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Overview
Saudi Arabia occupies the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest country in the Middle East by area. It borders Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE to the east, Oman and Yemen to the south, and has coastlines on both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The landscape shifts dramatically from the sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) — the world's largest continuous sand desert — to the green highlands of the Asir region near the Yemeni border and the coral-rich waters of the Red Sea coast.
For much of the twentieth century Saudi Arabia was largely closed to leisure tourism, but a sustained opening that began around 2019 has made the country accessible to visitors from dozens of nations. Major infrastructure investments are underway across the country as part of the Vision 2030 national development plan. New museums, restored heritage sites, entertainment venues, and hospitality projects are opening regularly, which means the traveler's experience is genuinely evolving from one year to the next.
Riyadh, the capital, is a sprawling modern metropolis that also contains some of the country's most important cultural institutions. Jeddah, on the Red Sea, is the commercial hub and gateway to Mecca for Muslim pilgrims. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (Al-Ula) in the northwest contains monumental Nabataean tombs comparable in scale to Petra in Jordan. The Eastern Province holds the country's oil infrastructure and a significant expatriate population, with Dammam and Al Khobar as its main urban centers.
Travelers should be aware that Saudi Arabia retains a distinct cultural and legal environment. Dress codes, public conduct expectations, and restrictions on certain goods and activities differ meaningfully from much of the Western world. Approaching the country with open curiosity and respect for local norms tends to yield the most rewarding visit.
Before You Go
Visas
Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its tourist visa program in recent years, offering e-visas and visas on arrival for eligible passport holders. Requirements, eligible nationalities, fees, and conditions change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify the latest requirements directly with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate before making any bookings.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but the Saudi government does require proof of meningitis vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Standard travel health precautions apply. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Tap water is generally considered safe in cities but many residents and visitors prefer bottled water; verify locally. Pharmacies are well stocked in urban areas.
What to pack
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate in most public settings for all genders
- A light jacket or layer for heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces, which are common year-round
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential; UV levels are intense
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain at heritage sites
- Modest swimwear for gender-segregated or private pools and Red Sea beaches at licensed resorts
Ramadan considerations
If your visit falls during Ramadan, be aware that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted and would be considered disrespectful. Restaurant hours shift significantly; many venues open after sunset. The pace of life slows during the day and becomes more active at night. Ramadan timing follows the Islamic lunar calendar and shifts each year — verify dates in advance.
Getting There
By air
Saudi Arabia is served by three major international airports: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport (DMM) near Dammam. Jeddah's airport handles particularly high passenger volumes because of Hajj and Umrah traffic. Several regional airports — including those serving Al-Ula (ULH), Abha, Taif, and Medina — also receive scheduled and charter flights. Saudia (Saudi Airlines) and flynas are the principal carriers based in the country, and major international airlines serve all three main hubs from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
By land
Land crossings exist from the UAE, Qatar (via the King Fahd Causeway linking Bahrain to the Eastern Province, then onward), Jordan, and Kuwait. Crossing conditions, wait times, and permitted nationalities vary; verify current border status with official sources before planning overland entry.
By sea
Ferry services operate between Jeddah and Suez (Egypt) and between Jeddah and Aqaba (Jordan) via the Red Sea, though schedules and operators should be confirmed locally as services can change seasonally.
Getting Around
Domestic flights
Flying is the most practical way to move between distant cities. Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal all operate extensive domestic networks. Booking in advance is advisable, particularly during religious holidays and school breaks.
Road travel
Saudi Arabia has a well-developed highway network, and inter-city road journeys are feasible. Visitors with an international driving permit and eligible nationality may rent a car; verify current rules with rental agencies. Driving standards vary and speeds on highways can be high — exercise caution. Ride-hailing apps (Uber operates in major cities, as does local competitor Careem) are widely used and are often the most convenient way to move around within cities without a private vehicle.
Rail
The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Medina. Note that Mecca and Medina are restricted to Muslim visitors; non-Muslims cannot enter these cities. A separate rail line, the Saudi Railway (SAR), links Riyadh with Dammam and points in the Eastern Province. Riyadh also has a metro system — the Riyadh Metro — which opened in phases beginning in 2024 and offers a growing number of lines across the capital.
