Travels and Visa
Fly into Saudi Arabia (Tabuk, TUU)
Fly into Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) — Tabuk
- The closest airport to the University of Tabuk is Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU), located about 6–7 km from Tabuk city center.
- TUU has both domestic and some international connections. Direct or connecting flights are available from major regional hubs such as Dubai, Cairo, Amman, and other Middle Eastern cities.
Typical routing from overseas
- From North America/Europe/Asia → fly into a Middle Eastern hub like Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Dubai (DXB), Amman (AMM), etc.
- Then connect with a flight to Tabuk (TUU) using carriers like Saudia, Flynas, Flydubai, etc.
Tip: Book connecting flights on the same ticket – this helps with visa/layover coordination, baggage transfer, and any delay situation.
From Tabuk Airport to the University of Tabuk
Transportation Options
Once you land at TUU:
Taxi / Ride-share
- Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal.
- The university is about 12 km from central Tabuk, roughly 12 min by taxi.
Ride-Share Apps Available in Tabuk
- Uber – available and widely used
- Uber operates in Tabuk and you can request rides 24/7 using the Uber app.
- You can request typical UberX rides and larger vehicles (e.g., UberXL) depending on availability.
- This works for pickups from Tabuk Airport (TUU)
- Careem – works in Saudi Arabia
- Careem is another popular app in Saudi cities for booking rides on demand.
- It’s common in Tabuk (and other regions of KSA) as a reliable alternative to Uber.
Tips for Ride-Sharing in Tabuk
- Download and set up the app before your trip
- Make sure you have a working Saudi SIM card with data if possible — some drivers may prefer local numbers.
- Payment – Both Uber and Careem accept credit/debit cards in the app.
Rental Car
- Car rental counters are inside the airport terminal.
- Useful if you want flexibility or plan visits around the region.
Shuttle or Airport Transfer
- Some hotels or private transfer services offer shuttle vans into Tabuk city.
Reach the Conference Venue
University of Tabuk
- Address: King Faisal Road, Educational Estate, Tabuk 71421, Saudi Arabia.
- The campus is where the 3rd GCC IEOM conference sessions will be held.
Once in Tabuk city center, the University of Tabuk campus can be reached easily by:
- Taxi (quickest and easiest) – get some Saudi Riyal from the money exchange
- Uber / Careem – ride share
- Hotel shuttle
- Rental car
Visa
Visa Requirements
- Most international visitors need a Saudi Arabia e-Visa or tourist/ business visa before arrival.
- Check the Saudi eVisa portal or contact the Saudi consulate in your country well before travel.
Flight Surge/Congestion
- Early February is conference season, so book flights and hotels as far in advance as possible for best prices and availability.
Accommodation Recommendations with discounted rates
- Grand Millennium Tabuk: Room Rates (with breakfast) Deluxe – USD 150, Executive USD 205. Booking link – https://millenniumhotels.com/en/bookings/?hotelcode=16424&checkin=2025-11-29&promocode=GCCIEOM
- Marvelous Hotel: Room rates (with breakfast) – single classic SAR 250, double classic SAR 300, single deluxe SAR 300, and double deluxe SAR 350, Google Form Booking Link: https://forms.gle/GC5N46SGmGtnSS8y8. WhatsApp Booking: +966 50 715 5575.
- Sunway Hotel:Room rates (with breakfast) – single classic SAR 275, double classic SAR 325, single deluxe SAR 350, and double deluxe SAR 400, Google Form Booking Link: https://forms.gle/gCVpVdSQGV6mNL2R6. WhatsApp Booking: +966 50 715 5575, +966 53 063 6328.
For Google Form: Once the guest submits the form, the booking request will be automatically received by the reservations team via email, and they will contact the guest within 24 hours to confirm the booking.
Umrah on Saudi Tourist Visa
- Saudi tourist e-visa holders are allowed to perform Umrah
- This policy applies to visitors from eligible countries who enter on:
- Tourist e-Visa
- Visa on Arrival
- You do NOT need a separate Umrah visa anymore
Nusuk App (Required)
- You must use the Nusuk app (official Saudi app) to:
- Book your Umrah permit
- Schedule entry to Masjid al-Haram
- Arrange Rawdah visit (in Madinah, if desired)
- Available on iOS & Android
- Works with tourist visa holders
Buy a SIM at the Airport (Recommended)
You can purchase a SIM immediately after arrival at major airports such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, and Tabuk.
Major Telecom Operators
- STC (Saudi Telecom Company) – best coverage nationwide
- Mobily – good data packages
- Zain – competitive prices
What You Need
- Passport
- Valid visa (tourist/business)
- Biometric (fingerprint) – done at the counter
Typical Tourist SIM Packages
- 10–20 GB data
- Local + international minutes
- Valid for 7–30 days
- SAR 50–100
Airport SIMs are activated instantly and are ideal if you need Uber/Careem right away.
Buy SIM at Telecom Stores (City Centers & Malls)
If you don’t buy at the airport:
- Visit STC, Mobily, or Zain stores in malls or city centers
- Same documents required
- Prices may be slightly cheaper than airport counters
eSIM (Very Convenient)
If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest option.
SIM Registration Rules (Important)
- SIMs must be registered to your passport
- Each visitor can register up to 2 SIM cards
- Unregistered SIMs will not work
Why SIM is Important in Saudi
- Ride-sharing (Uber, Careem)
- Nusuk app (Umrah permits)
- Maps, hotel check-ins, conference coordination
- WhatsApp & email
- You can use vpn for whatsapp call, otherwise you can use texting onlu
Conference Timing Reminder
IEOM 3rd GCC Conference Dates: February 2–4, 2026
Venue: University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
There is also a virtual Zoom option if you cannot attend in person.
3rd GCC International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, February 2-4, 2026
Host: University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Website: www.ieomsociety.org/saudiarabia2025/
Preliminary Program: https://ieomsociety.org/documents/program-tabuk2025.pdf
Submission Link: https://www.xcdsystem.com/IEOM/abstract/index.cfm?ID=7v4USiq
Registration Link: https://www.xcdsystem.com/IEOM/attendee/index.cfm?ID=O1lLs2m