Saudi Arabia
This post is for those who feel they have ticked all the boxes – an emerging destination - Saudi Arabia. Previously off limits for a range of reasons, the country is finally opening its doors and the country has a lot to offer.
Saudi's places of interest include:
- Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 10,000 recorded sites of historical interest;
- a diverse range of landscapes, including the green mountains of Asir, the Red Sea, the snow-covered winter plains of Tabuk and the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter;
- there are a number of new destinations under construction, including the futuristic city of NEOM, the Qiddiyah entertainment city near Riyadh and a range of luxury destinations by the Red Sea
- and 13 regions, each with a distinctive cultural history and culinary tradition;
These 13 regions feature a flourishing contemporary culture, with highlights that include:
- the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture in Dhahran;
- the modernist sculpture park along the Corniche in Jeddah;
- the Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Jeddah;
- Nassif House in Jeddah's Historical District;
- the annual Flowerman Festival in Asir; the Winter at Tantora festival in Al-Ula;
- the Red Sea International Film Festival launching in March 2020:
- contemporary Saudi cuisine by Ali bin Yousef in Riyadh;
- and the art of Zahrah Al-Ghamdi, whose work is displayed at this year's Venice Biennale.
Those five UNESCO World Heritage Sites include:
- Madain Saleh in Al-Ula, the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan;
- At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state;
- historic Jeddah, the Gate to Mecca, characterized by a distinctive architectural tradition;
- rock art in the Hail Region, showing 10,000-year old inscriptions of human and animal figures;
- and Al-Ahsa Oasis, with 2.5 million date palms the largest oasis in the world.
Billions of dollars are being spent to improve infrastructure and develop heritage, cultural and entertainment sites. Saudi's airport capacity is expected to increase by 150 million passengers per annum and an additional 500,000 hotel key cards will be needed across the country over the coming decade.
E-visas are available
Citizens from 49 countries will be able to apply for an e-Visa online or get a Visa on arrival into Saudi Arabia; Australian and New Zealand citizens are on the approved list! A dedicated online portal at www.visitsaudi.com has been launched and electronic kiosks are available at airports.
The visa is valid for one year, with multiple entries (90 days per calendar year).
In the words of Ahmad Al-Khateeb, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage,
"Tonight, we make history. For the first time, we are opening our country to tourists from all over the world. To those thinking of visiting Saudi Arabia, you won't find a warmer welcome anywhere in the world and you won't find a people prouder to share the riches of their land with you. We are opening our economy. We are opening our society. Now we open our home and open our hearts to guests from around the world. Come, visit Saudi. And let us welcome you to Arabia."
Only time will tell if things have really changed!
www.visitsaudi.com.