Results for: Saudi Arabia

Lift Gallery in Riyadh is currently presenting the Middle/South exhibition, which showcases the work of South African contemporary painter Frans Smit. Smit’s reimagined interpretations of Dutch old masters and Renaissance works, using a blend of traditional and modern painting techniques, offer a fresh perspective on these classic pieces. The exhibition, curated by Victoria Nasser, invites viewers to contemplate contemporary society and its art sphere. Smit’s portraits of prominent Saudi figures, rendered in hues reminiscent of the Middle Eastern landscape, highlight the distinctiveness of Saudi culture and pay tribute to those who have shaped its traditions. The gallery’s mission, as stated by its founder Princess Nouf Bint Abdulaziz AlSaud, is to collaborate with global artists and promote Saudi culture internationally through art.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry experienced a remarkable surge, with airports across the Kingdom welcoming over 93.5 million tourists. This figure includes approximately 77 million domestic visitors and 16.5 million international tourists, highlighting the industry’s robust growth. The impressive increase in tourist numbers has been attributed to several regulatory adjustments implemented to facilitate easier access to the Saudi Arabian Kingdom.

Indian pilgrims performing Hajj now have access to the Haramain High-Speed Train, offering a quicker and more comfortable journey from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. This significant upgrade from traditional bus transportation has been enabled by the collaboration between the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi authorities. The high-speed train service, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, significantly cuts travel time in half, providing a more efficient and pleasant pilgrimage experience.

Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, offers an unparalleled journey into the past. Restored to its former glory, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts mud-brick Najdi architecture, historic palaces, and vibrant terraces. Visitors can explore the Salwa Palace, immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, and enjoy world-class dining. With ongoing developments and a focus on sustainability, Diriyah is set to become a leading cultural and historical destination.

From May 23 to June 21, Saudi Arabia has implemented strict measures prohibiting visit visa holders and tourists from performing the Haj pilgrimage or entering Makkah. Obtaining a Saudi Haj visa or a Haj permit is now mandatory for pilgrims wishing to participate in the pilgrimage. All types of visit visas are deemed invalid for Haj purposes, and even temporary visas are not accepted. Authorities have issued warnings against visiting Makkah during this period without a Haj permit and have threatened severe consequences for violators.

Building on the success of the Saudi Travel Market and ATM Dubai, the Riyadh Travel Fair is set to bring together global travel industry leaders to foster collaboration and drive innovation. The fair will serve as a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore new business opportunities. Innovation and sustainability will be central themes, as the industry continues to evolve. The Riyadh Travel Fair aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and develop the tourism sector.

The almatar app from the almatar group has been ranked 3rd in the list of most downloaded travel apps in Saudi Arabia for the second consecutive year, according to the 2023 Saudi Internet report published by the Communications and Space Technology Authority. This achievement highlights the app’s efforts in the digital transformation of tourism, providing a unified choice of services that meet customer expectations and deliver a delightful experience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concerns over the health condition of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is undergoing treatment for lung inflammation. King Salman, 88, is receiving antibiotic treatment in Jeddah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has postponed a planned trip to Japan due to his father’s health. Saudi Arabia and Japan will still hold a business forum in Tokyo on Tuesday, with Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman and Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih attending from the kingdom’s side.

Saudi Arabian citizens can visit Montenegro without a visa from May 1 to October 31, 2024, for up to 30 days with a valid travel document. The visa exemption applies only to organized tourist groups arriving and departing via direct flights. Travelers must present proof of payment for travel arrangements, an invitation letter from a Montenegrin tourist office, and evidence of return to their home country. In 2023, Saudi Arabia saw 16.88 million outbound tourists, and Montenegro experienced a rise in tourist arrivals to 54,817 in March 2024.

Citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can now enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa, effective from May 1 to October 31, 2024. The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, Albania, clarified that only organized tourist groups entering and departing on direct flights are eligible for this visa exemption.