Travel Archives - Saudi Expatriate https://saudiexpatriate.com/category/travel/ Expats Life in Saudi Arabia Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:07:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://saudiexpatriate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SaudiExpatriate-Logo-150x150.jpg Travel Archives - Saudi Expatriate https://saudiexpatriate.com/category/travel/ 32 32 Makkah Bus Project will charge Passengers, Makkah Bus Fares 2023 https://saudiexpatriate.com/makkah-bus-project-will-charge-passengers-makkah-bus-fares-2023/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/makkah-bus-project-will-charge-passengers-makkah-bus-fares-2023/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:20:23 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5810 The Makkah Bus Project initiative, which started with free transportation to individuals who were visiting for the last two years, will now start charging passengers starting November 1, 2023. This decision was adopted by the Makkah Public Transport Company (MPTC) in Saudi Arabia in order to pay the operational costs and preserving the service for future.

Makkah Bus Project Fares Starting 4 Riyals

The MPTC (Makkah Public Transport Company) has declared that the rates would be affordable for everyone and there will also be reductions for students, elderly, and those with disabilities. The business has also declared that it will continue to give free rides to all the pilgrims during the Hajj season.

The Makkah Bus project has been a success since its debut in 2021. It has helped to alleviate a lot of traffic in Makkah and assisted people moving about the city a lot easier. This initiative has also produced plenty of jobs for Saudi citizens.

The decision to start charging passengers has been received with conflicting emotions. Some individuals are afraid that the charges would be excessively costly and that the service will become less accessible to low-income households. Others welcome the decision, claiming that it is important to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the service.

The MPTC has declared that it is determined to provide a high-quality and inexpensive transportation service to the people and visitors of Makkah. The airline has also claimed that it would continue to monitor the situation and make modifications to the rates as appropriate.

Passengers or Visitors can purchase tickets through different channels, including the official website of MPTC, the specialized mobile application, and vending machines placed throughout Makkah.

The initiative is part of a strategic plan aiming at enhancing public transport services within Makkah under the supervision of the RCMC. It contributes to safeguarding the safety of beneficiaries, and the convenience and speed of their travel across Makkah, in addition to reducing down traffic congestion and damaging carbon emissions.

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Haramain Train Ticket Prices 2023 from Makkah to Jeddah, Madinah https://saudiexpatriate.com/haramain-train-ticket-prices-2023-from-makkah-to-jeddah-madinah/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/haramain-train-ticket-prices-2023-from-makkah-to-jeddah-madinah/#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:42:30 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5685 You could be a travel enthusiast who wants to visit Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah. The Haramain High-Speed Train is one of the easiest methods to go between these places. This article will provide you a thorough breakdown of the Haramain Train fares / Haramain Train Ticket Prices for trips between Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah.

Haramain Train Ticket Prices 2023 from Makkah to Jeddah, Madinah

Introduction

The holy cities of Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah are connected by the cutting-edge Haramain High-Speed Train. Modern technology in the railway system ensures that passengers have a secure and enjoyable ride. Four stations are included in the railway system: Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah.

Ticket Prices from Makkah to Jeddah and Madinah

The following details will give you a general idea of the costs for using the Haramain High-Speed Train line from Makkah to Jeddah and Madinah, while the exact costs are subject to change. Haramain Train Ticket Prices for 2023

Economy Class Ticket Prices

The following are the costs for economy class tickets on the Haramain High-Speed Railway between Makkah and Madinah and Jeddah:

  • Makkah to Jeddah: SAR 40
  • Makkah to King Abdullah Economic City: SAR 85
  • Makkah to Madinah: SAR 150
  • Jeddah to Madinah: SAR 125

First Class Ticket Prices

The following are the costs for first-class tickets to use the Haramain High-Speed Train from Makkah to Jeddah and Madinah:

  • Makkah to Jeddah: SAR 70
  • Makkah to King Abdullah Economic City: SAR 175
  • Makkah to Madinah: SAR 315
  • Jeddah to Madinah: SAR 275

It’s essential to remember that ticket costs might change depending on the day of the week, the season, and availability. For the most recent ticket pricing, we advise visiting the official Haramain High-Speed Train website.

