Tourist visas to be introduced in KSA

[BATMAN]

You guys are always welcome.

Saudi Arabia is like second home to me. I would always look forward for an opportunity to visit there.
I have spent there, 3 years..... full of life, i have memories attached to its towns, streets, people, industry, resturants, hotels, shooping etc.
In those three years, i drove more than 100K.

 

[Karasonmuno]

I always wanted to visit the Middle East, for some time now I've been contemplating possibly going to Iran, but Arabia may also be an interesting destination.

 

[al-Hasani]

Aramco to set up nature reserve in Empty Quarter​

Gooogle map of the Empty Quarter.​

DAMMAM: ARAB NEWS

Published — Wednesday 26 February 2014

Last update 26 February 2014 5:59 pm

Saudi Aramco’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) intends to establish the first nature reserve in the Kingdom in the Empty Quarter Desert, also known as Rub’al Khali.
The reserve will be named the Bio-Diversity Area and covers around 600 square kilometers.
Hisham Mesaieed, director of EPD and head of The Progressive Petroleum Environmental Forum 2014, which is currently being held in Alkhobar, said Aramco would work on restoring the vegetation and re-hosting the wildlife species that previously inhabited the area.
“Trees that used to grow here will be re-planted so the area’s wildlife will be revived again,” he explained.
He indicated that Aramco had conducted extensive studies on the flora and fauna in the area.
Experts participating in the forum said the Empty Quarter is almost devoid of human life due to high temperatures, rare rainfalls, and lack of arable land.
According to the geologist Hal McClure, the Empty Quarter was an alluvial valley created during the Paleocene epoch over 65 million years ago and the sand dunes were formed during dry periods at the end of the Pleistocene some 2 million years ago.
Samir Altabeeb, Saudi Aramco’s vice president, highlighted that an energized and active society would contribute toward raising social awareness regarding environmental preservation.
“Aramco has placed environmental protection and the safety of societies as its priority since its establishment some 80 years ago,” he said.
The Kingdom has witnessed staggering social and economic development in the past decades, he added, however, “The future of the Kingdom’s social progress requires greater focus to be placed on the environment, health and fitness as well as reducing pollution levels and improving eating habits.”
Khalid Abdul Qader, head of the forum’s scientific committee, said the forum will discuss 15 key subjects in the environment, oil, and petrochemical fields, and will exchange knowledge and expertise on the most vital environmental aspects that oil and petrochemical industries face.
The participants were keen on addressing issues related to the oil and petrochemical sectors.

Aramco to set up nature reserve in Empty Quarter | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Dune by Alkassim, on Flickr


عمق الصحراء by KHALID ALSABT | خالد السبت |, on Flickr


Qassim by Awadh Al Hamzani Photography, on Flickr


الوجه الاخر by A.Aziz Hajjaj عبدالعزيز بن حجاج, on Flickr


kasser by Dr. A. Alturaigy د.عبدالله الطريقي, on Flickr


Alkasser Lake Zulfi Saudi Arabia by Dr. A. Alturaigy د.عبدالله الطريقي, on Flickr


Zyaan by Mohammed Albuhaisi, on Flickr


Lines to Reflection by Abdulmajeed Al Juhani, on Flickr

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Arabian tourism investments seen to hit SR33.5b by 2020


​

Last updated: Thursday, February 27, 2014 12:55 AM

RIYADH – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will see a steady growth in its travel and tourism industry with almost SR33.5 billion to be invested in the sector until 2020, this was according to experts who attended the recently concluded Saudi Arabia Briefing of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Riyadh.

Hosted by Marriott International, the event in Saudi followed similar briefings in key tourism markets across the region, such as Oman and Qatar. In Riyadh, experts gathered to discuss the prospects of Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector as well as analyze the trends that will have an impact on its ability to attract more tourists.

Data from the World Trade and Tourism Council show travel and tourism investments in Saudi Arabia have grown at a CAGR of 5.8 percent since 2001 and are estimated to have reached SR20.55 billion at year-end 2012. It is expected to increase at an annual rate of 6.7 percent to reach SR33.5 billion of total investments in 2020.

