saudi arabia tourism wiki

Saudi Arabia

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Etymology
• 4.2 Government
• 4.3 History
• 4.4 Economy
• 4.5 Geography
• 4.6 Climate
• 4.8.1 Prayer times
• 4.9 Holidays
• 4.10 Visitor information
• 6.1.1.1.1 Transit visas
• 6.1.1.1.2 Pilgrimage visas
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.5 By train
• 6.6 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.3 By train
• 7.5 By taxi
• 8.1 Museums and landmarks
• 8.2 World heritage sites
• 8.3 Natural scenery and landmarks
• 8.4 Beaches and islands
• 8.5 Religious sites
• 9.3 What to buy
• 10.1 Desert excursions
• 10.2 Scuba diving
• 10.3 Amusement parks
• 10.4 Theatres
• 10.5 Gaming
• 10.6 Camel racing
• 11.1 Saudi cuisine
• 11.2 Fast food
• 12.1 Coffee shops
• 12.2 Alcohol
• 12.3 Soft drinks
• 14.1 Schools
• 14.2 Universities
• 15.1 Teaching English
• 16.1 Driving
• 16.3 LGBT travellers
• 16.4 Blasphemy
• 16.5 National symbols
• 16.6 Women travellers
• 16.7 Armed conflicts
• 16.8 Compounds
• 17.1 Tap water
• 18.1 Law and morality
• 18.2 Sex segregation
• 18.5 Social etiquette
• 18.6 Behaving in public
• 18.7 Home etiquette
• 18.8 Miscellaneous
• 19.1 By phone
• 19.2 By net
• 19.3 By mail

Saudi Arabia ( Arabic : السعودية, as-Suʿūdīyah ) is a large kingdom covering a significant portion of the Arabian peninsula.

Saudi Arabia is home to Islam 's holiest cities — Mecca and Medina — both of which attract Muslims from all over the world. Religious pilgrimages used to be the country's primary source of income before oil was discovered in the 1930s. With over 16 million visitors annually, Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most popular travel destinations, if you count Muslims coming for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic (Sharia) law, requiring everyone, including visitors, to think, act, and behave in a way that's consistent with Islamic principles and guidelines. That being said, it appears that the government is trying to shed the country's conservative image and open up the country to the world.

You should not travel to Saudi Arabia if you are unprepared to accept strict limitations on your freedom of expression and behaviour.

Regions [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is administratively divided into 13 provinces ( mintaqah ), but here are the traditional divisions of the country.

Cities [ edit ]

• 24.65 46.71 1 Riyadh ( الرياض ) — the capital of and the largest city in the Kingdom
• 18.216667 42.5 2 Abha ( أَبْهَا ) — a summer tourist mountain resort city in the southwest near the Yemeni border
• 26.266667 50.15 3 Dhahran ( الظهران ) — the home of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest petroleum company
• 21.542778 39.172778 4 Jeddah ( جِدَّة ) — a large metropolitan city on the Red Sea, known for its distinctive coral houses in the old town
• 27 49.666667 5 Jubail ( الجبيل ) — the largest industrial city in the kingdom
• 21.4225 39.826111 6 Mecca ( مكة ) — the holiest city in Islam and commonly visited as part of the Hajj pilgrimage; off-limits to non-Muslims
• 24.47 39.61 7 Medina ( المدينة ) — the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, and the second holiest city in Islam
• 17.4917 44.1322 8 Najran ( نجران ) — a Yemeni-influenced city with a remarkable fortress
• 21.266667 40.416667 9 Ta'if ( اَلطَّائِفُ‎ ) — the unofficial summer capital of the Kingdom

Expect significant variations in the English spellings of place names in schedules and even road signs: Al Wajh and Wedjh are the same place. In particular, Q/G, E/I, and E/A are interchanged freely ( Qassim/Gassim , Mecca/Makkah , Jeddah/Jiddah ), H/A sometimes swap places ( Al-Ahsa / Al-Hasa ) and the definite article al- can be left on or off ( Medina/Almadinah , Riyadh/Arriyadh ).

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 20 50 1 Empty Quarter ( Rub' al Khali ) — one of the largest sand deserts on earth
• 21.4225 39.826167 2 Hajj — the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca

Understand [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

Saudi Arabia is officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( المملكة العربية السعودية , al-Mamlakah al-ʿArabīyah as-Suʿūdīyah ).

The country takes its name from the House of Saud, the ruling royal family that has dominated the country's political landscape for more than three centuries.

When most of the Arabian peninsula was unified by the House of Saud, Abdulaziz bin Saud named the newly unified country "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".

Government [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by the House of Saud.

The King of Saudi Arabia, officially known as the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" since 1986, is the country's head of state and wields enormous political power. The Saudi king is the head of the House of Saud, the head of the government, the supreme commander-in-chief of the Saudi military, has the authority to appoint a Crown Prince, and can bestow state awards and honours to civilians and foreigners. All of the subsequent kings of Saudi Arabia are sons of Abdulaziz bin Saud, the kingdom's founder and first king.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the country's second-most important political position, is the designated successor to the King of Saudi Arabia and assists him with his duties.

The government of Saudi Arabia is made up of 22 government ministries.

History [ edit ]

The first Saudi state was founded by Muhammad bin Saud Al Muqrin in 1727, in the town of Diriyah , today on the northwest outskirts of the capital Riyadh . In 1744, Muhammad bin Saud formed a political alliance with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the founder of the Wahhabi school of Sunni Islam, in which Wahhabi Islam was made the state religion, in exchange for the religious endorsement of the Saud family's right to rule by al-Wahhab and his descendants.

The Saud family were sheikhs of Nejd, the area around Riyadh, but were driven out by a neighbouring dynasty, hiding with their relatives, the emirs of Kuwait. Then in 1902, young Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud and a few dozen lads rode out to raid their home territory. As it turned out, the invaders had been ruling badly, so many locals joined them. They not only re-captured Riyadh, but much of the surrounding territory.

After that, Abdul Aziz spent the next 30 years trying to unify the Arabian Peninsula. The area united under him became known as Saudi Arabia.

In the 1930s, the discovery of oil transformed the country, and Saudi Arabia became a key U.S. ally in the Middle East in 1933. Saudi Arabia's oil wealth was instrumental to the Allied victory in World War II , as the Saudis were able to keep the American military well-stocked with fuel. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. A burgeoning population, unemployment, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all major governmental concerns.

Relations with neighboring Iran have been tense ever since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, due in part to historical tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims, with Saudi Arabia often seen as the unofficial leader of the Sunni world, and Iran often seen as the unofficial leader of the Shia world. Both countries have often supported opposing sides in various proxy wars in the Middle East, most notably in Yemen , Iraq and Syria , and relations had been especially tense since the Saudi government executed a prominent Shia cleric in 2016, and Iranian protesters responded by storming the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

After decades of stagnation under ossified octogenarian kings, the Saudi political scene underwent an earthquake in 2017 when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , universally known as MBS and only 32 years old at the time, became the country's de facto ruler and started shaking things up. On one hand, societal mores loosened up with the religious police put on a tight leash, women allowed to drive, cinemas allowed to open and tourist visas now granted. On the other hand, repression of political opponents has tightened with billions extracted from various oligarchs, critics sentenced to years in jail and, most notoriously, journalist Jamal Khashoggi assassinated and dismembered with a bone saw. Oil wealth has been plowed into megaprojects like Neom . MBS has also pivoted Saudi Arabia's foreign relations away from the United States, its traditional ally, towards China, and invited Chinese investment in numerous infrastructure projects as part of their Belt and Road Initiative. It remains to be seen how far he can continue to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from oil before the oil money inevitably runs out.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations with Iran in a landmark deal brokered by China. This rapprochement has raised hopes that the numerous proxy wars between Saudi Arabia and Iran in the Middle East may soon be coming to an end.

Economy [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is an enormously wealthy country, thanks to its massive, plentiful oil and gas reserves: wealthiest in the Middle East , with one of the largest economies in the world. It is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), where it has a leading role, and it is a member of the G20 forum.

Saudi Arabia's oil reserves and production are managed by Saudi Aramco, a state-owned corporation that is the second-largest corporation in the world. Saudi Arabia is believed to have the second-largest oil reserves in the world, and the Saudi oil and gas sector accounts for 87% of Saudi budget revenues, 90% of export earnings, and 42% of Saudi Arabia's GDP. For these reasons, Saudi Arabia is considered an "energy superpower".

Many people have moved to Saudi Arabia in search of work opportunities. There are more than 13.4 million foreigners (40% of the total population) living and working in Saudi Arabia. The bulk of foreign workers come from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Yemen and Ethiopia.

In 1999 the government announced plans to begin privatizing the electricity companies, which follows the ongoing privatization of the telecommunications company. The government is expected to continue calling for private sector growth to lessen the kingdom's dependence on oil and increase employment opportunities for the swelling Saudi population. Shortages of water and rapid population growth will constrain government efforts to increase self-sufficiency in agricultural products.

Unemployment among Saudis has long been a problem successive governments have dealt with. While the situation is showing signs of improvement, Saudi Arabia's youth − 60% of Saudi people are under the age of 30 − is generally reluctant to take on menial jobs and is often forced to compete with imported labour.

Like its oil-rich neighbours, the Saudi government has been trying to reduce its dependence on oil and gas reserves. This has been accompanied by slightly easing the country's notoriously strict interpretation of Islam and opening up the country's economy to foreign investors.

Due to its enormous oil wealth, Saudi Arabia provides its citizens with one of the world's most comprehensive welfare states despite not levying an income tax on them.

Geography [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia covers an area of 2,150,000 square kilometres (830,120 sq mi), making it the world's twelfth-largest country and the second-largest Muslim-majority country in the world. It is about the same size as Mexico and almost four times the size of France .

