Saudi Arabia lifts ban on travel using national ID cards for UAE and GCC citizens

GCC citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia can once again do so using only their national ID cards.

The kingdom has lifted a suspension on using the cards for travel that was put in place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that the document is now accepted for travel to and from Saudi Arabia for all GCC citizens.

GCC citizens scan their ID cards at digital immigration gates in King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. Reuters

Citizens are reminded to check requirements for entry to any GCC country they are travelling to, as different rules are in place in each destination.

The family registry card for Saudi Arabian citizens is not a valid document for travel to and from the GCC states, said Jawazat.

National ID cards became invalid for travel in February 2020 after the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented the rule to coincide with the onset of precautionary measures designed to combat Covid-19 in the kingdom.

During the pandemic, GCC citizens needed a passport for travel within the Gulf.

Dubai to Jeddah third-busiest international air route

Dubai to Jeddah was the third-busiest international air route in the world in April. AFP / Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umra

The new move eases restrictions for those travelling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, one of the most popular journeys in the region.

Flights from Dubai to Jeddah and Riyadh have been among the busiest international air routes for several months, with Dubai to Jeddah being the world's third-busiest route in April, according to aviation data provider OAG.

The kingdom’s tourism offerings are growing, boosted by high-profile projects such as Trojena — a futuristic snow-filled mountain escape that will offer skiing, snowboarding and apres-ski vibes in Neom; and the launch of the country's first water park, a mega-project with 22 rides and slides that will be the biggest in the region.

Next on the agenda for visitors to Saudi Arabia will be Jeddah Season 2022, which starts on the first day of Eid al Fitr and is returning after a two-year hiatus. Taking place over 60 days, it includes shows, exhibitions, interactive experiences, restaurants, shops, bazaars and more.

Key facilities

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An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Recent winners

2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)

2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)

2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)

2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)

2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)

2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)

2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)

2011 Maria Farah (Canada)

2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)

2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)

2014 Lia Saad (UAE)

2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)

2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)

2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)

2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)

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• Direct red-card incidents

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Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

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