The investments reflect a strong commitment to Saudi’s tourism and travel industry, which has been contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, accounting for as much as 6.1 percent of overall GDP by 2017.

Philip Wooller, Area Director – Middle East & Africa, STR Global, says there are about 66,438 rooms that are in constriction in the Middle East and Africa region. Majority of these are classified as Upscale (32 percent) and Upper Midscale (22 percent).

“Among the region’s key markets, Dubai reported the largest number of rooms under construction (10,970 rooms). Five other markets reported more than 2,000 rooms under construction: Makkah, Saudi Arabia (6,927 rooms); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (5,804 rooms); Doha, Qatar (4,944 rooms); Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (3,036 rooms); and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2,569 rooms),” he added.

Looking ahead, Filippo Sona, Director, Head of Hotels MENA, Colliers International reviewed what has changed in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector and gave some significant insights into where it is headed.

In conversation with Saad Al Qahtni, Section Head Accommodation, SCTA; and Otto Goessnitzer, Licensing & Quality Consultant, SCTA, Sona noted the potential for growth using the Serviced Apartment Business Model whose key strength is being able to change the target market profile between long and short stay to suit market conditions in order to achieve revenue maximization.

“Brand strength is a strong driver of serviced apartment demand with GDS, direct bookings, and hotel website bookings accounting for 40 percent of total bookings. A strong brand with a regional presence and strong online capabilities is essential to help and drive sales in all three markets,” Sona explained.

In Saudi Arabia, according to Sona, there is a definitive gap between locally branded furnished apartment supply and internationally branded serviced apartments stemming from inconsistent service standards, poor construction standards, and a lack of ancillary facilities. “While some markets have a large amount of forthcoming stock, other markets including Makkah and Madinah have limited stock in the pipeline. 2014 will see the introduction of many new internationally branded serviced apartments concepts such as Fraser Place and Fraser Suites in Riyadh, two Citadines properties in Jeddah and a Residence Inn in Jazan,” he continued.

The current demand for furnished apartments stems almost exclusively from Saudi Nationals. The SCTA has estimated that approximately 89 percent of overall demand in KSA for furnished apartment units stems from the local market, which is a direct consequence of the lack of internationally branded supply. Given existing market conditions and forthcoming supply, Colliers’ econometric model has indicated that there is scope for a further 6,495 units over and above the forthcoming supply across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2013 and 2017. The primary scope for development of these units is in the province of Makkah, which contains the two key cities of Makkah and Jeddah.

The briefing ended with a panel discussion led by Sona including Yasir Abu Sulayman, Head of Structured Finance, The National Commercial Bank; Badr Al Badr, Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Hotels & Resorts co. SHARACO; and Alex Kyriakidis, President & Managing Director, Middle East &Africa, Marriott International dissected development trends from KSA’s hotel industry trends from the perspective of owners, operators and lenders.

AHIC, now going into its tenth year, has proven to be the meeting place for the Middle East’s most influential hotel investors, developers, operators and advisors. Organised by Bench Events and MEED, the travel and tourism industry’s premier event connects business leaders from international and local markets to do deals across the region and acts as the industry’s annual intelligence update. It is scheduled to take place on May 4-5, 2014 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. – SG

Saudi tourism investments seen to hit SR33.5b by 2020 | Economy | Saudi Gazette

 

[al-Hasani]

Don't know where to post this but this annoyed me when I read it.

Baha residents question Haia decision to level ancient graves​

An ancient grave in Bani Kabeer town in Al-Baha province. — Courtesy photo​

Saudi Gazette report

Last updated: Monday, March 10, 2014 12:16 AM

AL-BAHA – Residents here have expressed anger over the Commission of the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice’s (Haia) decision to level a 3,000-year-old graveyard to the ground and remove most of the stones on top, Al-Hayat daily reported.

The Haia took this action for fear that some residents might practice certain religious rituals near the graves, which is against Islamic teachings.

The residents of the Bani Kabeer town, home of the graves, criticized the Haia’s action and some described it as vandalizing. The graves should have been preserved and protected due to their historical importance, not destroyed and ravaged, they said.

