His post-oil economic plan, Vision 2030 already has its wheels in motion and reforms are being made to liberate the country from stereotypes which label the kingdom as an inaccessible place with severe rules and penalties. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia will become a tourist friendly destination, a place where more women will be in the work force doing jobs previously limited to men, and where the entertainment sector will be booming.
MBS has been busy shaking things up in the kingdom with his modern way of thinking and astonishing the world, almost monthly, with announcements of all the new things that are set to happen in the country. And it is becoming increasingly hard to keep up with all that’s going on, so here are 9 things you can look forward to in Saudi Arabia, this year!
Women Will Be Driving Cars Come June 2018
Causing quite a stir when the news was first announced as it is the last country in the world where women were not allowed to drive, women from all over the world celebrated with Saudi women when they were finally granted the right to drive. From June this year, you will see women in their own cars on the streets of Saudi Arabia.
Women Will Be Welcomed As Spectators At Sporting Events
With women being granted the permission to attend Race of The Champions motorsport event in February this year for the first time in Saudi history, women will continually be granted the right to attend other sporting events including football.
The Tallest Building In The World Will Be In Jeddah
Not part of the Vision 2030 project, but exciting all the same, the tallest building in the world is set to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. Located in Jeddah, the architectural structure will stretch 1000 metres into the sky and will have 252 floors and is expected to be completed by 2019.
Saudi Will Be The Home Of A Luxurious Red Sea Resort
A luxury resort is currently under way on the coast of the Red Sea and is rumored to be visa-free travel destination that won’t be functioning under Saudi Arabia’s strict Sharia laws. It is also said that women will not be required to wear an abaya or hijab within the resort and alcohol may be available within the resort. Holiday makers can expect to see the first phase of the resort completed by 2020.
Cinemas Will Be Re-opened
Having been banned in the 70’s, the Crown Prince declared that he would like to offer his Saudi citizens the opportunity to be able to experience the joys of arts, entertainment and culture in the kingdom rather than them having to travel outside of the country to be able to enjoy simple things like going to the movies. Cinemas are set to be reopened on the 18th of April and men and women will be able to sit together rather than be segregated. Hurrah for date nights!
A New City To Be Built In The Makkah Region
Taif, located in the Makkah region will have its North Eastern area developed into “New Taif” to become a summer destination for tourists and locals. This “New Taif” will consist of a cultural and heritage tourist center, university, airport, technology and industry parks and residential suburbs. We should see a fully functioning airport by 2020!
Saudi Will Open Its First World Class Opera House
Jeddah will be the home of a world class opera house, a destination for musical and other cultural events for those living in the kingdom to look forward to. The Saudi entertainment authority is planning on organizing over 5000 cultural events in the next year and we are here for it!
You Get A Tourist Visa… You Get A Tourist Visa… Everybody Gets A Tourist Visa
Saudi has decided to open up its borders and allow the rest of the world to discover its planes.
Initially the Saudi visa will only be available for tour groups through authorized operators. Some folk across the world aren’t so convinced due to remaining rules on a modest dress code and gender segregation, yet others are super excited about visiting a new country.
Las Vegas? Is That You?
An entertainment city, almost the size of Las Vegas, is due to become a landmark feature in Riyadh. The proclaimed city will offer culture, entertainment and sporting activities said to rival Disney Land.
MBS is hoping for this feature to become a prominent attraction. In addition to its anticipated cultural themes, the city will also feature a safari park and a Six Flags theme park. We should be able to see the first stages complete by 2022.
