Friday, August 30, 2024 Saudi Arabia, long known for its significance as a spiritual destination, is now opening its doors wider to Malaysian travelers, inviting them to explore its rapidly growing tourism sector. As the Kingdom undergoes a significant transformation, investing heavily in infrastructure and curating a year-round calendar of events, it aims to position itself as a top global tourism destination. Alhasan Al-Dabbagh, President for Asia-Pacific Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), emphasized this shift, highlighting that Saudi Arabia is now offering a diverse array of attractions beyond its religious sites.
For Malaysians who have traditionally visited Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, the Kingdom’s new approach presents an exciting opportunity to explore its rich cultural heritage. Saudi Arabia is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s storied past. From the ancient rock art of the Hail Region to the Nabataean tombs of Al-Hijr, these sites are must-visit destinations for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike.
The STA’s launch of the Saudi Travel Fair at IOI Mall, featuring over 13 top Malaysian travel agencies, marks a significant push to promote these attractions. This five-day event showcases the wide range of tourist and cultural experiences available in Saudi Arabia, aiming to inspire Malaysians to see the Kingdom as more than just a destination for spiritual journeys. With this new focus, travelers can look forward to exploring historic monuments, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes that were previously less known to international tourists.
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in simplifying travel for Malaysians, making it easier than ever to visit the Kingdom. Malaysia is among the countries eligible for the Saudi e-visa, allowing travelers to obtain their visa online within minutes. This streamlined process is designed to encourage more Malaysians to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse offerings.
Additionally, the introduction of the 96-hour Stopover Visa offers a unique opportunity for travelers to experience Saudi Arabia during transit. This visa allows visitors to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours at no additional cost, providing a perfect chance to explore cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or AlUla while on their way to other destinations. For those on an Umrah visa, the flexibility to visit any city in Saudi Arabia further enhances the travel experience, allowing for a richer and more diverse exploration of the country.
Al-Dabbagh also highlighted that travelers with a twelve-month tourist visa, which allows multiple entries, can perform Umrah during their stay. This added convenience means that Malaysian visitors can combine their religious obligations with tourism, exploring the Kingdom’s many attractions at their leisure. Saudi Arabia is not just offering historical and cultural experiences; it is also becoming a hub for world-class entertainment and events.
The Riyadh season, starting this October, is set to offer a wide array of attractions, including entertainment, cultural, and sports events that cater to diverse interests. From music festivals to art exhibitions, this season is designed to draw international tourists, including Malaysians, to the Saudi capital. Moreover, the Kingdom is gearing up to host major global events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in March 2025.
This event is expected to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world, and Al-Dabbagh mentioned that special offers, including exclusive discounted pricing, are available at the Saudi Travel Fair for those interested in attending the race. These events, coupled with the country’s rich cultural offerings, position Saudi Arabia as a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that there is something for every traveler. The opening of Saudi Arabia to broader tourism marks a significant shift in the global travel landscape.
By positioning itself as a multifaceted destination that offers more than just religious tourism, the Kingdom is likely to see a substantial increase in international visitors. For Malaysians, this means more opportunities to experience the diverse attractions Saudi Arabia has to offer, from historical sites and cultural landmarks to modern entertainment and world-class events. As Saudi Arabia continues to promote its tourism sector, it is expected that the influx of visitors will contribute significantly to the global tourism industry.
The Kingdom’s strategic efforts to simplify travel through the introduction of e-visas and stopover visas are likely to set a precedent for other countries looking to boost their tourism industries. This move not only enhances the travel experience for Malaysians but also positions Saudi Arabia as a leading destination in the Middle East, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that is unmatched in the region. As Saudi Arabia opens its doors wider to the world, Malaysian travelers are uniquely positioned to explore the Kingdom’s vast and varied offerings.
From the ancient UNESCO sites to the bustling cities and world-class events, Saudi Arabia presents an array of experiences that cater to both cultural enthusiasts and modern adventurers. With the ease of travel facilitated by new visa policies and a growing calendar of events, the Kingdom is set to become a top destination for Malaysians seeking new travel experiences in the heart of the Middle East..
