User:Tarafa15/Saudi Arabia Tourism section

Tourism
Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. According to the World Bank, approximately 14.3 million people visited Saudi Arabia in 2012, making it the world's 19th-most-visited country. Tourism is an important component of the Saudi Vision 2030 and according to a report conducted by BMI Research in 2018, both religious and non-religious tourism have significant potential for expansion.

Current projects include the Red Sea development, a luxury resort across 50 islands on the Red Sea coast; and the 334 sq km Al Qiddiya entertainment park, which will include a Six Flags theme park, water parks and motor sports. The first phases of both projects are due for completion in 2022.

In Mecca, a $3.2 billion multi-use complex including hotels, restaurants and malls is being developed near the Grand Mosque to cater for Muslims making the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Heritage sites in the northwestern Al-`Ula region, including the Nabatean tombs of Mada'in Saleh, are due to receive tourists in 2022.

Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas in April 2018. The kingdom aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030.

Starting December 2018, the kingdom will offer an electronic visa for foreign visitors to attend sport events and concerts. The "sharek" visa process will start with 15 December, Saudia Ad Diriyah E Prix race.