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Saudi Arabia Opens Up to Visitors
As the global economy continues to spiral downward, and the price of oil hovers around the $40/barrel, down more than $100 from last summer, Middle Eastern countries are looking for new opportunities to bolster their coffers. To that end, Saudi Arabia has begun opening its borders to visitors from the West, although there are a few caveats for anyone planning to make the journey.According to this story from the Times Online the majority of the six million travelers who visit Saudi Arabia are Muslims making their pilgrimage to Mecca, but this past November that changed, when the first group cultural tour to the country in more than seven years took place, and come March, British Airways will resume service to Riyadh and Jeddah for the first time in nearly four years. The Office of the Supreme Commission on Tourism says that the country will begin issuing tourist visas in the near future, ushering in a new era of openness for Saudi Arabia.
And what does the country have to offer western travelers? For starters, the region is rich in history that dates back thousands of years, and there are remnants of past civilizations to visit and explore. The rich and diverse landscapes of the desert are also a draw to tourists, as is the unique culture that is unlike any that most westerners have experienced before.
Unfortunately, traveling in Saudi Arabia still has a few hurdles to over come before it can become mainstream. Terrorist activity in the country remains a real threat, requiring all outsiders to travel with a police escort at all times, and foreign women are required to wear traditional Saudi clothing, and are also not allowed to drive, visit Internet cafes, and are excluded from some restaurants.
Fixing those issues will take some time, and probably more exposure from the West. But it's a big step for Saudi Arabia to open up to the outside, and a wonderful opportunity for travelers to experience a place that they haven't had the opportunity to visit before.
Fixing those issues will take some time, and probably more exposure from the West. But it's a big step for Saudi Arabia to open up to the outside, and a wonderful opportunity for travelers to experience a place that they haven't had the opportunity to visit before.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Siobhan Feb 3rd 2009 10:31AM
I grew up there as an expat, and I can tell you one thing for sure, the diving alone would make it worth the trip, both on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea sides.
Malaycobra Feb 3rd 2009 11:08AM
I 100% agree with you comment about diving in the Red Sea off Saudi. Unspoilt, huge coral cliffs to swim along...diving perfection. But the Gulf side??? We must have been in different countries, shallow, a few rocks, maybe a manta or a whale shark if you were very, very lucky. 3 hour boat ride to get in water deeper than your knees. Sewage, Oil sludge...
Also, I believe Saudi started issuing tourist visas around 99/2000.
The wearing of the abaya (Sp?) is far from mandatory in all areas. Where I lived in the eastern province, conservative dress was sufficient.
The heat is brutal, but then like Vegas, you don't go outside much, and Spring can be very pleasant.
Having said all that, I was there 5 years, and I can't remember doing anything "touristy" except shopping. If you want to see the region, head for Oman; Historic, safe and only a stones throw from Dubai when you need to scratch the shopping/partying itch.
Brian McKay Feb 3rd 2009 10:30AM
"The rich and diverse landscapes of the desert are also a draw to tourists" (?) ~ right...
"BBC's Security Correspondent, Frank Gardner, was shot" and reports, "there is an ongoing terrorist threat.” ~ Oh, swell...
"women are not allowed to drive, use internet cafés or go into many restaurants." ~how convenient~
And the "long, black gown that all women must wear in public, along with a hijab (headscarf). In Riyadh's 35C heat ... akin to walking around in your own personal sauna"
~Oh, yeah; that's attractive to potential tourists. 'Honey, do ya wanna go to Paris this year, or Saudi Arabia?'
Kraig Feb 3rd 2009 10:34AM
Obviously this isn't a trip for everyone, but when I was in Egypt a few years back the situation was much the same, with police escorts and armed bodyguards with us at all times. That was an amazing experience none the less, and well worth the trip.
For some, a journey to South Africa has no appeal at all, for others, it would be worth it to experience a place that hasn't been accessible for a very long time.
Glynn Feb 10th 2009 5:57AM
I don't know where the author of the article gets the idea outsiders need "armed escorts". I am a US citizen and have been working in Dammam for two months now. Although the city is bustling and a little chaotic I have not experienced any need for armed gaurds. I use taxis for transportation. Perhaps one may want to use escorts if they were going to a remote location, but this is only speculation. However I would not reccomend SA as a desirable vacation spot unless one had a specific place or event that they were wanting to visit.