 Makkah
Business | Economy
Jeddah
Business | Economy
KAIA
Business | Economy
KAEC
Business | Economy
Madinah
Business | Economy
Makkah 70 SAR | 40 SAR95 SAR | 60 SAR175 SAR | 85 SAR315 SAR | 150 SAR
Jeddah70 SAR | 40 SAR 45 SAR | 20 SAR85 SAR | 50 SAR275 SAR | 125 SAR
KAIA95 SAR | 60 SAR45 SAR | 20 SAR 85 SAR | 50 SAR265 SAR | 120 SAR
KAEC175 SAR | 85 SAR85 SAR | 50 SAR85 SAR | 50 SAR 215 SAR | 100 SAR
Madinah315 SAR | 150 SAR275 SAR | 125 SAR265 SAR | 120 SAR215 SAR | 100 SAR 

Important Points

  • Children traveling in Economy class are entitled to a 50% discount off the base fare.
  • Children traveling in Business class are entitled to a 40% discount off the base fare.
  • Infant occupying a seat and sharing a seat with an adult are entitled to a 90% discount of the base fare. (Only one infant allowed per adult).
  • Other infants occupying a seat are entitled to the same discounts as children. (40% and 50%).
  • Passengers with special needs are entitled to a 50% discount off the fare base, as long as their Identification Document is eligible for such discount.

How to Book Haramain Train Tickets

Booking Haramain Train tickets is a simple process that can be done online or in-person at one of the train stations.  These procedures should be followed to purchase tickets online:

  • Visit the official website of Haramain High-Speed Train
  • Choose your trip dates, departure and arrival stations, and the number of people.
  • Select the class you desire (economy or first-class)
  • Put your contact and payment information in.
  • Verify your reservation and print your ticket.

It’s important to keep in mind that tickets must be purchased in advance and that there may only be a certain number of seats available. To assure availability, we advise purchasing your tickets as early as possible.

The advantages of riding the Haramain High-Speed Train

Travelers may take use of the Haramain High-Speed Train’s several advantages, which include:

Speed: The railway system can move at up to 300 km/h, making the trip between the holy cities quick and easy.
Comfort: Travelers may expect a smooth and pleasurable trip thanks to the railway system’s contemporary facilities and comfy seats.
Safety: Travelers are guaranteed a safe and secure ride thanks to the railway system’s modern safety systems.
Convenience: Access to Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah is made simple by the four stations that make up the railway system.

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SAPTCO Bus Ticket Price List | SAPTCO Bookings https://saudiexpatriate.com/saptco-bus-ticket-price-list-saptco-bookings/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/saptco-bus-ticket-price-list-saptco-bookings/#respond Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:33:16 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5498 Saudi Public Transport Company “SAPTCO” offers new online services, including SAPTCO smart devices application for ticketing and reservation.

Although ticket prices vary from time to time and depending upon if the tickets are refundable or not, we have listed down tentative ticket prices from and to major places in Saudi Arabia

We at SaudiExpatriate.com are providing you with the latest ticket prices of SAPTCO Buses in Saudi Arabia.

SAPTCO Bus Ticket Price List | SAPTCO Bookings

Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) Bus Ticket Prices 2023

Saudi Arabia has an extensive nationwide public transportation system with buses running throughout the country. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) was established in 1979 and currently operates more than 4500 vehicles. In this post, you will find out how much a bus ticket costs between different cities in the Kingdom.

SAPTCO Booking – Bus Ticket Prices from Riyadh (Aziziya)

  • Makkah (Al Haram): SAR 184
  • Jeddah (Al Corniche): SAR 219
  • Madinah: SAR 223
  • Abha: SAR 239
  • Abqaiq: SAR 92
  • Al Ahsa: SAR 72
  • Al Dawadmi: SAR 86
  • Dammam: SAR 92
  • Hail: SAR 159
  • Najran: SAR 224
  • Yanbu: SAR 269
  • Buraydah: SAR 92

SAPTCO Bus Ticket Prices from Jeddah (Al Corniche)

  • Riyadh (Al Aziziya): SAR 219
  • Makkah(Al Haram): SAR 20
  • Madinah: SAR 69
  • Dammam: SAR 302
  • Hail: SAR 187
  • Najran: SAR 230
  • Jazan: SAR 184
  • Yanbu: SAR 99

SAPTCO Bus Tickets Prices from Makkah (Al Haram)

  • Riyadh (Aziziya): SAR 184
  • Jeddah: SAR 20
  • Madinah: SAR 69
  • Dammam: SAR 276
  • Yanbu: SAR 112
  • Jubail SAR 308

Prices for more cities will be updated shortly.

