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Saudi Arabia
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Ancient Sands and Modern Vision

Capital
Riyadh
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic
Best Time
Nov–Mar
Time Zone
AST (UTC+3)
Flag of Saudi Arabia
👋 Overview

Welcome to Saudi Arabia

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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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Riyadh

Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre Tower offers a sky bridge observation deck with panoramic views over the rapidly modernizing capital. The historic Masmak Fortress, where King Abdulaziz began the campaign that would unify modern Saudi Arabia, sits at the heart of the old city near the restored Qasr Al-Hukm district.

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Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the city’s outskirts, preserves the mudbrick ruins of the first Saudi capital, now restored with museums, restaurants, and walking paths through its historic Turaif quarter. The National Museum traces the peninsula’s history from ancient trade routes through the kingdom’s founding. Riyadh’s Boulevard City entertainment district reflects the kingdom’s recent push to expand tourism and leisure offerings. The capital’s blend of restored heritage sites and rapid modern development make it an increasingly accessible entry point to Saudi Arabia.

02

Jeddah

Jeddah’s Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage old town, preserves distinctive coral-stone merchant houses with ornately carved wooden balconies called roshan, reflecting centuries of Red Sea trade. The Jeddah Corniche stretches for miles along the waterfront, dotted with public sculptures and the towering King Fahd’s Fountain, one of the tallest in the world.

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As the traditional gateway for pilgrims heading to nearby Mecca, Jeddah has long absorbed influences from across the Islamic world, visible in its architecture and cuisine. The Red Sea’s coral reefs just offshore offer excellent diving, increasingly promoted as the kingdom expands its tourism sector. Souq Al-Alawi in the old town sells spices, textiles, and gold in narrow lanes largely unchanged for generations. Jeddah’s mix of historic trading architecture and Red Sea coastline makes it one of Saudi Arabia’s most atmospheric cities.

03

AlUla

AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is home to Hegra, the kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, where more than a hundred monumental tombs were carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans, the same civilization behind Jordan’s Petra. The nearby old town of AlUla preserves mudbrick ruins abandoned only decades ago.

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Elephant Rock, a dramatic natural sandstone formation, has become one of the most photographed sights in the region, especially at sunset. AlUla’s dramatic desert canyons and rock formations have increasingly hosted art installations and cultural events as part of the kingdom’s tourism development. Hot air balloon rides over the valley offer a striking aerial view of the tombs and surrounding desert landscape. AlUla’s blend of ancient Nabataean history and dramatic desert scenery has quickly made it one of Saudi Arabia’s premier destinations.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Saudi Arabia's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Kabsa

Kabsa is a signature Saudi Arabia specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Jareesh

This popular Saudi Arabia dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Saleeg

A well-loved part of Saudi Arabia cuisine, Saleeg reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Mandi

Mandi is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Saudi Arabia.

Mutabbaq

Visitors often seek out Mutabbaq for an authentic taste of Saudi Arabia's everyday cooking and food culture.

Harees

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Saudi Arabia.

Matazeez

Matazeez is widely recognized in Saudi Arabia and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Ma'amoul

A memorable choice for travelers, Ma'amoul offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Saudi Arabia.

Luqaimat

This classic food is an important part of Saudi Arabia's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam, and millions of Muslims travel to Mecca each year to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest annual gatherings of people anywhere in the world. The country contains the Rub' al Khali, or "Empty Quarter," the largest continuous sand desert on Earth, an area so vast and inhospitable that large parts of it remain scarcely explored even today.

2

Saudi Arabia holds some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world and has historically been the largest oil exporter globally, a resource that transformed the country from a largely nomadic desert society into one of the world's wealthiest nations within a matter of decades. The country has undertaken sweeping social changes in recent years, including allowing women to drive starting in 2018 and opening up to international tourism for the first time in its history, reversing decades of restrictions on foreign visitors unrelated to religious pilgrimage.

3

Saudi Arabia is also home to Mada'in Salih, an archaeological site of monumental tombs carved into rock by the ancient Nabataeans, the same civilization responsible for Petra in Jordan, making it one of the most significant pre-Islamic archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

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.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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