Saudi Arabia
Overview
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East (2.15 million square kilometers, approximately the size of Western Europe) and the world's most dramatic tourism transformation story of the past decade. Under Vision 2030 — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic diversification strategy — the country went from issuing almost no tourist visas to welcoming visitors from 66 countries via e-visa, reaching 122 million domestic and international visitors in 2025 and generating $81 billion in tourism spending. This surpassed the original Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors six years ahead of schedule — prompting the government to revise its target upward to 150 million by 2030. Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in tourism revenue growth for 2024 and led G20 countries with a 69% growth rate in international tourist numbers compared to 2019.
The tourism geography of Saudi Arabia divides into four distinct zones: AlUla (the northwestern desert, site of Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the most extraordinary natural and archaeological landscapes on Earth), Riyadh (the ultramodern capital, entertainment hub, Diriyah heritage district, King Salman Park), Jeddah (the Red Sea coast, historic Al-Balad UNESCO district, the gateway city), and the emerging Red Sea coast (the Red Sea Project luxury resort development, accessible from 2024 with the Red Sea International Airport). NEOM — the futuristic mega-project including The Line (a 170km linear city), Sindalah (island resort), and Trojena (mountain ski resort) — is under construction and partially accessible.
Major events driving the calendar: Riyadh Season (November through March, the world's largest annual entertainment festival, 17 million visitors to the most recent edition), Expo 2030 Riyadh, the FIFA World Cup 2034 (for which 230,000 hotel rooms are planned), and the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Start planning at palapavibez.com.
Fast Facts
Saudi Arabia has two distinct climate zones: the hot desert interior (Riyadh, AlUla) and the more moderate Red Sea coast (Jeddah). The best time to visit is October through April — temperatures in Riyadh and AlUla are comfortable (15-28°C) and desert conditions are ideal for outdoor exploration. AlUla specifically is best October through March when the Winter at Tantora festival and cultural season runs. Summers (May through September) see temperatures of 40-50°C in the interior — not recommended for most visitors.
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) are the main gateways. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) is the national carrier with extensive global connections. The new Riyadh Air (launched 2024) is rapidly expanding routes. NEOM's dedicated airport is under construction. AlUla Regional Airport (ULH) receives direct connections from Riyadh, Jeddah, and selected international routes.
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR — approximately SAR 3.75 = US$1). The country uses the Gregorian calendar alongside the Hijri calendar. Alcohol is completely prohibited — Saudi Arabia is dry. Dress modestly in public spaces; the abaya requirement for women has been relaxed but modest dress is still expected and respectful. Friday and Saturday constitute the weekend (government offices closed). The country drives on the right.
Top Attractions
AlUla and Hegra (Mada'in Salih) is Saudi Arabia's most extraordinary destination — a vast landscape of weathered sandstone formations, desert valleys, and ancient Nabataean heritage in the northwest of the country, 300 kilometers from Medina. Hegra (the Arabic name for the Nabataean city of Mada'in Salih) was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing 111 well-preserved monumental tombs carved directly into sandstone outcrops — facades decorated with eagles, snakes, and floral motifs, many with inscriptions in Nabataean script. The city was established by the same civilization that built Petra (Jordan) in the 1st century BC and was the second most important city in the Nabataean Kingdom. Unlike Petra, Hegra receives far fewer visitors — it is possible to have the site almost to yourself. The surrounding landscape — Elephant Rock (a freestanding sandstone formation 52 meters high that resembles an elephant drinking), the ancient oasis town of Dadan, and the massive AlUla Old Town — make AlUla one of the most remarkable single destinations in the Middle East.
Riyadh has transformed dramatically under Vision 2030 — the capital of 7.5 million people now offers Six Flags Qiddiya City (the first Six Flags theme park outside North America, opened 2025), the Diriyah heritage district (the birthplace of the Saudi state in the 18th century — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mud-brick architecture now beautifully restored and ringed with restaurants, galleries, and boutiques), and the ongoing Riyadh Season entertainment festival. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia (12 galleries covering 4 billion years of Arabian history) and the contemporary art district of JAX (in a former industrial complex) represent the cultural offer. The Kingdom Centre Tower observation deck gives the finest view of the city.