Saudi Arabia covers approximately four fifths of the area of the Arabian Peninsula, which can be described as a rectangular plateau gradually sloping eastwards till reaching sea level at the Persian Gulf.

The main topographical features are as follows:

The Sarawat or Sarat mountain range runs parallel to the Red Sea coast beginning near the Jordanian border until the southern coast of Yemen, gradually increasing in height southwards. It is largely made up of barren volcanic rock, especially in the south, and sandstone in the north, but it is also interspersed with ancient lava fields and fertile valleys. As one moves further south towards Yemen, the barren landscape gradually gives way to green mountains and even woodlands, the result of being in the range of the monsoons. In Saudi Arabia, the range is commonly known as the Hejaz, though the southernmost part of the range is known as 'Aseer. In the foothills of the Hejaz lies the holy city of Makkah, and approximately 400 km north of Mecca in an oasis between two large lava fields lies the other holy city of Madinah.

West of the Sarawat or Hejaz mountain range is a narrow coastal plain known as Tihama, in which the country's second largest city, Jidda, is located.

East of the Hejaz lies the elevated plateau known as Najd, a sparsely populated area of desert steppe dotted with small volcanic mountains. To the east of Najd-proper lies the Tuwaig escarpment, a narrow plateau running 800 km from north to south. Its top layer is made of limestone and bottom layer of sandstone. Historically rich in fresh groundwater and crisscrossed with numerous dry riverbeds (wadis), the Tuwaig range and its immediate vicinity are dotted with a constellation of towns and villages. In the middle, nestled between a group of wadis, is the capital city, Ar-Riyadh.

Further east from the Tuwaig plateau and parallel to it is a narrow (20–100 km) corridor of red sand dunes known as the Dahana desert, which separates the "Central Region" or "Najd" from the Eastern Province. The heavy presence of iron oxides gives the sand its distinctive red appearance. The Dahana desert connects two large "seas" of sand dunes. The northern one is known as the Nufuud, approximately the size of Lake Superior, and the southern is known as "the Empty Quarter," so-called because it covers a quarter of the area of the Peninsula. Though essentially uninhabitable, the edges of these three "seas of sand" make for excellent pastures in the spring season, but even the Bedouin almost never attempted to cross the Empty Quarter.

North of the Nufud desert lies a vast desert steppe, traditionally populated mainly by nomadic Bedouins with the exception of a few oasis such as Al-Jof. This region is an extension of the Iraqi and Syrian deserts (or vice versa). After a rainy season, these barren, rocky steppes can yield lush meadows and rich pastures.

The eastern province is largely barren except that it contains two oases resulting from springs of ancient fossil water. These are the oases of Al-Qateef on the Gulf coast and Al-Hasa (or Al-Ahsa) further inland. Next to Qatif lies the modern metropolitan area of Dammam, Dhahran and Al-Khobar.

Climate [ edit ]

People tend to think of Saudi Arabia as an expanse of scorchingly hot desert punctuated with oil wells, and for most of the time in most of the country, they are right. From May to September, the country (basically everything except the southwestern mountains) bakes in temperatures that average 42 °C/107 °F and regularly exceed 50 °C/122 °F in the shade. In July and August, in particular, all who can flee the country do so and work slows down to a crawl. The coasts are only slightly moderated by the sea, which usually keeps temperatures below 38 °C/100 °F, but at the price of extreme humidity (85-100%), which many find even more uncomfortable than the dry heat of the interior, especially at night. Only the elevated mountainous regions stay cool(er), with the summer resort city of Ta'if rarely topping 35 °C/95 °F and the mountainous Asir region cooler yet.

In winter, though, it's surprisingly different. Daytime highs in Riyadh in December average only 21 °C/70 °F, and temperatures can easily fall below zero at night, occasionally even resulting in a sprinkling of snow in the southern mountains. The winter can also bring rains to all or most of the country, although in many years this is limited to one or two torrential outbursts. The end of spring (April and May) is also a rainy season for much of the country. In the south, though, this pattern is reversed, with most rain falling during the Indian Ocean's monsoon season between May and October.

People [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is a relatively homogenous country, if only citizens are counted. However, about 38% of Saudi Arabia's population is comprised of foreigners, mostly poorly-paid migrant workers from Africa and other parts of Asia. Of Saudi citizens roughly 90% are ethnically Arab and the remaining 10% mostly Afro-Arabs, the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who settled in the Arabian Peninsula and assimilated into Arab culture over the generations.

Religion [ edit ]

Sunni Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia. Although no law specifically requires Saudi citizens to be Muslim, public observance and proselytism of religions other than Islam are forbidden, and it is illegal to display non-Quranic forms of scripture in public. While most Saudi citizens are Sunni Muslims, there is a Shi'a Muslim minority comprising about 10–15% of the Saudi population, with the highest concentration of them in the Eastern Province .

There are no official churches in Saudi Arabia of any kind. However, some Filipino workers report the presence of churches inside some gated communities. The small number of Saudi Arabian Christians meet in Internet chat rooms, and foreign Christians may meet at church meetings held at one of several embassies after registering and showing their passport, to prove foreign nationality, or by private assemblies in school gyms in gated communities on Aramco grounds. They can also hold services in each other's houses.

Prayer times [ edit ]

Everything in Saudi Arabia is regulated by the five daily prayers. All shops and offices used to close during each prayer for a period of at least 20–30 minutes, but this has changed in the 2000s, and most shops will remain open. Shopping malls, hospitals and airports do stay open and taxis and other public transport continue to run normally.

The first prayer is fajr , early in the morning before the first glint of light at dawn, and the call to prayer for fajr will be your wake-up call in the Kingdom. After fajr , some people eat breakfast and head to work, with shops opening up.

The second prayer is dhuhr , held after true noon in the middle of the day. The Friday noon prayer ( jummah ) is the most important one of the week, when even less observant Muslims usually make the effort to go to the mosque. After dhuhr , people head for lunch, while many shops choose to stay closed and snooze away the heat of the day.

Asr prayers are in the late afternoon (one and a half to two hours before sunset), with many shops opening again afterwards. Maghrib prayers are held at sunset and mark the end of the work day in much of the private sector. The last prayer is isha'a , held around ¾–1 hr after sunset, after which locals head for dinner. Expats refer to the time between maghrib and isha'a as the "prayer window", during which you can hit the supermarket and buy your groceries if you time it right.

Prayer times change daily according to the seasons and your exact location in the Kingdom. You can find the day's times in any newspaper, or consult an on-line prayer time service .

Holidays [ edit ]

Like most of the Middle East, the weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday, with Sunday a normal working day. (Until 2013, it was Thursday & Friday.)

The Saudi interpretation of Islam tends to view non-Muslim holidays as sacrilegious, and the public observance of Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, Halloween etc. is prohibited. Public holidays are granted only for Eid ul-Fitr , the feast at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha , commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, some 70 days after Ramadan.

There is also one secular holiday: Unification of the Kingdom Day , on 23 September. Whilst not an official public holiday or a festival, it's treated like one. In fact, many local youths celebrate it more zealously than either Islamic Eid.

During Ramadan, visitors are required to abide by the restrictions of the fasting month, at least in public: no eating, drinking or smoking during the daylight hours. Some better hotels will be able to quietly supply room service during the day, but otherwise you'll have to do your preparations. All restaurants in the Kingdom are closed during the day, and while some offices stay open with limited hours, the pace of business slows down to a torpor. After evening prayer, though, all the restaurants in the bazaar open up and do a roaring trade until the small hours of the morning. Hotel restaurants often serve lavish iftar meals that are a popular way for locals to socialise, and non-Muslims are welcome to partake too, but make sure you reserve in advance due to their popularity. Most of the shops are open as well, and the cool of the evening makes it a pleasant time to shop. A visitor can have a fine time joining in on these evenings, though having a stash in your hotel room for a quiet breakfast around 10:00 will suit most visitors better than rising at four for a big pre-dawn Saudi breakfast.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Saudi Arabia website

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic .

Najdi Arabic is the most widely known vernacular and it is spoken in the central and northern parts of the country.

Hejazi Arabic is spoken in the western part of the country.

Gulf Arabic is spoken in the eastern part of the country.

All Saudi people learn Modern Standard Arabic at school, so you should have no problems communicating in any of the major cities.

Many Saudis understand and speak English . Nearly all road signs are in English and Arabic.

Saudi Arabia has one of the largest migrant populations in the world; you can find a speaker of almost any language in the world in Saudi Arabia. The most commonly spoken languages by migrants, in no particular order, are Urdu , Bengali , Hindi , Tagalog , Malayalam , and Indonesian .

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

Saudi Arabia used to be one of the most difficult countries in the world to visit; before 2019, travel was almost entirely restricted to religious pilgrims, those on business trips, and expatriate workers and their dependents. However, this has changed with the introduction of tourist visas in 2019.

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ― Bahrain , Kuwait , Oman , Qatar , and the United Arab Emirates ― enjoy freedom of movement in Saudi Arabia. They can enter the country with their national ID cards.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain e-Visas online for a fee prior to arrival or on arrival to Saudi Arabia: member states of the European Union , Albania , Andorra , Australia , Azerbaijan , Brunei , Canada , China (mainland), Georgia , Hong Kong , Iceland , Japan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Liechtenstein , Macau , Malaysia , Maldives , Mauritius , Monaco , Montenegro , New Zealand , Norway , Panama , Russia , Saint Kitts and Nevis , San Marino , Seychelles , Singapore , South Africa , South Korea , Switzerland , Taiwan , Tajikistan , Thailand , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States and Uzbekistan . Saudi e-Visas allow the traveller to spend up to a maximum of 90 days in the country and enter and leave the country as many times as they want.

