Dubai – Masaader News
Saudi Arabian authorities will allow the unmarried foreign couples to rent hotel rooms together as a part of a new visa regime announced by the religiously conservative kingdom, according to BBC.
Women will also be allowed to stay in hotel rooms alone.
Couples previously had to prove they were married before getting a hotel room.
The government move comes amid efforts by Saudi Arabia to grow its tourism industry.
“But all Saudi nationals are asked to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels,” the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage said in a statement.
“This is not required of foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone, providing ID on check-in.”
The new visa regulations state that female tourists are not required to fully cover up but are still expected to dress modestly.