Trump makes a big difference to the world. Hope to see him re elected.
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MadKing, Chembugudde
Mon, Sep 30 2019Modi in India, Trump in US ! No matter what happens, Credits should be given to these people & these people only.
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