Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

Everything to Know Before Your Journey

Travelers from other countries can now enter Saudi Arabia. Get ready to explore a location where modern technology and antiquated heritage meet. As a traveller, you encounter sacred cities and stunning deserts teeming with the welcoming Arabian hospitality. One of the largest countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, is a stunning place to visit. Continue reading to learn more.

Why Visit Saudi Arabia?

  • Visit religious sites in Mecca and Medina and rediscover the birthplace of Islam.
  • You see a nation that strikes a balance between ultramodern growth, historical treasures, and Islamic history.
  • You visit both futuristic cities, such as NEOM, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Al-Ula and Diriyah.
  • Indulge yourself in poetry, camel festivals, coffee rituals, and Arabian culture.
  • You journey through a country unspoiled by mass tourism.
  • Saudi Arabia features topographies, including beaches, mountains, and deserts.
  • Under Vision 2030, the nation is rapidly evolving and welcoming visitors.
  • You will find luxury resorts, busy souks, and Bedouin experiences

Saudi Travel Essentials

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Languages

Arabic, English
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Emergency Numbers

Emergency -911
Police - 999, Ambulance - 997
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Time zone

UTC +3
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Power Plugs

Type G plugs. voltage - 230 V, 60 Hz
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Currency and Payments

Saudi Riyal

Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia

  • November to March – Ideal sightseeing season with temperatures between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.
  • Winter Events – You enjoy major festivals like Riyadh Season and winter at Tantora during this period.
  • April to early June – Warm weather. Great for visiting Red Sea beaches and places like Abha and Taif.
  • June to September – Hot weather. Temperatures can rise beyond 45 degrees Celsius.

Things to Do in Saudi Arabia

  • Take part in sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel trekking.
  • Snorkel or dive in the Red Sea.
  • Participate in cultural events like the Janadriyah National Festival and Riyadh Season.
  • Visit lively bazaars and souks.
  • Explore ancient desert kingdoms and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Camp at mountain chalets.
  • Tour the historic mudbrick lanes of Diriyah.
  • Take a cable car ride in Abha.
  • Shop in traditional souks.
  • Attend cultural events such as the Winter at Tantora Festival or MDLBEAST Soundstorm.
  • Witness a camel race.
  • Watch falconry shows.
  • Go on a Dhow Cruise in Jeddah.
Things to Do in Saudi Arabia

Top Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

View of Illuminated Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh

The energetic capital city. You can visit attractions like the Kingdom Center Tower.

Floating Mosque on the Shimmering Coastline
Jeddah

Jeddah is home to the tallest fountain, floating mosques, and a breathtaking Red Sea Corniche.

Sandstone Cliff in Al Ula Tantura, Saudi Arabia
Al-Ula

You can visit Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. It is home to numerous ancient Nabataean tombs.

Worshippers around Kaaba
Mecca

Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to the city of Mecca. It is the holiest city in Islam, where you can perform the Hajj and Umrah

Prophets Mosque Building in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Medina

A popular pilgrimage city.

Futuristic view of NEOM city in Saudi Arabia desert
NEOM

A futuristic megacity project that is redefining sustainable living.

The Red Sea Project Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea Project

A new coastal destination in Saudi Arabia with coral reefs and luxurious resorts.

Starry Night Sky Over Desert Campsite in Tabuk
Rub’ al Khali, the Empty Quarter

It is the largest sand desert in the world, with breathtaking dune vistas and starry night skies.

Saudi Visa and Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabia is allowing travellers from eligible countries via a simple Saudi Arabia visa application process. Muslims can apply for a visa to perform Umrah. You can apply online, pay the visa fee, provide your passport information, and receive a digital confirmation of your approval. You must verify that your passport is valid for six months. If you are going on a pilgrimage, see that you have confirmed lodging, travel insurance, and vaccination records. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering sacred places in Makkah and Medina.

Getting Around Saudi Arabia: Transportation Guide

Domestic Flights - When traveling between cities, domestic planes are the most convenient mode of transportation.

Trains - The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah with the holy cities of Mecca and Madina.

Buses - Buses are the most affordable way of traveling around Saudi Arabia.

Car Rentals - They are perfect for traveling to remote areas like Al-Ula or Taif.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps - Uber and Careem are widely available.

Saudi Food and Drinks You Must Try

Turkish kebabs served with local spices
Kabsa

The national dish made with spiced rice and meat.

Traditional Saudi chicken mandi dish
Mandi

Aromatic rice cooked in a tandoor-style pit.

Saudi Mutabbaq stuffed pastry with meat and egg
Mutabbaq

A stuffed savory pancake filled with minced meat.

Saudi Jareesh dish topped with fried onions and chili
Jareesh

Crushed wheat cooked with meat or chicken.

Turkish street food Lahmacun topped with fresh herbs and lemon
Sambosa

Similar to samosas, filled with spicy meat or cheese.

Traditional Turkish coffee served in ornate cups
Arabic Coffee or Qahwa

Served with dates. A symbol of hospitality.

Laban dish with mint and olive oil
Laban

A refreshing yogurt drink to beat the desert heat.

Saleeg rice with meat and pine nuts
Saleeg

Creamy rice dish similar to risotto.

Traditional Saudi Arabian Harees with Nuts on Board
Harees

Comforting wheat-meat porridge.

