Saudi Arabia

The land of two holy sites

Saudi Arabia is a country of scale and contrasts. Centuries-old traditions coexist here with ambitious projects for the future. A trip to Saudi Arabia can surprise even experienced adventure seekers. All you need to do is prepare a little, because the local culture demands respect and attention. An unforgettable vacation is guaranteed!

Guide to Saudi Arabia

Basic Information

The official name is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. <br><br> Saudi Arabia is called the country of two holy sites because it is home to the two holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina. In addition, it is one of three countries in the world named after the ruling dynasty. It is also one of the world's largest oil exporters, which is why economic development here has been very rapid and infrastructure continues to improve. This makes a vacation in Saudi Arabia very comfortable.

Photos of Saudi Arabia

Juffali Mosque, south of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The historic city of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia

The beaches of Saudi Arabia are renowned for their natural beauty.

Pilgrims walk under giant umbrellas on the grounds of the Nabawi Mosque.

A colorful sunset on the Jeddah waterfront, Saudi Arabia.

A scenic road through the majestic Al-Ula cliffs in Saudi Arabia

View of the village of Al-Kara at sunset

Erosion formations in the desert in Winter Park, AlUla

Capital

Riyadh

Language

Arabic

Currency

Saudi riyal

Time zone

GMT +3

Population

34 783 757

Territory

2,149,610 sq km

Dishes worth trying:

Kabsa — national dish, rice with meat and aromatic spices.

Mandy — rice with slow-cooked meat, prepared with a mixture of spices in an underground oven.

Shawarma — popular street fast food with meat, vegetables, and sauces.

Jarish — crushed wheat porridge with meat and spices in milk or yogurt.

Lukaimat — small sweet doughnuts with syrup or honey, served as a dessert.

Things to do in to Saudi Arabia

Take a stroll through the old neighborhoods of Jeddah.
Visit historical sites in Diriyah.
Go on a desert safari and spend the night among the dunes.
Travel to Mecca or Medina, taking into account local regulations.
Take a stroll through colorful traditional markets.
Appreciate the modern architecture of Riyadh and other major cities.

Tips

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, please respect local customs. Refrain from wearing revealing clothing and displaying affection in public, and follow the rules and requirements in religious sites.

The kingdom has only recently begun to actively welcome visitors, so the tourist infrastructure is somewhat uneven. For independent travel in Saudi Arabia, it is best to choose large cities such as Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Jeddah, and Taif.

Plan your trips according to the weather. It can get very hot during the day, especially in summer. Therefore, use the morning hours for excursions and trips, and spend the peak of the day in air-conditioned museums, restaurants, and entertainment centers.

Sights

In Saudi Arabia, history and modernity are visible in every detail. Ancient trade routes, religious centers, and protected monuments coexist with futuristic neighborhoods and trendy cultural projects. For travelers, this is a chance to see historical monuments, experience the desert landscape, and appreciate new architectural initiatives and contemporary art. <br><br> We recommend using a guidebook so you don't miss anything.

Al-Haram Mosque

The largest mosque in the world, in whose courtyard the main Islamic shrine, the Kaaba, is kept. Please note that Mecca is closed to non-Muslims.

Al-Balad

The historic district and center of Jeddah, which has preserved many old buildings in excellent condition. Millions are regularly allocated for reconstruction.

Masmak Fortress

An unusual adobe fortress in the center of the capital. It dates back to 1865 and was partially restored in the 1980s. It is now a museum.

Tours to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a true tourism boom. Tourist infrastructure is developing at a remarkable pace. New museums, galleries, and entertainment centers are opening. In major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, there is an ever-growing selection of hotels to suit every taste and budget, including well-known international chains.

Historic districts are being actively restored across the country. Overall, the format of travel in Saudi Arabia is changing rapidly, and the country is becoming more open, so organizing leisure activities is no longer a challenge. If needed, visitors can make use of professional guide services.

Beach holidays in Saudi Arabia are also available. Marine activities along the Red Sea coast, especially around Jeddah and in the northern coastal areas, include snorkeling, diving, water sports, and yacht cruises. In addition, the kingdom now hosts cultural festivals, gastronomic events, and exhibitions designed to showcase the richness of local cuisine and traditional crafts.

