CULTURAL TOURISTS WELCOMED TO SAUDI ARABIA DURING RAMADAN

The nation may be operating at reduced business hours during Ramadan, but Saudi Arabia is still welcoming cultural tourists in many ways.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, Saudi Arabia is welcoming cultural tourists with a range of initiatives and programmes.

To support the cultural tourism sector, a tourist visa was launched to support cultural tourism in September 2019, for citizens of over 50 countries. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 ended all international travel.

With international travel restrictions now lifted, despite the Kingdom operating at reduced business hours, this Ramadan is being seen as an opportunity to welcome tourists using the visa. There are a range of events lined up for tourists to explore Muslim and Saudi Arabian culture.

Among the sites open to tourists is the town of Diriyah in Riyadh, as well as Rijal Alma in Asir. Tourists are also invited to explore fishing sites in Jazan, the mountains of Abha, the ancient AlUla in Madinah as well as the Neom deserts. Ramadan nights, along with attractions in Al-Balad and iftar and suhoor meals are all popular activities with cultural tourists.