- Saudi Arabia opens to tourism for the first time, unveiling 5 UNESCO World 
Heritage Sites, the Red Sea coast and the Empty Quarter 

 - Historic change marks major Vision 2030 milestone, fueling investment and 
creating a million jobs

In a historic move, Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to international visitors 
for the first time. Details of a new visa regime will be announced on Friday 
evening (27 September) at a gala event at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage 
Site in Riyadh. 

Saudi attractions 

Visitors seeking unexplored heritage sites, an authentic cultural experience 
and breathtaking natural beauty will be surprised and delighted to discover 
Saudi Arabia's many treasures. 

Saudi sites of interest include five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 

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. 
Al-Ahsa Oasis, with 2.5 million date palms the largest oasis in the world. 
Saudi Arabia is home to 13 regions, each with a distinctive cultural tradition. 
It is also home to 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 
The art of Zahrah Al-Ghamdi, whose work is displayed at this year's Venice 
Biennale 
Saudi Arabia boasts a surprisingly diverse range of landscapes, including the 
green mountains of Asir, the crystal waters of the Red Sea, the snow-covered 
winter plains of Tabuk and the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter. 

A number of new tourist destinations are currently under construction, 
including the futuristic city of NEOM, the Qiddiya entertainment city near 
Riyadh and a range of luxury destinations by the Red Sea. 

Economic impact 

Opening Saudi to tourism is a key milestone in the implementation of Vision 
2030, which seeks to diversify the country's economy and reduce its dependence 
on oil. 


Saudi Arabia expects to increase international and domestic visits to 100 
million a year by 2030, attracting significant foreign and domestic investment 
and creating a million jobs. 

By 2030, the aim is for tourism to contribute up to 10% towards the Saudi GDP, 
compared to just 3% today.  


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. 


Details of a significant commitment of private sector investment will be 
announced on Friday 27 September (tomorrow). 


His Excellency Ahmad Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism 
and National Heritage, commented: 

"Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our 
country. 

Generous hospitality is at the heart of Arabian culture and we look forward to 
showing our guests a very warm welcome. 

Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share. 
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking 
natural beauty. 

To visitors we say: be among the first to discover and explore the treasures of 
Arabia. 

To investors we say: become part of the fastest growing tourism sector on 
earth." 

Note to Editors

The links below provide access to: 

A comprehensive information pack 
(https://www.dropbox.com/sh/40rx5akkapdqipz/AABLNAEfvxoBmQyT-9-999XWa?dl=0)
A picture bank 
(https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wo9b058ico2x2b6/AAAQwZL6B7syPrJLjBK9cxLpa?dl=0)
B-roll footage 
(https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oizunszw50xmcxf/AACZvrFaDCj6MZrzKv1uB9Gaa?dl=0)
Factsheets on some of the major attractions in Saudi Arabia 
(https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lo7z9tawv4922v7/AABIz1G2dBlL49GuYxxOROeDa?dl=0)


Source: Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage