{"id":2011,"date":"2026-01-02T13:23:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T13:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/?page_id=2011"},"modified":"2026-01-02T13:23:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T13:23:59","slug":"travels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/travels\/","title":{"rendered":"Travels"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>Travels and Visa<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Fly into Saudi Arabia (Tabuk, TUU)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Fly into Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) \u2014 Tabuk<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The closest airport to the University of Tabuk is Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU), located about 6\u20137 km from Tabuk city center.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Typical routing from overseas<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>From North America\/Europe\/Asia \u2192 fly into a Middle Eastern hub like Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Dubai (DXB), Amman (AMM), etc.<\/li>\n<li>Then connect with a flight to Tabuk (TUU) using carriers like Saudia, Flynas, Flydubai, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Book connecting flights on the same ticket &#8211; this helps with visa\/layover coordination, baggage transfer, and any delay situation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>From Tabuk Airport to the University of Tabuk<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Transportation Options<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Once you land at <strong>TUU<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Taxi \/ Ride-share<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal.<\/li>\n<li>The university is about 12 km from central Tabuk, roughly 12 min by taxi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Ride-Share Apps Available in Tabuk<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"287\"><strong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"287\"> Uber \u2013 available and widely used<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"369\">Uber operates in Tabuk and you can request rides 24\/7 using the Uber app.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"471\">You can request typical UberX rides and larger vehicles (e.g., UberXL) depending on availability.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"572\">This works for pickups from Tabuk Airport (TUU)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"615\"><strong data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"615\"> Careem \u2013 works in Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"694\">Careem is another popular app in Saudi cities for booking rides on demand.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"817\">It\u2019s common in Tabuk (and other regions of KSA) as a reliable alternative to Uber.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"856\">Tips for Ride-Sharing in Tabuk<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"910\">Download and set up the app before your trip<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"1063\">Make sure you have a working Saudi SIM card with data if possible \u2014 some drivers may prefer local numbers.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1080\">Payment &#8211;\u00a0Both Uber and Careem accept credit\/debit cards in the app.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Rental Car<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Car rental counters are inside the airport terminal.<\/li>\n<li>Useful if you want flexibility or plan visits around the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0Shuttle or Airport Transfer<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some hotels or private transfer services offer shuttle vans into Tabuk city.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Reach the Conference Venue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>University of Tabuk<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Address: King Faisal Road, Educational Estate, Tabuk 71421, Saudi Arabia.<\/li>\n<li>The campus is where the 3<sup>rd<\/sup> GCC IEOM conference sessions will be held.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once in Tabuk city center, the University of Tabuk campus can be reached easily by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taxi (quickest and easiest) \u2013 get some Saudi Riyal from the money exchange<\/li>\n<li>Uber \/ Careem &#8211; ride share<\/li>\n<li>Hotel shuttle<\/li>\n<li>Rental car<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Visa<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Visa Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Most international visitors need a Saudi Arabia e-Visa or tourist\/ business visa before arrival.<\/li>\n<li>Check the Saudi eVisa portal or contact the Saudi consulate in your country well before travel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Flight Surge\/Congestion<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Early February is conference season, so book flights and hotels as far in advance as possible for best prices and availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Accommodation Recommendations with discounted rates<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Grand Millennium Tabuk<\/strong>: Room Rates (with breakfast) Deluxe \u2013 USD 150, Executive USD 205. Booking link \u2013\u00a0<a style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/millenniumhotels.com\/en\/bookings\/?hotelcode=16424&amp;checkin=2025-11-29&amp;promocode=GCCIEOM\">https:\/\/millenniumhotels.com\/en\/bookings\/?hotelcode=16424&amp;checkin=2025-11-29&amp;promocode=GCCIEOM<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Marvelous Hotel:\u00a0<\/strong>Room rates (with breakfast) \u2013 single classic SAR 250, double classic SAR 300, single deluxe SAR 300, and double deluxe SAR 350, Google Form Booking Link:\u00a0<a style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/GC5N46SGmGtnSS8y8\">https:\/\/forms.gle\/GC5N46SGmGtnSS8y8<\/a>. WhatsApp Booking: +966 50 715 5575.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Sunway Hotel:<\/strong>Room rates (with breakfast) \u2013 single classic SAR 275, double classic SAR 325, single deluxe SAR 350, and double deluxe SAR 400, Google Form Booking Link:\u00a0<a style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/gCVpVdSQGV6mNL2R6\">https:\/\/forms.gle\/gCVpVdSQGV6mNL2R6<\/a>. WhatsApp Booking: +966 50 715 5575, +966 53 063 6328.