Saudi Arabia

For centuries, Saudi Arabia was one of the most difficult countries for tourists to visit. Now, a journey here offers a unique opportunity to explore a country that is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation. The main attraction for historical tourists is AlUla, an ancient oasis valley that is home to the magnificent rock-cut tombs of Hegra, similar to Petra in Jordan but without the crowds. The country also boasts the modern, gleaming cities of Riyadh, the capital, and Jeddah, with its historic old town on the Red Sea.

As the custodian of Islam's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, the country has a deep-rooted and conservative culture. Visitors must be respectful of these traditions. A trip to Saudi Arabia is a chance to be at the forefront of a new era of tourism, exploring world-class heritage sites and experiencing a culture that has been largely unseen by the outside world.

Reasons to Visit

• Ancient Hegra (Al-Hijr): Explore the stunning, monumental tombs carved into rock formations by the Nabataeans at Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
• A New Frontier of Tourism: Be among the first to explore a country with a rich history and culture that has only recently opened up to international visitors.
• Modern Cities: Witness the rapid modernization of the country in the gleaming skyscrapers of Riyadh and the beautiful corniche of Jeddah.
• Vast Desert Landscapes: Experience the epic, diverse landscapes of the Arabian Desert, from vast sand dunes to dramatic rocky outcrops.

Things to Avoid

• Disrespecting Local Laws and Customs: Saudi Arabia is a very conservative Islamic country. It is crucial to understand and respect local laws regarding dress, behavior, and religion. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection are not acceptable.
• Visiting during Ramadan: If you are not a fasting Muslim, be aware that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours is prohibited.
• Ignoring Dress Codes: Foreign women are no longer required to wear an abaya (cloak), but both men and women must dress modestly in public at all times, covering shoulders and knees.

Local Transportation Tips

Domestic flights are the best way to cover the large distances between cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. A new high-speed train network connects some cities, including Mecca and Medina (note: these two cities are off-limits to non-Muslims). Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the most convenient way to get around.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A friendly "As-salamu alaykum" (Hello) is the standard greeting.
• Gender Segregation: Be aware that some public spaces, such as older restaurants, may have separate sections for men and for families/women.
• Prayer Times: Businesses and shops close for a short period multiple times a day for prayer. Plan your activities around these times.
• Hospitality: Saudis are known for their generous hospitality.

Did You Know?

Until the introduction of the tourist e-visa in September 2019, it was virtually impossible for non-Muslims to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. The opening of the country is part of a massive national plan called Saudi Vision 2030.

Cool Saudi Arabia Stats

• Largest Sand Desert: The Rub' al Khali ("Empty Quarter") in the south of the country is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.
• A Young Nation: Over 50% of the Saudi population is under the age of 25.
• No Rivers: Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without any permanent rivers.

Recommended Age Group

Saudi Arabia is most suitable for experienced and culturally curious Adults who are interested in history and witnessing a country undergoing significant change.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended due to the conservative social norms.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended for resilient, open-minded, and culturally sensitive adult travelers. It is not a typical holiday destination but a profound travel experience.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not generally recommended due to the travel challenges and conservative environment.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The newly developed tourist sites and modern cities have good accessibility.
• The new tourism developments, especially in AlUla, and the modern parts of Riyadh and Jeddah are being built with accessibility in mind.
• Major international hotels have accessible rooms.
• However, historic areas like Jeddah's Al-Balad and the general public infrastructure can be very challenging.