The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday announced that a visit visa will now be issued electronically to ease travel to the kingdom.
Guests of Saudia and Flynas airlines will be able to enter the country for four days, with the visa validity extending to three months.
The ministry said the visa would be issued free of charge and immediately with the travel ticket.
The Stopover Visa welcomes all visitors to stay for up to 96 hours and includes one complimentary night in a hotel when booking through Saudia.
“In partnership with our national air carriers, Saudia and Flynas, we are using digital platforms to provide an instant Stopover Visa, which only enhances Saudi’s accessibility and our world-class destination offering,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive and Saudi Tourism Authority board member.
Travellers who wish to pass through the kingdom and visit historical landmarks such as AlUla and Riyadh's Diriyah can do so with the purchase of a plane ticket.
“The new stopover visa is yet another proof point in Saudi’s commitment to developing and encouraging growth in the tourism sector,” said Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister and chairman of the board at Saudi Tourism Authority.
“We will continue to work together across government and the tourism ecosystem as Saudi transforms into a leading global tourism destination.”
This visa will help those passing by and wishing to enter to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
A request can be submitted through the Saudia and Flynas websites. It will be automatically sent to the ministry's visa platform.
Last week, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Events Investment Fund to boost the kingdom's tourism and entertainment sectors as part of its diversification strategy.
“Four of the top 10 global routes were in or out of Saudi airports in 2022, a testament to the appeal of Saudi Arabia as a destination,” said Mr Al Khateeb.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia spent 27 billion riyals ($7.1 billion) during the first six months of last year, making tourism one of the kingdom's most promising sectors.
What can you do?
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In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
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Stamp%20duty%20timeline
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Continental champions
Best Asian Player: Massaki Todokoro (Japan)
Best European Player: Adam Wardzinski (Poland)
Best North & Central American Player: DJ Jackson (United States)
Best African Player: Walter Dos Santos (Angola)
Best Oceanian Player: Lee Ting (Australia)
Best South American Player: Gabriel De Sousa (Brazil)
Best Asian Federation: Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation
RACE CARD
4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m
5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
On sale: now
Price: Dh149,000
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
