Dune Bashing
Credit: Neil Wilkie
DISCOVERING
R I YA D H & J E D D A H
Saudi Arabia
has a vision for the future — Vision 2030.
Spearheaded by the reformist 32-year-old, Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Salman, it seeks to open up the famously conservative country
in a number of ways. These are referred to as the three “pillars”: an
ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society. Already,
they’ve led to advancements for women, including the right to drive,
attend sporting events, vote, and get elected. In February 2017, the
Saudi stock exchange named its first female chairperson in history,
Sarah Al Suhaimi.
This year, the kingdom plans to start issuing tourist visas, with the aim
to welcome 30 million visitors per year by 2030, doubling the current
number. The two cities that stand to benefit the most are the capital,
Riyadh, and coastal city, Jeddah. Both destinations offer a different
face of Saudi life, not to mention a slew of attractions. Whether there
for business or pleasure, consider these highlights.
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AUTUMN 2018 39 FLYWASHINGTON.COM