The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a new visa regime for 49 countries and appealed to foreign companies to invest in a sector it hopes will contribute 10 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030.
Tourism chief Ahmed Al Khateeb told Reuters in an interview ahead of the official announcement that abayas will not be mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, including at public beaches. He indicated that alcohol remains banned: “We will have enough tourists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy other things.” Visas will be available online for about $80 (Dh294; SR300), with no restrictions for unaccompanied women as in the past. Access to the Muslim holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is restricted.
The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious plans to develop new industries to wean the world’s top oil exporter off crude and open up society including by introducing previously banned entertainment.
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