Saif Qamish, from Al-Baha, said the history of the graves should be investigated because they date back thousands of years.

Mesfer Al-Ghamdi called on the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities to restore the graves before the Haia members destroyed them. “There’s a great secret behind the graves because they’re located at an area rich in ruins and archeological sites. More studies should be conducted on them by the commission,” he said.

Mansour Al-Kabiri, from Al-Baha, heard several stories about the graves. Some believe they were called Al-Zaynat, meaning “Beautiful Women” in Arabic, because those who were buried in them were all beautiful women. Some, on the other hand, believe they were called as such because they are covered with quartz stones.

Hamid Al-Ghamdi said the stones were placed on top of one another in a peculiar way that stood a meter and a half high before the Haia members removed most of the stones.

Haia spokesman Nasser Saeed said the stones on the grave did stand high and had to be leveled to the ground according to the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Historian Saad Al-Kamookh said some historical accounts indicate that the people inside these graves used to worship the sun. These accounts were based on the fact that the graves pointed toward the sun.

“The graves are very old and some of them face Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Some graves had children inside,” he said.

The area surrounding the graves had stones with ancient Arabic inscriptions, a fact that shows people who lived there knew how to write, he noted.

Archeologist Ahmad Qashash said most of the graves point to the east. “The way the graves were built with stones on top is beautiful and strange at the same time.

“It’s wrong to remove the stones from the graves because they represent part of the history of the Arabian peninsula. The Haia shouldn’t have vandalized them under the pretext that some would engage in religious rituals near the graves,” he said.

Qashash said more than 1,500 companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived in Al-Baha and saw these graves and they did not touch them.

Baha residents question Haia decision to level ancient graves | Kingdom | Saudi Gazette

Retards.

@Arabian Legend

Let's not forget that the Arabian Peninsula has more ancient mummies, especially in Yemen, than anywhere else outside of Egypt.

Those vandals need to be brought to justice. Simple as that. If I was a Baha resident I would have attacked them at least verbally.

 

[al-Hasani]

Tourism can create 5m jobs in 10 years
​

JEDDAH: GALAL FAKKAR

Published — Friday 4 April 2014

Last update 4 April 2014 1:33 am

The Saudi tourism sector has the potential to create 5 million jobs for Saudis over the next 10 years, a businessman said recently.
The sector is currently growing at 10 percent, which could rise to 30 percent annually, depending on certain conditions, said Khalil Bahadur, a member of the tourism and hotels committee of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said the Kingdom must get the infrastructure in place and trained workers for this to happen.
In addition, the Kingdom should extend its vacation periods to more than three months a year. Most investors lose money because they have to pay workers for nothing in the off-season, he said.
He said Makkah and Madinah are the exceptions because these cities have visitors all year round. However, many Saudis stay in the country to have their holidays domestically because of the political upheaval in neighboring countries, he said.
Hassan Saqr, chairman of the Tourism Resorts Group, said domestic tourism was growing at 15 percent a year, with families making up 80 percent of local tourists.
Saqr said the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities has introduced several measures to boost tourism in the country, but further obstacles should be tackled that hinder growth.
Saeed Al-Adlouni, executive director of La Fontaine, said the industry has become lucrative for investors over the last 10 years. His company plans to open more resorts over the next five years, bringing its total to 40 in the country. He said La Fontaine brought high standards and a local touch to the Kingdom's hospitality sector.

Tourism can create 5m jobs in 10 years | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.​

 

[al-Hasani]

Plenty of opportunities for tourism IMO

 

[InterCityFirmWhu]

dam thats crazy

 

[al-Hasani]

dam thats crazy

What is crazy? You one day being able to visit this as an tourist?
Well there are already tourists but no developed tourism industry due to the laws in place. Despite this KSA is still the 15th most visited country on earth but mainly due to the hajj which is only going to increase in numbers rapidly each year. So if a real tourism industry is introduced the potential will be big.