Taxis and apps
Metered street taxis exist but are used less frequently than ride-hailing apps, which are generally more transparent on pricing. Confirm the fare method before entering any unmarked vehicle.
Things to See & Do
Riyadh
- Diriyah — The ancestral home of the Al Saud family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The At-Turaif district preserves mudbrick palaces and defensive walls of the first Saudi state. Ongoing restoration has made this one of the country's most impressive heritage experiences.
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia — A comprehensive introduction to the country's history from prehistoric times through the modern era. Well-curated and accessible to visitors without prior knowledge of the region.
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) — A dramatic escarpment roughly 90 km northwest of Riyadh where the plateau drops away suddenly to reveal a vast open plain. Best visited with an organized tour or experienced guide, as the route is unpaved.
- Riyadh's Murabba District and Al-Masmak Fortress — The mudbrick Al-Masmak Fortress, now a museum, marks the site of the 1902 raid that helped establish the modern Saudi state.
Al-Ula and Hegra
- Hegra (Mada'in Saleh) — Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring more than 100 well-preserved Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops. The site is genuinely striking and far less visited than Petra in Jordan. Admission and tour logistics should be pre-booked through the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) or authorized operators; verify current booking requirements on the official RCU website.
- Dadan and Jabal Ikmah — Ancient Lihyanite and Dedanite ruins near Al-Ula, with rock inscriptions in multiple ancient scripts.
- Al-Ula Old Town — A compact mudbrick settlement that was inhabited until the 1980s, now partially restored for visitors.
Jeddah and the Red Sea
- Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Balad is a dense labyrinth of coral-stone buildings featuring elaborate wooden lattice balconies (Rawasheen). Walking the narrow lanes in the late afternoon is one of the most atmospheric experiences in the country.
- Red Sea diving and snorkeling — The Saudi Red Sea coast has extensive coral reefs with high biodiversity. Dive operators are concentrated around Jeddah and the developing NEOM/Tabuk coast. Verify operator licenses and safety standards before booking.
- King Fahd Fountain — One of the tallest fountains in the world, visible from the Jeddah corniche, particularly dramatic at night.
Asir Region
- Abha and the highlands — The Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia has a cooler, sometimes misty climate and a distinct cultural identity. The Asir National Park, terraced mountain villages, and the annual Soudah cable car offer a very different Saudi experience from the desert lowlands.
Desert experiences
- Camel trekking, sandboarding, and overnight camps in the dunes are available near Riyadh and in the Al-Ula area. Operators range widely in quality; ask for references or book through reputable tour companies.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine draws on Bedouin, Levantine, and South Asian influences, reflecting both the country's history and its large expatriate workforce. Staple dishes include kabsa (slow-cooked rice with meat — the closest thing to a national dish), jareesh (crushed wheat cooked with meat or vegetables), mandi (tender slow-roasted meat with rice, often prepared in an underground pit), and mutabbaq (filled pastry, popular as street food). Date palms grow across the country and dates in various forms appear at the start of meals and as gifts.
Coffee culture is strong. Qahwa (Arabic coffee, typically flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron) is offered as a gesture of hospitality in homes, traditional settings, and many restaurants. Specialty coffee shops have proliferated rapidly in Riyadh and Jeddah, with a thriving third-wave café scene.
Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia for all visitors and residents. No alcohol is served in restaurants, hotels, or shops. Mocktails, fresh juices, Arabic soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages are widely available and often very good.
Dining out in cities is diverse. Beyond Saudi cuisine, Jeddah and Riyadh have large numbers of Lebanese, Egyptian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and international restaurants. High-end hotel restaurants in major cities serve international menus. Budget travelers will find affordable and filling meals at Pakistani and Indian eateries near commercial districts. Malls contain extensive food courts with a wide range of options.
During Hajj and Ramadan, restaurant availability and hours shift significantly. During Ramadan, iftar (the meal breaking the fast at sunset) is a social and culinary event worth experiencing if you are in the country — many hotels and restaurants offer special iftar spreads.
Shopping
Saudi Arabia's major cities have large, modern shopping malls that serve as central social and retail hubs — particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. These contain international brands, Saudi retail chains, food courts, cinemas, and family entertainment centers. The mall experience is genuinely embedded in daily urban life and worth observing even if shopping is not your primary goal.
