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    Saudi Arabia announces major visa update for GCC residents

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    Lifestyle

    by Varun Godinho
    2 hours ago

    With tourism increasing in Saudi Arabia, the latest regulations allow GCC residents to travel with ease into the country.
    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a new visa scheme that will be applicable to residents of GCC states, the US, the EU and the UK.
    The new visas which include single, as well as multiple-entry options will be valid for both tourism and performing Umrah within Makkah. The visa price starts at SAR300 (Dhs293), with an additional component payable for health insurance.
    As per the latest regulations, the ministry added that residents of the UK, us and EU shall be able to apply for a visa on arrival in the Kingdom.
    UK, US and EU residents who hold a passport with at least six months of validity can get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa online.
    “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement, it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority.
    The ministry said that residents of GCC states, there are five other GCC member countries apart from Saudi which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE that can now apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi.

    In another significant development with regard to its visa offerings, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the introduction of a new multi-entry visit visa to the kingdom for all those who possess a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya card. Holders of the Hayya card can apply for the new Saudi visa online. Visas will allow for a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
    Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries. To read the full list and apply for the visa online go to visitsaudi.com
    This article was originally published on Business Traveller Middle East and has been repurposed here with permission.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Emirates Woman March Cover Shoot 2022  with Neom More

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      The ultimate visitors guide to Beirut

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Two years following the devastating blast, Beirut is still on its way to rebuilding itself.
      However, with the spirit of Lebanon’s people and as a city with a rich heritage, it’s a place that continues to be a go-to destination for visitors the globe over.
      From handicrafts to restaurants with seafront promenades, the city presents a host of activities for all those to be experienced with friends and family.
      So, for your next trip to Beirut, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the must-visit hotspots to add to your itinerary.
      Restaurants
      Amelia

      Guests are taken on a culinary journey born of Japanese and Peruvian origins. With freshly baked pizza and a host of must-try cocktails, this fine-dining haven is the perfect way to unwind in a regal setting. Located on Armenia street in Mar Mikhael, this restaurant is sure to please your taste buds.
      Em Sherif Café

      To rediscover culinary traditions, this luxe restaurant serves sumptuous bites and delectable delicacies with authentic flavours. With a first-class dining experience, this restaurant serves dishes in a cosy environment with a wide variety of mezze and food. Located in Minet El Hosn, Downtown, this café is open from Monday to Sunday 9am to 3am.
      emsherif.com
      Clap

      This fine-dining Japanese restaurant authentically presents culture through its omakase-style menu. From grilled umami chicken wings to black cod miso, there are a host of dishes to try in an intimate environment. Located in Martyr’s Square, Annahar Building, this restaurant lies in the heart of the city.
      clapbeirut.com
      Yamas

      For traditional Greek cuisine with an artistic twist, this restaurant brings exciting classic flavours and a fun ambience. From stunning sunset views to a carefully curated menu, there’s enough and more to feel at home at this restaurant. Located at Aishti by the sea, at Atelias Seaside Road in Lebanon, it’s open daily from 5pm to 2am.
      Hotels
      Hotel Albergo

      Emulating an old-time charm, this sophisticated sanctuary delivers old-fashioned service with boudoir-style suits, antique hunted pieces and dead sea amenities for the ultimate luxe escape. Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood in East Beirut, this chic property lies at the epitome of peace.
      For more information visit albergobeirut.com
      Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge

      Whether you’re on the lookout for a sunny day by the pool or escape with a lavish beachfront, this hotel is the place to be. The rooms offer a panoramic view of the city with beach lounge access to unwind. From VIP areas to private jacuzzis, this luxe getaway offers the perfect escape on your next visit.
      rivierahotel.com.lb
      Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort

      By bringing the most refined European experience to the heart of Beirut, this luxurious property gives visitors a break from the bustling city life. This five-star resort is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea with a labyrinth of pools, private jacuzzi bungalows and an ideal getaway for creating memories worth a lifetime.
      Kempinski.com
      Activities
      Visit the Pigeon Rocks

      This famous natural structure is situated close to Ramlet el-Bayda and is open to the public to experience its clifftop walks, natural harbours and 60-metre rocks reminiscent of a bygone era. For those who wish to get a closer look, they can take a boat trip to witness this wonder closely.
      Sursock Museum

      For an insight into Lebanese art, this museum is an inviting space that supports artists within the country. Born out of Lebanese collector Nicholas Sursock’s commitment to art, this contemporary haven showcases International artists, Japanese engravings and Islamic art with over 800 pieces on display. Located in Achrafieh, this museum’s structure gives visitors an insight into Lebanon’s classic architecture.
      sursock. museum
      Discover the Ancient Roman Baths

      As a meeting house for local people, these major thermal complexes have become an archaeological site for tourists and residents to visit. Situated 15 minutes away by walk from Saifi Village, it is now used as a concert venue and a section is transformed into a home for medicinal plants that were used during Roman times to nourish and heal the skin.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @lebanonalacarte More