Following government incentives to promote domestic tourism, new projects worth SR10 billion [U.S. $ 2.67 billion], for resorts, hotels, and furnished villas, have been carried out by Saudi businessmen, bringing total outlay in the sector to over SR30 billion [$ 8 billion]. By the end of 2001, the Kingdom had 649 hotels with 69,968 rooms, and 1,129 licenses had been issued for the establishment of furnished villas.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior today issued a statement requiring all cars entering or passing through the Kingdom to acquire automobile insurance from authorized companies in Saudi Arabia. Effective November 20, 2002, the concerned authorities at all land and sea entry points will not allow any car to enter without insurance. A fine of between SR 100 [$ 26.7] and SR 300 [$ 80.1] will be imposed on cars traveling with no or expired insurance.

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