ISLAMABAD: Prince Sultan Bin Salman, Presi­dent of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, has launched the Post-Umrah Programme, an initiative which allows Umrah pilgrims to convert their visas into tourist visas.

This is a key channel of “The Kingdom is Muslims’ Destination” initiative, which was proposed by the commission several years ago, Saudi Gazette reported on Monday.

Also read: KSA to issue 10m Umrah visas in 2016

In a press statement following the launching ceremony in Riyadh, Prince Sultan said the programme aims at providing an opportunity to Umrah pilgrims to see the landmarks of the country, Islamic historical sites, attractive tourist destinations and shopping centres and malls. They might also opt to make cultural, medical, educational and marketing tours, visit exhibitions and attend conferences after having completed their Umrah, he added.

Business visa holders and GCC citizens can also avail themselves of the opportunity to join the post-Umrah programme, he said.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2016