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong style=\"font-style: inherit;\"><em>For Google Form:<\/em><\/strong><em>\u00a0<\/em>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Umrah on Saudi Tourist Visa<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"222\"><strong data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"222\">Saudi tourist e-visa holders are allowed to perform Umrah<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"294\">This policy applies to visitors from eligible countries who enter on:\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"317\"><strong data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"317\">Tourist e-Visa<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"341\"><strong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"341\">Visa on Arrival<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"344\" data-end=\"393\">You <strong data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"385\">do NOT need a separate Umrah visa<\/strong> anymore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"424\">Nusuk App (Required)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"687\" data-end=\"742\">You must use the <strong data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"717\">Nusuk app<\/strong> (official Saudi app) to:\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"773\">Book your <strong data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"773\">Umrah permit<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"815\">Schedule entry to <strong data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"815\">Masjid al-Haram<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"820\" data-end=\"869\">Arrange <strong data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"844\">Rawdah visit<\/strong> (in Madinah, if desired)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"902\">Available on <strong data-start=\"885\" data-end=\"902\">iOS &amp; Android<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"936\">Works with tourist visa holders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Buy a SIM at the Airport (Recommended)<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"381\">You can purchase a SIM <strong data-start=\"286\" data-end=\"315\">immediately after arrival<\/strong> at major airports such as <strong data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"380\">Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, and Tabuk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"410\">Major Telecom Operators<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"471\"><strong data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"444\">STC (Saudi Telecom Company)<\/strong> \u2013 best coverage nationwide<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"505\"><strong data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"484\">Mobily<\/strong> \u2013 good data packages<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"537\"><strong data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"516\">Zain<\/strong> \u2013 competitive prices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"556\">What You Need<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"559\" data-end=\"571\">Passport<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"607\">Valid visa (tourist\/business)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"659\">Biometric (fingerprint) \u2013 done at the counter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"693\">Typical Tourist SIM Packages<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"709\">10\u201320 GB data<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"741\">Local + international minutes<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"791\">Valid for 7\u201330 days<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"883\">SAR 50\u2013100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"883\">Airport SIMs are activated instantly and are ideal if you need Uber\/Careem right away.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"954\">Buy SIM at Telecom Stores (City Centers &amp; Malls)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"956\" data-end=\"988\">If you don\u2019t buy at the airport:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1053\">Visit <strong data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1028\">STC, Mobily, or Zain stores<\/strong> in malls or city centers<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1079\">Same documents required<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1134\">Prices may be slightly cheaper than airport counters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1179\">eSIM (Very Convenient)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1241\">If your phone supports <strong data-start=\"1204\" data-end=\"1212\">eSIM<\/strong>, this is the easiest option.<\/p>\n<h3>SIM Registration Rules (Important)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1554\"><strong data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1554\">SIMs must be registered to your passport<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1604\">Each visitor can register <strong data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1604\">up to 2 SIM cards<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1607\" data-end=\"1638\">Unregistered SIMs will not work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1680\">Why SIM is Important in Saudi<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1714\">Ride-sharing (<strong data-start=\"1697\" data-end=\"1713\">Uber, Careem<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1742\">Nusuk app (Umrah permits)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1791\">Maps, hotel check-ins, conference coordination<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1810\">WhatsApp &amp; email<\/li>\n<li>You can use vpn for whatsapp call, otherwise you can use texting onlu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Conference Timing Reminder<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>IEOM 3<sup>rd<\/sup> GCC Conference Dates:<\/strong> <strong>February 2\u20134, 2026<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Venue:<\/strong> University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia<br \/>\n<em>There is also a virtual Zoom option if you cannot attend in person.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>3rd GCC International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, February 2-4, 2026<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Host: University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia<br \/>\n<\/strong>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/\">www.ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/<\/a><br \/>\nPreliminary Program: <a href=\"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/documents\/program-tabuk2025.pdf\">https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/documents\/program-tabuk2025.pdf<\/a><br \/>\nSubmission Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/abstract\/index.cfm?ID=7v4USiq\">https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/abstract\/index.cfm?ID=7v4USiq<\/a><br \/>\nRegistration Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/attendee\/index.cfm?ID=O1lLs2m\">https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/attendee\/index.cfm?ID=O1lLs2m<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travels and Visa Fly into Saudi Arabia (Tabuk, TUU) Fly into Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) \u2014 Tabuk The closest airport to the University of Tabuk is Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU), located about 6\u20137 km from Tabuk city center. TUU has both domestic and some international connections. Direct or connecting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2011","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2011"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2012,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2011\/revisions\/2012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/saudiarabia2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}