Before You Go
- Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Check whether a tourist visa is required.
- Keep digital copies of important documents.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Riyadh
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Arabic
Nov–Mar
AST (UTC+3)
Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a country of vast deserts, ancient history, and rapidly emerging modern tourism. AlUla's dramatic sandstone canyons and Nabataean tombs at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rival Jordan's famous Petra. Riyadh, the capital, blends traditional architecture with a rapidly growing, ultramodern skyline. The Red Sea coast offers pristine coral reefs and beaches only recently opened to international travelers. Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district reveals centuries-old coral-stone architecture and vibrant traditional markets. The Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts on Earth, offers dramatic dunes stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Traditional Bedouin hospitality remains deeply rooted throughout the country's desert regions. Saudi Arabia invites travelers to discover ancient wonders alongside a rapidly opening modern kingdom.
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Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.
Discover some of Saudi Arabia's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.
Kabsa is a signature Saudi Arabia specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.
This popular Saudi Arabia dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.
A well-loved part of Saudi Arabia cuisine, Saleeg reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.
Mandi is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Saudi Arabia.
Visitors often seek out Mutabbaq for an authentic taste of Saudi Arabia's everyday cooking and food culture.
This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Saudi Arabia.
Matazeez is widely recognized in Saudi Arabia and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.
A memorable choice for travelers, Ma'amoul offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Saudi Arabia.
This classic food is an important part of Saudi Arabia's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.
Senegal is home to Gorée Island, a small island off the coast of Dakar that served as one of the major departure points for the transatlantic slave trade, and its House of Slaves museum, with its haunting "Door of No Return," has become one of the most visited memorial sites related to the slave trade anywhere in the world. The country is also home to Lake Retba, or "Lac Rose," a lake that turns a striking pink color due to algae that thrive in its extremely salty water, particularly vivid during the dry season.
Senegal was the westernmost point of mainland Africa under French colonial administration, and Dakar, its capital, sits at the westernmost tip of the African continent, historically making it a key stopover point for transatlantic voyages. Senegal is also known for its strong wrestling tradition, called "laamb," a sport that combines wrestling with elements of ritual and performance and draws crowds and prize money rivaling professional sports in other parts of the world.
Senegal has never experienced a successful military coup since gaining independence from France in 1960, a relatively rare distinction of political stability within the West African region.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.
Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.
