Speaking to Breaking Travel News in London, Fahd Hamidaddin, chief of investment, strategy and tourism marketing at the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, tells us how a recent change in visa regulations will impact on demand for the country. With a series of new investments also reaching fruition, it is an exciting time for the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia.

Unmarried foreign couples will be allowed to rent hotel rooms together in Saudi Arabia for the first time as part of a wider drive to boost the tourism sector. Under the new rules, women will also be allowed to stay in hotel rooms alone.

UberTaxi can be accessed through the Uber app as another choice in service in addition to UberX. The rider will then be matched to the nearest taxi in the exact same way they are matched with any other service on Uber.

Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to international visitors for the first time. The conservative Middle Eastern kingdom has unveiled plans for a new visa regime for 49 countries, while also relaxing strict dresscodes for female visitors.

Under the plans the company will conduct a study to build the world’s longest test and certification hyperloop track, as well as a research and development centre and hyperloop manufacturing facility north of Jeddah.

Hilton and Shomoul Holding Company have signed a landmark agreement to develop and operate four hotels in The Avenues – Riyadh, the largest mixed-use development project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.