Saturday, August 31, 2024 The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has officially launched the Saudi Travel Fair in Malaysia, an event aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences that Saudi Arabia has to offer. The fair, which runs until September 1, 2024, features over 15 new travel packages to destinations including Jeddah, Riyadh, and AlUla, and offers exclusive deals and prizes, making it an unmissable event for Malaysian travelers. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia-Pacific Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, expressed his excitement at being in Malaysia for this significant event.
“We’re delighted to be here in Malaysia to celebrate the rich culture and heritage that binds both our nations,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is a year-round destination full of history, diverse offerings, and warm Arabian hospitality . As the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination, we offer something for everyone—whether you seek a spiritual journey, cultural attractions, or an exciting adventure.
” Saudi Arabia is a country steeped in history and culture, with a plethora of sites that offer visitors a deep connection to its past. Jeddah, known as the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of AlBalad, a historic district that showcases the traditional architecture and history of the region. Visitors to Jeddah can step back in time by visiting Al Shafei Mosque, the city’s oldest mosque, which has stood for over 1,400 years.
For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to AlSaedei Bakery, which has been serving traditional delights for 200 years, is a must. Riyadh, the capital city, offers easy access to key Islamic landmarks, including Diriyah’s At-Turaif, the 300-year-old birthplace of Saudi Arabia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also shop like a local at Souk Al-Zal, one of Riyadh’s oldest traditional markets, boasting over 100 years of history.
Families visiting Riyadh should not miss Boulevard City, one of the largest shopping and entertainment hubs in the city, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. AlUla, located just a 3.5-hour drive from Madinah, is a destination like no other, with over 200,000 years of heritage.
Visitors to AlUla can explore Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site at Hegra, where ancient Nabatean tombs stand as a testament to the region’s rich history. The iconic Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, is another must-see attraction in AlUla, offering a unique blend of modern architecture and ancient landscapes. Khaybar, just a 2-hour drive from Madinah, is known for its scenic oasis and rich cultural heritage.
This ancient site offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the history of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of its surroundings. For those seeking a luxury getaway, The Red Sea Global offers an unparalleled experience. Home to the 4th largest barrier reef in the world, this destination is perfect for those looking to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural wonders in style.
Three luxury hotels have already been launched in this area: Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea, and Nujuma, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is one of only seven such reserves in the world. The Saudi Travel Fair is not just an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural and historical experiences Saudi Arabia has to offer; it’s also a chance to take advantage of exclusive travel deals.
The Saudi Tourism Authority has partnered with over 13 of Malaysia’s top leisure and Umrah travel agencies, including Ikhlas, Andalusia, In Saff Travel, Apple Vacations, and Iman World, to offer more than 15 new packages featuring destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. These packages come with exclusive deals that are available only during the Saudi Travel Fair. For example, Ikhlas is offering discounts of up to RM1,067 and 1,067 AirAsia Big Points, while SAUDIA is offering a buy-one-ticket-get-50%-off on the second ticket promotion.
These deals make it easier and more affordable than ever for Malaysians to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to these deals, attendees of the Saudi Travel Fair stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including flight tickets for two to Saudi Arabia. These prizes add an extra layer of excitement to the event, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in traveling to Saudi Arabia.
One of the significant developments highlighted at the Saudi Travel Fair is the ease of traveling to Saudi Arabia for Malaysians. The country is now one of 66 nations eligible for the e-visa program, simplifying the process for Malaysians to obtain a visa for travel to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Umrah visas have been extended to 90 days, providing visitors with ample time to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia beyond the spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah.
These changes are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to make the country more accessible to international travelers. By simplifying the visa process and offering a wide range of travel packages and deals, the Saudi Tourism Authority aims to attract more visitors from Malaysia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Saudi Travel Fair in Malaysia represents a significant step forward in strengthening the tourism ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
With its rich cultural heritage, diverse travel offerings, and warm Arabian hospitality, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a top travel destination for Malaysians. The exclusive travel packages, deals, and prizes offered at the Saudi Travel Fair, combined with the ease of obtaining a visa, make this the perfect time for Malaysians to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey, cultural attractions, or an exciting adventure, Saudi Arabia has something to offer everyone.
As Alhasan Aldabbagh aptly stated, “Travelling to Saudi has never been easier for Malaysians.” With the continued efforts of the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia as a year-round travel destination, the future looks bright for the tourism relationship between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. For more information on the travel packages and deals available at the Saudi Travel Fair, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website or attend the fair before it concludes on September 1, 2024.
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