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AlUla – Saudi ArabiaRiyadh – Saudi ArabiaAbha – Saudi ArabiaFarasan Islands – Saudi ArabiaMount Arafat – Saudi Arabia
📍 AlUla📷 Sammy Six · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Asia🗓️ Best: Nov–Mar

Saudi Arabia ✓

Mecca

Ancient tombs, red deserts and the heart of Islam

🕒 –:– local time36 stories this week10 sources 6 top placesCapital Riyadh

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Saudi Arabia📸 Photo album · 7 photos · Ultra-HD
Saudi Arabia📜 History of Saudi Arabia

The story of Saudi Arabia

The Arabian Peninsula has been inhabited for many thousands of years, and Saudi Arabia's deserts preserve rock art, standing stones and ancient settlements. Incense trade routes once crossed the region, enriching kingdoms such as Dedan and Lihyan. The Nabataeans, famous for Petra in Jordan, carved monumental tombs at Hegra (Mada'in Salih) in the 1st century AD, now Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the 7th century, the Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, and Islam spread rapidly from the Hijaz across the Middle East and beyond. Mecca and Medina became the holiest cities of Islam, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Over the centuries, the region came under the influence of various caliphates and later the Ottoman Empire, while central Arabia remained largely governed by tribes and local rulers.

Read the full history

In 1727 Muhammad ibn Saud became ruler of Diriyah, founding what is now celebrated as the First Saudi State, and in 1744 he formed an alliance with the religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. After several rises and falls, Abdulaziz ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh in 1902 and gradually unified the region, proclaiming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed the country into one of the world's wealthiest nations.

In recent years Saudi Arabia has opened to international tourism, and visitors can now explore the ancient tombs of Hegra, the mud-brick lanes of Diriyah, the coral-stone houses of Jeddah's historic district, Red Sea reefs and dramatic desert landscapes. Mecca and Medina's holy sites remain open only to Muslims, but the country's heritage, hospitality and culture are increasingly accessible to all.

Timeline

  1. c. 1st century ADNabataeans carve tombs at Hegra
  2. c. 570Birth of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca
  3. 622The Hijra to Medina
  4. 1727First Saudi State founded at Diriyah
  5. 1902Abdulaziz ibn Saud recaptures Riyadh
  6. 1932Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proclaimed
  7. 1938Oil discovered at Dammam
  8. 2008Hegra becomes the first Saudi UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saudi Arabia 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council member – GCC residents often have simpler entry.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Saudi Arabia appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Saudi Arabia✨ 10 best things to do in Saudi Arabia

Things to do in Saudi Arabia

  1. Explore HegraWander among 100-plus Nabataean tombs carved into golden sandstone near AlUla.
  2. Stroll Al-Balad in JeddahAdmire coral-stone houses with wooden balconies in Jeddah's UNESCO-listed old town.
  3. Visit DiriyahExplore the restored mud-brick district of At-Turaif, birthplace of the Saudi state.
  4. Snorkel the Red SeaDiscover vibrant coral reefs along the country's long coastline.
  5. See the Edge of the WorldStand on dramatic cliffs overlooking an endless plain near Riyadh.
  6. Hike in AbhaExplore green mountains and colourful villages in the cooler southwest.
  7. Watch sunset in AlUlaTake in sandstone formations like Elephant Rock as the sky turns gold.
  8. Browse a traditional soukShop for dates, perfume, spices and textiles.
  9. Try Saudi coffee and datesExperience the hospitality ritual of cardamom-spiced coffee served with dates.
  10. Camp in the desertSpend a night under the stars among the dunes.
Saudi Arabia🗺️ Where to visit in Saudi Arabia

Where to go in Saudi Arabia

  • AlUlaNorthwest · heritage & desertHegra's tombs, ancient Dadan and spectacular rock formations.
  • RiyadhCentre · capitalMuseums, Masmak Fortress, Diriyah and modern landmarks.
  • JeddahWest coast · Red Sea cityThe historic Al-Balad district and a lively corniche.
  • AbhaSouthwest · mountainsCool highlands, colourful villages and mountain trails.
  • 📍
    Edge of the WorldNear Riyadh · cliffsSheer cliffs offering vast desert views.
  • Farasan IslandsRed Sea · islandsRemote islands with beaches, birdlife and diving.
  • 📍
    Al-Ahsa OasisEast · oasisOne of the world's largest oases, listed by UNESCO, with palm groves and caves.
  • 📍
    TaifWest · mountainsKnown for rose farms, cooler air and mountain scenery.
Saudi Arabia✨ Must-do experiences
  • Explore the tombs of Hegra at AlUla
  • Wander the old houses of Jeddah's Al-Balad
  • Snorkel or dive in the Red Sea
  • Camp in the desert under the stars
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Saudi Arabia🍽️ Taste of Saudi Arabia
  • Kabsa – spiced rice with chicken or lamb
  • Mandi – meat and rice slow-cooked in an underground oven
  • Jareesh – creamy cracked-wheat dish
  • Saudi coffee – light cardamom coffee served with dates
Saudi Arabia🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The southwest highlands around Abha are much cooler, and coastal cities are humid.