Also Read: Haramain Train Ticket Booking

How to Book SAPTCO Tickets?

SAPTCO operates a very large network of bus services across the kingdom Saudi Arabia. It links many of the major cities in Saudi Arabia. SAPTCO bus ticket prices can be easily checked online through it official website. It can be booked online for Intercity and International travel in 5 simple steps as listed below

  • Visit SAPTCO website (www.saptco.com.sa)
  • Choose from and to Destination
  • Select the Travel dates. Specify One-Way or Roundtrip. Click on Search
  • Select the travel time from the listed Bus Travel Schedule. Here the Ticket Price will be listed. Select any option and Click on Book
  • Enter Passenger details and Click on Continue to proceed to Payment.
  • Payment can be made online using a credit card or SADAD, and you will receive an e-ticket that
  • you can print out or show on your mobile phone.
  • You can book through:
  • Website www.saptco.com.sa
  • Mobile Application from Apple & Android
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How to make your Booking a Success https://saudiexpatriate.com/how-to-make-your-booking-a-success/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/how-to-make-your-booking-a-success/#respond Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:47:12 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5447 A article about how to plan for your holidays and travel

The world is large, with millions of places to explore and see. Touring the world with your family and friends can be an unforgettable experience. However, it can also be costly. This is why booking your stay in advance is very important. Booking sites have allowed people worldwide to save on their bookings when they book their stay at UAE hotels. They also provide several offers, like their special packages.

How to make your Booking a Success

Why should you use a booking website in KSA?

Because , you can book your stay at more than 28 million properties worldwide at competitive rates. It allows you to find the best hotels at affordable prices in over 1,000 cities. Booking site UAE offers flexible booking and cancellation options and features great deals and promo code for booking KSA

What to expect from a booking site?

When looking for a place to stay over the weekend or even a venue for a business meeting or a conference, your first thought may be to call around or visit websites. However, you will quickly realize that finding a place that offers precisely what you need is not that easy. A booking site is a website that can help you find the best accommodation for any occasion. It has a wide range of choices, from affordable to luxury, from a hostel or a small hotel to a five-star hotel, from a room in someone’s home to an entire castle for rent.

The company is active in over 200 countries and offers over 500,000 properties. This means that you have a wide range of choices to choose from. Booking.com hotels and apartments are equipped with the amenities and services you need, whether traveling with your family or on a business trip.

How to get the best deals?

There are many ways to save money when you book hotels on a Booking site and the best way to get the best deals is through this site. You can customize your search based on the location, hotel star rating, amenities, and price. You can also find out about the latest and most exclusive deals in the website’s newsletter.

Can you get a discount if you don’t have a credit card?

Yes, if you don’t have a credit card, you can still book on the Booking site. You can use prepaid debit cards or prepaid credit cards, as well as any other payment method you would use online. Our payment partners, such as Visa and MasterCard, do not require a credit check or a minimum income, so you can easily book a hotel stay or flight with them. The only payment method that you can’t use on Booking.com is cash.

Conclusion

People visit countries for different reasons. Vacations, business trips, family trips, and other trips. They all want to enjoy their stay and get the best deal. Booking website that lets you book your stay at over 28 million properties worldwide at very competitive rates. You can also use your Booking.com promo code for booking KSA to get the best deals at lower prices.

