The full-page ad was on Saturday in almost all major daily newspapers. Against the backdrop of a mountainous desert landscape, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is promoting its "undiscovered beauty in a tourist destination away from the tourist crowds". For some visitors, however, a high fine could also be one of the "overwhelming impressions that will accompany you throughout your life". Because certain rules apply to tourists.
A Saturday published by the Saudi Ministry of Interior catalog lists what is under penalty in the Kingdom of the Sauds. The "public display of affection" is as undesirable as "profane" language or gestures. Throwing trash or spitting on the street? Better not. Preloading is illegal, taking pictures and filming people without their permission also. The consumption of alcohol is taboo. Listening to music during the prayer times is also not possible.
In addition, there are the clothing regulations: women do not have to wear long-sleeved and down-to-the-ground abja - a kind of overdress - but shoulders and knees must be covered. At best, the wardrobe is not physical and shows no lewd images or slogans. That goes for the men as well.
Altogether the penalty catalog lists 19 offenses. Whether double rooms can only be awarded to married couples is not clear from the document.
Fines up to 1500 euros
"The rules are intended to ensure that visitors and tourists of the Kingdom know and obey the laws of public behavior," it said in a press release. The monitoring is not the Islamic moral guardians, but the state police. Who gets caught in a rule violation, must expect a fine between 50 and 6000 Saudi Ryal (about twelve to 1500 euros).
Saudi Arabia, so far one of the most secluded countries in the world, announced a new visa system on Friday. Among other things, the reorganization allows travelers from 49 states to apply for a tourist visa online. It is valid for one year, entitles to multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days. The Kingdom wants to boost tourism and make it more independent of its oil revenues. So far, there were visas only for business travelers, pilgrims and family members.
100 million tourists by 2030
To let more foreign visitors into the country, is an "important milestone" on the way to stimulate the tourist traffic to 100 million people per year by 2030, it is said from Riyadh.
By then, tourism is expected to contribute around ten percent to gross domestic product. Currently, the country generates only three percent of its economic output with tourism. The country's leadership wants to invest billions in tourist infrastructure. This is how islands and coastal towns on the Red Sea are to be transformed into luxury seaside resorts. Also at archaeological sites tourists should be lured.
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Saudi Arabia's sights: coast, desert and ruinsThe tourism offensive is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "Vision 2030" reform course. In addition to economic changes, bin Salman has also initiated social changes. So women are now allowed to drive a car and it was opened a first cinema.
Nonetheless, Amnesty International describes the human rights situation in the country as "catastrophic". Because the Sauds are extremely brutal against regime critics. The renegade journalist Jamal Khashoggi was dismembered abroad by a Saudi killer squad, in the country, the security authorities pursue among other women's rights activists and opposition.