BestNovember-March – pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and desert trips.
ShoulderApril and October – warmer but still manageable early and late in the day.
AvoidMay-September – extreme heat in most areas, except the southwest mountains.
20°💧Jan
23°☀️Feb
28°💧Mar
33°💧Apr
39°☀️May
42°☀️Jun
43°☀️Jul
43°☀️Aug
40°☀️Sep
34°☀️Oct
27°☀️Nov
22°💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Riyadh (approximate averages).

Saudi Arabia🎉 Festivals & events in Saudi Arabia
  • September 23
    Saudi National DayCelebrations with fireworks, parades and green lights across the country.
  • February 22
    Founding DayCommemorates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727.
  • Varies (Islamic calendar)
    Eid al-FitrFamilies celebrate the end of Ramadan with feasts and gifts.
  • Varies (Islamic calendar)
    Eid al-AdhaThe Feast of Sacrifice coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Winter months
    Riyadh SeasonAn entertainment festival with concerts, events and attractions.
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Saudi Arabia🧭 Saudi Arabia itinerary ideas

How many days in Saudi Arabia?

5 daysRiyadh and AlUla

Day 1-2 Riyadh, Diriyah and the Edge of the World. Day 3-5 fly to AlUla for Hegra, Elephant Rock and desert sunsets.

10 daysSaudi Arabia highlights

Day 1-3 Riyadh and Diriyah, Day 4-6 AlUla and Hegra. Day 7-8 Jeddah's Al-Balad and the Red Sea, Day 9-10 Abha's mountains.

Saudi Arabia🎒 Backpacking Saudi Arabia – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $55–90 a day

  • Saudi Arabia isn't a classic backpacker destination, but budget hotels and apartments are available in cities.
  • Intercity buses and the high-speed Haramain railway offer affordable transport between some cities.
  • Eat at local restaurants serving kabsa, shawarma and Indian food for great value.
  • Ride-hailing apps are widely used in cities.
  • Visit in winter to avoid extreme heat and make the most of outdoor sightseeing.
Saudi Arabia🛡️ Safety & money in Saudi Arabia

Stay safe

  • Saudi Arabia has low crime, but check your government's latest travel advice, especially for areas near the Yemen border.
  • Respect local laws and customs; alcohol is illegal.
  • Dress modestly in public, with shoulders and knees covered.
  • Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or the central area of Medina.

Money

  • The currency is the Saudi riyal.
  • Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, and ATMs are common.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Emergency: 911 all emergencies (main cities) · 999 police · 997 ambulance · 998 fire

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Saudi Arabia🛬 Getting to Saudi Arabia

Major international airports are in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with AlUla receiving some international flights. Land borders connect to Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain (via the King Fahd Causeway) and other neighbours.

✈️ Cheap flights to Saudi Arabia: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Saudi Arabia💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers.
  • The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) is the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
  • Hegra was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest date producers.
  • The country's weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
Saudi Arabia❓ Saudi Arabia travel FAQ

Saudi Arabia travel questions

Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?

Saudi Arabia has low crime rates and is generally safe in tourist areas. Respect local laws, and check your government's latest travel advice, especially for border regions.

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

November to March is the most comfortable time. Summers are extremely hot in most regions.

How many days do you need in Saudi Arabia?

Five days covers Riyadh and AlUla. Ten days lets you add Jeddah and the southwest mountains.

Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

It depends on your passport. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.

What should tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Women are not required to wear an abaya, but conservative clothing is advised.

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Saudi Arabia💰 What a trip costs
$$$price level
$55–90backpacker / day
$160–280mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Saudi Arabia🚌 Getting around

Domestic flights cover long distances, and the high-speed Haramain train links Mecca, Jeddah and Medina. Renting a car or using ride-hailing apps is common in cities.

Saudi Arabia🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Masjid al-Haram – Islam's holiest mosque around the Kaaba; Mecca is open to Muslims only
  • Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the second holiest site in Islam
  • Mount Arafat – Hill where pilgrims gather on the most important day of Hajj
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Saudi Arabia🤝 Local etiquette
  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
  • Use your right hand for eating and greeting
  • Respect prayer times, when some shops close briefly
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📰 Older Saudi Arabia stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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