Farasan Island

Here is an old local mosque on the main island

Some other Saudi Arabian islands:

فرسان by jazan2013, on Flickr

There are 1300 Saudi Arabian islands in total

1,300 Saudi islands look for investorsTravel & Tourism - Zawya​

 

[al-Hasani]

Protected reserve to be set up in Tabuk region
​

RIYADH: MD RASOOLDEEN

Published — Wednesday 9 April 2014

Last update 9 April 2014 3:10 am

Plans are under way to set up a protected area in the Tabuk region, north of the Kingdom to protect marine and terrestrial life.
The proposed marine and terrestrial reserve will be located in Ras Al-Khair, along the coast of the Arabian Sea. According to sources from the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA), the reserve will protect marine life in the northern part of the Kingdom.
At present 15 protected areas, covering almost 4 percent of the country’s surface conserve all the major physiographic regions, half the country’s biotopes, key wetlands, marine and mountain habitats and protect viable populations of endemic, endangered and key plant and animal species.
According to a royal decree, the SWA is expected to “Develop and implement plans to preserve wildlife in its natural ecology and to propose the establishment of proper protected areas and reserves for wildlife in the Kingdom, and to manage such areas.”
In accordance with this mandate, the authority strives to protect, conserve, and develop the wildlife resources in line with the laws of Saudi Arabia, and the welfare of its people. The SWA maintains the protected areas of the Kingdom with the help of the Ministry of Interior. The authority has deployed rangers in all protected areas to check poaching or violations of any conservation laws laid out by the SWA.
The organization also conducts public awareness programs for the people in the neighborhood of the protected areas on the importance of conservation of wildlife in the Kingdom. Last year, the Shourah Council approved a draft law on the marine areas of the Kingdom which was sent for royal assent to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
The draft law contains 23 articles, designed to preserve the sovereignty and security of the Kingdom. It is also intended to demarcate the shipping routes in the surrounding waters of Saudi Arabia.
The draft law is based on the guidelines spelt out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It is the international agreement that resulted from the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), which took place from 1973 through 1982 in Jamaica.

Protected reserve to be set up in Tabuk region | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

The Tabuk Province is a province rich in history and ancient heritage sites and it has a beautiful nature too and is located strategically next to the Levant, Egypt across the Red Sea and actually also Israel. The province is rich in long virgin beaches, mountains, volcanic areas and huge agricultural and secluded areas. The region was the main seat of the ancient Nabateans and other ancient Semitic civilizations and it was also once a Roman Province.

Saudi Arabia - Tabuk , by © Saud AL-Jethli, Photo, on Flickr

Untitled by © Saud AL-Jethli, Photo, on Flickr

Saudi Arabia. Tabuk 2010 by © Saud AL-Jethli, Photo, on Flickr

هـدوء by © Saud AL-Jethli, Photo, on Flickr

The people are funny and friendly as hell as well. A typical trait of Northern Hijazis.

 

[al-Hasani]

I see. May be their coverages on KSA are not broadcasted in south east asia (except for the mecca and hajj pilgrimage). From your pictures and video last time, KSA has a huge potential for tourism but less exposed to the world. Wish you luck with your effort to expand your tourism industry.
In the other hand, UAE enjoyed a huge coverage on those channels while all they show off are their skyscrapers and there is nothing close to your scenic view of mountains and beaches

Check this thread out 7abibi and take a look at the articles posted.

More fitting than the "Saudi Arabia in pictures" thread.

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Arabia has started building the world’s biggest botanical gardens

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah International Gardens in Riyadh with include the world’s largest botanical gardens​

By Shane McGinley
Wednesday, 26 February 2014 11:13 AM

Saudi Arabia is set to lay the foundation stone for the King Abdullah International Gardens (KAIG) in Riyadh this week, with plans for the facility set to include the world’s largest botanical gardens, it was reported.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Mansour Bin Miteb will perform the ceremony on Thursday at the site, which will be 2.5m square metres in size and will be one of the largest environment projects in the world, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The plans include two separate elements: a covered section and an open area. The covered facility, which will be the largest of its kind in the world, will include two giant botanical gardens which will be five times bigger than the world’s largest geodesic domes at the Eden Project in the UK, the Saudi Gazette reported.

The outdoor area will include an open museum for plants, seeds bank and rocky garden, while the plans will also include research institutes, retail and hospitality outlets and a theatre, it added.

