Overview
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and one of the most geographically and historically layered destinations in the Middle East. For most of its modern history it was closed to leisure tourism, but since 2019 the Kingdom has opened to international visitors in a significant way, revealing landscapes and heritage sites that few outsiders had ever seen.
The country encompasses dramatic contrasts: the basalt fields and sandstone formations of the northwest, the towering Asir mountains near the Yemen border, the vast Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert in the south, and a Red Sea coastline stretching more than 1,800 kilometres. Ancient trade routes once passed through here, leaving behind Nabataean tombs, pre-Islamic rock art, and Ottoman fortresses.
Riyadh, the capital, is a sprawling modern metropolis with a growing arts and dining scene. Jeddah, the historic port city on the Red Sea, holds one of the Arab world's best-preserved historic districts in Al-Balad. AlUla in the northwest has become the flagship of Saudi tourism, centred on Hegra — the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors willing to look beyond the familiar Gulf-state image will find a destination of genuine depth.
Before You Go
Visas
Saudi Arabia introduced a tourist e-visa for citizens of many countries, but entry requirements, eligible nationalities, and conditions change. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and verify current requirements directly with the Saudi Ministry of Interior or official visa portal before booking anything.
Health
No specific vaccinations are mandated for most travelers from non-endemic countries, though routine immunisations should be up to date. Pilgrim seasons (Hajj and Umrah) can affect medical resources in certain cities. Carry any prescription medication with documentation, as rules on controlled substances are strict. The summer heat (regularly above 45°C in interior regions) poses a genuine health risk — hydration and sun protection are essential if you travel between May and September.
What to Pack
Modest dress is expected and respectful across all regions. Women are no longer legally required to wear an abaya in public, but covering shoulders and knees is advisable outside hotels and beach resorts. A light scarf is useful for entering mosques or more conservative areas. Comfortable walking shoes are important for archaeological sites with uneven terrain.
Practical Preparations
- Download the Visit Saudi and Absher apps before travel; they are widely used for services and information.
- VPN use is legally restricted; check the current situation before relying on one.
- Alcohol is prohibited throughout the country — plan accordingly.
- Friday is the main day of rest; many businesses, sites, and restaurants operate reduced hours.
Getting There
Saudi Arabia is well connected internationally through three major hubs: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Saudia (Saudi Airlines) and Riyadh Air (newer) operate alongside numerous international carriers serving these airports from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
AlUla has its own regional airport (Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport) with direct connections to Riyadh and Jeddah, making it accessible without an internal connection through a major hub. Flight schedules and routes in the Kingdom have expanded considerably since 2020 and continue to evolve — verify current routes and timetables with airlines or a booking platform before travel.
Overland entry is possible from Jordan via the Durra and Hallat Ammar border crossings, and from other GCC states. The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Medina — a useful and modern intercity option in the western corridor. Note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina city centres.
Getting Around
Saudi Arabia is a very large country and internal distances are significant. Domestic flying is often the most practical way to move between regions — Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Tabuk, Abha, and other cities are connected by domestic routes operated by Saudia and budget carrier flyadeal, among others.
Road infrastructure is generally good, and driving is a viable option for self-guided travel. International driving licences are recognised for short stays, though confirm current rules before renting. Roads in the Empty Quarter and remote desert areas require preparation and often a 4WD vehicle. Avoid driving in summer midday heat on long desert routes.
Riyadh has a developing metro system that covers key urban corridors — useful for getting around the capital without a car. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate in major cities) are reliable and widely used. Taxis exist but metered fares are not universal; agree on a price or use an app. In AlUla, most visitors join organised tours or use transfers arranged by their accommodation, as the archaeological sites are spread across a wide area.
Things to See & Do
AlUla and Hegra
Hegra (Mada'in Saleh) is Saudi Arabia's most significant archaeological site — a Nabataean city of monumental carved tombs dating to the first century CE, comparable in artistry to Petra in Jordan. The surrounding AlUla region also contains the old walled town of AlUla, the sandstone pillars of Jabal Ikmah covered in ancient inscriptions, and Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), a naturally sculpted formation. Admission and tour arrangements for Hegra are managed through the Experience AlUla platform; verify current booking requirements before arrival.
Riyadh
The capital's National Museum of Saudi Arabia provides an authoritative survey of the country's archaeology and history. Diriyah, a UNESCO-listed mud-brick town on the edge of Riyadh, was the original home of the Al Saud dynasty and is undergoing extensive restoration — worth a half-day visit. The Murabba Historical Palace and the edge-of-city sandstone escarpment of Tuwaiq also merit attention.
