Breaking News

Up to 200,000 people estimated to travel to Vermont for total solar eclipse How fast will April’s total solar eclipse travel? The UN Security Council demands a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan Mexico in the emerging world order Pennsylvania State Guard Organizes Lithuanian Foreign Minister US Abstention from UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza – US State Department USA beats Mexico 2-0 thanks to goals from Adams and Reyna to win 3rd consecutive CONCACAF Nations League Mexico x United States | Highlights Meaning | The Case for American Intervention in Haiti Julian Assange to hear results of key US extradition ruling

The sunrise in Disah, in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. The administration is trying to attract more tourists to … [+] the country has a $1 trillion investment.

When people ask Kami Turky about his trip to Saudi Arabia, he has two tips: Don’t miss traditional dishes like Kabsa, a mixed rice, and Tharid, a lamb and vegetables, “it’s delicious .”

“And bring your sunglasses,” said Turky, the head of logistics for an aquarium supply chain in Flint, Mich. Because it’s always hot and sunny.

There has been a lot of curiosity about traveling to the Kindom of Saudi Arabia lately. Officials unveiled an ambitious plan to build a mirror 75-miles higher than the Empire State Building this summer. The country’s tourism minister, Ahmed Al Khateeb, announced that the government will spend a whopping $1 trillion on tourism over the next ten years. New hotels are opening at a fever pitch in KSA. But questions remain about the safety of visiting the government, as well as opening the country to foreign visitors.

“The government has gone through dramatic changes in recent years,” said Sean Foley, an expert on Saudi Arabia at Middle Tennessee State University. “Saudi Arabia is an easy country to visit and a rewarding experience for travelers. Obtaining a visa takes only a few minutes and can be done online. The country shows a lot the unique places of the UNESCO world and modern developments.”

Tourism in KSA is less than 10% of the economy, said Frank Harrison, regional protection director for North America and the UK at World Travel Protection.

“Most tourists focus on the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, and there are strict expectations on how long pilgrims can stay in the country,” he said. “For those who travel to tourist-oriented areas, there is the beauty of diving and marine life in the desert.”

Visitors who stayed in some of the areas that are being developed for tourism, such as Riyadh and Jeddah, reported their trips to the kingdom as interesting experiences. Turky said he felt safe and welcome during his two visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“People are kind and helpful,” he remembered.

I contacted KSA officials earlier this week to get details of their plans for tourism funding. I also asked about some of the recent changes in Saudi laws that have made it easier to visit, what types of tourists they want to attract, and public safety. A representative said the organization would try to respond but confirmation from the Saudi Tourism Authority “could take some time.”

Is travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia safe?

Experts say KSA is safe – to a point. This may interest you : The Sudanese army will not participate in political talks, the leader said.

The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, according to official data. The main impacts on tourists are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing, which often occur in crowded areas.

This spring, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism quietly ordered the removal of all security checks for cars and guests at tourist resorts, according to Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Advanced Operational Concepts. , a security consulting firm.

“This legal change is not the result of improving the security situation or reducing the risk of terrorism,” he said. “The removal of these protections has created a safe space where you can drive a heavy truck.”

Last month, the Department of State issued an advisory urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on specific areas. The government advised Americans not to travel within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yaman border. The cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran and Khamis Mushayt are on the no-go list, as well as the airport of Abha and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its borders.

The country is also known for monitoring telephones and electronic communications, said Dale Buckner, a travel expert and CEO of Global Guardian.

“Travellers should assume that communications are monitored at all times,” he said. “Hotel rooms can also be monitored and can be used without government permission. Electronic devices can be checked by customs officials upon arrival and departure.”

Even if you ignore all the current security issues, there are still concerns visitors from many other recent events. These include the mass killing of 81 people this spring and the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Exterior view of the new facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

See the article :
This is an op-ed by Buck O Perley, a software engineer at…

Saudi Arabia is changing — slowly

The Saudi government has taken great steps to attract tourism to KSA. Earlier this month, tourism officials released their entry requirements in a move expected to encourage more visitors. On the same subject : Here’s the Lyrics of Kane Brown’s ‘Like I Love Country Music’. The new rules offer Gulf residents an option to apply for an eVisa through its online portal. Residents of the UK, US and EU can also apply for a visa on arrival.

“Under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, there have been many actions to modernize, and attracting Western tourists seems to be a priority,” said John Gobbels, the chief executive of air medical transport and the travel security company Medjet. “But that does not mean that things have changed overnight, not respecting their rules and regulations can still have serious consequences, and people should think about it before deciding to travel there .”

Shelley Ewing, president of Tier One Travel, said that not all visitors are welcome in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has a special law that prohibits all LGBTQ+ activities. For your own safety, it is not recommended to travel to Saudi Arabia if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community,” he said. .

According to Ewing, there are potential risks for women visiting Saudi Arabia, especially if they do not comply with strict Saudi rules, which include modest dress at all times, shoulder and knee coverings. , and wear a robe, called an abaya when. entering mosques.

Edge of the World, a natural landmark and popular tourist destination near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Global Music Month: Celebrate This Perfect Playlist From Homeland
See the article :
African Diaspora is the term commonly used to describe the mass dispersal…

Travel advice for visiting Saudi Arabia

If you are interested in visiting Saudi Arabia, here are some special tips. Read also : The best takeaway from the U.S. Travel’s ESTO 2022 | By Christina Walker Scarce.

There are rules — lots of rules

Public displays of affection, foul language, and the capture of government buildings and local residents without permission are just a few examples of illegal activities,” the said Narendra Khatri, the principal of Insubuy, a travel insurance company. “Also, you must remember to dress modestly, in loose clothing that does not show your knees and shoulders. Dressing like a normal Westerner can attract unwanted attention from the authorities.” He said that while some of these laws are only fines or warnings, Saudi Arabia’s legal system is can result in defendants being held without charge for long periods of time, and limited access to legal representation.

Mind your medications

“Alcohol consumption now, and over-the-counter drugs like Sudafed and Vicks are illegal,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, a providers of medical, security, evacuation and travel services. “Travelers should carefully study the laws of Saudi Arabia before their trip. Even if a drug is allowed, keep it in the original container and have a copy of a prescription.”

Visit November to March

“The best months to visit Saudi Arabia are because the weather is nice and tolerable,” said Mahmood Khan, a tourism professor at Virginia Tech. During the summer, daytime highs often reach 120 degrees, making it impossible to do anything outside. It also helps if you like to stay up late. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia rises when the sun goes down. Khan says the best time for shopping is late at night.

Camels in the desert in Saudi Arabia.

Employees remain the biggest problem for the travel industry
This may interest you :
Travel demand has returned, but that doesn’t mean the pre-pandemic experience has…

Should you visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

So should you visit Saudi Arabia? The answer is complicated. The government is actually investing millions of dollars to attract tourists like you.

“Today, travel to Saudi Arabia should be for the adventurous, open-minded and well-traveled,” said Tiffany Bowne, founder of Lounge Couture, a travel agency. expensive “If you’re trying to see a place before it’s built and take it easy, this time, it’s not ready enough for most people, when it comes more development, more opportunities to open hotels and tourism services, then available. be prepared for all types of travelers.

I’ve traveled a lot in the Middle East, and whenever I mention Saudi Arabia, I get a curious response – a mix of admiration and skepticism. The fascinating part is simple: Any country with a tourist budget and a 75-mile schooner should be seen.

The most dubious is the record of the rights of the Saudi people, which seems that the Saudi government is hoping for new hotels and big projects that we will forget. Whether that works remains to be seen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *