Saudi Arabia seeks tourist with investment

Abayas will not be mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, Alcohol remains banned

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia open doors to tourists, Launching a new visa regime for 49 countries and appealing to foreign companies to invest in a sector it hopes will contribute 10% of gross domestic product by 2030.

The Extremely conservative Muslim kingdom, relatively closed off for decades, has in recent years relaxed strict social codes, like segregating men and women in public places and requiring women to wear Abaya.

Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb ahead of official announcement that abayas will not be mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, including at public beaches. He add more that alcohol remains banned: “We will have enough tourists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy other things.”
Visas will be available online for about 80 Dollars , with no restrictions for unaccompanied women as in the past. Access to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina is restricted.