Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Read somewhere that KSA are going to introduce tourist visa’s with the idea of attracting up to 30million people a year. Having worked for 4 years on both East and West coasts of Saudi I have some knowledge of the country and it’s people. Would you be persuaded to visit bearing in mind you couldn’t visit either Mecca or Medina, drink alcohol and live as we take for granted here?
Comments
-
I'd absolutely love to visit. Travel is all about experiencing different cultures, so the lack of alcohol etc wouldn't put me off at all.
From what I've read though, the new visas are only for group travel, which isn't my scene, but maybe that restriction will be reconsidered soon.
0 -
Just out of interest why can't you visit Mecca or Medina. I appreciate that they are religious sites but had no idea they were out of bounds.
David
0 -
My thoughts as well artyboo. I have no desire to contribute to such a regime, no matter how beautiful it is, nor how nice most of the people are. Not allowing alcohol is the least of Saudi Arabia's problems.
0 -
The fact that the Saudi authorities are allowing tourists maybe could be taken as a move to a more liberal attitude and could be encouraged by a good response. I am sure many of us have visited countries with less than ideal regimes without realising, I know I have.
0 -
If I could, I would visit Saudi Arabia,--- I just wouldn't drink alcohol while there. . I would take no interest in their politics,----------- (Their Country - Their Laws).----------- I would merely be a tourist enjoying what the country has to offer.
K
0 -
I only mentioned alcohol in passing . But i'm sure a lot of the 30 million people they would want to attracted would be slightly peeve. By the same token if you wanted to practice your own religion thats banned so no church on Sunday. I never found the country spectacular apart from the diving in the Red Sea. With temperatures of 40+C and 100% humidity for about 8/9 months of the year.
A lot of the historic houses and quarter were bulldozed in the late 70's early 80's.
Pretty sure I wouldn't be on the tour
0 -
Oneputt
I don't think you are going to get a job with the Saudi Arabia Tourist Board anytime soon
What little I know about the country does not particularly appeal to me, not sure I could cope with the heat. A former colleague went to Mecca to the Hajj but I am not sure that people that visit for religious reasons actually get to see much of the rest of the country?
David
0 -
None of those gulf destinations have much appeal for me. I know what some of you mean when you are reluctant to visit due to some of the attitudes and practices. I feel the same way about Israel.
2 -
Sunday is another school day
Certainly is in Saudi
I don't think you are going to get a job with the Saudi Arabia Tourist Board anytime soon
No, I would probably be led out to some convenient square after Friday prayers and taught a severe lesson for criticising the regime
1 -
+ 1 Oneputt !!
The number of times I have pulled people up over their use of the term "Anti Semitic " and asked them exactly what that term means. I think the percentage accuracy is in minus figures alas. It's so very easy to repeat parrot fashion the 'IN PHRASES'
0 -
I have no problems with SA religions. I do have issues with the supression and control of sections of the population though, the female section namely. And rather inhuman punishments. A male dominated world is not a happy place.
1 -
As I have said there are so many countries with dubious practices its hard to avoid so we will visit anywhere as long as our personal safety is not at risk, and there is something of interest to see
We visited Israel a couple of years ago and found it absolutely fascinating, we were guided by an ex Israeli commando who took us to mainly Palestinian owned restaurants and the West Bank
0 -
Having visited Kuwait twice a year for the last 14 years, and a few times to Saudi, I find a week off the alcohol is good. There always seems to be a wonderful supply of juices and soft drinks available. It is nice to return home refreshed, to a nice glass of red though. Absence makes the heart etc.
Gulf cuisine and culture can be fascinating too; the respect for culture, good manners, modesty, family and friends from the younger generation is warming to see and be part of, if you are fortunate enough to be invited into their homes.
As regards politics and religion, there are many places in the world, indeed any country you have not visited before, where it would be impolite to express a view of something you probably know little or nothing about.
As for the weather, at least its reliable.....
0