If you're not a citizen of any of the countries listed above, you must apply for a visa at a Saudi diplomatic mission. You qualify for a visa on arrival if you reside in any of the GCC countries or if you reside in or have a tourist visa from the United States , the United Kingdom , or a Schengen area country.

Saudi visas do not state their exact expiry date . While the validity is noted in months, these are not Roman solar months but Arab lunar months , and you must use the Islamic calendar to figure out the length: a three-month visa issued on "29/02/22" (22 Safar 1429, 1 March 2008) is valid until 29/05/22 (22 Jumada al-Awwal 1429, 28 May 2008), not until 1 June 2008. Depending on visa type, the validity can start from the date of issue or the date of first entry, and multiple-entry visas may also have restrictions regarding how many days at a time are allowed (usually 28 days per visit) and/or how many days total are allowed during the validity period.

Visa application requirements [ edit ]

If you're required to apply for a Saudi visa before travelling to the country, you usually have to submit the following documents to a Saudi diplomatic mission to apply for a Saudi visa:

• A completed visa application form
• A copy of your passport (must have a validity of more than six months)
• Proof of employment
• Proof of accommodation for your entire period of stay
• Bank statement(s)
• Confirmed roundtrip ticket
• A copy of your travel itinerary

Note: You must purchase health insurance from an insurance provider in Saudi Arabia. Embassies and consulates can assist with the process.

Visa types [ edit ]

Another easy way to get into the country is to get an international events visa from Sharek [dead link] (look at the top right for the English page option). Certain events are designated as "international", which means that you can buy tickets and a 14-day e-visa. These events can be a bit rare, however, so plan in advance.

Transit visas [ edit ]

Transit visas , known as "stopover visas", are only issued to those transiting through Saudi Arabia. Transit visas allow you stay in the country for 96 hours . Transit visas are not extendable.

Pilgrimage visas [ edit ]

Hajj (pilgrimage) visas are exclusively issued to Hajj pilgrims. Applicants for a Hajj visa are subject to a number of health requirements and holders of a Hajj visa are only allowed to travel within Mecca and Medina . It is illegal to perform the Hajj on a tourist visa.

The procedure for applying for a Hajj visa differs significantly between countries; in some countries you can apply directly with the Saudi government, while in others you'll need to go through the local governing body for Islam.

Hajj visa applicants are required to be vaccinated against meningitis. The vaccination must be recent, i.e, at least 10 days prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia or getting vaccinated within the past three years.

You can apply for an Umrah visa online . An Umrah visa permits you to travel freely throughout Saudi Arabia, but it is not necessary, because you can perform the Umrah on a tourist visa.

Citizens and residents of the following countries can apply for a Hajj visa online : Argentina , Australia , Austria , Belgium , Bolivia , Brazil , Bulgaria , Canada , Chile , Colombia , Costa Rica , Croatia , Cuba , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Dominican Republic , Ecuador , El Salvador , Finland , France , Georgia , Germany , Greece , Guatemala , Guyana , Haiti , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Jamaica , Luxembourg , Malta , Mexico , Netherlands , New Zealand , Nicaragua , Norway , Panama , Paraguay , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Serbia , Spain , Suriname , Sweden , Switzerland , Trinidad and Tobago , Ukraine , the United Kingdom , the United States , Uruguay , and Venezuela .

By plane [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia has 4 international airports at Riyadh , Jeddah , Madinah , and Dammam . The airport at Dhahran is now closed to civil traffic, so passengers to the Eastern Region now fly into Dammam, or into nearby Bahrain (which is much better connected) and then cross into Saudi Arabia by car.

Saudi Arabia is served by the national airline Saudia . Saudia has a reasonable safety record, but many of their planes are on the old side, and the quality of service, inflight entertainment, etc., tends to be low. Virtually all Gulf airlines and most major European airlines fly into Saudi.

During the Hajj, numerous charter flights supplement the scheduled airlines. Foreigners living in Saudi Arabia can often get sensational discounts on outbound flights during the Hajj. Airlines from Muslim countries are flying in many loads of pilgrims, and do not want to go back empty.

By bus [ edit ]

SAPTCO operates cross-border bus services to most of Saudi Arabia's neighbors and beyond, e.g. Cairo . Probably the most popular service is between Dammam/Khobar and Manama , Bahrain . There are several services daily at a cost of SR60 or 6 Bahraini dinars, and the trip across the King Fahd Causeway takes around 3 hours on a good day; see Bahrain for details.

By car [ edit ]

Automobile crossings exist on nearly all the borders. The eastern crossings to Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE are heavily used, all others rather less so.

By train [ edit ]

There are no railways connecting Saudi Arabia with other countries, although in the North , you can still find bits and pieces of the Hejaz Railway that once led to Damascus . The country is however once again investing massively in railways and a network connecting Saudi Arabia with other Gulf states are expected to become operational sometime in the 2030s.

For those travelling to and from Jordan , Saudi Arabia Railway operates passenger services between Riyadh and Qurayyat , right at the border.

By boat [ edit ]

Passenger ferries run once a week or less from Egypt and Sudan to ports in western Saudi Arabia. (The service to Eritrea has stopped running.) Slow, uncomfortable and not particularly cheap, these are of interest primarily if you need to take your car across. An unofficial ban of Westerners may still apply.

Get around [ edit ]

Internal travel permits are a thing of the past, so once you've gotten into Saudi Arabia, most of the country is your oyster. There are, however, some exceptions:

• The area around Mecca is off limits to non-Muslims; the exclusion zone is well signposted. The city center of Medina used to be off-limits to non-Muslims, but the rules were relaxed in 2021; outside of Hajj season, non-Muslims may now enter the city center of Medina up to the perimeter fence around the Prophet's Mosque and take photos from the outside, though entry into the mosque compound is still forbidden.
• Those on Hajj visas are prohibited from leaving the area around Mecca and Medina (and transit points like Jeddah).
• Some remote areas, notably around the Iraqi and Yemeni borders, are restricted military zones. You're exceedingly unlikely to stumble into them by accident.

Saudi Arabia is a large country, which makes flying the only comfortable means of long-distance travel. Flag carrier Saudia has the best schedules, with near-hourly flights on the busy Riyadh-Jeddah sector (90 min) and walk-up one-way fares costing a reasonable 280 Saudi riyals (SR) (or about US$75). Low-cost competitor Nas can be even cheaper if you book in advance, but their schedules are sparser, changes will cost you money and there's no meal on board.

The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates long-distance buses linking together all corners of the country. Buses are modern, air-conditioned and comfortable, but often slow, and the bus stations are more often than not several kilometers away from the city centre. The Riyadh-Dammam service, for example, costs SR60 and takes around 6 hours.

Special "VIP" services operate on the Riyadh-Dammam and Riyadh-Bahrain sectors. For a surcharge of about 50%, you get a direct, non-stop city centre-to-city centre services, plush seating and a meal on-board. They are quite good value, if the sparse schedules match your plans.

The railway network in Saudi Arabia used to be underdeveloped, but there has been a major push to expand rail coverage. The older line running between Riyadh , Al-Hofuf and Dammam has been complemented by a new north-south line between Riyadh , Buraydah and Al Qurayyat near the Jordanian border, with both lines operated by Saudi Arabian Railways .

In 2018, a new high speed link , the Haramain Highspeed Railway connecting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City , opened.

Online tickets are available for all services. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance as the trains are often sold out.

The standard is very high with all passenger services offering both second and business classes, with plush leather seats and 2+1 seating. On trains between Riyadh and Damman, business class is slightly less extravagant as it has an extra class, delightfully named Rehab, which compares to business on other services. For North-South services, private sleeper cabins are also available at a premium. Almost all trains have a cafeteria car serving up drinks and snacks, as well as push-trolley service and there are slick waiting lounges at stations. Also, beware that most carriages reserve the forward-facing seats at the front of each carriage for families.

Saudi Arabia's only operational metro system is in Mecca , Islam's holiest city, with a single line for transporting pilgrims between the various holy sites. As of 2023, a metro system is under construction in the capital Riyadh , while systems have been proposed for Jeddah , Dammam and Medina .

Highway quality is highly variable, except highways that connect major cities, which are generally excellent. The speed limits are usually either 120 km/h or 140 km/h, with a 10 and 4 km/h buffer respectively. Note that at night, some major highways are not streetlit, and hence driving may be challenging to those not used to night driving, as the only light you'll have would be from the cars and trucks themselves. Use a navigation system; it is not uncommon for road signs to be only in Arabic. Driving during the day is recommended. As with other countries, there are gas stations every 30 km or so.

It is uncommon for people to use the indicator (blinker) when changing lanes. In cities, note that (at least in Riyadh) you can go right at a traffic signal showing red ahead, but must stop and check for traffic before doing so.

Car rental is available and gasoline is some of the cheapest in the world. However, there are important reasons to think twice about car rental. The country has some of the highest accident rates in the world. Accidents are common, and if a visitor is involved in one, they would be exposed to the extremely punitive Saudi legal system; see elsewhere on this page for the warnings about that. Access to car rentals is limited to persons 21 and older.

If you are involved in a car accident all parties are required to stay where they are and wait for the Traffic Police (call 993) to turn up, which can take up to four hours. English is unlikely to be spoken by the police, even in big cities, so try to use the waiting time to arrange a translator. The police will issue an accident report, which you have to take to the traffic police station and get it stamped a few times in different queues (this takes most of a morning). Only then can any damage to the car be repaired, as insurance companies will not pay for any body work without this report.

