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 ...
Are there tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia? Beaches, resorts, where westerners won’t have to obey restrictive Saudi dress codes and behavior laws?
I understand that Mecca itself is off limits to non-Muslims, and that entry to that city is restricted. It might be interesting to see the Kaaba stone or other such religious sites, but if non-Muslims are banned, then no way to make any tourist income from that.
I think I would rather have a colonoscopy...
Ha ha
Before Kashoggi he imprisoned and brought a lot of big wig princes to heel. Confiscated what claimed was ill-gotten wealth. That I guess was step 1. He survived that.
Next Kashoggi step 2 or Step 1a. I am sure there are a lot of steps left. And at each step he could lose & be overthrown!
He didn’t say it would be pretty!
I’m certainly not interested in visiting.
Saudi Arabia Opens Kingdom to Foreign Tourists to become Houthi Drone Targets
there fixed it
What would motivate Western tourists to visit Saudi Arabia? Mosques and sand as far as they eye can see. Oh boy!
RE: Saudi Arabia Opens Kingdom to Foreign Tourists
Are women allowed to show their legs like they do in Dubai?
So, I wonder if it was a Presidential phone call from Trump telling them to open up to visitors or he would withold some fighter jets..
No, that requires an upgrade.
No thanks. I’ll pass.
My idea of an enjoyable vacation doesn’t include having to wear a black garbage bag over my head and body.
Heh, I also misread the headline in the same way.
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