New Delhi. Gulf country Saudi Arabia, famous worldwide for oil wells, is continuously moving towards Mission 2030. To reduce the dependence on oil and gas in its economy, Riyadh has started focusing on other sectors as well. Saudi Arabia has been working on tourism for the last three years. It has decided to put tourism at the forefront of the economy as an alternative to oil. His first choice for this is Indians. For this, Saudi Arabia aims to have at least 7.5 million Indian tourists arriving in its country by the year 2030. To woo Indians, it is also continuously launching various programs – including free visas. Chairman of Saudi Tourism Authority, Alhassan Aldabagh, while talking to news agency ANI, said that we have given special focus on Indians to take Saudi Arabia forward in the field of tourism. Our target is to have 7.5 million people from India visit the country by 2030. He says that the oil wells in Saudi Arabia are depleting rapidly, so soon they will have to look at other options for the economy. The country’s economy’s dependence on oil will have to be reduced.
Riyadh has set a target that by the year 2030, 56 percent contribution to its GDP should come from non-oil resources. For this, Riyadh’s first and easiest choice is tourism. To make the country popular from tourism point of view and preferred by foreigners, Saudi Arabia is not only ready to relax the laws of its country for foreigners but is also going to start the scheme of free visa for 96 hours. Aldabagh says that if we are thinking of increasing the contribution of non-oil resources in our GDP by 2030, then it is necessary for tourists to come in large numbers. For this, Saudi Arabia’s first choice is Indians. He says that the population in India is very high. The market here is full of variety. People of different sects live here. Therefore, to establish Saudi Arabia as a tourist country, it is necessary that more and more Indians come to visit the country. For this we have prepared some plans.
Speaking to ANI, Aldabagh said, our aim is to bring 7.5 million people from India to Saudi Arabia by 2030. For this, visa facility is very important. Aldabagh said, “Recognizing the importance of India, we have streamlined access to the Kingdom. With 10 VFS offices in India, we plan to expand further this year. We have launched a stopover program, which Also gives 96 hours free visa. Those traveling through Saudi Airlines or Flynas (a private Saudi low-cost airline) will be eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival.” Regarding the enduring relations between India and Saudi Arabia, he said, “Mutual goodwill between India and Saudi Arabia has continuously expanded. This growth extends not only in the tourism sector but also in economic, social and cultural exchanges “We look forward to further strengthening our thriving relationship in India this year.”
