Branson is the first international investor to commit to the project, Saudi Arabia’s information ministry said, in what officials called “a clear sign that Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to international tourism”. Saudi Arabia is one of the most conservative countries in the world, only last week passing a decree allowing women to drive. On 1 August, Saudi Arabia announced plans to turn 34,000 sq km (13,127 sq miles) of its Red Sea coastline into luxury resorts. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is headed by Prince Mohammed, will provide the initial investment into the Red Sea project, with construction slated to start in 2019. The Red Sea project is expected to generate 35,000 jobs, according to the Saudi government.

Source: The Guardian October 01, 2017 15:57 UTC