For more characterful purchases, seek out:
- Souqs — Traditional markets still exist in most cities. Riyadh's Dira Souq (near Al-Masmak) and Jeddah's historic souq area in Al-Balad sell gold, silver jewelry, spices, incense (oud and bakhoor are signature Saudi products), traditional clothing, and dates.
- Oud and perfume — Saudi Arabia has a rich tradition of wood incense (oud) and layered perfumery. Specialist shops sell pure oud chips and blended attars (concentrated perfume oils); quality and price vary enormously.
- Dates — Packaged premium dates make widely accepted gifts and travel well. The Qassim and Madinah regions are particularly associated with high-quality varieties.
- Handicrafts — Hand-woven baskets and textiles from the Asir region, silver Bedouin jewelry, and traditional daggers (Janbiya) are among the distinctly regional crafts; note customs rules in your home country regarding certain items.
Bargaining is customary in traditional souqs but not in fixed-price retail stores. Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to most retail purchases; verify the current rate locally as it has changed in recent years.
Practical Information
Money
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US Dollar. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept major international cards. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; cash is still preferred at small souqs and informal vendors. Inform your bank of your travel plans before departure.
Connectivity
Mobile data and SIM cards are available at airports and phone shops. Major carriers include STC, Mobily, and Zain. Coverage is strong in cities and along major highways; remote desert areas may have limited signal. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, malls, and most cafés.
Electricity
Saudi Arabia uses 220V / 60Hz. Plug types in use include Type A, B, and G (British three-pin) — the mix varies by building age. A universal adapter is the safest option.
Emergency contacts
- Police: 911
- Ambulance: 911
- Traffic accidents: 993
- Civil Defense (fire): 998
Verify these numbers are current upon arrival, as emergency services in Saudi Arabia have been consolidated in recent years.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants (if a service charge is not already included), for hotel staff, and for drivers. A modest tip of 10% in restaurants is generally considered appropriate where service is good.
Safety
Saudi Arabia's major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam — are generally considered safe for travelers, with low rates of petty crime. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying expensive items conspicuously.
The security situation near the border with Yemen (the southern and southwestern regions, including parts of Jizan and Najran provinces) is different and can be affected by cross-border tensions related to the ongoing Yemen conflict. Travelers should consult their government's official travel advisory — issued by agencies such as the UK's FCDO, the US State Department, or equivalent — before planning travel to southern border areas. Advisories are updated regularly and reflect the current situation more accurately than any printed or published guide.
Legal risks for travelers primarily concern behavior that is lawful in many other countries but illegal in Saudi Arabia: possession or consumption of alcohol, possession of controlled substances, public indecency, and certain forms of expression critical of the government or religion. Penalties under Saudi law can be severe. Familiarize yourself with local laws before travel.
Road safety is a practical concern. Traffic accident rates have historically been elevated, particularly on inter-city highways. Use seatbelts, avoid driving at night on unfamiliar rural roads, and exercise patience in urban traffic.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and the location of the two holiest sites in the Islamic world: the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Both cities are closed to non-Muslims. This spiritual centrality shapes daily life across the country in ways that are immediately apparent to visitors — the call to prayer sounds five times daily, and many businesses and services adjust their hours around prayer times, though this practice has loosened somewhat in recent years in larger cities.
Family and community are central to Saudi social life. Public interactions are often formal and courteous, and hospitality toward guests is considered a point of pride. Accepting offers of coffee or tea when visiting someone's home or office is a polite gesture.
Gender dynamics have shifted noticeably since around 2017–2018. Women are no longer required to wear the abaya (full-length robe) in public, though many Saudi women continue to do so out of personal choice or tradition. Women may now drive, attend sports events, concerts, and mixed-gender public gatherings. Female travelers generally report being able to move around cities comfortably, though conservative dress (covering shoulders and knees, loose-fitting clothing) remains advisable and respectful in most settings outside of licensed resorts.
Photography requires sensitivity. Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and people (particularly women) without explicit permission. At heritage sites, photography is generally permitted but specific rules vary — check posted signage.
Public displays of affection are not culturally appropriate. Loud or disruptive public behavior is frowned upon. During Ramadan, visitors of all faiths are expected to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
