Saudi Arabia eases restrictions on women taking hotel rooms – Newspaper

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has lifted some restrictions on women traveling in the ultra-conservative kingdom, its tourism authority said on Sunday, with new guidelines that allow women to rent hotel rooms without the presence of a male guardian, and men and women foreigners to share a room without proof of it. marriage.

The relaxation of strict regulations governing social interactions occurs after Riyadh launched its first tourist visa scheme, as part of efforts to open the country to foreign visitors and diversify its oil-dependent economy.

The Saudi Tourism and National Heritage Commission posted the new requirements on Twitter on Sunday, confirming a Friday report by the Saudi newspaper Okaz.

The commission said women will be allowed to rent hotel rooms with proof of identity, an identification card for Saudi women, a residence card for foreign residents living in the kingdom or a passport for tourists.

The same would be required of foreign couples, without the need to present a marriage certificate. Previously, women needed permission from a male guardian to rent a hotel room.

Women can also rent hotel rooms without any identification if they have a male guardian present who has proof of identity, he said.

The move comes in the midst of deep reforms over the past year by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has lifted the ban on cinemas in the kingdom and the only ban in the world for women who drive.

Critics point out that there are limits to the reforms, and point out the murder of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi last year at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the reported torture of several activists for the rights of detained women.

Saudi Arabia announced the new tourist visa scheme last week, saying its goal was to increase tourism to contribute up to 10 percent of gross domestic product compared to the current 3 percent.

For the launch of its new visa, the country highlighted five Unesco World Heritage sites, contemporary art sites and natural sites that include the Red Sea, the desert and the mountains.

Previously, visitor visas were issued only for specific reasons, such as for Muslim religious pilgrimages, for visiting relatives or for business.

The one-year multi-entry visa plan allows stays of up to 90 days at a time and marks the first time the country allows foreigners to visit for tourism purposes only. Citizens of 49 eligible countries can submit their application online or upon arrival, while those from other countries must submit their application at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

As part of the campaign to attract foreign visitors, the kingdom is easing the strict dress codes for female tourists, which require that the shoulders and knees be covered in public, but does not require them to use the full-body abaya, according with the guidelines published on its visa information website.

Posted on Dawn, October 7, 2019