Saudi Gazette Muhammad Quaiser, president THH (left) is seen presenting a memento to Dr. Hifzur Rahman at a farewell function in Riyadh, Friday. Rahman is leaving Saudi Arabia after serving for four years at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. – Courtesy Photo by K.N. Wasif RIYADH – The number of Saudis going to India on tourist visas has increased substantially this summer season, an official from the Indian Embassy said. The Indian Embassy issued about 4,000 tourist visas to Saudis in June alone, said Dr. Hifzur Rehman, Second Secretary of Information and Culture at the embassy. “The number of visas issued to Saudi tourists in a month has surpassed all previous records,” he said. Hifzur Rahman was speaking at a farewell function organized in his honor by Tanzeem Hum Hindustani (THH), a social group at a hotel in Riyadh, Friday. Considering the demand, the Indian Embassy expects to issue around 15,000 tourist visas this summer season, he said without mentioning past statistics of Saudis visiting India. He, however, said of late the Saudis have discovered India as an attractive tourism destination, which is just four-hour flight from Riyadh. He said an increasing number of Saudis enquire about India's tourist attractions, because it largely portrayed as ‘Incredible India' as part of country's tourism promotion campaign. The diplomat is leaving Saudi Arabia after about four years of service. “Saudi Arabia has been my second home, and till today I don't feel as if I am leaving this great country,” Hifzur Rahman said. He said he has a strong yearning for a second posting to Saudi Arabia. “I am leaving Saudi Arabia with fond memories of not only the rich culture of this country, but also of the blessings of the Two Holy Mosques. He said the Indian Embassy, despite its preoccupation with a number of activities in the bilateral front, looks forward to support the Indian community in organizing their cultural and social events. He said two officials will soon take charge; one as information secretary and the other will look after the cultural department. Muhammad Quaiser, President of THH, admired the diplomat for his untiring service to social groups in terms of organizing cultural and social events in Riyadh. “Indian expatriates will remember Rahman for his unflinching support for organizing social and culture events in Saudi Arabia,” said Quaiser, while presenting a memento to Rahman on the occasion. Mir Liaquat Ali Hashmi, general-secretary, and Khalid Hussain, vice-president of THH also spoke. Musharraf Ali Shaker, Manager of Air India for Sales and Marketing was among the invited guests present in the send off ceremony. __
