Saudi Arabia has introduced ‘Ramadan Lights’, a tourism campaign aimed at attracting international visitors during the holy month. Launched under the national tourism brand ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’, the initiative is part of the broader ‘This Land is Calling’ global promotion and highlights Saudi Arabia’s unique Ramadan experiences across key destinations.
The campaign aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to increase annual visitor numbers to 100 million. With a strong focus on India, a key market for religious, leisure, and business travel, Saudi Arabia is expanding accessibility and travel options to cater to rising demand.
Ramadan Tourism Across Saudi Arabia
The campaign showcases Ramadan traditions across major cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Saudi Red Sea region. Visitors can experience vibrant Ramadan bazaars, historic mosques, cultural events, and traditional souks.
- Riyadh: Souk Al Zal offers authentic shopping, incense, and textiles, while Ramadan events like Ghabga provide cultural entertainment.
- Jeddah: Al Balad’s heritage district, Al Falah Square Bazaar, and diverse food experiences in Ramadan tents highlight the city’s rich traditions.
- AlUla: A peaceful Ramadan retreat featuring cultural heritage, Bukhoor Road’s traditional markets, and Ramadan gatherings at Al-Manishiyah Square.
- Saudi Red Sea: A mix of beachfront tourism, water sports, and relaxation, blending modern leisure with Ramadan observance.
Enhanced Connectivity and Easier Visas
Saudi Arabia has expanded flight connectivity and streamlined visa processes to attract more travelers. There are now over 330 direct flights from India, operated by SAUDIA, FlyNas, Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet. Indigo recently launched daily flights between Bengaluru and Jeddah, improving accessibility.
For Indian travelers, Saudi Arabia offers eVisas, visa-on-arrival options for U.S., U.K., or Schengen visa holders, and a 96-hour Stopover Visa. Visa processing has also been simplified through VFS Tasheer centers in Indian cities, ensuring a smoother application process.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Ramadan Tourism Market
With ‘Ramadan Lights’, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its tourism sector beyond religious travel, emphasizing its cultural and heritage-rich Ramadan experience. The campaign positions the country as a top Ramadan destination, offering a blend of traditional hospitality, immersive experiences, and modern travel conveniences.
