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In late September, an event held in Ad-Diriyah (a suburb of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) announced the Kingdom's new visa program. Specifically, this program marks the first time Saudi Arabia has allowed foreigners to enter the country for tourism purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days. Previously, tourist visas were only granted for specific reasons such as Islamic pilgrimages, visiting family, or business.
The U.S. State Department has previously warned tourists visiting the country to exercise caution due to terrorism and the threat of drone and missile attacks targeting civilians.
The Saudi Arabian government hopes the new visa program will boost tourist numbers, as many travelers have always wanted to visit the kingdom's UNESCO-recognized landmarks.
According to government statistics, Saudi Arabia attracts more than 2 million tourists participating in the Hajj pilgrimage annually.
Tourism development is part of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 project, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on oil, diversify the economy, and promote national cultural identity.
With an area of 830,000 m²2The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the 13th largest in the world. It is home to many ethnic groups with rich and diverse cultural traditions. Before Saudi Arabia becomes a "hot" travel destination in the near future, let's explore some of the must-see landmarks in this historically rich kingdom.
Jeddah - the world's largest oasis
As the traditional gateway to the holy city of Mecca, Jeddah is the most attractive of Saudi Arabia's major cities. It attracts numerous pilgrims and merchants from all over the country. Here, visitors can enjoy a sense of freedom not found anywhere else in the Kingdom. In addition, the Red Sea World Heritage architecture, the turquoise beaches with stunning diving spots, and the diverse, world-class cuisine are also major draw for tourists.
Al-Ahsa Oasis - Home to 2.5 million date palm trees
Al-Ahsa is one of the world's largest and most famous natural oases. Its fertile, lush landscape and strategic location make it unsurprising that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Hidden within this tranquil oasis, home to nearly 3 million date palm trees, lie archaeological sites of immense historical significance.
The Ha'il region with its 10,000-year-old rock formations.
This place is a symbol of Arab hospitality and generosity. Upon arriving, you will encounter a thriving ancient civilization, vibrant through its historical sites, heritage, and the traditional culture of the local people. A famous spot here is the Rock Art area, with ancient paintings and inscriptions carved into the rocks by Arab ancestors over 10,000 years ago.
The Al-Hijr archaeological site contains tombs dating back to the 1st century BC.
This archaeological site was the first site in Arabia to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 111 magnificent tombs dating from the 1st century BC, strikingly decorated with water wells and still well-preserved, Al-Hijr is a symbol of the architectural and irrigation achievements of the Nabataean period.
In addition, some other attractive locations in Saudi Arabia include: the At-Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, built in the 15th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first capital of the Saudi Arabian state; and the Empty Quarter desert - the world's largest desert, covering a quarter of the Arabian Peninsula and 80% of Saudi Arabia's desert.
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian government has stated that it is developing new tourist destinations, including plans to develop luxury resorts on the Red Sea, an "entertainment city" 40 minutes from Riyadh and Neom, and a new "future city" in the northwest... Simultaneously, numerous cultural festivals will be held annually, including the Red Sea International Film Festival in March 2020.
