Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism just a few years ago in 2019. Since then, this Middle Eastern kingdom has fast become an exciting and intriguing destination for travellers curious to explore its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes beyond the holy cities.
Obtaining a Saudi Arabia tourist visa opens up a wealth of new experiences and attractions across the country. With reforms and massive investment under the new tourism strategy, Saudi is gearing up to welcome visitors from around the world. Here are some of the key benefits that make applying for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa from Dubai worthwhile:
Why Apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?
Discover a Hidden Gem of History and Culture
For decades, Saudi was closed off to casual visitors, shrouded in mystery. A tourist visa lets you uncover the secrets of this ancient land firsthand. As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi has a wealth of historic and religious sites of great significance. See UNESCO World Heritage sites like Madain Saleh's magnificent Nabatean tombs, the rock-carved fortifications of Al-Hijr, and the towering mudbrick architecture of Jeddah's historic center.
Beyond the history, experience Saudi's living culture. Tour the country to witness traditional sports like camel racing, falconry, and Arabian horse shows. Attend spectacular cultural festivals showcasing art, music, dance, and food. Explore local handicrafts like woven textiles, pottery, and metalwork. A tourist visa opens up this cultural side that few outsiders have discovered.
Newfound Freedoms for Tourists
People in Saudi, especially women, are now experiencing monumental changes in the social life of Saudi. For example, they don’t have to adhere to strict dress codes. Likewise, tourists no longer need to wear abayas or headscarves. Segregation rules have loosened, allowing the mixing of men and women. This is one of the most compelling reasons for applying for single-entry Saudi visit visa, which is also a wonderful way to tour and explore the country.
With a tourist visa, you can now experience activities previously off-limits. Families and couples can dine out, shop and travel together. Women can attend sporting events and concerts. These new freedoms make exploring Saudi a more enjoyable experience for all.
Unparalleled Natural Wonders
Beneath its desert landscapes, Saudi Arabia hides geological spectacles you won't find elsewhere. The Red Sea coast contains some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and exotic marine life. The Farasan Islands offer stunning beaches and mangrove forests. Visiting the mountains of Asir reveals lush green vistas and villages shrouded in fog.
In the deserts, you'll find phenomena like the bizarre "burning" wells of Al-Hofuf where natural gas has been burning continuously for decades. Saudi's unspoiled natural sites are finally within reach for tourists with a new visa.
Thriving Arts and Entertainment
Alongside natural wonders, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in new arts and entertainment for visitors. Since tourism opened up, the country has staged incredible events like the MDL Beast music festivals, drawing over 700,000 attendees. The Riyadh Season festival saw A-list celebrities and spectacular public art light up the capital.
New mega projects give tourists access to world-class arts and culture. The historic Al-Ula region is being transformed into a living museum and arts hub. Diriyah near Riyadh will house an opera house, museums, and entertainment district. Obtain a visa to experience Saudi's vibrant new arts scene.
Outdoor Adventures Galore
Adventure seekers will find plenty of exciting activities across Saudi's vast landscapes. If you wonder why get Saudi tourist visa, this is a great reason to proceed. The Red Sea offers superb scuba diving and snorkelling amongst shipwrecks, reefs, and exotic marine life. Try new water sports like jet-blade and yachting. The mountains provide terrain for hiking, rock climbing, and abseiling.
In the deserts go dune bashing in 4WDs, camel trekking, or camping under the stars. Glide over sand dunes on hot air balloons. Saudi even has winter sports, with Snow City featuring indoor skiing and snowboarding. Don't miss the thrills with a tourist visa.
Local Hospitality and Cuisine
A Saudi tourist visa lets you experience the country's legendary hospitality firsthand. Despite language barriers, you'll find locals go out of their way to make visitors feel genuinely welcomed. Try mingling at traditional majlises or coffee shops where you can meet citizens eager to share their culture. Tuck into authentic Arabic dishes and sample fresh spiced teas in these social settings.
As tourism infrastructure improves, visiting Saudi becomes easier without compromising that hospitable charm. Choose from halal fine dining at world-class restaurants or simple street food like shawarma and falafel. Big cities offer accommodations ranging from five-star hotels to local homestays. Guided tours are now more accessible with training for female guides who can lead women travellers.
A Gateway to the Middle East
With a Saudi tourist visa, you have a gateway to explore more of the Middle East. Many visitors arrive on religious pilgrimages then continue travellingand across the region. Neighbouring Gulf states like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are just short flights away. Journey overland to see ancient wonders in Jordan, Egypt, or Lebanon.
Saudi's key location provides convenient access to surrounding states. Experience the old and new – from historic trade ports to flashy modern metropolises. Discover natural beauty across vast deserts and along richly storied coastlines dotted with port towns and fishing villages. Saudi provides a launching point for an epic Middle Eastern adventure.
Final words
While Saudi Arabia seemed beyond reach for decades, the new tourist visa program opens up this captivating country like never before. Take advantage of relaxed rules, cultural attractions, unchanged hospitality, and convenient regional access that a Saudi visa provides. Ready your sense of adventure - you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
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