9 Oct
Saudi Arabia has made itself more open to foreign tourists by allowing unmarried couples to share hotel rooms.
The move came after Saudi Arabia announced a visa program for citizens in some 50 countries and regions including Japan in September. The program is the first of its kind.
This is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic reform.
Local media quoted the Saudi Arabian government as saying that tourist visas had been issued to about 24,000 people from China, Britain and other countries by Monday.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage said on Sunday that foreign men and women will no longer be asked to show documents to prove they are married while checking into hotels.
Foreign women will also be exempted from wearing all-covering black robes, but will be required to dress modestly. Alcohol remains banned.
nhk
