The 2,000-year-old desert city in Al-Ula is being prepared to become the jewel in the crown as Saudi Arabia attempts to enter the tourism industry.
But the country's internationally tarnished reputation could throw a spanner in the works for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to find new income streams in the wake of the oil crisis.
Al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia, home to the country's first World Heritage site, Madain Saleh, has until now led a dormant existence with archaeologists and local tourists as by and large the only visitors. But Saudi Arabia wants to change that in its bid to boost tourism as part of the country's plan to reduce its reliance on oil.
The aim is to attract ecotourists and those interested in culture from the West and the countries around the Persian Gulf, in addition to Saudis who wish to learn about the country's history before its Islamisation.
The plans include tourist facilities, guide training, and a thorough archaeological survey of the area with its burial chambers and spectacular stone facades. A winter festival featuring artists will serve as a gentle introduction to the tourism initiative, reports The Washington Post.
”We've always known we have an important historical place here. But no one knows us,” guide Ahman al-Imam tells the newspaper.
The hope is for 2,500 new jobs and a boost to international student exchange, according to the royal committee behind the project, reports Saudi Arabia's Arab News.
The conservative country's visitors have previously mainly consisted of religious pilgrims or business travellers. However, work is reportedly underway to implement a visa system for tourists – until now, the visas issued have primarily been linked to specific events. But recent criticism may make it difficult to attract tourists to the extent the Crown Prince had hoped for.
”Tourism has great potential in the country as it is so underdeveloped. But there are social obstacles and concerns to overcome to attract foreigners. The arrest of women's rights activists and the brutal murder of a well-known journalist do not help,” Kristin Smith Diwan of the Arab Gulf States Institute told The Washington Post.
Source: TT
