Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia achieved a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, surpassing 100 million visitors. This significant achievement came seven years ahead of the kingdom’s original target, according to a report by UN Tourism (formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, or UNWTO).

Saudi Arabia is now aiming even higher, setting its sights on attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. Visitors from Malaysia are expected to play a key role in this ambitious plan, as the kingdom continues to establish itself as a premier travel destination for Malaysians.

In a recent email interview, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) for the Asia Pacific region, expressed optimism about the growing interest from Malaysian travelers. He emphasized, “All Malaysian tourists are warmly invited to experience Saudi Arabia.”

Alhasan revealed that Saudi Arabia ranked as one of the top long-haul destinations for Malaysian travelers last year, “representing 23% of all long-distance trips.”

In comparison to the figures from 2022, Saudi Arabia saw a significant 15% rise in Malaysian visitors in 2023, highlighting the growing appeal of the kingdom among Malaysian tourists.

The Saudi Arabian tourism ministry, through the Saudi Tourism Authority’s (STA) office in Kuala Lumpur, will maintain its strong collaboration with travel partners in Malaysia to further enhance tourism opportunities.

As part of its ongoing initiatives, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) hosted the inaugural Saudi Travel Fair at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya last month. In addition to offering exclusive travel packages and deals, the event provided an “immersive experience of Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes,” all brought to life through virtual reality.

Visitors were also invited to participate in engaging activities such as creating misbaha (Islamic prayer beads), visiting a zamzam water station, and enjoying live cultural performances. These experiences aimed to introduce Saudi culture to Malaysians, particularly those unfamiliar with the kingdom, sparking their interest in exploring the country.

As part of its initiatives, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) launched the first-ever Saudi Travel Fair at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya last month. In addition to showcasing a range of travel packages and special deals, the fair offered visitors an “immersive exploration of Saudi Arabia’s history, culture, and landscapes,” all brought to life through virtual reality.

The event featured interactive activities such as crafting misbaha (Islamic prayer beads), visiting a zamzam water station, and enjoying live cultural performances. These experiences were designed to introduce Malaysian visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with Saudi Arabia, to the kingdom’s cultural heritage and inspire them to explore it firsthand.

Attractions and Activities

For those considering a visit to the kingdom but unsure about their Saudi travel plans, Alhasan has some valuable suggestions to offer.

Alhasan highlights several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diriyah, a 300-year-old city built around the historic district of At-Turaif, and Al-Ula, an ancient oasis with 200,000 years of history. Al-Ula is also home to Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, which hosts cultural events near iconic landmarks like Elephant Rock.

For those interested in contemporary attractions, Alhasan suggests visiting the teamLab Borderless Museum in Historic Jeddah, a groundbreaking “museum without a map” featuring over 80 interactive digital artworks.

Families traveling with children can explore the fascinating marine life at the Fakieh Aquarium or marvel at King Fahd’s Fountain, which shoots water 312 meters into the air.

Additionally, just a two-hour drive from Madinah lies Khaybar, a site rich with history and spiritual significance. Known for its stunning oasis and ancient forts, Khaybar is also famous for being a historic battle site from the time of Prophet Muhammad.

Seaside Luxury

For travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury, The Red Sea offers a pristine new destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with opulence. Whether it’s relaxing on stunning beaches, exploring canyons and mountains, or discovering mangroves and crystal-clear waters, this destination delivers an unparalleled experience.

A unique highlight is the chance to witness diverse marine life, including endangered green and hawksbill turtles, as The Red Sea is home to the world’s fourth-largest coral reef system, adding an adventurous edge to the luxurious setting.

The three resorts, each described as private island paradises offering either overwater or beach villas, include: Six Senses Southern Dunes, a 76-key desert retreat that celebrates the Nabataean heritage of its surroundings; St. Regis Red Sea, an exclusive resort on a private island with 90 overwater and beachfront villas; and Nujuma, the seventh Ritz-Carlton Reserve globally.

Additionally, 12 more resorts are slated to open between 2024 and 2025. By 2030, The Red Sea will boast 50 hotels across island and inland locations. With luxury marinas, golf courses, and world-class entertainment on the horizon, The Red Sea is set to become “the ultimate ultra-luxe travel destination.”

Peace of Mind and Accessibility

Safety is always a key concern for travelers, and Alhasan emphasizes that “Saudi Arabia is a welcoming destination for all, regardless of gender or religion.” He highlights that the kingdom ranks 26th in the 2024 Numbeo Safety Index, making it one of the safest nations among the G20 countries.

Additionally, Madinah has been recognized as the safest city in the world for solo female travelers for the third consecutive year, according to data from the insurance website InsureMyTrip.

According to the description on Intrepid Travel’s website, this women-only expedition will take female travelers on a journey across Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over the course of 12 days, participants will explore the country’s rich history, savor local cuisine, and connect with Saudi women, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture.

In addition to peace of mind, the ease of access to Saudi Arabia is another major attraction, with Malaysia being one of 66 countries eligible for the kingdom’s eVisa program.

Travelers with Umrah visas now have the flexibility to not only perform Umrah but also explore Saudi Arabia at their own pace, as the visa has been extended to allow a stay of up to 90 days.

The Umrah visa can be conveniently applied for through the Nusuk app, which supports multiple languages, including Bahasa Malaysia, making the process easier for Malaysian visitors.

Saudia, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air now offer flights to four key Saudi Arabian cities: Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah, enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In July, Malaysia Airlines’ special pilgrimage service, Amal by Malaysia Airlines, launched a new route from Johor to Madinah, further expanding travel options for Malaysian travelers heading to the kingdom.

Additionally, AirAsia introduced a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah last month, providing even more convenience for travelers looking to explore Saudi Arabia or embark on religious pilgrimages. These developments highlight the growing accessibility and strong travel ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

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