Saudia
Arabia has lifted some restrictions on women traveling in the ultraconservative
Muslim kingdom.
The Saudi
Commission for Tourism and National Heritage posted the new requirements on
Twitter on Sunday. The new guidelines will allow women to rent hotel rooms
without a male guardian’s presence. Foreign men and women will be able to share
a room without proof of marriage.
The easing
of stringent regulations governing social interactions comes after Riyadh
launched its first tourist visa scheme, as part of efforts to open up the
country to foreign visitors and diversify its oil-reliant economy.
The move
comes amid deep reforms over the past year by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed
bin Salman, who has lifted a ban on cinemas in the kingdom and the world’s
only ban on women driving.
Saudi
Arabia announced the new tourist visa scheme last week, saying it was aiming to
increase tourism and hoping to push its contribution to GDP from its current 3%
to 10%. For the launch of its new visa, the country was highlighting its five
Unesco World Heritage sites, contemporary art sites and natural sites including
the Red Sea, desert and mountains.
The
one-year, multiple-entry visa scheme allows for stays of up to 90 days at a
time and marks the first time the country is allowing foreigners to visit
solely for the purpose of tourism. Citizens of 49 eligible countries can apply
online or on arrival, while those from other countries will have to apply at
their nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
As part of
the drive to attract foreign visitors, the kingdom is easing its strict dress
codes for tourist women, requiring shoulders and knees to be covered in public
but not demanding they wear the full-body black robe, or abaya.
From The Guardian (edited)