It is not uncommon for the traffic police to resolve the incident there and then by determining the guilty party and deciding compensation. So, should it be your fault the Police will ask you to pay an amount to the other party, but you are not obligated to do so.

Women have only been allowed to drive on public roads in Saudi Arabia since 2018.

By taxi [ edit ]

Within cities, taxis are the only practical means of transportation. Standardized throughout the country, metered fares start at SR5 and tick up at SR1.60/km, but outside Riyadh you'll often have to haggle the price in advance. Solo passengers are expected to sit up front next to the driver: this has the advantages of being next to the full blast of the air-con and making it easier to wave your hands to show the way.

Ride-hailing is available in Saudi Arabia and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Works in Dammam, Jazan, Jeddah, Medina and Riyadh. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Uber covers the whole of Saudi Arabia. ( updated Oct 2023 )

See [ edit ]

There is an abundance of things to see and explore in Saudi Arabia, from ancient ruins to stunning natural landscapes.

Museums and landmarks [ edit ]

From cultural museums to historical museums, there are plenty of opportunities for you to learn more about Saudi history, culture, and customs. As in any other country, some museums allow you to enter for free, while others do not.

One of the best known museums and sites in Saudi Arabia is Masmak Fort , which is located in Riyadh , the capital city. Built during the 14th century and the site of the Battle of Riyadh, one of the most important events in Saudi history, the fort was turned into a museum in the mid-1990s.

World heritage sites [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia has numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• 26.814167 37.9475 3 Madain Saleh — a large, Nabataean archaeological site in Northern Saudi Arabia . It's very similar to Petra in neighbouring Jordan , and it might perhaps be the country's best known world heritage site.
• Historic Jeddah — Historic Jeddah was as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes. To this day, Jeddah still is one of Saudi Arabia's most important trading cities.

Natural scenery and landmarks [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is more than just a barren, flat, hot desert country, as many people assume. From vast, hot, baking deserts to mesmerising jacaranda trees in settlements near the Yemeni border and to lush, green forests along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia has a beautiful and diverse array of natural scenery.

The Empty Quarter covers an area of over 655,000 square kilometres (252,897 sq mi), covering most of the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is the largest continuous body of sand. One may be tempted to call it "no man's land", but that's not entirely accurate ― the Empty Quarter has plenty of flora and fauna, and various tribes live in the Empty Quarter. It's a great place to experience the Arabian peninsula's deserts; however, you are strongly recommended not to visit it alone.

The Asir region, which is close to Yemen, possesses numerous mountains. One of the highest mountains in the region and the country is Jabal Sawda , which is 3,015 metres (9,892 ft) above sea level. The Midian mountain range , situated in the North , is part of the larger Hijaz mountains , which extend along the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some mountains can be easily accessed by cable cars; check beforehand if you plan to see one of Saudi Arabia's many mountains.

Beaches and islands [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is home to a number of islands, beaches, and coastal areas that offer a variety of natural and cultural attractions. The Red Sea has a lot to offer.

Approximately 40-50km away from Jizan you'll find the Farasan Islands , a small group of serene, idyllic coral islands. The Farasan Islands are about 5,408 square kilometres (2,088 sq mi) large, and the Saudi Wildlife Authority has declared it as a protected area.

Another notable nature reserve is the Umm Al-Qamari Islands , located southwest of the city of Al-Qanfat . It consists of two islands: Umm Al-Qamari Al-Barani and Umm Al-Qamari Al-Fawqaniyah. Both islands have white coastal sand, impressive coral reefs, and are home to a variety of birdlife. Like the Farasan Islands, the Umm Al-Qamari Islands are considered a protected area by the Saudi Wildlife Authority.

Religious sites [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam − the Prophet Muhammad was born and raised in what is now Hejaz , and the holiest sites in Islam are domiciled in Saudi Arabia. Religious pilgrimages are the main reason why millions of people visit Saudi Arabia each year. After all, it's an obligation for every Muslim around the world to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if they can.

In accordance with Saudi law, non-Muslims are not permitted entry to Mecca (the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad) and certain areas in Medina . Until 2021, Medina was entirely closed to non-Muslims. Don't let that discourage you, because you have plenty of opportunities to deepen your curiosity about Islam.

The country's best-known attraction is the Masjid al-Haram , also known as the Grand Mosque or the Great Mosque of Mecca. It is the holiest site in Islam and the main setting for the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims all over the world pray facing the Kaaba ― a cube-shaped structure at the centre of the mosque, which is believed by Muslims to be the house of Allah (God).

According to Islamic tradition, the Al-Shaibi family, one of the most influential Saudi families, has been chosen by Allah (God) to protect the Kaaba. The family has held the keys to the Kaaba for nearly 16 centuries. In theory, any Muslim can enter the Kaaba, but access to it is highly restricted; unless you are a foreign dignitary, have connections in the Saudi government, or personally know someone from the Al-Shaibi family, it's highly unlikely that you'll be allowed to enter the Kaaba. It's important to consider that the Kaaba holds immense importance in Islam and it is not easy to properly maintain it.

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina is the second holiest site in Islam and the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, also visited during the Hajj. The mosque was erected nearly 14 centuries ago, and the Prophet Muhammad was personally involved in the construction of the mosque. The mosque's most notable feature is a green-coloured dome in the southeast corner of the mosque, which stands right above the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. Non-Muslims are not allowed entry into the mosque, but they are more than welcome to take pictures of the mosque's exterior.

In Medina , you can find mosques in every corner of the city, some of which have been around for centuries. The Quba Mosque , located on the outskirts of Medina, is believed to be the first mosque in the world.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The Saudi currency is the Saudi riyal , denoted by the symbol " ريال " or " SR " (ISO code: SAR ) It is a fixed at 3.75 riyals to the US dollar. The riyal is divided into 100 halalas , which are used to mark some prices, but, in practice, all payments are rounded to the nearest riyal and odds are you probably will never see any halala coins. Bills come in values of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 riyals, with two different series in circulation. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 halalas, 1 and 2 riyals.

The riyal is effectively also pegged to the Bahraini dinar at a 10:1 ratio. If you are considering travelling to Bahrain, virtually all businesses in Bahrain will accept riyals, but the dinar is not as easily convertible in Saudi Arabia.

Visitors bringing in more than SR60,000 or equivalent must fill out a declaration form.

Saudi Arabia is still largely a cash society. Larger businesses will accept all cards, however most smaller businesses accept debit and credit cards but some will refuse if the amount is little. ATMs are ubiquitous, although those of many smaller banks do not accept foreign cards; Samba, SABB and ANB are probably your best bets. Money changers can be found in souks, but are rare elsewhere. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted by merchants.

Costs [ edit ]

Prices are generally fairly high: figure on US$50/100/200 for budget, midrange and splurge-level daily travel costs.

Tipping is generally not expected, although service staff are always happy to receive them and taxi fares are often rounded up (or, not uncommonly, down). Expensive restaurants often slap on a 10% service charge, although due to lax regulation many employers simply usurp it (ask your waiters if they receive any of it or not if you would like to tip them). There are no sales taxes in Saudi, and for that matter, there aren't any income taxes either.

What to buy [ edit ]

Few local products are of interest to tourists. Locally grown dates are of high quality, and religious paraphernalia is widely available, but almost exclusively imported. Copies of the Qur'an are produced in a wide range of editions and sold at very low prices. Zam zam water is available throughout the Western Region and at all airports.

Carpets are a favorite purchase, most of these coming from nearby Iran. Jeddah in particular has lots of carpets, many brought by pilgrims who sell them there to help finance their trip to Makkah .

Large gold and jewelry markets are prominent in all major cities. Bargaining is a norm in most small to medium-sized stores. Makkah and Madinah offer a lot of variety in terms of luggage, clothing, jewelry, knick-knacks, souvenirs, toys, food, perfume, incense, and religious literature, audio and paraphernalia.

Large, well maintained air-conditioned malls and grocery stores (e.g. Safeway, Geant, Carrefour ) are scattered throughout the kingdom.

Do [ edit ]

Entertainment in Saudi Arabia is very family-oriented. There are few activities for just couples or singles. Single men are not allowed in family areas: family beaches are partitioned from the bachelor beaches, for example. Women are expected to be accompanied by a male relative in public, although single women may be admitted into family areas.

Desert excursions [ edit ]

This is particularly popular with the native Arabs. There are few desert dune bashing tour operators, if any, but ATV rentals are often found along the roadside on the outskirts of major cities and expats often arrange convoy trips into the desert. The Empty Quarter has the most stunning scenery, and requires the most preparation.

Scuba diving [ edit ]

Scuba diving is popular on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Jeddah has a number of dive operators.

Amusement parks [ edit ]

Amusement parks (many of them indoor) are often found near malls or beaches. Many large cities have public parks and small zoos. Horseback riding, camel riding, etc. are also available at horse-racing tracks and some popular beaches. Many upscale hotels provide light activities (especially hotels along the beaches).

Theatres [ edit ]

After more than 30 years of near-total prohibition, movie theaters have begun opening again in the kingdom, most popular being VOX Cinemas and AMC Cinemas . In addition, DVD shops abound, although the selections are often tame and/or censored. DVDs in Saudi Arabia are invariably Region 2, though bootleg DVDs (which are widely available in smaller video shops) are usually region-free, and often uncensored as well. Satellite TV and downloading entertainment from the Internet is thus very popular.

Gaming [ edit ]

Saudis are fanatically obsessed with video games . The current crown prince is said to be a fan of the Call of Duty series, and the Saudi government is keen on making the country an eSports hub.

