Saudi-Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s attractions are as diverse as its terrain, from sweeping deserts and Red Sea coastlines to mountainous villages and bustling modern cities. One of the most iconic sites is AlUla, home to Hegra (Madain Salih) — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ancient Nabatean city often compared to Petra, with its monumental tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. AlUla also boasts the surreal Elephant Rock, the immersive outdoor art installations at Wadi AlFann, and the heritage village of Dadan. In the capital, Riyadh, the National Museum offers a deep dive into Saudi history and the Islamic world, while the Al Masmak Fortress tells the story of the founding of the Saudi kingdom. The Kingdom Centre Tower and Sky Bridge provide a panoramic view of the ultramodern skyline. In Jeddah, visit the historic Al-Balad district, with its coral-stone architecture, spice-scented souks, and colorful wooden mashrabiya balconies. The Floating Mosque on the Red Sea and the city’s long waterfront Corniche are perfect for strolls and people-watching. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Edge of the World near Riyadh offers jaw-dropping cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters into the desert, while the mountains of Asir and the cool town of Abha reveal lush greenery and cloud forests. The Red Sea coast, including the futuristic project of The Red Sea Global, is an emerging hotspot for diving, marine life, and luxury escapes.

Saudi cuisine is a reflection of its nomadic Bedouin roots, Islamic influences, and rich trading history. The national dish is kabsa, a flavorful rice dish spiced with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black lime, topped with lamb, chicken, or fish, and often accompanied by nuts and raisins. Mandi is similar but typically cooked underground, offering a smoky aroma and tender texture. Mutabbaq, a stuffed savory pancake filled with minced meat, egg, and onion, is a popular street food in Jeddah and coastal cities. Samboosa (a cousin of the samosa) is commonly eaten during Ramadan and filled with spiced meat, lentils, or cheese. Breakfast often includes medames (mashed fava beans), balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), and khubz (Arabic flatbread). Saudi Arabia is also famous for its dates, which come in hundreds of varieties and are often served with strong Arabic coffee (qahwa) flavored with saffron or cardamom. Desserts like kunafa, basbousa, and maamoul are sweet indulgences. In urban areas, you’ll also find a blend of Yemeni, Levantine, and Indian flavors, reflecting the country’s diverse population.

Saudi Arabia has a growing and modernizing transportation infrastructure. In major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, Uber and local rideshare app Careem are widely used, affordable, and reliable. Taxis are also available but may not use meters — negotiate in advance or opt for rideshare for convenience. For intercity travel, the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and Haramain High-Speed Railway offer efficient and comfortable train services between key hubs like Riyadh, Medina, Mecca, and Jeddah. Domestic flights are common for long-distance travel — Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal operate frequent, affordable routes. Renting a car is possible and increasingly popular for tourists, especially in regions like AlUla, Abha, or the Empty Quarter. Roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for aggressive driving in cities. Note that driving is on the right-hand side, and international driving permits are required. Public transport is limited in rural areas, so plan ahead when visiting remote regions.

Saudi Arabia can be traveled affordably, especially with smart planning. Budget accommodations like apart-hotels, local guesthouses, and hostels are increasingly available in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Medina. Street food and casual eateries (called mat’am) serve large portions at low prices, particularly in souks and working-class neighborhoods. Domestic flights are competitively priced, particularly on low-cost carriers, and public buses (like SAPTCO) connect major cities cheaply. Visiting museums, mosques, and historical districts is often free or low-cost, while guided tours can be bundled for savings in destinations like AlUla. Many attractions, especially those in natural landscapes, can be explored with minimal expenses. Travel during the shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) for better hotel rates and more comfortable weather. Tap water is safe in most urban areas, but bottled water is cheap and widely available. Avoid Western hotel chains and shop in local markets to stretch your budget further.

Saudi Arabia has made great strides in improving traveler safety, and the country is generally very secure for tourists. Crime rates are low, and police are visible in cities and near tourist sites. However, conservative cultural norms and religious laws still govern behavior, so it’s essential to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout the country, and possession can lead to serious legal consequences. Public displays of affection, profanity, and proselytizing are also illegal. During prayer times, many businesses close temporarily. Women can now travel independently and drive, and solo female travel is increasingly common — though modest dress (including an abaya or long-sleeved clothing) is still expected in most areas. Most public areas are safe at night, especially in urban zones, though rural desert travel should be done with a guide or local support. Emergency services are available by dialing 999 for police or 997 for medical assistance.