Jeddah and Al-Balad
Jeddah's historic district, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of coral-stone merchants' houses with ornate wooden lattice balconies (Rawasheen). It is best explored on foot in the cooler morning hours. The Corniche waterfront and the King Fahd Fountain (one of the world's tallest) are other landmarks.
Asir Region
The southwestern highlands around Abha offer a genuinely different Saudi experience — cooler temperatures, terraced mountain agriculture, and traditional architecture distinct from the Gulf stereotype. The Asir National Park is the country's oldest and largest protected area.
Red Sea Coast
Tabuk province and the area around NEOM and the Gulf of Aqaba offer some of the richest coral reef diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea. The waters here are generally clear and marine life is abundant. Dive operator availability and access conditions vary — research current options before travel.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine varies noticeably by region and is more varied than many visitors expect. Lamb and chicken are central proteins; rice dishes such as kabsa (slow-cooked rice with meat and spices) and mandi (pit-smoked lamb or chicken) are national staples that appear from roadside restaurants to upscale dining rooms. Dates, flatbreads, and fresh fruit juices are ubiquitous.
Jeddah, as a historic port, has a seafood tradition — grilled fish, shrimp, and hammour are common on Red Sea menus. The city also has one of the region's most cosmopolitan dining scenes, reflecting its long history as a commercial crossroads. Riyadh hosts a wide range of international cuisines alongside local options.
Alcohol is not available anywhere in the country, including hotels. Soft drinks, fresh juices, Arabic coffee (qahwa, lightly spiced and served in small cups), mint tea, and non-alcoholic mocktail menus are the norm. Qahwa and dates offered as a greeting is a genuine cultural hospitality custom, not a tourist performance.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted for anyone — restaurants typically open after sunset and remain busy through the night. Outside Ramadan, prayer times cause brief closures (usually 15–30 minutes) at many restaurants and shops.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available in cities and most tourist areas. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centres. Smaller local restaurants, souks, and remote areas may be cash-only. Verify current SAR exchange rates before travel.
Connectivity
SIM cards from local providers (STC, Mobily, Zain) are available at airports and convenience stores and offer good 4G/5G coverage in urban and tourist areas. Rural and desert coverage is patchier.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency services numbers in Saudi Arabia: verify locally upon arrival, as numbers may differ by service type (police, ambulance, civil defence). The equivalent of a general emergency number — confirm the current active number through your accommodation or the official Saudi Civil Defence channels.
Opening Hours
Hours across the country have shifted in recent years and are not standardised across all sectors. Government offices, banks, and many businesses observe weekend on Friday and Saturday (Sunday is a working day). Verify hours for specific sites and businesses locally or through official channels.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and for service staff. A tip of roughly 10% is a reasonable guide where service is not included, though practices vary.
Safety
Saudi Arabia's major cities and tourist regions are generally safe for visitors, and petty crime rates are low by international comparison. As with any destination, basic precautions — awareness of your surroundings, securing valuables, not leaving belongings unattended — remain sensible.
Road traffic accidents are a significant hazard; driving standards and speeds on highways can be aggressive. Exercise caution whether driving or crossing roads on foot in urban areas.
The southwestern border region with Yemen (particularly Jizan and Najran provinces) is subject to ongoing security risks related to the Yemen conflict, including occasional drone and missile incidents. Most governments advise against all travel to these areas. Check your government's current travel advisory before any trip and review it again closer to departure, as situations can change.
Laws regarding drug possession, alcohol, certain publications, and online content carry severe penalties. Familiarise yourself with Saudi law before travel; ignorance is not a defence. LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalised in Saudi Arabia, and visitors should be aware of the legal context.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim-majority country where Islamic practice is woven into daily public life. Visitors are generally welcomed warmly, and curiosity about the country is well received, but a degree of cultural attentiveness is appropriate. Learning basic greetings in Arabic is appreciated.
Public displays of affection beyond what is normal in a conservative context are inadvisable. Photography of people — particularly women — without explicit permission is disrespectful and sometimes unwanted; always ask first. Photographing government buildings, military installations, and certain infrastructure is prohibited.
Social reforms since 2016 have changed daily life considerably: women now drive, mixed-gender public events are permitted, and a growing entertainment and arts sector has emerged. Nonetheless, the country remains socially conservative by global standards, and visitors should approach cultural norms with respect rather than assumption.
Friday is the Islamic day of congregation; the main Friday prayer (around midday) is a significant event and activity slows across the country. The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are entirely closed to non-Muslims — this is a firm legal and religious restriction, not a guideline.