Recommendations
Hegra / AlUla (UNESCO Nabataean Tombs)
111 rock-cut tombs, rose-red sandstone — fewer visitors than Petra, more atmospheric; Oct–Mar best
Elephant Rock (AlUla)
52-meter freestanding sandstone elephant — 10 min from AlUla, sunset views extraordinary
Diriyah (Birthplace of Saudi State, UNESCO)
18th-century mud-brick capital, beautifully restored — restaurants, galleries, the most accessible Saudi history
Six Flags Qiddiya City (Riyadh)
Opened 2025 — theme park, motorsport facilities, the entertainment centerpiece of Vision 2030
Riyadh Season (Nov–March)
17 million visitors — concerts, UFC, F1 support races, cultural events across multiple Riyadh zones
Jeddah Al-Balad (UNESCO Historic District)
Coral-brick mashrabiya buildings, centuries-old souqs — Red Sea gateway, finest historic district in Saudi
King Fahd Fountain (Jeddah)
312 meters — visible for miles, best seen at night from Jeddah Corniche
Red Sea Project (Luxury Eco-Resorts)
Red Sea International Airport open — Sheybarah (overwater villas on reef) the most acclaimed early resort
Jeddah's Al-Balad (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the historic commercial heart of the city — a dense district of coral-brick buildings with elaborate wooden mashrabiya (latticework balcony) facades, centuries-old merchant houses, traditional souqs, and the Floating Mosque (Al-Rahma Mosque, built on stilts over the Red Sea). The Jeddah waterfront (Corniche) and the King Fahd Fountain (the world's tallest fountain at 312 meters, visible from across the city) anchor the modern city.
Where to Stay
Saudi Arabia's hotel landscape is growing rapidly under Vision 2030, with 80% of new supply in the luxury and upscale tiers. Riyadh leads with over 50,000 hotel rooms and projections of 60,000+ by 2027. Every major international brand (Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Accor) is actively expanding.
In Riyadh: The Four Seasons Riyadh at Kingdom Centre (the most acclaimed — in the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower), the Rosewood Riyadh (newest luxury flagship), and the Mandarin Oriental Riyadh are the apex properties. In AlUla: Banyan Tree AlUla and the Habitas AlUla (glamping-style eco-resort in the desert, the most photographed) are the most distinctive. In Jeddah: The Rosewood Jeddah and Park Hyatt Jeddah provide the finest sea-facing luxury. On the Red Sea: Sheybarah Resort (overwater villas on a coral reef — the most architecturally remarkable property in Saudi Arabia) is the defining luxury experience.
Recommendations
Four Seasons Riyadh (Kingdom Centre)
In the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower — finest position, most celebrated service in the capital
Habitas AlUla (Desert Glamping)
Eco-resort in the AlUla valley — stunning desert setting, the most photographed accommodation
Sheybarah Resort (Red Sea)
Overwater villas on a coral reef — the defining luxury Red Sea experience, no roads on the island
Rosewood Riyadh
Opened 2024 — Diriyah-adjacent location, finest new hotel in the Saudi capital
Budget note: Saudi Arabia skews heavily toward luxury accommodation. Mid-range international brands (Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard) are the most practical options for value-conscious travelers.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine is built on generosity — large communal meals, fragrant rice dishes, slow-roasted meats, and fresh dates. Kabsa (fragrant long-grain rice cooked in a spiced broth with chicken, lamb, or camel, topped with nuts and raisins — the national dish of Saudi Arabia) is the foundational meal. Mandi (meat and rice slow-cooked in a tandoor pit) and Jareesh (crushed wheat cooked to a porridge consistency with meat) are the most distinctly Arabian preparations. Fresh dates (Saudi Arabia produces 17% of the world's date supply — the Ajwa date from Medina is the most prized variety) with qahwa (Arabic coffee, lightly spiced with cardamom and saffron, served in small handle-less cups) is the most fundamental Saudi hospitality ritual.
Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has been transforming its restaurant scene dramatically — Riyadh now has dozens of international fine dining options, and Jeddah's Al-Balad district has an excellent collection of traditional Saudi and regional restaurants. The White Palace (Riyadh — the most celebrated traditional Saudi dining experience), Najd Village (Riyadh — traditional Najdi cuisine in a heritage setting), and the Jeddah Fish Market are the most authentic local dining options.
Recommendations
Kabsa (National Dish)
Fragrant rice, spiced broth, chicken or lamb, nuts and raisins — at any traditional Saudi restaurant
Dates + Qahwa (Arabic Coffee)
Ajwa dates from Medina (most prized), qahwa with cardamom — offered at every hotel and home
Najd Village (Riyadh)
Najdi heritage setting, traditional food served on floor — most atmospheric Saudi dining in the capital
Jeddah Fish Market
Buy fresh Red Sea fish at the market, have it cooked to order — most specific Jeddah food experience
Note: Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia — there are no exceptions for tourists. Non-alcoholic versions of common cocktails are widely available, and the coffee culture (Saudi qahwa, Arabic coffee) is genuinely excellent.
Getting There
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) are Saudi Arabia's two main international gateways. Saudia (national carrier) and the new Riyadh Air (launching international routes from 2024-2025) together connect Saudi Arabia to an expanding global network. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, and most major carriers serve both airports. From the US: direct flights are not yet widespread — connections via London (British Airways), Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) are the most common routes. From the UK: British Airways and Saudia fly direct London–Riyadh and London–Jeddah.
For AlUla: AlUla Regional Airport (ULH) receives connections from Riyadh (1 hour), Jeddah (1 hour), and selected direct flights from Dubai and Doha. The most practical approach is to fly into Riyadh or Jeddah and connect to AlUla.
e-Visa: Saudi Arabia's tourist e-visa is available online at visa.visitsaudi.com for citizens of 66 eligible countries. Cost is approximately $80-120 USD depending on nationality. Multiple-entry, valid for 1 year, allows stays of up to 90 days total. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel.
Practical Info
Classic 10-day Saudi Arabia itinerary: Days 1-3 Riyadh (Diriyah morning day 1, National Museum afternoon, Kingdom Centre Tower evening, Six Flags Qiddiya day 2, Al-Masmak Fortress and historic district day 3). Days 4-6 AlUla (fly 1 hour — Elephant Rock afternoon day 4, Hegra UNESCO full day 5, Dadan and AlUla Old Town day 6). Days 7-9 Jeddah (Al-Balad walking tour day 7, fish market day 8, King Fahd Fountain evening, Corniche cycling day 9). Day 10 Red Sea day trip or fly home.
Cultural etiquette: Greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you). Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered minimum; head covering for women when entering mosques. Non-Muslims cannot enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. Friday is the holy day — many businesses close between approximately noon and 2pm for Friday prayers. Photography of government buildings, military installations, and people without permission is sensitive.
Recommendations
Classic 10-Day Saudi Arabia
Riyadh (3 days) → AlUla (3 days) → Jeddah (3 days) → Red Sea day trip — covers the essential triangle
e-Visa — Apply 2-3 Weeks Ahead
visa.visitsaudi.com — 66 countries eligible, multiple-entry 1-year, ~$80-120 USD
AlUla Oct–March Only
Winter at Tantora festival, comfortable temperatures — summer heat makes AlUla inhospitable
Riyadh Season (Nov–March)
17M visitors — book event tickets ahead at riyadhseason.sa, the most extraordinary Saudi experience
The Riyadh Season runs November through March annually — if your visit overlaps, the entertainment calendar is extraordinary. Book tickets to major events through the Riyadh Season official website well ahead.
