Saudi Arabia is an underrated country to visit and not very popular among tourists. However, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a considerable change in tourism growth and travelers coming to the country. This post from National Geographic shows how this less favored travel destination is gaining tourism for a better future.
Saudi Arabia introduces Vision 2030; a plan for not only prospering tourism but also going beyond stereotypes. Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce the country’s oil dependency, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors. This plan includes, “implementing digital and infrastructure projects to liberating women from the constraints of Islamic law to nurture a more creative and dynamic workforce,” (Kaplan). This is broadening the economic base and creating more jobs for all Saudis, making the people of this country more equal to one another.
Yet, Saudi Arabia has always been filled with lush architecture, archeological ruins, history, and vast deserts that are just waiting to be explored by outside visitors. You can literally see history from 800 years ago with some of the archeological ruins that have been preserved. You can feel as if you’re living in that time period which is pretty crazy to think about. Saudi Arabia is the gateway to holy cities. This country is home to centuries-old, Jeddah. Which legend has it as the burial place for the Bible’s Eve. There is a city named Hail which is home to the legend Arabian Nights and was the former capital of the whole Arabian desert.
Thinking beyond the stereotypes is very important to the people of Saudi Arabia and Saudis are actually very welcoming to tourists. “I’ve met Saudis over the decades who were educated abroad, became members of a globalized world, and yet returned home and retained their cultural values: the men still wearing ghutras and agals (traditional Saudi Arabian headdress and cord), the women wearing abayas and hijabs. Saudis have become cosmopolitan without becoming rootless. Al-Balad is at the heart of those roots,” (Kaplan).
So, if you’re ever thinking about your next vacation destination and want to explore something different, Saudi Arabia is the perfect place. Vision 2030 is really paving the way for a brighter future and why not experience it in effect? Go experience this life-changing future for all Saudis first-hand and see what this amazing country has to offer you.
“I met a lot of great people in Saudi Arabia and I’d like to see them again. And I’d love to spend more time in the desert and in the mountains. I felt really at home there.”
Dave Eggers