For the first time, Saudi Arabia, the most conservative province, has announced the availability of tourist visas. This means that you can go to Saudi Arabia for a vacation and no one will object or prevent you from touring the country.
The move was initiated in the interest of boosting the economy in addition to the oil revenue that contributes to the country’s revenue. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform programme includes opening the doors to tourism. Its goal is to prepare the Arab economy for a post-oil era. Since the attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure devastated the country just two weeks ago, this move has been implemented in the aftermath of the strike, raising concerns about further regional conflict. Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country, and Visitors will be surprised… by the treasures we have to share — five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture, and breathtaking natural beauty,” said Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Khateeb.

On Saturday, Khateeb announced that online tourist visa applications will be available in 49 countries. He also stated that the country will relax its strict in-house dress code for female tourists. The already established dress code of the body-hugging Abaya robe will be prohibited for female tourists. However, there will be a restriction or rule of “modest dressing,” according to Khateeb. There will, however, be a visa allowance for expats, their dependents, and pilgrims en route to Mecca and Medina in the desert kingdoms with rich architectural heritage. Saudi Arabia is a difficult country to attract a large number of tourists to. The reason for this is conservatism and a strict social code. In the year preceding 2019, it began issuing visas for sports and cultural events in order to process the Saudi tourism industry for foreign tourists. However, for obvious reasons, it was not a big hit.

To give it a boost, the kingdom intends to launch a campaign to liberalise state laws and bring in more entertainment factors and attractions such as cinemas and mixed-gender concerts. According to observers, “international criticism of the kingdom’s human rights record, including the gruesome murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi last year and a crackdown on female activists, may further deter foreign visitors.”

Saudi Arabia must prepare infrastructure capable of accommodating these numbers of tourists, including hotels and an increase in the number of hotel rooms. With the current state of youth unemployment, this is bound to increase employment in the kingdoms. Historic sites are being developed, such as Mada’in Saleh, which contains sandstone tombs.

Quiddiya, an entertainment city with a safari area, Moto sports, and theme parks, was also launched last year and is sure to attract globetrotters.

Saudi Arabia is now investing heavily in the tourism sector in order to attract tourists in the future.

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