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Reasons Saudi Arabia Allows Unmarried Tourist Couples to Stay in the Same Room. PHOTO/Bloomberg
This is the latest policy from the Saudi Arabian government after offering tourist visas for the first time. The move was made by the government in the midst of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its tourism industry.
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Prior to the issuance of the policy, couples had to prove that they were married before getting a hotel room. But now the rules have been relaxed for foreigners. In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s National Heritage and Tourism Commission said that all citizens of Saudi Arabia are required to show a family card, residence card and marriage card when checking into hotels.
But it is not mandatory for foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay at the hotel alone by providing an ID at check-in.
In the new visa regulations for tourists it is also stated that female tourists do not have to cover their bodies completely but are still expected to dress modestly. The new visa regulations also aim to increase tourism, which contributes up to 10% of gross domestic product (GDP).
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According to the previous rules, visitor visas were issued only for certain reasons such as for Islamic religious pilgrimages, to visit family, or for business. The one-year, multiple-entry visa scheme allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days. This marks the first time Saudi Arabia has allowed foreigners to visit solely for tourism purposes.
Saudi Arabia has always been known for its strict rules, but now Saudi Arabia is trying to soften its image in the eyes of tourists and foreign investors. The move comes amid reforms initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) which have also lifted a ban on cinemas and lifted a ban on women driving.
(esn)
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