Cii Radio| Ayesha Ismail| 03 January 2018| 15 Rabi ul Aakhir 1439
The Saudi Arabia Muslims’ Destination initiative to grant tourist visas and extend Umrah packages will help generate tourism, according to officials associated with the program.
The initiative started by Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTNH) President Prince Sultan Bin Salman will enhance cooperation between the private and public sectors.
Khalid Tahir, director of Saudi Arabia Muslims’ Destination initiative, said the aim is to serve pilgrims and visitors and achieve the Vision 2030 in increasing the number of pilgrims, enhance private sector contribution to tourism, cooperate with the public sector to develop infrastructure and highlight the historic heritage of the Kingdom.
Mohammad A. Al-Amri, General Manager of the SCTNH in Makkah region, said in the first stage visitors from 65 countries can get tourist visas through travel agency packages,
The initiative targets four categories: pilgrims and visitors, Muslim business visitors, government guests and Muslim transit passengers.
Currently the commission has chosen 13 historic locations and 10 museums.
Meanwhile, some 3,000 people out of 6.7 million pilgrims extended their stay in the Kingdom in 2017.
This number is expected to increase this year as tourism companies and Umrah establishments will be registered in the system. This way pilgrim will be able to plan their visits while still in their home countries.
Saudi Arabia implements eight economic changes in 2018
Saudi Arabia will activate eight structural economic changes in 2018 which will directly impact the kingdom’s residents lifestyle, Saudi daily Okaz reported Monday.
The changes include the introduction of a 5 per cent VAT law which will impose an indirect tax on all goods and services starting from production until the final selling stage. The total cost will be paid by the consumers.
The second change includes the introduction of new electricity tariffs on residential and commercial installations.
The third change includes the imposition of fees of up to SR200 on expats dependents.
As of Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Labour and Social Development will charge expatriate workers SR400 per month when issuing or renewing work permits.
One of the new economic changes includes allowing foreign investors to invest in the kingdom’s stock market.
Source – MEMO| Saudi Gazette