Video game shops are ubiquitous in all of the major cities. Authentic games are offered by most of the larger stores, as US or European imports for an average of ~SR270 (~US$70), while the smaller ones usually only offer bootlegs (which are illegal, but still lucrative enough that almost all sell them) at very low prices of SR10-15 ($2.5-$4). Wii and Xbox 360 bootlegs reign supreme, but certain stores offer Nintendo DS and PSP games as well, downloaded to a customer's removable media on request.

Camel racing [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is the origin of camel racing, a sporting event, which remains a fundamental part of Bedouin lifestyle and is one of the most popular traditional pastimes in the world.

Eat [ edit ]

Saudis have an absolutely intricate relationship with food − statistics have consistently shown that Saudis love to eat as much as they can.

Unlike other businesses that kick out their customers at prayer time, most restaurants let diners hang around and eat behind closed doors through the prayer period. New customers are generally not allowed to enter until after prayer is over.

Like in other Middle Eastern countries, food is traditionally eaten by hand in Saudi Arabia. The most important thing to remember is to use only your right hand , as the left hand is reserved for handling dirty things.

Saudi cuisine [ edit ]

The Middle Eastern staple of shwarma (doner kebab) is widely available in dedicated little joints, with SR 8-10 being the standard price for a sandwich. The Egyptian mashed fava bean stew foul is another cheap staple, and these shops usually also offer felafel (chickpea balls) and a range of salads and dips like hummus (chickpea paste) and tabbouleh (parsley salad).

Finding restaurants that serve actual Saudi cuisine is surprisingly difficult, although many larger hotels have Arabic restaurants. Your local Saudi or expatriate host may be able to show you some places or, if you're really lucky, an invitation to dinner at home.

• Mandi — Chicken or mutton cooked with rice in a pot suspended above a fire. Most popular in the south near the Yemeni border.
• Kabsa — the national dish of Saudi Arabia, made with basmati rice, meat, vegetables and spices.

Like other Middle Easterners, Saudis love their desserts , with the baklava being an essential part of iftar meals during Ramadan. Like in the other countries of the Arabian peninsula, dates are traditionally grown in Saudi Arabia, and often served to guests at a majlis (traditional Arab gathering).

Fast food [ edit ]

Fast food is a huge business in Saudi Arabia, with all the usual suspects (McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway) and not a few chains that rarely venture outside America elsewhere (e.g. Hardee's, Little Caesars). Meals invariably served with fries and Coke cost SR10-20. Some local imitators worth checking out include:

• Al-Baik - fried chicken- in Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Ta'if and Riyadh.
• Baak - Pizza (thin crust and quite good), fried chicken, lasagna, sandwiches
• Kudu . Saudi sandwich chain, founded in 1988.  
• Herfy Burger . Biggest fast food chain in the country, 100% Saudi-owned.  
• Hamburgini . Popular Saudi-owned Burger chain.
• House of Donuts - "The Finest American Pastries" - a chain started by Saudi students who studied in America
• Abo Zaed saudi traditional food

Cheaper yet are the countless curry shops run by and for Saudi Arabia's large Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi community, which serve up large thali platters of subcontinental fare for under SR10. Just don't expect frills like air-conditioning.

Drink [ edit ]

With alcohol, nightclubs, playing music in public and mingling with unrelated people of the opposite sex all banned, it's fair to say that nobody comes to Saudi Arabia for the nightlife.

Coffee shops [ edit ]

Pretty much the only form of entertainment for bachelors is the ubiquitous coffee shop , which serve not only coffee and tea, but water pipes ( shisha ) with flavoured tobacco. These are strictly a male domain. In a government effort to minimize smoking in major cities like Jeddah and Riyadh, establishments that offer shisha are either banished to the outskirts of towns, or offer exclusive outdoor seating arrangements.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a hazelnut frappucino, Starbucks and its legion competitors have established a firm foothold in the Kingdom's malls. These usually welcome women, although 2008 saw several arrests of unmarried couples "mingling".

As for the coffee ( kahwa ) itself, try mirra , made in the Bedouin style. Usually spiced with cardamom, it's strong and tastes great, particularly drunk with fresh dates. Tea ( chai ) usually comes with dollops of sugar and perhaps a few mint leaves ( na'ana ).

Alcohol [ edit ]

Alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden throughout the country, although the police generally turn a blind eye to goings-on inside expat compounds, where homebrew wine is common. However, if they catch people involved in smuggling or distilling booze in quantity, then expat or not, Saudi law applies. A foreigner may not get the sentence a local would, but can expect a few days or weeks jail, public flogging, and deportation.

There is a local white lightning known among foreigners as "siddiqui" (Arabic for friend) or just as "sid". This is generally horrible-tasting and very potent. In addition to the obvious legal risk, there is a risk of inexpert distilling making it downright poisonous. The stuff is emphatically to be avoided.

Do not drink and drive is good advice anywhere, but especially in Saudi Arabia. If you have an accident, or otherwise attract police attention, the consequences might be serious indeed.

In 2024, the Saudi government announced plans to make alcohol available to non-Muslim foreign diplomats, with the restriction that they can only be consumed within diplomatic compounds.

Soft drinks [ edit ]

As elsewhere in the Gulf, Saudis are big fans of various fruit juices , ranging from the ordinary (apple, orange) to the downright bizarre (banana-lemon-milk-walnut, anyone?).

Non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks are popular. Two of the most common are Saudi champagne , basically apple juice and Sprite or soda water, and malt beverages , i.e. non-alcoholic beer, always sweet and often strongly flavored with mango, strawberry, apple, lemon etc. essences.

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotels of all types are available throughout the Kingdom. Most tourist cities (i.e. Makkah, Madinah, Ta'if, Al Abha) will also have very affordable and spacious shigka-maafroosha (short-term furnished rental apartments). Shigka-maafroosha owners generally loiter in hotel lobbies. Often, they will approach civilized-looking people (generally families) and make an offer. Prices for shigka-mafrooshas and small hotels are always negotiable to a great degree. Smaller hotels will only accept cash, normally in advance.

Larger, more expensive hotels are abundant in all major cities. After the lull caused by the insurgency in 2003, prices have been rising again, and you can expect to pay north of US$200 for a weekday night at a good hotel in any of the big Saudi cities. In exchange, you usually get excellent service and the ability to work around some restrictions (e.g. restaurants that stay open through prayer hours and daytime room service during Ramadan).

Learn [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia has many universities and institutions of higher learning and some conduct classes in English. Knowing Arabic can open many doors for you.

Schools [ edit ]

There's an abundance of international schools in Saudi Arabia.

Universities [ edit ]

• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology . Saudi Arabia's first ever co-educational institution of higher learning. Conducts classes in English.

Work [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia depends a lot on foreign labour. Simply put, Saudi Arabia has a large youth population and Saudis generally prefer to take up jobs in the public sector, i.e., the Saudi government. Most menial jobs (construction workers, taxi drivers, and so on) are taken up by migrants from low-income countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Saudi Arabia has a high standard of living; salaries are not taxed, the cost of living is low, and it is common for well-paid expatriates to hire drivers, maids, nannies, helpers, and gardeners.

While these facts sound impressive, working in Saudi Arabia is not simple; the strict, conservative Islamic society and the lack of labour rights make the country a very difficult place to adapt to. Non-Saudis are not allowed to own land, own property in Mecca and Medina , and work in certain sectors.

Nepotism is common in the business world and it's not unusual for Saudis to hire their close friends and family members. Saudis do not consider this an unfair practice; rather, they consider it respectful to help kinsmen in need.

You usually cannot apply for a work visa directly; a Saudi sponsor must do it for you (unless you can afford the Premium Residency scheme). To exit the country, you need to get an exit visa and this can only be obtained once you have permission from your sponsor. Although most sponsors are reasonable, there are some who may abuse their position, and people have been stuck in the country after protesting about bad treatment.

If your sponsor asks you to surrender your passport, do not ; it is illegal for sponsors to do that. You should immediately notify the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

Teaching English [ edit ]

If you have a bachelor's degree and a TESOL/TEFL certification, you can expect to earn SR8000-13000 a month teaching English.

Contractual problems are not uncommon; expatriate teachers have often complained about arbitrary dismissals, unwanted reassignments, not being allowed to leave the country, and salary arrears.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia is a safe country crime-wise; the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and you are unlikely to encounter problems.

At first, being in a fundamentalist Muslim country with very strict laws may feel scary and intimidating. As a tourist, you're not expected to know every law and rule in Saudi Arabia. So long as you respect local customs, you should be able to cope.

Although first-time visitors may be regaled with tales of various forms of capital punishment, the full harshness of Saudi law is usually reserved for those actually seeking trouble.

For rules on clothing and mingling between sexes, see Respect below. Indecent clothing and mingling between unrelated men and women are criminal offences.

Driving [ edit ]

The biggest danger a visitor to Saudi Arabia faces is dangerous driving. Traffic laws and guidelines are lax and are rarely followed by the majority of Saudis.

Drugs [ edit ]

The death penalty is statuatory for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, possessing, importing or exporting drugs. This will be mentioned on your entry card. Once you've been accused of drug trafficking, there's no fighting your way out of it .

Be vigilant of your surroundings ― you can be charged with drug trafficking if someone plants drugs in your bags.

LGBT travellers [ edit ]

Like many countries in the Middle East , Saudi society views homosexuality with absolute abhorrence. Keep in mind that it is a crime to be transgender in Saudi Arabia. If that applies to you, stay away from Saudi Arabia.

Homosexuality carries a punishment of death by stoning . It is common for Saudi men to walk hand in hand with brothers or close friends, as a sign of their friendship, but it would be unwise for foreign men to attempt the same. Sharing a hotel room as a way of cutting costs is normal, but don't even think about asking for one bed for two. Homosexuality still happens, only discreetly, and it's not uncommon for a foreign man to be approached by an amorous, young unmarried Saudi.