The project will focus on local plant life in the Arabian Peninsula and is designed to appeal to families and tourists.

Construction is already underway, with the levelling of the site and fencing works already completed.

Saudi Arabia to build world’s biggest botanical gardens - Construction - ArabianBusiness.com

Saudi Arabia to spend $9bn developing beach for tourists

Photo for illustrative purposes only) (AFP/Getty Images)​

By Courtney Trenwith

Monday, 9 December 2013 11:51 AM

Saudi Arabia will spend SR34bn ($9bn) developing a beach on its east coast into a tourism destination, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has said.

SCTA vice president Hamad Alsimaeel said the Al Uqair Development Company had attracted SR17bn worth of investments to develop the beach, while general investment in the Al Uqair area was expected to reach SR34bn, Arab News reported.

Tourists would begin flocking to the area, near the kingdom’s borders with Qatar and Bahrain, in early 2017.

The project will create 37,700 direct jobs and a further 56,000 indirect and seasonal jobs, Alsimaeel said.

Mayor of the area, Fahad Al Jubair, said Al Uqair’s unique environment, including beach, oases and desert, as well as cultural monuments and antiquities would attract tourists.

The nearby Al Ahsa Airport also will soon begin operating international flights, allowing it to compete for Bahraini and Qatari traffic.

The airport was given international status in 2011 and has been working on the required upgrades.

More than SR1.5bn ($400m) also is being spent on a new 300m square metre industrial city for women nearby, while the SR3.5bn Aqeer tourism project also is expected to attract new tourists to the area.

Saudi Arabia to spend $9bn developing beach for tourists - Construction - ArabianBusiness.com

Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourism


​

Saudi Arabia is ramping up its tourism infrastructure in cities across the kingdom as it tries to increase tourism-related jobs.

The kingdom’s tourism industry, which is dominated by pilgrims and business travellers, has experienced a rise in religious tourists after the visa policy was relaxed. Also, a large number of Saudis are travelling domestically.

Last year, tourists to the kingdom increased 10 per cent to 16.7 million. Thirty-two million Saudis travelled within the country, a rise of 7.5 per cent, and 22.5 million Saudis travelled abroad.

“The market is developing fast and there is a demand in the quality of tourism services in Saudi Arabia that is putting pressure on the whole industry,” said Hamad Al Sheikh, the vice president of marketing and programmes at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

Airlines servicing Saudi Arabia were losing out on 2 million seats a year because there was not enough capacity, he estimated.

While there are 28 regional airports in the kingdom, the government is expanding the international ones to service more passengers.

The upgrade of King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh will increase its capacity to 35 million passengers a year from about 17 million now.

The number of flights serving the secondary cities such as Qassim, Abha and Tabuk were also being increased.

Qatar Airways will start serving Saudi Arabia through Al Maha Airways, a separate domestic carrier, at the end of the year. Another Dammam-based carrier, Saudi Gulf Airlines, backed by the Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani group, will also start operations by the year-end.

“There is a demand from the younger population, and this is a major market now and for the future,” Mr Al Sheikh said. Almost half of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 20 years old. The World Bank has estimated the Saudi population at 30 million in 2012.

To service the rising number of domestic and international visitors, the kingdom needs more tour operators, Mr Al Sheikh said.

At present it has 160 tour operators which cater mostly to religious tourists.

This week, Riyadh-based Al Tayyar Travel Group acquired 70 per cent of Egypt’s Al Hanouf Tourism and Services and its subsidiary companies for 40.95m Saudi riyals (Dh40.11m). Al Hanouf Tourism facilitates the travel of 4,500 Haj and Umrah pilgrims annually in addition to handling tourists from other parts of the Gulf.

Regional councils across 13 provinces are also getting more power to outline regulations for land use, investment and project financing in tourism.

The challenge is in the secondary cities where there is seasonal demand, but these are coming up with projects for resorts, especially along the Red Sea coast, Mr Al Sheikh said.

The kingdom expects the tourism industry to employ 1.2 million by 2020. It currently employs 751,000 people, of which 27 per cent are Saudis.

