Saudi Arabia Opens To Tourists-- With Religious Limitations

For the first time, Saudi Arabia will issue tourist visas to foreigners, according to a report from Reuters in today's Kaleej Times. In the past, only haj pilgrims and foreigners sponsored by Saudi residents could enter the country. Now 18 tour operators will be able to issue visas. However, non-Muslim tourists will not be able to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Alcohol will continue to be banned, and women visitors will be required to be covered from head to toe in public. However the country's ban on photography has been lifted, as the Supreme Commission of Tourism hopes to attract 1.5 million wealthy tourists by 2020. Already, the website of Saudi Arabian Airlines offers information about available tours.