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Saudi takes steps to diverse tourism attractions

Xinhua, April 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

Saudi Arabia has taken steps to diverse its tourism attractions to retrieve tens of billions dollars which its nationals spend abroad, Al Sharq Al Awsat local newspaper reported on Sunday.

After the formation of an entertainment authority, the country announced this week the establishment of the largest cultural, sports and entertainment city in Riyadh.

Besides attracting certain percentage of the money spent by locals during their foreign travel, Saudi Arabia is hoping the city will increase foreign currencies flow through tourists from all over the world.

Saudi investor Dr Nasser Al Tayar said that there were an average of 7 million Saudis travel annually abroad, while the city will attract large number among them.

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced on Saturday that city is the first of its kind in the world with an area of 334 square kilometers, including a major safari area.

He said that the city is part of a plan to diversify the sources of national income, boosts Saudi economy and creates more job opportunities for young people.

The Deputy Crown Prince said that the project whose foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in the beginning of 2018 and the opening of its first phase in 2022. Endit