IN BRIEF (Page 9)

Saudi Arabia

Nation to offer tourist visas for first time

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that it will offer tourist visas for the first time, opening up the kingdom to tourists as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil. Kick-starting tourism is one of the centerpieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform program to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era. "Visitors will be surprised... by the treasures we have to share - five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty," tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a statement. Saudi Arabia will open online applications for tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries on Saturday, Bloomberg News quoted Khateeb as saying. Khateeb said the kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women.