“We are pushing to get more Saudis [to work] in the hotels,” Mr Al Sheikh said.

The sector contributes 75 billion riyals to the economy, or 2.7 per cent of GDP.

In keeping with the increased activity from the government to promote tourism, international hotel brands are also flocking to the market.

About 17,135 rooms are under construction in Saudi Arabia, which is more than the 16,627 rooms being built in the UAE and the 5,633 rooms coming in Qatar, according to the research company STR Global’s report for last month.

Saudi hotels enjoyed 75.4 per cent occupancy last month. The average room rate increased 3.2 per cent to 707.52 riyals, according to STR Global.

“Developers and operators also see the opportunity for newer and better hotels across the country, as the existing stock is dominated by independently operated and low-quality properties,” said Rashid Aboobacker, a senior consultant with TRI Hospitality Consulting. “The high level of liquidity and the excellent return potential are also attracting strong private sector interest in tourism investments in the country now.”

Meanwhile, the ongoing Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market exhibition in Riyadh has brought together major projects and vendors from both public and private sectors. The forum also seeks to address key issues related to the sector.

Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourism | Tourism News

 

[al-Hasani]

Abha to host special summer programs

BRIDE OF THE SOUTH: Scenic beauty and a cool climate has made Abha the prime attraction for domestic tourists.​

RIYADH: RASHID HASSAN

Published — Monday 12 May 2014

Last update 12 May 2014 1:44 am

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will launch a number of summer tourism events in Abha on May 14.
The events are being organized under the aegis of Prince Faisal bin Khaled, governor of Asir region and chairman of the Tourist Development Council of Asir.
“The launching ceremony will be attended by Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of SCTA," a top official of the commission said Saturday.
Commenting on the special summer program, Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, vice president of SCTA for marketing and programs, said the launch of the summer tourism festivals will highlight the efforts exerted by tourism development councils throughout the Kingdom to provide entertaining programs to citizens, prompting them to accept domestic tourism as a viable alternative as well as stepping up levels of planning and preparation for the summer season among the relevant authorities.
“Summer programs and festivals are important tourism events that are greatly anticipated by domestic tourists,” Al-Sheikh said.
He said the average duration of each event will be under a month.
This year will witness more than 45 festivals including entertainment, cultural, social, heritage and sport programs aimed at highlighting the Kingdom’s rich and diverse tourism patterns that will meet the aspirations of different sections of society.
“These programs are expected to create about 5,000 onsite jobs for Saudis,” Al-Sheikh said.
He added: “The launching ceremony of the summer events is designed to highlight the tourism events and festivals and their role in attracting tourism and income generation, their contribution to the exchange of information and experiences between event
operators in addition to creating communication channels between the media and event operator, and promoting citizens and residents to visit tourist destinations.
"The ceremony also highlights and markets Saudi tourism destinations, promotes the principles of partnership between SCTA and event organizers and operators, boosting domestic tourism, which has been in steady progress during the past few years, especially in developing infrastructure, regulations and attracting investments.”
An exhibition is scheduled on the sidelines of the launching ceremony that will include the pavilions of national tour companies and tourism development councils, during which promotion materials of tourism festivals, events and programs will be distributed to the public, in addition to featuring various tourism events representing different parts of the Kingdom.
Blessed with spectacular mountains, scenic beauty, a cool climate, fertile soil and moderate rainfall, Abha is a popular holiday destination in the Kingdom. It is also known as the bride of the south and the administrative center of Asir province.
Abha to host special summer programs | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.
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‘Domestic tourism set to boom’
​