Blasphemy [ edit ]

Saudi Arabia has some very harsh blasphemy laws.

Apostasy and atheism are offences that carry the death penalty.

Religious items for religions other than Islam, including Bibles, crucifixes and any religious literature, are forbidden, although these days items for personal use are generally ignored.

Publicly practising a religion other than Islam is illegal, and anything hinting at proselytism (unless it's for Islam) is taken very seriously. Also promoting an interpretation of Islam other than Wahhabism is a crime in Saudi Arabia.

In other words, confine your religious views to yourself and do not discuss religion openly.

National symbols [ edit ]

The Saudi royal family is protected by strict lèse–majesté laws; insulting, criticising, or questioning them will result in legal penalties.

The flag of Saudi Arabia bears the Islamic declaration of faith . Because of this, the flag is rarely printed on shirts or other items. Inappropriately using the flag (even flying it at half-mast) is considered blasphemous and will result in legal penalties.

Women travellers [ edit ]

Saudi society endeavours to keep men and women separate, but sexual harassment – leers, jeers and even being followed – is depressingly common. Raising a ruckus or simply loudly asking the harasser anta Muslim? ("are you Muslim?") will usually suffice to scare them off.

Women should keep in mind that under Saudi law, four independent male witnesses are required to testify in order for someone to be convicted of rape. Failure to produce the four male witnesses will result in the woman being found guilty of pre-marital sex or adultery (which are crimes under Saudi law) instead.

If you are married to a Saudi national, you are subject to Saudi marital laws and the mahram system.

• You and your children (if you have any) cannot leave the country or do just about anything (i.e. perform the Hajj , open a bank account, etc.) unless your husband or guardian approves. This system of guardianship can make it impossible for you, as a grown adult, to exercise control over your own life.
• In the unfortunate event that your Saudi spouse dies, someone else ends up becoming your mahram . This could be e.g. your son or brother.
• If you divorce a Saudi national, it is next-to impossible to leave the country with any children that were born during the marriage, even if you've been granted custody of them. Saudi courts rarely grant this privilege unless there's a compelling reason to do so. Divorces that have taken place in other countries are not recognised by Saudi Arabia.
• If your children visit your (former) husband from abroad, they will not be allowed to leave unless he approves. If you had the misfortune of being married to an abusive spouse and are not prepared to deal with the prospect of never seeing your children again, encourage them to not go in the first place.

Clothing is not only about respect towards the Saudi society: indecent clothing carries a fine.

Armed conflicts [ edit ]

A low-level insurgency, which targets foreigners in general and Westerners in particular, continues to simmer. The wave of violence in 2003–2004 was squashed by a brutal crackdown by Saudi security forces and there have been no major attacks in the cities for several years, security remains tight and it is prudent not to draw too much attention to yourself. Foreigners should register their presence with their embassy or consulate. Emergency alert systems using e-mail and cell phone messages are maintained by many governments for their guest workers.

Four French tourists, part of a larger group that had been camping in the desert, were shot and killed by terrorists near Madain Saleh in early 2007. Due to this, mandatory police escorts – which can be an interesting experience, but also be annoying, restrictive hassles – are sometimes provided for travel outside major cities, in areas like Abha, Najran and Madain Saleh.

Due to Saudi Arabia's involvement in the war against Houthi rebels in Yemen, there are occasional ballistic missile attacks against major Saudi cities and infrastructure. Follow the instructions of civil defense and emergency personnel if such attacks occur.

Compounds [ edit ]

Compounds (officially called residential camps) are gated communities within a city or town designed and designated for expats (specifically Westerners). Most are owned by either the Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco or the US security giant Vinnell. Only foreigners are allowed to live in them. Any expat wishing to visit or live in a compound will immediately notice the difference in social norms and freedoms. While inside compounds, women are allowed to mingle with unrelated men. Inside compounds, all public places (including movie theaters, restaurants, pools, and international schools) are non-segregated. Alcohol is still banned , as is homosexuality and certain other offenses against morality; however, many expats home brew their own, and police usually turn a blind eye to this.

Security in all compounds is different than outside them. The regular and religious police are non-existent, and the Saudi National Guard patrols inside and around the outside of the compounds. Anyone, foreigner or not, who wishes to enter or exit a compound must have their ID with them, as well as be prepared to have their car and possessions inspected. Anyone who lives in the particular compound doesn't go through the checks, unlike those who don't live in the compound. Sneaking into a compound isn't the best idea to do: all compounds are walled in and surrounded by barbed wire and security cameras on the outside. The Saudi military acts as the official police of the compounds; they are heavily armed with automatic rifles and machine guns, and are ordered to shoot anyone attempting to illegally enter a compound.

Living within compounds is expensive compared to living off them, with prices ranging from SR100,000 to over 200,000 for a three bedroom villa.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

There are no major health risks for traveling in Saudi Arabia: water is generally drinkable and food is usually, but not always, hygienic. No vaccinations are required for general travel to the Kingdom, but for pilgrims joining the Hajj and its extraordinary concentrations of pilgrims from all corners of the globe, a comprehensive series of vaccinations is required as a condition for entry. See the Hajj article for details.

Smoking is the one sin that clerics haven't got around to banning yet, and consequently everybody smokes everywhere: hotel lobbies, airport lounges, shopping mall food courts, drivers in their taxis, etc. If this is a problem, be sure to request non-smoking rooms in hotels.

The Kingdom has a wide-reaching national health-care system, but the services provided by this program are quite basic. Private hospitals are often run with the participation of foreign partners. These facilities range from fairly rudimentary to very advanced and very expensive. Pharmacies are widely available and prescriptions are not required for most medications. Psychoactive medications are tightly controlled and available only through government pharmacies.

Tap water [ edit ]

Tap water in the major cities is generally considered safe, although it's not always particularly tasty, and in the summer can be very hot. In the winter floodwater can seep into tanks, with an estimated 70% of storage in Jeddah affected by major flooding in January 2011 and some cases of dysentery reported.

Bottled water is readily available and cheap at SR2 or less for a 1.5 litre bottle, so many visitors and residents choose to play it safe. Many residents prefer to buy drinking water from purification stations.

Respect [ edit ]

Saudis, North Africans , and Arabs in the Gulf share a common culture; therefore, what is considered good manners in the Arab world is applicable to Saudi Arabia.

The best way to stay out of trouble is to respect local conventions . Should you accidentally cause offense, don't panic, because you are not expected to know every cultural nuance. With a modicum of common sense and respect, you will be fine. If you don't know about something, just ask. People will be more than happy to explain.

As aforementioned, if you're not prepared to accept strict limitations on your behaviour and movement, you should not travel to Saudi Arabia. Travelling to Saudi Arabia is not for everyone.

Law and morality [ edit ]

The really important rules to beware of are enshrined in written Saudi law, with offenders subject to the full strength of the infamous Saudi penal system. In addition to obvious crimes like murder (punishable by beheading) and theft (amputation of the hand for repeat offenders), acts considered serious crimes include apostasy , adultery , homosexual activity and possession of alcohol or drugs .

In practice, though, most visitors will be primarily concerned with the code of morality , involving things like not observing fasting times in public places during Ramadan, etc. These rules are enforced by the police now, instead of the infamous muttawa (pl. mutawain ), the volunteers from the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. In practice, non-Muslims rarely encounter any muttawa, as they are present mainly in old and traditional local districts. The muttawa no longer have the power to detain the suspects of un-Islamic conduct and cannot implement judicial punishments; they must hand the arrested over to the police.

Sex segregation [ edit ]

Previously strictly enforced, as of 2021 legal segregation is being rapidly phased out as part of the reforms being implemented by the government. However, Saudi society remains very conservative and older, traditional districts continue to separate the sexes.

The basic idea is to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of khulwa ("mingling"). Khulwa is a punishable crime , although the prohibition is usually not enforced in major cities. Under the rules of segregation, all people are divided into three groups:

• Families . The basic unit of Saudi life, families consist of women accompanied by their mahrams (legal male guardians) — father, brother, husband, uncle, nephew — and children.
• Single men (bachelors). Men not accompanied by their families. Despite common use of the word "bachelor", it is irrelevant whether the man is married or not; a husband will dine in the bachelor section at lunch when he is alone and in the family section at dinner when he is with his wife. It is against the law for a man to be accompanied anywhere by a woman who is not his wife or a family member.
• Single women . Women not accompanied by their families. Most of the facilities for families will admit single women, but they are not supposed to be allowed in the men's section. It is against the law for a woman to be accompanied anywhere by a man who is not her husband or a family member (except a hired driver or a taxi driver), but it is rarely enforced (particularly on foreigners) nowadays.

Typical examples of segregation include:

Men [ edit ]

Locals almost universally wear a thobe (white robe with sleeves) with a ghutra (headdress), but the standard dress code for foreign men in Saudi Arabia is long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. Shorts are rarely seen outside the gym or beach.

Men with long hair might want to consider a cut before entering the kingdom; although shoulder-length locks can be considered reasonable, anything longer can be considered as grounds for ejection from shopping malls and public places by the muttawa.

Women [ edit ]

It is common for women to wear a niqab or an abaya , a long and loose black robe, although this is no longer legally required. Women are not required to and increasingly commonly do not cover their face in public places, though you are still strongly advised to cover your hair with a hijab while in public.

A woman can travel alone without any written permission from anyone. They may also stay alone in hotels, although hotels may require written permission on check-in unless the woman holds an official form of ID.

A single woman accosted by the police or the muttawa and requested to come with them does not have to (and, for their own safety, should not) go with them alone: you have the right to call your mahram and have them arrive, and you should use it. However, you may be required to surrender your ID, and you may not leave until the police allow you to.

