Saudi COVID-19 travel insurance approved as EU moves closer to opening

Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) had approved the product to be sold through Tawuniya with the participation of some Saudi insurers. (Shutterstock)
Short Url
Updated 03 May 2021
Follow

Saudi COVID-19 travel insurance approved as EU moves closer to opening

  • It follows the decision to allow citizens to leave the Kingdom from May 17

DUBAI: Tawuniya said it had received final approval for an insurance product for Saudis traveling overseas that covers COVID-19 risks.
It follows the decision to allow citizens to leave the Kingdom from May 17 and it comes as the European Union's executive recommended on Monday that vaccinated foreign citizens and those coming from low risk countries be allowed to travel into the bloc without additional restrictions. The EU currently allows citizens of seven countries to come on holidays.
Tawuniya said on Monday that the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) had approved a travel insurance product with the participation of some Saudi insurers.
The new policy coincides with the lifting of travel restrictions on citizens who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or one shot in cases where they have been vaccinated 14 days before departure as detailed by the Tawakkalna app.
Citizens who have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic within the last six months will be also allowed to travel abroad.
Those under 18 will be required to provide an insurance policy approved by SAMA.
They will need to stay in home quarantine for seven days after returning to the Kingdom and take a PCR test at the end of that period. Passengers under eight years old will be exempt from that test.
Gulf airlines are gradually restoring capacity and adding new routes as the prospects for international tourism improve in some countries.

 


PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

Updated 14 sec ago
Follow

PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

RIYADH: The first day of the PIF Private Sector Forum marked the signing of several agreements spanning travel, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, innovation, urban development, and industrial sectors.

In the tourism, travel, and entertainment sector, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Public Investment Fund’s Dan Co. and Fresh on Table to expand the latter’s platform in Saudi Arabia, enhance cooperation, and establish consolidation centers in Dan Co.’s facilities across targeted cities.

Dan Co. also signed an MoU with DRB Arabia to collaborate on the development of the Tuaja Resort Community Center in Al-Ahsa, establishing a framework for cooperation between the two parties.

King Abdullah Economic City and Almosafer Travel and Tourism Co. agreed to a joint venture to support tourism promotion and destination marketing.

Cruise Saudi and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to strengthen initiatives in travel optimization and digital innovation, while FlyAkeed also partnered with Al-Ula Club to explore opportunities in automation and digital transformation. Additionally, the PIF and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to advance digital travel solutions and enhance service delivery leveraging FlyAkeed’s capabilities.

In urban development and livability, the PIF signed an MoU with ABB Academy to develop the Saudi workforce through targeted training programs. Another agreement with Saudi Tabreed will explore expanding high-quality district cooling solutions for large-scale developments, aligning with national sustainability goals. Fraunhofer IAO will collaborate with the PIF on waste management and innovative construction methods to support smart city development.

The industrial and logistics sector also saw multiple agreements. Nupco signed an MoU with Saudi Awwal Bank to strengthen healthcare supply chains, while Saudi Arabia Railways partnered with Siemens Mobility to localize manufacturing, develop the Kingdom’s rail infrastructure, and advance industrial capabilities. The Royal Commission of AlUla signed a deal with TASAMA to support its operational and strategic objectives.

In advanced manufacturing and innovation, Tasaru Mobility Investments signed multiple agreements with Masarat Mobility Park, Shin Young, JVIS, Benteler, Lear Corp., and Fangxin. Electric vehicle maker Lucid also inked deals with Benteler, JVIS, Shin Young, and Lear Corp.

Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown EV brand, Ceer, signed agreements with Mino, Natpet Schulman Specialty Plastic Compounds, Xinyi Glass, MK Tron, Sika, Saudi Controls, AVL, FEV, Zamil Trade and Services, Zamil Plastics, and Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. CEO James DeLuca highlighted that Ceer is set to sign 16 agreements valued at SR3.7 billion ($990 million) at the forum, noting that 90% of these are commercial contracts rather than MoUs.