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saptco.com.sa – SAPTCO سابتكو Bus Ticket Booking Online https://saudiexpatriate.com/saptco-com-sa-saptco-%d8%b3%d8%a7%d8%a8%d8%aa%d9%83%d9%88-bus-ticket-booking-online/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/saptco-com-sa-saptco-%d8%b3%d8%a7%d8%a8%d8%aa%d9%83%d9%88-bus-ticket-booking-online/#respond Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:10:37 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5357 SAPTCO is the short form of for Saudi Public Transport Company in Saudi Arabia. It was founded following intense efforts to design a revolutionary concepts in Public Transport in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was launched in the year 1399H (1979CE). SAPTCO offers regular network inter-city lines that connect 385 villages, cities and small villages the entire KSA. The lines covers major cities like Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Dammam. The company is also expanding its offerings by expanding its intercity connection to other Gulf countries including United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen and Sudan.

saptco.com.sa - SAPTCO سابتكو Bus Ticket Booking Online

Saptco offers various services that fall into different broad categories. Some include:

  • Saptco Buses
  • Saptco Limousine
  • Saptco Cargo
  • Saptco Metro and Trains
  • Saptco Educational

Book SAPTCO Tickets Online through 4 different ways:

Payment Options:
Payment by credit card or online payment channel (SADAD)
Cash Payment when purchasing the ticket from travel agents

Steps on How to Book Online Tickets On SAPTCO website:

The company is taking steps ahead of the curve with its latest technologies in the present, nearly all transport companies operating in the advanced countries provide their passengers with up-to-date information online passengers, which means that people is not required to visit company centers to purchase tickets. SAPTCO offers several ways of online reservations, so that passengers can reserve tickets for both ways and one way . After obtaining information , passengers can pay the fees for the ticket and then board the bus at the specified time. Learn the process of online bus ticket reservation on Saptco.

  • Visit SAPTCO’s official website at SAPTCO www.saptco.com.sa
  • On the reservation page, you can view all the information you need to fill in.
  • It is the first thing to pick the type of trip you want to book, including Departure and Arrival Location along with the departure date, the number of cities that you intend to travel to as well as if you have any promo code you can enter to receive a discounts on the wares offered by SAPTCO.
  • A list of all available routes will be updated with departure and arrival time, along with prices of packages which are regular and discounted price.
  • The third step is to provide the passenger information if you’re registered user. Enter your login details and in the case of a visitors, choose “No thanks, continue as a user“.
  • Enter all your personal details i.e name, ID type, ID number version number and gender, nationality and date of birth.
  • Then click the Continue button to confirm your tickets. You will then be taken to the payments page, where you are able to pay with Mastercard, Visa and Sadad online payment.
  • Take note of your ticket number, and when you get towards Bus station give the information regarding online reservation at the counter. You will be able to collect the reservation details and journey across Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia.

2) Mobile Application from Apple & Android

Download the App on Android using Google playstore of iStore in Apple and follow the futher instructions.


3) Heading to one of the Company’s stations or travel agents www.saptco.com.sa/Branches

You can also directly visit Bus stations (Branches) by clicking on the link above


4) Self Service Machines

Book Your tickets using the Self Service Machines available in Saudi Arabia

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KSA lifts UAE Travel Ban from tomorrow https://saudiexpatriate.com/ksa-lifts-uae-travel-ban-from-tomorrow/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/ksa-lifts-uae-travel-ban-from-tomorrow/#respond Wed, 08 Sep 2021 19:04:00 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5015 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has decided to lift the travel ban on countries including the UAE, South Africa and Argentina from 11 a.m. tomorrow

Ministry of Interior said that on Tuesday that it had decided to lift the suspension of entry to the Kingdom from the below mentioned countries through the land, sea and air ports, and that Saudi citizens will also be allowed to travel to these countries without a travel ban, as per Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia lifts UAE travel ban

KSA lifts UAE travel ban from tomorrow

According to the source, the ministry’s decision is based on the report submitted by the authorized health authorities about the current situation of coronavirus pandemic situation in these countries.

It is very much important to adhere to all the precautionary measures and preventive protocols taken to stem the spread of coronavirus.

“All procedures and measures are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom in accordance with the developments in the epidemiological situation across the world,” the source added.

With Tuesday’s decision of the Ministry of Interior, the number of countries facing travel ban came down to 10 and they are India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Brazil, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Lebanon.

Recently, the ministry had issued directives which allowed direct entry of fully vaccinated expatriates (approved vaccines by kingdom) from the countries facing travel ban.

This decision is applicable only to those expatriates who have a valid Iqama and have left the Kingdom on exit and re-entry visa after taking two doses of vaccine against coronavirus from Saudi Arabia.

The authorities had allowed earlier direct entry to Saudi citizens, as well as to foreign diplomats, health practitioners and their families from the countries facing travel ban.