Social etiquette [ edit ]

• Saudis are indirect communicators . They are tempered by the need to save face, and they will avoid saying anything that could be construed as judgemental or negative. One's point is expressed in a roundabout way.
• Honor (saving face) is an important part of Saudi culture. You can be prosecuted for disparaging someone's honor, i.e., insulting, humiliating, making fun of, embarrassing, or making defamatory statements about someone in public or on social media. If you have an issue with a Saudi person, talk to them privately.
• Saudis respect their elders . Try not to do anything that would make an older person or an authority figure feel challenged, insulted, or embarrassed. Always address an older person respectfully.
• Saudis tend to ask people personal questions . If you feel a question is too personal, give an indirect answer or state that you don't discuss certain matters.
• Do not presume that Saudis are "closed off" or "fundamentalists"; levels of conservatism vary across the country. Generally, younger Saudis are more progressive and open-minded than their seniors.
• Saudis are often stereotyped as "wealthy"; perpetuating this stereotype may cause offence.
• Photography is probably the easiest way for a visitor to inadvertently get into trouble. Taking pictures of Saudi people without their permission will upset them and is punishable by a SR1000 fine, and you will be asked to delete the photographs you've taken.
• Be mindful of your personal appearance . You can be fined or prosecuted for dressing up inappropriately.
• Saudis often use the terms "brother" and "sister" to address people, even if they do not know them personally.
• Do not joke about women, sexuality, religion, or the country; such humour is offensive and not appreciated in Saudi Arabia.
• Do not use swear words when conversing with people; swearing is associated with uncultured behaviour.

Behaving in public [ edit ]

• Do not skip waiting lines in public; you will be fined SR50 . Repeat offenders will be fined SR100 .
• Do not play your music during prayer times ; you will be fined SR500 . Repeat offenders will be fined SR1000 .
• Do not dress indecently; you will be fined for doing so.
• Do not litter in public; you will be fined SR500 . Repeat offenders will be fined SR1000 .
• Do not spit in public; you will be fined SR500 . Repeat offenders will be fined SR1000 .

Home etiquette [ edit ]

Hospitality is highly valued in Saudi culture and the Saudis will go to great lengths to ensure that you feel welcome. The following tips will come in handy.

• If you've been invited to an Saudi home, do not show up empty-handed . Saudis almost always bring gifts for friends and family when they travel. Bring your hosts a small gift as a form of respect. Simple gifts will suffice. Very expensive or extravagant gifts might embarrass your host. Gifts with romantic connotations (e.g. flowers) won't be well received.
• It's considered unacceptable for a man to give an individual woman a gift, and vice versa.
• Don't gift gold items or silk ; those materials are against local interpretations of Islamic customs. Silver would be a better choice.
• You'll often be encouraged by your hosts to take second helpings ad infinitum. If so, take it as a form of respect as it may leave a good impression on your hosts.
• Sample everything on the table ; not doing so will offend your host(s) and could get them to believe that you do not appreciate their hospitality or that the food was bad.
• Do not speak badly of or criticize Saudi cuisine ; Saudis are proud of their food and they strive to leave a lasting impression on guests and visitors. Criticisms or suggestions for improvement are not appreciated.
• Don't eat unless you've been told to eat; the oldest person usually starts eating first.
• Utensils are not used when eating . People tend to eat with their right hands. The left hand is considered unclean.
• Saudis generally prefer to socialize and mingle before a meal . Once a meal has been finished, people leave.

Miscellaneous [ edit ]

• Women are considered inviolable in Saudi Arabia, and their privacy is respected and guarded. Some Saudi men do not tell the names of their female relatives to strangers. It is unacceptable to ask a Saudi man to show pictures of his wife or female relatives (even out of innocent curiosity) and for men to enter women-only establishments. If you're a man, do not physically contact a Saudi woman, even by accident. Physical contact between a man and a woman is frowned upon unless they're related or married. For similar reasons, do not sit next to a Saudi woman.
• While it is discussed broadly in other parts of the world, sexuality is a taboo in Saudi society. Talking about it openly might be seen as an attempt to challenge Islamic and Saudi norms and values.
• You can very easily elicit strong responses by speaking negatively about religion , especially from an agnostic point of view. It would be wise to not discuss religion at all; apostasy and atheism are offences which carry the death penalty.
• During Ramadan, you should refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing in public during daylight hours. Not doing so would be seen as extremely disrespectful.

Connect [ edit ]

By phone [ edit ].

The four mobile operators in Saudi Arabia, incumbent Al Jawal , Emirati rival Mobily , Kuwaiti Zain (Vodafone Network) and STC newcomer Jawwy [dead link] are fiercely competitive, with good coverage (in populated areas) and good prices. A starter pack with prepaid SIM and talktime starts from about SR75, and you can sign up in most any larger mobile shop (bring your passport). Local calls are under SR0.5/minute, while calls overseas are around or less than SR2/min.

By net [ edit ]

The internet is widely used by Saudis. Google, Skype, Wikipedia, and all major webmail providers and social media platforms are accessible in the country. 30% of the Middle East 's Twitter (now known as X) users are from Saudi Arabia.

Although that sounds impressive, the Saudi authorities regularly monitor websites, blogs, chat rooms, social media sites, emails, and text messages. It's strongly recommended to eschew from saying anything negative about the country or portraying the country in a negative light during your stay.

Pornographic websites, websites critical of the Saudi government and the country, websites critical of Islam, human rights websites, websites promoting religions other than Islam, LGBT websites, gambling websites, dirty humour websites, and websites promoting Israel are banned in Saudi Arabia.

It is illegal to operate a blog, forum, an online news outlet, or a chat room without a special license from the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information. If you operate either one of these, exercise restraint.

By mail [ edit ]

Saudi Post [dead link] has a good network of post offices around the country, but offices are closed Thursday and Friday. Stamps for postcards to anywhere in the world cost SR4. The bigger problem is actually finding postcards, as the mutawwa periodically crack down on the celebration of non-Islamic holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas or even birthdays, causing all cards of any sort to disappear from bookstores. Your best bet is gift shops in major hotels. Mail coming in to the country from overseas is notoriously unreliable. Stories abound of things arriving months after they were sent or never arriving at all. There are branches of DHL, FedEx and UPS operating throughout the kingdom, so a good rule of thumb is to have anything important sent through those channels.

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Tourism in Saudi Arabia 

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Tourism in Saudi Arabia has a lot of potential. But why is tourism in this area growing so fast and how should it be managed? Read on to find out…

Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, traditionally known for its vast oil reserves and as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, has recently embarked on a transformative journey to diversify its socio-economic landscape by investing significantly in the tourism sector.

This article offers an academic exploration into Saudi Arabia’s evolving role and aspirations within the global tourism arena. By dissecting its historical foundations, examining its strategic Vision 2030 initiatives, and analysing the socio-cultural implications of this shift, we aim to provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Geographical overview of Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia is a large country located in the Middle East, occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula. It covers an area of approximately 2.15 million square kilometers and is the 12th largest country in the world. The country is bordered by Jordan to the northwest, Iraq to the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south.

The country is largely desert, with some mountain ranges in the west, and a few scattered oases. The central region of the country is known as the Najd, which is a vast plateau that covers most of the country’s interior. The eastern region, on the other hand, is home to the world’s largest oil fields and is also the location of the country’s major cities such as Riyadh, the capital, and Jeddah, the country’s commercial hub.

Saudi Arabia is also home to a number of important bodies of water. The Red Sea lies to the west of the country, while the Persian Gulf lies to the east. The country is also home to a number of important rivers, including the Wadi Hanifa, the Wadi al-Rummah, and the Wadi al-Batin.

The climate of Saudi Arabia is generally hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. Rainfall is generally scarce, and the country is prone to dust storms, particularly during the summer months. Despite the harsh climate, the country has a rich history and culture, with a number of important historical and archaeological sites located throughout the country.

The Tourism industry in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia is a country that has been traditionally associated with religious tourism, as it is home to the two most important Islamic holy sites, Mecca and Medina. However, in recent years, the country has been working to diversify its tourism offerings and attract more visitors from around the world. The government has launched a number of initiatives to promote tourism and improve the infrastructure for visitors.

One of the key initiatives is the “Vision 2030” plan, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and develop other industries, including tourism. The plan includes a number of projects to develop the tourism industry, such as building new hotels, resorts, and attractions, improving the transportation infrastructure, and promoting the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Some of the key tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia include the cities of Mecca and Medina, which attract millions of pilgrims each year, as well as the ancient city of Al-Ula, which is home to a number of important archaeological sites and rock formations. The country also has a number of beautiful beaches along its Red Sea coast, such as in the cities of Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as stunning desert landscapes, such as in the Rub’ al Khali or “Empty Quarter”.

To support these efforts, the government has also introduced new regulations and initiatives to make it easier for visitors to travel to the country, such as introducing e-visas and expanding the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry.

Overall, the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages of development, but with the government’s commitment to promoting the sector and the country’s many natural and cultural attractions, it has great potential for growth in the years to come.

