Foreign women no longer have to wear an abaya, the flowing cloak that’s been a mandatory attire for decades in Saudi Arabia, though they’ll be instructed to wear modest clothing. (Bloomberg photo)

Unmarried foreign couples will now be allowed to rent hotel rooms together in Saudi Arabia as part of a new visa regime announced by the religiously conservative kingdom.

Women will also be allowed to stay in hotel rooms alone.

Couples previously had to prove they were married before getting a hotel room.

The government move comes amid efforts by Saudi Arabia to grow its tourism industry.

In the past, couples had to provide documents proving marriage, but now these rules have been relaxed for foreigners.

“All Saudi nationals are asked to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels,” the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage said in a statement.

“This is not required of foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone, providing ID on check-in.”

The new visa regulations state that female tourists are not required to fully cover up but are still expected to dress modestly.

Long seen as one of the strictest places on earth, Saudi Arabia is trying to soften its image in the eyes of foreign tourists and investors.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has recently made some substantial changes in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

These include ending a ban on female drivers and allowing women to travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission.

But these changes have been overshadowed by highly controversial issues including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (BBC)