All other segments required to spend 14-day quarantine in a third country before their entry into the Kingdom.

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Five year Travel Ban & 100,000 Riyals Fine for Violating Travel Law https://saudiexpatriate.com/five-year-travel-ban-100000-riyals-fine-for-violating-travel-law/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/five-year-travel-ban-100000-riyals-fine-for-violating-travel-law/#respond Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:35:03 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=5008 Saudi Arabia has been following the precautionary measures in the kingdom very strictly to restrict the spread of coronavirus. Saudi Arabia has restricted few countries from directly entering the kingdom as well as have put some travel laws for domestic travel too.

Five year Travel Ban & 100,000 Riyals Fine for Violating Travel Law

Only People who are fully vaccinated by Saudi Approved vaccinations will be able to travel.

Five year Travel Ban 100,000 Riyals Fine for Violating Travel Law

Similarly, Saudi Arabia has increased the fines & penalties of people who will violate travel document law. As as per the new changes the penalty for neglecting Travel documents has been increased from SR 5000 to SR 100,000. People who are involved in editing, deleting, modifying information in passports, etc.

A violator will face a travel ban of 5 years.

Penalty will also be applied to people who will wontedly destroy or distort passport or any other travel document or information.

Fine for losing the passport or making illegal passports, or using others passport or changing information in travel documents.

The new law will also check for historical violations of the accused, if found guilty.

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Most Abandoned Places in the Saudi Arabia (KSA) https://saudiexpatriate.com/abandoned-haunted-places-in-the-saudi-arabia-ksa/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/abandoned-haunted-places-in-the-saudi-arabia-ksa/#respond Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:09:18 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=4911 Saudi Arabia Most Haunted & Abandoned Places in Saudi Arabia (KSA). These places were also mentioned in the list of Most haunted Places in Middle East region. Here are the few places in Saudi Arabia which are considered most haunted places

Most Abandoned Places in Saudi Arabia - SaudiExpatriate.com

Most Abandoned Places in the Saudi Arabia (KSA)

The Haunted House of Jeddah – Saudi Arabia

The most haunted house in Jeddah is located just 100 meters from the sea front on the North Corniche. All the expatriates know this place very well which is nearby expatriate communities in Jeddah.

The Haunted House of Jeddah Haunted Abandoned Place Saudi Arabia - SaudiExpatriate

Even the Cab drivers do not take the route which goes through the house. People say that it acts as a magnet to young people (Shabab).

News has reported that 16 members till now have entered into this house and never came back. This house is also known as Place Of Horror

Iqra Hospital in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia

Iqra Hospital hospital that was evacuated not long after it was completed. Even after 34 years the electricity still works. The reason it was abandoned is still unknown, some say it was abandoned because it was build on haunted grounds. It is believed that supernatural creatures (Jinns)

Iqra Hospital in Riyadh Haunted Abandoned Place Saudi Arabia - SaudiExpatriate

Iqra hospital was famous for treating combatants of Gulf war which happened in 1991. Many young people have raised questions to the government to take action against supernatural creations, but later the government issued a statement that the building is a private building

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Hajj 2021 for 60,000 Saudi residents & citizens only https://saudiexpatriate.com/hajj-2021-for-60000-saudi-residents-citizens-only/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/hajj-2021-for-60000-saudi-residents-citizens-only/#respond Sat, 12 Jun 2021 14:15:35 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=4816 Hajj 2021 :Saudi Arabia will limit the registration  to citizens and residents of KSA  keeping in view the Covid-19 pandemic and its various mutants.

The Ministry of Health and Hajj stated on Saturday that a total of 60,000 pilgrims will be allowed to perform the Annual Muslim pilgrimage this year.

The Hajj 2021 will begin in Mid of July.

The pilgrims who want to perform Hajj should  in the age range of 18 to 65 years, must be free of any chronic diseases. They should be vaccinated against the virus according to the standards of Kingdom’s vaccination measures.

The Saudi Arabia prioritizes the safety of guests to the Makkah e Mouzzama and Prophet Mohammed SAWS’s Masjid in Madina. The Kingdom always strives and is keen to provide best services and facilities to the guests & pilgrims coming to perform the Hajj & Umrah  rituals with ease.