Colorful Turkish street food stalls and local delicacies
Shawarma or Falafel

Popular Middle Eastern street food.

Saudi Culture and Traditions

  • Accept the warmth and welcome of the Saudi people, who are renowned for their kindness and decency.
  • You are greeted with dates and Arabic coffee.
  • Prayer is an essential part of everyday life. In stores and public areas, be prepared for brief pauses.
  • Locals are dressed in traditional attire. Women wear abayas, and men wear thawbs.
  • Bedouin customs, tribal heritage, and Islamic principles all have a significant impact on Saudi culture.
  • Most stores close during prayer times on Friday, which is a holy day.

Saudi Phrases You Should Know

Shukran – Thank you.

Min fadlik – Please.

Kam al-thaman? – How much is this?

Ayna al-hammam? – Where is the bathroom?

La shukran – No, thank you.

Tasharrafna – Nice to meet you.

Ayna al-mataar? – Where is the airport?

Wahid chai or qahwa – One tea or coffee, please.

Insha Allah – God willing.

Where to Stay in Saudi: Accommodation Options

Luxury Turkish resort with sea view
Luxury Hotels

International hotels like Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Four Seasons Jeddah, and Banyan Tree Al-Ula.

Radisson Blu hotel lobby in Saudi Arabia
Mid-Range Hotels

Holiday Inn, Novotel,and Radisson Blu.

Traditional Saudi guesthouse gathering
Budget Stays

Ibis or local guesthouses.

Tables and Sofas for Tourists on Glamping Camp Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia
Desert Camps

Al-Ula or Rub al Khali.

Luxury overwater villas Red Sea, Saudi
Coastal Resorts

Stay at Red Sea Project hotels.

Al-Ula desert luxury eco-lodges
Eco Lodges

Boutique eco-lodges in Al-Ula and mountain cabins in Abha..

Saudi Travel Costs and Budget Tips

Accommodation

  • Budget – 40 to 70USD per day.
  • Mid-range – 90 to 200 USD per day.
  • Luxury – Over 350 USD per day.

Food

  • Local meals cost 5 USD to 10 USD. Fine dining may cost 50 USD or more.

Transport

  • Domestic flights cost between $80 USD and $150. Taxi rides start at 3 USD.

Attractions

  • Entry fees for most heritage sites range from $10 to $30.

Tips to Save

  • Travel during the off-peak season.
  • Book flights and accommodations in advance.
  • Eat at local eateries.
  • Use carpooling services.
  • Use ride-hailing apps.
  • Purchase SIM cards.

Saudi Safety Tips and Travel Advice

  • Avoid getting drunk in public.
  • Observe dress rules and local customs.
  • Always have your passport or digital ID with you.
  • Maintain your water intake and use sunscreen.
  • Adhere to all traffic regulations. Violations have severe penalties.
  • Use apps for booking registered taxis.
  • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Always check the weather conditions before you go to the desert.
  • Check the official website for the latest updates.

Essential Packing List for Saudi

  • Lightweight cotton clothing.
  • A light jacket or shawl.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Universal power adapter
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel insurance documents and visa copies
  • A scarf or an abaya for women
  • Copies of your passport and booking documents

Festivals and Events in Saudi

Festivals and Events in Saudi Arabia

Janadriyah National Festival - Riyadh
An exhibition of Saudi crafts held in February.

MDLBEAST Soundstorm - Riyadh
It is one of the biggest music festivals in Riyadh.

Saudi National Day - 23 September
Witness celebrations with fireworks, parades, and cultural performances.

Riyadh Season - Winter
World-class concerts, entertainment events, and international cuisine festivals.

Festivals across Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Season - Summer
Outdoor markets and family-friendly entertainment along the Red Sea.

Winter at Tantora - Al-Ula
Hot-air ballooning, stargazing, and cultural activities in Al-Ula.

Camel and Falcon Festivals
Falcon competitions, camel beauty pageants, and traditional Bedouin sports.

Eid Celebrations - Muslim travelers
Prayers, feasts, gatherings, and exchanging gifts. festivals.

Saudi Travel Itineraries for First-Time Visitors

5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Riyadh. Visit Diriyah and the Sky Bridge.
  • Day 2 - Explore the Edge of the World and the National Museum.
  • Day 3 - Fly to Jeddah. You can stroll along the Corniche and Al-Balad.
  • Day 4 - Take a Red Sea diving trip.
  • Day 5 - Visit the rose gardens at Taif before departure.

7 Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 to Day 5 as above
  • Day 6 - Explore Hegra and Elephant Rock in Al-Ula.
  • Day 7 - Desert safari in Al-Ula.

Your trip to Saudi Arabia is sure to be a memorable combination of adventure, history, and cultural exploration. So gather your belongings and be ready to experience this beautiful Arab country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Is it safe for women traveling alone to Saudi Arabia?

Due to stringent law enforcement, Saudi Arabia is regarded as safe for women traveling alone. Public spaces, shopping centres, and tourism areas are all monitored.
Dress modestly. No abaya is required. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothes. Cover your knees and shoulders. Men should refrain from wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts in religious places.
Entry is restricted to Muslims only. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Makkah and Medina.
You should avoid taking photographs of government buildings, military sites, airports, and people without permission.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited across the country.
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