Saudi money is leaving the Kingdom; some of our companies and factories are closing down and moving to neighboring Gulf states and Saudi investors are declining to put their money in places like Baha and Asir that have promising tourism potential. Why is that?
These are important questions that need answers from the relevant bodies, both government ministries and private businesses. The answers everyone expects to hear must be clear and convincing.
I know of a Saudi who moved to Dubai saying he was impressed by the facilities and incentives offered by the city-emirate. He started a 700 million dirham project there which is nearing completion.
He comes from a beautiful city in the southern part of the Kingdom, an area rich in tourist potential. When I asked why he has chosen another city to his own to put his money in, he provided me with a answer in just two words; red tape.
Faced with frustrating procedures and long delays my friend decided to move to Dubai where he said he was warmly welcomed.
Our country has the ingredients and potentials that could turn it into an international tourist attraction; the annual Haj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and Umrah which is now open for visitors ten months in the year, different types of climate in a country the size of a continent blessed with mountains, forests, plains, beautiful clean coasts and vast stretches of deserts.
If this is the case, why then are we not progressing in this area and why do we lag behind in developing these tourism potentials?
Definitely, something is wrong somewhere and it needs to be addressed. A joint effort is needed to develop the tourist sector involving such bodies as King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue, the Shoura Council, regional councils and the newly elected municipal councils as well as all other relevant bodies.