Few  mandatory rules the ministry has put forth regarding the vaccination for covid-19 is the pilgrims should have vaccination, those who received at least one dose of Corona virus vaccine minimum 14 days before –those pilgrims got infected with corona virus and recovered and took the covid-19 vaccination.

OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomed the decision by the Kingdom to limit this year’s pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage.

The Saudi Arabia found great support and understanding form the Muslim countries for its decision to limit the pilgrims for the annual muslim pilgrimage which is the fifth pillar of Islamic faith..

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Saudi Entertainment & Tourism Sectors are Unfathomable opportunities https://saudiexpatriate.com/saudi-entertainment-tourism-sectors-are-unfathomable-opportunities/ https://saudiexpatriate.com/saudi-entertainment-tourism-sectors-are-unfathomable-opportunities/#respond Mon, 07 Jun 2021 07:42:35 +0000 https://saudiexpatriate.com/?p=4784 The Saudi entertainment and amusement sector is forecasted to be worth $1.17 billion by 2030 and grow by a massive 47.65 percent per year, according to a new industry report.

The US-based Research and Markets study said that the growth compares with just $23.77 million in 2020.

“The Saudi entertainment industry of is growing massively. Saudi Arabia has been putting its best effort to build a unique and world-class entertainment hub that includes innovative rides, cultural or historical attractions, and mega sporting events,” the report said.

The government has played a leading role in the change, establishing the General Authority for Entertainment (GAE) in 2016.

One of the biggest entertainment investments in the Kingdom is the Qiddiya project. Announced in 2017, work at the site — located just a 40-minute drive from the capital — began in April the following year.

The city — which will cover more than 366 square kilometers of land — will host a Formula One racing track, a Six Flags theme park, a water park, sports facilities including football stadiums and development infrastructure for young Saudi athletes, and an extensive range of cultural, creative and artistic activities.

Work started in January on the design for Falcon’s Flight, the record-breaking roller coaster set to be the flagship attraction at the theme park, which is scheduled to open in 2023 and will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands.

In February, golf legend Jack Nicklaus also announced that he was designing a course at Qiddiya, marking his first golf design project in the Kingdom.

“Qiddiya, a giga-project whose vision stems from the overarching Saudi Vision 2030, is destined to become the capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts,” Phillipe Gas, CEO of Qiddiya, told Arab News.

“It will be a disruptive destination recognized on the world stage as the home of the most innovative and immersive experiences, integrated on a scale never been seen before. It will be a celebration of life – a place where families, friends and couples spend quality time together and create unforgettable memories.

While events, cinemas and other attractions were closed as part of anti-coronavirus restrictions during the pandemic, May 18 saw the return of many entertainment businesses, with some limitations and social distancing policies in place.

Last month, GAE chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh announced the results of the “Ideas for Entertainment” initiative. From the more than 12,000 proposals submitted to the project, the top 20 ideas were selected.

The top submission was “The Grove,” which is described as “a rich experience encompassing an array of activities such as theatrical and musical performances, hiking expeditions and more.”

Entertainment is a key element of the cultural goals set out as part of Vision 2030, which aims to increase household expenditure in the sector from 2.9 percent to 6 percent by the end of the decade.

One of the massive breakthroughs came in April 2018, when Saudi Arabia’s 35-year ban on cinemas was lifted. As a result, a number of the world’s biggest cinema operators have moved into the dominion.
In December 2020, AMC Entertainment Holdings, the world’s largest movie exhibition company, opened a sixth movies in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a component of its plans to expand to 50 locations by 2024.
AMC also established the Saudi Cinema Co., a venture with Saudi Entertainment Ventures, an entity founded by the general public Investment Fund to become the state investment and development arm for the entertainment sector.
UAE-based chain VOX Cinemas also plans to create 600 screens across the dominion by 2023 as a part of a SR2 billion ($533 million) investment. The corporate plans to grow to 307 screens
nationwide over subsequent 12 months, launching 23 new sites in eight key Saudi regions.
In April the MUVI cinemas announced a  plan for expansion investing SR.820 Million for the year 2021.

https://saudiexpatriate.com/entertainment-concept-changing-saudi-arabia/

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