Posted on 09/27/2019 9:33:38 AM PDT by C19fan
Saudi Arabia is opening the ultraconservative kingdom to tourists for the first time, easing restrictions for foreign visitors as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to diversify the oil-dependent economy.
Visas had been restricted to Muslim pilgrims, and business and diplomatic visitors, but on Friday the kingdom said its new online visa portal would be open to visitors from 49 countries, including the U.S and major European and Asian countries.
“Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country,” said Ahmad al-Khateeb, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
What? Their prisons are running low on prisoners or something?
Trying to copy Dubai’s tourism success. Trying to generate more income from all that Hajj infrastructure.
Wants those tourist dollars.
Will beatings by the religious police be part of the standard tourist package?
Who would want to go there?
You could end up losing your head.
Non-Muslims will still be prohibited from entering Mecca and the Medina Mosque.
I applaud what the Crown Prince is trying to do, make it something of a “normal” country. I wonder how many tourists will die followed by “crack downs” on Whabbists Jihadi wannabes before he either succeeds or the country explodes into revolution & chaos?
No, thanks.....
I think that is good.
Tourism is big business.
Also, as tourists come, they may influence the country to become more modern and less dictatorial Muslim.
"...Saudi Arabia Opens Kingdom to Foreign Terrorists..."
Islam cannot be reformed.
Mad Mo made it so.
They are safe mainly because the Saudi government understands well that if they leave, their economy collapses and they are back to an economy based on growing dates, herding sheep, camels and the like. There just aren't enough natives who know how to keep the oil pumping and refining machinery operational. Not to mention all the other first world skillsets necessary to keep a third world people enjoying the benefits thereof.
Did they lift the restriction on my wearing a cross? Traveling with my Bible? Will my rosary get confiscated?
Sorry. Though I do see this as a good step forward, I wouldn’t trust that medieval cesspool of intolerance at all.
Let me get a passport.
“I think that is good. Tourism is big business. Also, as tourists come, they may influence the country to become more modern and less dictatorial Muslim.”
Agreed. I’m not sure that SA will ever become a tourist destination like the UAE - but there is potential there. I think any tourist who does go there will have to clearly understand that it’ll be nothing like the UAE or other Gulf countries. No alcohol, modest clothing (even for men), etc.
I applaud the Crown Prince’s efforts to try to bring SA into the 21st Century. He understands that oil and religion can only go so far. I don’t envy him because in many ways, he has a target on his back - literally and figuratively.
Earlier this year, I took a gamble and made an investment in a Saudi ETF ran by iShares. It’s a modest position. I’m hoping that it can pay off in the long run.
I’ll be going. Seeing the Empty Quarter is on my bucket list.
First Khashoggi, now this. /S
Don’t go - you don’t know the crazy laws those muzzies have.
No doubt. Wildlife and ecosystem touring is popular in a lot of odd places.
And it may be the reforming Prince’s idea of quietly encouraging Westernization.
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