Sources from Riyadh stated that saudi arabia said on Friday it will offer tourist visas for the first time, opening up the ultra-conservative kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil. When kick starting tourism is one of the centre pieces of Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform program to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.
Furthermore the announcement comes just two weeks after devastating attacks on saudi arabia's oil infrastructure blamed by Washington on iran which roiled global energy markets. Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a statement "Opening saudi arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country," "Visitors will be surprised by the treasures, we have to share five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty." saudi arabia will open applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries on Saturday.
Moreover Khateeb said the kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women. Perhaps the austere kingdom, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, is seen by many as a hard sell for tourists. Apparently prince Mohammed is seeking to change that through a sweeping liberalization drive that has brought new cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas to saudi arabia.