DUBAI: RIMA AL-MUKHTAR

Published — Tuesday 13 May 2014

Last update 13 May 2014 3:40 am

Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is set to boom in the next two years with the completion of multibillion-riyal hotel projects, new local facility developments and the creation of thousands of jobs for citizens.
This is the view of Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
He spoke to Arab News exclusively after recently receiving the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Leadership Award in Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline.
Prince Sultan said there is currently tremendous growth in hotel developments, particularly from first-time international investors. This is because the Kingdom has a strong and stable economy based on the government adopting a long-term and "balanced" fiscal outlook.
“This year witnessed a real go for the SCTA following several decisions. The most significant for the tourism sector was the approval of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Cultural Heritage project, and support for the commission administratively and financially,” he said.
Prince Sultan said the SCTA's main aim is to develop the domestic tourism sector because this is a major part of the market.
The SCTA was also providing for overseas visitors. “The Kingdom is never closed. Millions of pilgrims visit every year, and now the commission has started a post-Umrah tourism program that allows pilgrims to tour the Kingdom in collaboration with the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs and Haj."
He said that this is in addition to providing services for those who attend conferences, various exhibitions, and who arrive to work in the country.
He said the Kingdom plans to develop a wider variety of attractions including resorts, different classes of hotels, furnished apartments, ecohotels, and desert camps in various provinces. This includes Al-Ula, Hail, Al-Thumamah, Al-Qaseem, Al-Dariah, Al-Laith and Asir.
A project under way is the SR17-billion Al-Aqeer development, which will provide 1,364 hotel rooms at a cost of SR900 million. Other projects include the Souq Okaz development in Taif, Red Sea coastal projects, and the Al-Hada center development.
Prince Sultan said the SCTA has faced many challenges in its attempt to turn the sector around. “The journey was not easy, and it did not start with the supervision of the hospitality sector in 2009. It was preceded by the Ministry of Commerce giving the commission a full development program in 2007.”
The SCTA's restructuring of the hotel sector, which has attracted foreign players, included new licensing procedures, reclassifying about 4,000 hotels and furnished apartments in terms of quality, and then setting and enforcing price controls, said Prince Sultan.
These changes were introduced to meet the needs of investors, and provide customers with quality services at affordable prices.
A new financing program introduced by the SCTA would also help grow the sector, which has seen significant development over the past decade, he said.
In March 2014, there were 3,710 facilities, including 1,222 hotels, 2,488 furnished apartments, and 29,950 hotel rooms. More than 77 percent of the hotel investments were in Makkah and Madinah.
Prince Sultan said there would be massive growth in hotel projects over the next two years. High-quality hotel developments costing SR143.9 billion would be completed by 2020, he said.
A key objective is to provide jobs for citizens in the hospitality industry. There were 203,000 Saudi workers in direct and 126,000 in indirect tourism jobs at the end of 2013. This is expected to grow to 1 million and 773,000 respectively by 2020, he said.

‘Domestic tourism set to boom’ | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

We want to see more and at a faster rate. They should never rest. The potential is endless so it's time to fulfill it at least partially.

 

[al-Hasani]

EP developing Al-Uqair beach to attract visitors

SEA VIEW: The new seating enclosures on the beach combine Islamic architecture with the traditional Al-Ahsa building style. (AN photo)
​

DAMMAM: SULTAN AL-SUGHAIR

Published — Tuesday 13 May 2014

Last update 13 May 2014 3:39 am

Around 20 seating enclosures are being built on the Al-Uqair beach in the Eastern Province.
These enclosures, to be be fully equipped with water and electricity, will reflect the Islamic architectural style and the traditional oasis buildings in the Al-Ahsa region.
Al-Uqair Mayor Rashid Al-Maslami said that the municipality has set up a sand inscription location along the beach for the project, which will span 100 meters, and provide amateur sculptors with an area in which to practice their hobby.
“The welcome billboard has been installed and irrigation tanks are also in operation,” he said. “Bathrooms have been set up.”
“Al-Uqair’s municipality is implementing a maintenance project for the beach’s facilities to keep them in high standards for as long as possible,” he said.
Al-Ahsa Mayor Adel Al-Mulhim said the municipality awarded the first investment project along the beach, spanning 4,000 square meters, to an investment company. “The location has been handed over to a national investment company,” he said. “The municipality aims to attract private investment to contribute to the development of the Al-Ahsa region.”
Al-Uqair is an ancient fort of Islamic origin.
The development projects taking place aim to transform the area into an entertainment and tourism hub.
The projects also take into account the unique characteristics of Al-Uqair, such as its coastline, oases, desert terrain and cultural monuments and antiquities.
The Al-Ahsa Municipality is working in close cooperation with the the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to link Al-Ahsa’s urban center with Al-Uqair’s coastal area.
The government has allocated SR1.4 billion in financial support to begin work on the project’s infrastructure.
The SCTA said that the project is expected to create 37,700 direct job opportunities and 56,000 seasonal jobs.

