SAUDIS WOO TOURISTS WITH NEW VISA SCHEME

Move a milestone to diversify country’s economy, reduce dependency on oil

SAUDI Arabia is set to mark its place in the world tourism map by offering a new visa scheme for foreign tourists for the first time.

The new visa scheme was announced yesterday at a gala event at Ad-Diriyah, a United

Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site in the capital here.

Said to be one of the hardest countries to visit in the world, the Islamic kingdom had so far limited its visas to business trips, umrah and haj, as well as family visits.

Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage president Prince Ahmad al-Khateeb said: “Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country.

“Generous hospitality is at the heart of Arab culture and we look forward to extending a warm welcome to our guests.

“Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share. Five Unesco World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty that includes the Red Sea coast and the Empty Quarter,” he said.

A number of new tourist destinations were also under construction, including the futuristic city of Neom, the Qiddiya entertainment city near here and a range of luxury destinations by the Red Sea.

Prince Abdullah Al Saud, when met at Princess Norah’s Farm, welcomed tourists to the historic city of Al Ula.

“Besides the archaeological sites, the city has a lot to offer, including a farm experience,” he told a group of international journalists and social media influencers, who were on a culturefocused tour that covered Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Ula.

Another group will go for adventureand luxury-focused tours organised after the gala event.

The tourism-inspired move by the Saudi government is a key milestone in the implementation of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its dependency on oil.

Saudi Arabia expects to increase international and domestic visits to 100 million a year by 2030, contributing up to 10 per cent to its gross domestic product, compared with just three per cent today.

Billions of dollars are being spent to improve infrastructure and develop heritage, cultural and entertainment sites in the kingdom.

Historic Jeddah is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. From the 7th century AD, it was established as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes.

PIX BY ZALINA MOHD SOM One of the tombs at Madain Salih in Al Ula, about 300km north of Madinah.

REUTERS PIC A Saudi tour guide standing inside a tomb at Madain Saleh, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.

Prince Ahmad al-Khateeb