Saudi Arabia and Oman to Introduce Joint Tourist Visa

In a bid to attract tourists to their respective countries and enhance tourism cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Oman’s tourism ministers have unveiled a series of joint initiatives. The ministers also engaged in discussions regarding the introduction of a shared tourist visa during their meeting in Muscat.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmad Al Khatib and his Omani counterpart, Salem Al Mahrooqi, held fruitful talks focused on promoting tourism in both nations.

Joint Initiatives Aim to Attract Tourists and Enhance Cooperation

The newly announced Saudi-Oman projects are designed to entice foreign tourists, as well as citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These initiatives include the launch of a unified tourist visa, seasonal flights, and the establishment of a joint tourism calendar, according to the Saudi news agency SPA.

Furthermore, one of the key collaborative efforts seeks to boost investment cooperation, particularly in the tourism sector. The initiative also aims to provide support to entrepreneurs in the field and enhance the training of tourism professionals. This strategy was approved by GCC leaders in December of the previous year.

Al Mahrooqi emphasized that both Oman and Saudi Arabia are prominent tourist destinations in the region, boasting remarkable natural and cultural diversity, as reported by the Omani news agency ONA.

Rise in Tourism Numbers and Expenditure Highlights Success of Efforts

Recent data indicate a significant rise in tourism between the two countries. In the first quarter of this year alone, approximately 164,000 Omani tourists visited Saudi Arabia, marking a notable 136 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. These visitors spent approximately SR310 million, indicating a substantial rise of 71 per cent in expenditure, as reported by SPA.

On the other hand, nearly 49,000 tourists from Saudi Arabia visited Oman in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting a significant 92 per cent increase from the corresponding period last year. Additionally, there was a notable surge of 117 per cent in tourist spending.

Both Saudi Arabia and Oman are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional organization also comprising the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

In a momentous visit in July 2021, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman became the first Omani leader to visit Saudi Arabia in over a decade. During the visit, the two nations signed an agreement establishing a joint council to coordinate efforts across various sectors. This trip marked Sultan Haitham’s first foreign visit since assuming power in January 2020.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman reciprocated the visit by travelling to Oman in December 2021.

With these joint initiatives and collaborative efforts, Saudi Arabia and Oman aim to further enhance their tourism sectors, attract more visitors, and strengthen the bonds between their nations. The introduction of a shared tourist visa and other measures will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and prosperity of the tourism industry in both countries.