Saudi Arabia is throwing its doors open to international tourists as part of the Opec member nation’s drive to diversify its economy away from an over-reliance on oil revenues.

Whereas visitor visas were previously largely restricted to business people, expatriate workers and pilgrims to holy Islamic sites, citizens from almost 50 countries can now apply online for tourist visas.

Certain restrictions have also been relaxed, with women no longer required to be accompanied by a male, but the ban on alcohol remains in place, while non-Muslims will still not be allowed to visit Mecca or Medina.

Women will not have to wear the abaya robe but will still have to maintain modest dress, Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb said as he unveiled the plans late last week.

Describing the decision to open up to international tourism as “a historic moment” for Saudi Arabia, Khateeb said: “Visitors will be surprised... by the treasures we have to share – five Unesco world heritage sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.”

Saudi Arabia revealed plans in early 2018 to plough $64 billion into its burgeoning entertainment industry over the next decade, with the construction of an opera house and the building of five mansions as part of the multi-billion-dollar entertainment megacity being set up outside the capital, Riyadh.

Getting international tourists to flock to the kingdom may be one of the harder sells in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, especially in the wake of the destructive drone and missile attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais last month.

However, Khateeb added: “Our cities are among the most safe cities globally. Therefore, we don’t believe at all it will impact our plans. We have all the ex-pats living in Saudi Arabia, enjoying Saudi Arabia. We’re very secure.”

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Saudis set off on tourist trail