5 Things changed in the last 10 years, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Country is home to many people from different parts of the world. Many people came to this country for work but they stayed in this country for a very long time due to the lifestyle and offerings of the country. The luxury life of Riyadh is one of the best things which people from around the world come to enjoy. Here are “5 Things Changed in Riyadh for the last 10 years”.

Petrol Prices

The Fuel Prices increased in Saudi Arabia in the last decade but with the recent news, it seems like they are planning to make it more affordable. Saudi Arabia is one of the blessed countries where fuel is still cheaper than a lot of grocery and food products. However, there used to be a time when Petrol Prices used to SAR 0.30-0.45 per liter. This is not very long ago and imagine petrol was cheaper than a water bottle. The small water bottle uses to cost between SAR 0.50 – 1.00 and a meal would cost between SAR 3-10. Still, Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with affordable fuel prices. Most people use petrol instead of Diesel.

VAT Implementation

Saudi Arabia was one of the countries with 0% VAT for any consumer. The practice was followed in the Kingdom for over many decades. However, in recent years, Saudi Arabia introduced Value Added Tax first time. The VAT was first introduced on 1st January 2018. The VAT is set at 5%.

Visas

Saudi Arabia uses to practice a very traditional practice when it uses to come to visas. The only visas allowed were Umrah, Hajj, Family visit visa and Business Visa. However this year, Kingdom opening many visas and welcoming people from around the world. Some of the visas KSA has introduced are Tourist Visa, Relatives/Host Visa and removing the restriction for Pilgrims to visit any other city. KSA also introduced on arrival and electronic visas for many countries.

Entertainment

Saudi Arabia had a different kind of entertainment compared to other parts of the world. This entertainment included desert activities, malls, shopping, and cars, etc. However, in the last 2 years, KSA had become the hub for entertainment. General Entertainment Authority bringing many entertainment events and season for the citizens, residents & visitors. The biggest example of entertainment is the ongoing Saudi Season. Currently the Riyadh Season. Over 5000+ events last year and many to come.

Women can drive without any restriction

Lastly, this was a big change in the Kingdom. Women were not allowed to drive in the Kingdom which is why they use to have drivers. These drivers were mostly hired from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sudan and other third world countries. Although the change looks small it has brought joy and removed dependency for women living in Saudi Arabia.

Women can now drive to workplaces, shop and do anything like they like which opens more opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The decision was very well welcomed by citizens and expatriates living in Saudi Arabia.

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