Saudi Arabia will implement a new visa regime for 49 countries and relax its dress code for women visitors to attract more foreign tourists.
Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb called the new visa regime a "historic moment" for Saudi Arabia and hopes that the country could attract more tourists and secure foreign investment in the tourism industry.
Currently, visas have largely been issued to pilgrims, business people and expatriate workers. Saudi Arabia aims to increase its tourism industry's contribution to its gross domestic product (GDP) from 3% to 10% by 2030.
Mr. al-Khateeb said: "Visitors will be surprised... by the treasures we have to share - five Unesco World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty."
The country's dress code will no longer require foreign women to wear the body-covering abaya robe, which is required to be worn in public by Saudi women. However, they will still have to be modestly dressed. Unaccompanied women visiting the country will also no longer be restricted.
The tourism minister pointed out "We have a culture. We believe our friends and our guests will respect the culture, but definitely it is modest and it will be very clear."
Despite the more relaxed rules, the ban on alcohol will still remain and non-Muslims will still not be allowed to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina
Mr. al-Khateeb was optimistic that the recent attack on country's oil industry would discourage people to visit. He claimed: "Our cities are among the most safest cities globally. Therefore, we don't believe at all it will impact our plans. We have all the expats living in Saudi Arabia, enjoying Saudi Arabia. We're very secure."
The new initiatives toward opening up tourism in Saudi Arabia is at the center of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's wider economic reform program, which aims to reduce the country's focus on oil.