Saudi culture is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, and understanding local etiquette enhances your experience. Always greet with “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and return with “Wa alaykum as-salam.” Men and women typically do not shake hands unless initiated by the woman. Respect is key — avoid political discussions, and never insult religion, the royal family, or local customs. When entering homes or mosques, remove your shoes. Dress modestly: long pants and sleeves for men; for women, long dresses or abayas with a headscarf (in religious areas like Mecca or Medina) is respectful, though not always required in tourist areas. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is forbidden. Photography is welcomed at many sites, but avoid taking photos of people, especially women, without consent. Public behavior should remain calm and reserved — loud voices or expressive gestures can be seen as disrespectful.

Saudi Arabia is ideal for history buffs, cultural explorers, adventure seekers, luxury travelers, and those curious about contemporary Islamic society. Whether you’re hiking desert canyons, wandering ancient ruins, photographing Jeddah’s coral buildings, or sipping cardamom coffee in a mountain village, the kingdom offers a multi-sensory, often transformative experience. It is not a party or nightlife destination — it’s for travelers who value depth, contrast, and authenticity, and who are open to learning from a land undergoing profound change while preserving ancient roots.

Budget travelers can find clean and convenient stays at family-run apart-hotels, budget chains like OYO, or furnished flats in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. Options like Al Eairy Furnished Apartments are common in mid-sized cities and offer good value. Mid-range travelers can enjoy boutique stays at hotels such as Narcissus 88 in Jeddah or Centro Olaya in Riyadh, which combine comfort, design, and prime locations. Resorts near AlUla and Abha also offer nature-centric escapes at accessible prices. Luxury travelers are spoiled for choice — stay at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh with its marble halls and palace-like design, the Shaden Resort in AlUla for dramatic desert luxury, or The Chedi Hegra, a new ultra-luxe desert retreat. Red Sea luxury resorts such as The St. Regis Red Sea Resort are also redefining high-end Arabian travel.

One common mistake is assuming Saudi Arabia remains entirely closed off — in fact, tourist visas are now easily available online for citizens of dozens of countries. Another error is underestimating cultural sensitivity, especially regarding dress, gender norms, and public conduct. Visitors often forget that attractions close during prayer times, especially in conservative areas. Skipping non-famous regions, like Abha or the Farasan Islands, is also a missed opportunity, as these areas showcase natural beauty and cultural richness that rival the big cities. Finally, don’t assume alcohol is available — there are no bars or nightclubs, so plan your nightlife around cafes, concerts, or desert experiences instead.

Download Absher (the government portal) and Visit Saudi for visa info and local events. Careem and Uber are essential for rideshare services. Talabat and HungerStation are popular food delivery apps. Use Google Maps and Waze for navigation, though note that not all addresses are well-marked. Translation apps like Google Translate (set to Arabic) and iTranslate are helpful for signage and casual conversation. For currency, XE or Currency Converter Plus work well, and for event listings and entertainment, Riyadh Season, Jeddah Events, or Saudi Tourism Authority’s website are useful planning tools. Public Wi-Fi is widely available in malls and cafes, and mobile SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to obtain upon arrival.

A 10–14 day itinerary could begin in Riyadh with visits to the National Museum and Edge of the World, followed by a trip to AlUla for 2–3 days of historical exploration and desert luxury. Next, fly to Jeddah to explore the old town, art galleries, and the Red Sea coast. From there, travel to Abha or Taif for mountain views and cool air, or head south to the Farasan Islands for snorkeling and secluded beaches. Include a guided visit to Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, or time your trip with the Winter at Tantora festival for concerts, stargazing, and camel races. The journey blends urban grandeur with ancient mystery and natural splendor.

Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam, attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims annually. It’s also the largest country in the world without a natural river, relying instead on aquifers and desalination. In the vast Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) lies the world’s largest sand desert — some dunes are hundreds of feet high and stretch as far as the eye can see. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at transforming the economy and opening up society, resulting in tourism-friendly policies, new visa systems, and landmark projects like NEOM, a futuristic city being built in the northwest. The kingdom also boasts surprisingly diverse geography — from snow-dusted peaks in Tabuk to vibrant coral reefs in the Red Sea, making it one of the most geographically diverse nations in the Middle East.