EP developing Al-Uqair beach to attract visitors | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Coastal areas of that small part of the Eastern Province.

 

[al-Hasani]

28 tourist sites to be developed​

RIYADH: RASHID HASSAN

Published — Saturday 24 May 2014

Last update 24 May 2014 3:33 am

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has approved a comprehensive plan to develop 28 tourist destinations and sites across the Kingdom in addition to offering several of them to the private sector for tourism investment, an SCTA official said Thursday.
“Some of the prominent destinations are Al-Ogair, Souk Okaz, Al-Jarah and Al-Yazeed Parks, Al-Gahma, Geyal and Sharma in addition to a number of tourism projects such as the Al-Taif municipality development project for which a supreme committee was formed on a royal decree, besides the Al-Daryiah project, Al-Thumama and Riyadh center development projects, which are being carried out in collaboration with Al-Riyadh Development Authority (ADA),” the official said.
Furthermore, the SCTA has recently wound up the implementation of 160 projects for the restoration of a number of tourism sites in collaboration with several municipalities and governorates throughout the Kingdom.
These sites have been opened to the public following restoration and provided with necessary facilities and services, he added.
Some of these rehabilitated sites are Jabal Moneekh in Al-Majm’a, Eain Samha in Al-Kharj, Darb Aba Al-Gud and Al-Galta at Al-Ghat in Riyadh province, Falcon Event Center and Al-Eain Al-Hara in Hafr Al-Batin, Jazan Anchorage, Falcon Event Center in Turaif, Al-Gonfoza beach in Makkah province and Al-Rus Park in Al-Qassim.
These programs fall under the policy of SCTA and its mission in the development and provision of minimal services and facilities to tourist sites across different regions of the Kingdom.
The SCTA program further aims to direct the potentials of public administrations to boost local economies as well as create job opportunities for local communities especially the youth as tour guides, security guards and artisans, the official noted.

28 tourist sites to be developed | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Key steps taken to bolster Saudi tourism industry
​

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Published — Tuesday 27 May 2014

Last update 27 May 2014 12:52 pm

To boost the tourism industry in the country, the Cabinet approved Monday three laws to regulate the activities of the Saudi Society for Tourist Accommodation Facilities, Saudi Society for Tourist Guides and Saudi Society for Travel and Tourism.
“The Cabinet decision is aimed at establishing three non-profit professional associations, enjoying legal personality and independent financial status, to develop tourist accommodation facilities, promote tour guides and boost travel and tourism,” said Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja.
The associations are mandated to take care of the interests of their members, provide them with social and cultural services, attract private investments, and hold certified training and education courses, he said.
The three associations would each have a general assembly, a board of directors, and an executive director supervising the executive body in terms of technical, financial and administrative functions.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman, reiterated the call by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to transform the GCC into a union that would be able to confront various challenges.
The meeting underscored the GCC’s achievements, especially in strengthening the region’s security and stability.
Continued on Page 5

Key steps taken to bolster Saudi tourism industry | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Saudi Arabia announces new tourism bodies​

By Courtney Trenwith Tuesday, 27 May 2014 1:47 PM

Saudi Arabia has announced it will establish three new bodies to regulate tourism in the kingdom.

The non-profit associations will respectively develop accommodation facilities, support the development of tour guides and boost tourism, Arab News reported.

They will be mandated to represent the interests of their members, provide social and cultural services, attract private investment and hold certified training and education courses.

They will be given legal powers and independent financial status and will each have a general assembly, a board of directors, and an executive director.

Saudi Arabia is significantly investing in its tourism industry as it diversifies from oil and gas.

It is undergoing a $20bn renovation and expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, while 25 airports are being built or renovated, two new domestic airlines have been approved and dozens of new hotels are in the pipeline.

Saudi Arabia announces new tourism bodies - Politics & Economics - ArabianBusiness.com