Tourism

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to enforce an abundant amount of efforts and investments into the tourism sector. This section highlights the future aspirations and opportunities of tourism by taking you through the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, the newly implemented steps to issue a tourist visa, which also highlights the list of eligible countries, insight into the Tourism Development Fund, the reasons behind the Kingdom’s focus on tourism investment and the National Tourism Monitoring Platform. This section will also provide informative content on obtaining a tourism license, the main tourist attractions in each of the Kingdom’s regions. You can explore the available services through the following link.

Saudi Arabia: A Prominent Cultural and Tourist Destination
Saudi Arabia is a pivotal hub in the Arab and Islamic worlds, being home to the Two Holy Mosques, in addition to its rich history and enduring civilizations. The Kingdom is abundant with archaeological sites, ancient museums, and a vibrant cultural heritage that showcases its legacy from ancient times to the present day, making it a unique global destination.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia boasts diverse landscapes, breathtaking natural scenery, and expansive beaches, making it an ideal destination for tourism. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Tourism has focused on developing the tourism sector by increasing investment rates, enhancing workforce capabilities, and attracting visitors from around the globe.

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Strategy
The Kingdom has set a comprehensive framework to develop the tourism sector in line with Vision 2030, which includes:

• Increasing the contribution of the tourism sector to GDP to exceed 10%.

• Creating one million additional job opportunities.

• Attracting 100 million annual visits by 2030.

The New Tourism System
As part of its move toward a prosperous tourism future, the Ministry of Tourism launched a series of new regulatory frameworks on December 25, 2022, aimed at:

• Creating an investment-friendly environment that fosters innovation and sustainability.

• Enhancing the quality of services provided while safeguarding tourists’ rights.

• Regulating various tourism activities and introducing new initiatives to the tourism market.

• Activating inspection and monitoring mechanisms to ensure service quality.

The Ministry also urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to adhere to the new regulations to deliver exceptional services and avoid legal penalties.

Tourism for People with Disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working to make tourism accessible to all groups, including people with disabilities, by developing an accessible infrastructure that includes tourist attractions and hotels. Specialized services such as dedicated entrances and ramps are provided, along with improving access to tourist sites through suitable transportation. Additionally, tourism sector workers are trained to ensure the provision of inclusive services, and events and activities are organized to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. All of these efforts align with the Kingdom's goals to achieve an inclusive tourism sector in line with Vision 2030.

Tourist and Other Visas
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of visas to meet the needs of visitors, including:

• Transit Visas: Allow individuals to stay for a short period not exceeding 12 hours, available for durations of 48 and 96 hours via the Enjaz platform.

• Personal Visit Visas: Designed for individuals wishing to visit the Kingdom without a commercial or familial connection.

• Medical Treatment Visas: Enable applicants to enter the Kingdom for medical purposes.

• Umrah Visas: Allow visitors to apply for Umrah visas and have them issued through the electronic Umrah platform.

• Business Visit Visas: Cater to companies and institutions within the Kingdom to invite individuals with business relations.

• Residence Visas: Allow residents to bring their dependents into the Kingdom.

• Work Visit Visas: Permit visits for individuals or representatives of sectors and organizations.

For more information, click Here.

The Tourist Visa
In the last quarter of 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists worldwide by introducing a one-year valid tourist visa. This visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s history, heritage, and authentic Arabian traditions and share them with other cultures. 

For more information, click Here 

Tourism in Riyadh                           

• Al Masmak Palace:
  Masmak Palace is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Riyadh and a key symbol in the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The name "Masmak" means "a thick, elevated, and fortified structure." The palace features several notable elements, including the main gate, the diwaniyah (guest hall), the mosque, the well, and the towers. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the Masmak Palace Museum to explore the rich history and roots of the Kingdom. For more details about visiting hours, refer to the official channels.

• The National Museum:
  Located next to King Abdulaziz Historical Center (Al-Murabba Palace), the National Museum showcases the heritage of Saudi Arabia through an outstanding collection of artifacts, models, films, and sound effects. To make the museum accessible to all, the Ministry of Culture offers a virtual tour that allows visitors to explore the museum's exhibits and details online via this link.

• Diriyah Gate:
  Diriyah Gate is one of the largest cultural and historical projects globally, forming part of the Kingdom's efforts to enhance tourism and attract visitors from around the world. Through the official website of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, you can find detailed information about events and schedules for this exceptional historical project.

• Kingdom Tower:
  The Kingdom Tower is one of Riyadh's most iconic landmarks, featuring numerous retail stores and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, which offers premium accommodation. Visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Riyadh from the Sky Bridge at the top of the tower.

• Al Faisaliah Tower:
  Al Faisaliah Tower is among the most notable buildings in Riyadh, offering excellent shopping options and the upscale Al Faisaliah Hotel, a perfect choice for accommodation.

• Riyadh Front (Roshn Front):
  Riyadh Front is a modern destination that combines fine dining, high-end retail stores, and cinemas, making it a must-visit location. For more details about Riyadh Front's facilities, visit this Link.

Ministry of Culture: A New Approach to Enhancing the Cultural Sector

The Ministry of Culture was established by royal decree in June 2018 to serve as the dedicated guardian of the cultural sector both within and beyond the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Culture plays a pivotal role in the ambitious National Transformation Program, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In alignment with Vision 2030, which emphasizes that culture is "an indispensable part of improving quality of life," the Ministry is committed to elevating the cultural landscape in terms of both quality and quantity.

Ministry Objectives
The Ministry of Culture has outlined three primary objectives:

• Promoting culture as an integral part of daily life.

• Enabling culture to contribute to economic growth.

• Creating opportunities for global cultural exchange.

The thriving cultural sector's impact extends beyond its boundaries, as it strengthens national identity, generates new job opportunities, and enhances quality of life by fostering social cohesion, health, and happiness. Furthermore, culture serves as a vital bridge for stronger connections with countries around the world.

Cultural Authorities
To achieve its vision, the Ministry of Culture has established independent authorities specialized in various cultural sub-sectors. Each authority is managed by a dedicated team working to accelerate progress efficiently, attract top talents, and ensure the effective realization of objectives.

For more information, please click here.