Tag: saudi tourism

The Saudi cabinet has recently announced a new visa category to woo international tourists to the country. Introduction of the special ‘event’ visas is part of plans by the Kingdom to become a major global entertainment destination. Foreign tourists can now choose from the growing number of sporting, entertainment and business attractions available in the country. As per the circular issued by the cabinet, announcing the new visa category, Embassies and consulates will be able to issue the visas within 24 hours of receiving a request. Under the visa upgrade, the Kingdom’s General Investment Authority, General Sports Authority and General Entertainment ... Read more

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. The Memorandum of Understanding aims at exchanging information and expertise in Legislation in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism,  ... Read more

The no change in visa rates for Pakistani citizens confirms that they will still have to pay 0.1 million to rupees 0.4 million for attaining the tourist visa. Reports say that the Pakistan embassy in Saudi and the Pakistan’s foreign office wasn’t aware of this policy and are yet to respond on this. The double pricing in visa policy of Saudi has come under discussion and has even put Pakistan under scanner. The reduction in the visa fee was initially denied by Saudi Gazette, the leading English-language daily newspaper published in Jeddah. However, they gave credibility to the news as ... Read more

If the Gulf investors are moving ahead with their plans to dig a 60 kilometre-long water canal alongside the border with Qatar, chances are high that Qatar could be turned into an island. The canal would be 60 kms long, 200 meters wide and 15 to 20 meters deep, enabling it to receive all kinds of ships from tankers and passenger ships, with a maximum length of 300 meters and a width of 33 meters. The planned canal would stretch from Salwa to Khor Al Adeed and is expected to cost around 2.8 billion Saudi riyals. This, however, depends on the approval ... Read more

Photo Courtesy: SeeSaudi Saudi has long been known as a conservative nation with little or no interest in opening its doors to the foreign visitors. Gone are those days and the nation, as part of its Vision 2030 plan, is all up for major social reforms. And, as part of it, Saudi is finally welcoming globetrotters from across the world to touch, feel and experience the unexplored land. It will start issuing the tourist visas from April 1. Camel Race The electronic passes will be given to ‘all nationals whose countries allow their citizens to visit’ in a bid to ... Read more

Photo Courtesy: Femina Saudi is opening its arms to embrace the new and ward off all conventions which have been synonymous with the country for time immemorial. Now, for the first time, Saudi authorities have opened up army registration to women. Women interested in becoming soldiers can submit their applications until Thursday. Applicants must be Saudi nationals who grew up in Saudi Arabia, unless they were with their fathers who were abroad on official assignments. The applicant must hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, between 25 and 35 years old, and at least 155 cm tall, ... Read more