Mecca and Medina are the two main holy cities of Saudi Arabia. For believers, visiting them is a unique opportunity to see places closely connected with the history of Islam and to experience a special spiritual atmosphere. Mecca impresses with the grandeur of the Al-Haram Mosque and the Kaaba, while Medina captivates with the tranquility and beauty of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Due to this wide range of possibilities, it is impossible to calculate exactly how much a trip to Saudi Arabia will cost. It can be a city break with shopping and fine dining, historical itineraries, religious and cultural pilgrimages, or active adventures.

Where to go to Saudi Arabia?

Start your trip to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. This is where the royal residence is located, and oriental bazaars unfold right between modern skyscrapers. Jeddah offers the old port of Al Balad, the waterfront, and access to the Red Sea.

For desert adventures, head to the borders of Rub' al Khali, where you can go on a safari and spend the night in the dunes. If you are interested in ancient architecture and history, visit Diriyah and other restored areas.

When to go to Saudi Arabia

The best months for traveling are from October to March, because it is cooler during this time and the daytime temperature ranges from +22 to +30 degrees Celsius. The summer months bring intense heat above +40, especially in the central and southern regions, which complicates daytime excursions and life in general. This is especially true for those who are not used to and cannot tolerate high temperatures. However, evening relaxation by the sea is still quite pleasant, and the cost of a trip to Saudi Arabia in the low season is more affordable.

Saudi Arabia in spring

In spring, it gradually gets hotter, and by May, temperatures rise above 30°C. There is almost no rainfall, and desert winds can bring dryness and dust. This is also a good time to travel to historical sites and desert dunes.

Saudi Arabia in summer

Summer brings intense heat. During the day, temperatures in central regions such as Riyadh reach 40 degrees Celsius, and in the deserts they can reach 50 degrees. The heat and dryness make even light walks exhausting. It is best to plan trips for early morning, evening, or night and avoid activity around midday.

Saudi Arabia in autumn

In autumn, the heat gradually subsides and the situation stabilizes somewhat. The days are warm and the nights are pleasant. It's a great time for hiking, safaris, and city walks. You can go to the sea while it's still warm and sunny, but the risk of sunburn or heatstroke is significantly lower.

Saudi Arabia in winter

In winter, most parts of the country enjoy mild and comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures around +25 degrees Celsius and cool nights, especially in desert or mountainous areas. Precipitation is low and humidity remains low. Winter is a comfortable season for long walks and sightseeing.

Usefulness

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, it is useful to do some preparation and learn the basic rules and characteristics of the country. This will allow you to feel confident and calm. Otherwise, the trip is comfortable, and the locals show respect and attention to guests.

Visa to Saudi Arabia

A tourist eVisa for visiting Saudi Arabia is available and can be obtained online through the official portal https://visa.visitsaudi.com. Citizens of the US, EU countries, the UK can take advantage of this opportunity. The cost is approximately $80–140.

Customs & Tax Free

Starting in 2025, foreign travelers can receive a 15% VAT refund on purchases made at approved stores, subject to certain conditions. Keep your receipts and fill out the refund form when you leave.

Travel by car

Renting a car is a great option for traveling around Saudi Arabia. The cost is approximately 80 SAR per day. Roads in cities and on major highways are of high quality, but there are dirt roads in remote areas. Drive carefully, taking into account the heat, nighttime restrictions, and traffic rules.

Phrasebook for tourists

The main language is Arabic, and English is not widely understood, especially outside of major cities. Even basic greetings in Arabic make a pleasant impression. This gesture of respect helps you communicate more easily and feel closer to the local culture.

Public transport and prices

Urban public transport is developing rapidly. Riyadh has a modern metro system, new bus networks are appearing in large cities, and intercity transport is provided by airlines, trains, and buses.

Events

Key holidays are the religious Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The national holiday is Kingdom Unity Day on September 23. Cultural festivals, exhibitions, and concerts are increasingly being held, as well as international sporting events and new events as part of Vision 2030.