Statistics about tourism in Saudi Arabia 

Here are 10 key statistics about tourism in Saudi Arabia:

• In 2019, the total number of visitors to Saudi Arabia was 17.6 million, representing a 31% increase from the previous year.
• The majority of visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2019 were from other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with 76% of visitors coming from these countries.
• Religious tourism is a major component of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, with approximately 8 million pilgrims visiting the country each year to perform the Hajj and Umrah.
• The tourism industry is expected to contribute more than 10% of Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to the Vision 2030 plan.
• The country has set a target of attracting 100 million visitors per year by 2030.
• In 2019, the most visited cities in Saudi Arabia were Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh.
• The number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia increased by 24% in 2019, with a total of 731 new hotels and more than 70,000 rooms added.
• The Red Sea Project, a major tourism development project on the country’s western coast, is expected to attract one million visitors per year when completed.
• The country’s first-ever Formula E race, held in Diriyah in 2018, attracted more than 60,000 visitors.
• The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has identified five key tourism clusters in the country: the Two Holy Mosques, Riyadh and surrounding areas, the Red Sea coast, the Eastern Province, and the Al-Ula region

Most popular tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and it is also home to some of the most important religious sites in the world, making it a popular destination for religious tourism. In recent years, the country has also been working to promote its natural beauty and other tourist attractions. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia:

• The Two Holy Mosques – Mecca and Medina: These two cities are the most important religious sites in the Muslim world, and attract millions of pilgrims from around the world each year. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca, but visitors can still explore the city of Medina and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Al-Ula: This ancient city is located in the northwestern part of the country and is home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Hegra (also known as Mada’in Saleh), which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
• Jeddah: Located on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and is known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture, including the Al-Balad historic district.
• Riyadh: The capital city of Saudi Arabia is a modern metropolis that offers a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions, including the Kingdom Centre, the Masmak Fortress, and the National Museum.
• The Red Sea Coast: Saudi Arabia’s western coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the world, making it a popular destination for diving and other water sports. Some of the most popular destinations include Yanbu, Jeddah, and the Farasan Islands.
• Edge of the World: Located near Riyadh, the Edge of the World is a stunning natural formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape.
• Asir Mountains: Located in the southwestern part of the country, the Asir Mountains offer a cooler climate and stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls and lush vegetation.
• Diriyah: Located just outside of Riyadh, Diriyah is an historic village that was once the capital of the First Saudi State. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
• Al-Ahsa: This eastern province of Saudi Arabia is home to a number of historic sites, including the Al-Qarah Caves, the Al-Hofuf Oasis, and the Jawatha Mosque.

The Empty Quarter: This vast desert region covers much of the southern part of Saudi Arabia and is one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Visitors can explore the desert by camel or 4×4 and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Bedouin people who call this region home.

Most popular types of tourism in Saudi Arabia 

• Religious Tourism: As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for Muslims from around the world who come to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The country also attracts many visitors who come to perform Umrah, which is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of year.
• Cultural Tourism: Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. The country is home to many ancient historical sites, such as the Nabatean city of Madain Saleh, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can also explore traditional souks (markets), museums, and other cultural attractions.
• Adventure Tourism: Saudi Arabia has a diverse landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and coastline, making it a great destination for outdoor adventure activities. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and diving.
• Business Tourism: Saudi Arabia is a major business hub in the Middle East and attracts many visitors who come for business purposes, such as attending conferences and meetings.
• Wellness Tourism: Saudi Arabia is also known for its luxury spas and wellness centres, which offer a range of treatments and services aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being.

These are just a few of the many types of tourism that Saudi Arabia has to offer. With its diverse offerings and rich history, the country is increasingly becoming a popular destination for travellers from around the world.

Economic Impacts of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry in Saudi Arabia and is expected to play an increasingly important role in the country’s economy. Here are some of the economic impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia:

• Job Creation: The growth of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has led to the creation of many new jobs, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the tourism sector is expected to create around 1.2 million jobs by 2030.
• Increased Revenue: Tourism is a significant source of revenue for the Saudi Arabian economy. In 2019, the country’s tourism industry generated over $12 billion in revenue, and this is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
• Infrastructure Development: The development of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has led to the construction of new hotels, airports, and other infrastructure projects, which not only support tourism but also contribute to the overall development of the country’s economy.
• Increased Foreign Investment: The growth of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has attracted significant foreign investment, particularly in the hospitality and real estate sectors. This investment helps to create jobs and contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.
• Diversification of the Economy: The development of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is part of a larger effort to diversify the country’s economy away from its traditional reliance on oil. By developing new industries, such as tourism, the country is working to build a more resilient and sustainable economy for the future.

These are just a few of the many economic impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely to have an increasingly important role in the country’s overall economic development.

Social Impacts of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Tourism can have both positive and negative social impacts on a destination, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Here are some of the social impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia:

• Cultural Exchange: Tourism can promote cultural exchange by providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about and experience the local culture and way of life in Saudi Arabia. This can lead to greater understanding and appreciation between different cultures and can help to promote tolerance and respect.
• Employment Opportunities: The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia provides employment opportunities for local residents, which can help to improve their quality of life and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.
• Preservation of Heritage: The development of tourism in Saudi Arabia has led to increased interest in preserving the country’s cultural and historical heritage. This has led to the restoration and conservation of many historic sites, which not only benefits tourists but also the local community.
• Overcrowding and Strain on Infrastructure: The increase in tourism can lead to overcrowding in popular destinations, which can put a strain on local infrastructure and services. This can lead to social problems such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, and increased crime rates.
• Cultural Conflicts: Tourism can sometimes lead to cultural conflicts when visitors do not respect local customs and traditions. For example, the dress code for women in Saudi Arabia is very conservative, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Failure to do so can cause offence and lead to social tensions.

These are just a few examples of the social impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia. It is important for the tourism industry to be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner to ensure that the positive impacts are maximised, and negative impacts are minimised.

Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Here are some of the environmental impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia:

• Water and Energy Consumption: The tourism industry requires a significant amount of water and energy to operate, particularly in the hospitality sector. This can put a strain on local resources and lead to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Land Use and Development: The development of tourism infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, and airports can lead to the loss of natural habitats and wildlife. It can also lead to increased pressure on land and water resources, particularly in arid regions such as Saudi Arabia.
• Waste Generation: The tourism industry can generate a significant amount of waste, particularly in the form of plastic waste from single-use items such as water bottles and food packaging. This can lead to increased pollution and damage to the local environment.
• Carbon Footprint: Tourism activities such as air travel can have a significant carbon footprint, contributing to global climate change. This can have long-term environmental impacts on the destination and the world as a whole.
• Damage to Natural and Cultural Sites: The increase in tourism can lead to damage to natural and cultural sites, particularly in areas that are not well managed. This can lead to the degradation of the environment and the loss of cultural heritage.

These are just a few examples of the environmental impacts of tourism in Saudi Arabia. It is important for the tourism industry to be developed in a sustainable and responsible manner to ensure that the negative impacts are minimised, and the positive impacts are maximised.

FAQ’s about tourism in Saudi Arabia 

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Saudi Arabia, lets take a look at some of the most common questions on this topic:

What are the visa requirements for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia?

Tourists must obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia. The visa application process can be completed online or through a Saudi embassy or consulate in the visitor’s home country.

What is the dress code for tourists in Saudi Arabia?

Tourists, especially women, are expected to dress conservatively in public places. Women are required to wear an abaya, a loose-fitting cloak, while in public. Men are also expected to dress modestly.

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia?

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia include the ancient city of Mada’in Saleh, the historic city of Jeddah, the Al-Ula archaeological site, and the modern city of Riyadh.

What is the official language of Saudi Arabia?

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic.

Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

Saudi Arabia is considered a safe country for tourists. However, visitors should be aware of the local customs and laws, exercise caution, and remain vigilant.

What is the currency of Saudi Arabia?

The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Is alcohol allowed in Saudi Arabia?

The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

What is the best time of year to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter months from December to February when the temperatures are cooler.

What is the local cuisine in Saudi Arabia?

The local cuisine in Saudi Arabia is influenced by Middle Eastern and Arab cuisine, and includes dishes such as kebabs, rice-based dishes, and falafel.

What are the transportation options for tourists in Saudi Arabia?

Transportation options for tourists in Saudi Arabia include taxis, buses, and rental cars. However, women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and public transportation is not available in all cities.

To conclude- Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, traditionally revered for its spiritual significance, is embarking on a new chapter as a budding travel destination. As the Kingdom unveils its diverse landscapes and rich history to the global audience, it’s crucial to approach tourism’s evolution with care and insight.

By managing this growth sustainably, Saudi Arabia can showcase its multifaceted heritage, ensuring that its tourism narrative complements its profound cultural and spiritual roots.

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The Complexities of Traveling to Saudi Arabia

By Felicia Campbell

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As the largest country in the Middle East , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rich and diverse landscape: It’s home to the ruins of the Nabatean Kingdom in Al-'Ula, the Rub' al Khali desert, luxurious beach resorts in Jeddah , and the mountains of Taif, where roses bloom alongside groves of the most sought-after dates in the world. The capital, Riyadh, offers a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient souks and modern skyscrapers, along with natural wonders like the cliffs of Edge of the World park just outside the city.

Historically, however, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hasn’t been a tourist destination for Americans.

Until 2019, visas were only issued for official business purposes or for religious pilgrimages to Mecca . Conservative laws and dress codes were enforced by the mutawa (religious police) who made arrests for playing music, wearing too much makeup, or being seen in public with a member of the opposite sex. These laws began to change in 2017 when Mohamed bin Salman became the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and launched Saudi Vision 2030 , a campaign to modernize the country and reduce the reliance on oil revenue. He stripped the power of the mutawa, and women were issued drivers' licenses for the first time. Additionally, movie theaters were built, international music festivals held, and tourist visas became available to visitors from 49 countries, including Americans.

These changes make it an exciting time in the Kingdom, with young Saudis enjoying newfound freedoms to connect with one another and with foreign visitors in public spaces that were for so long segregated. Around the world, social media feeds are being filled with images of this “new Saudi Arabia” as part of a massive marketing campaign by the Ministry of Tourism—it's just part of their plan to invest at least $800 billion by 2030 on everything from transportation infrastructure to entirely new cities.

Despite the intrigue of the newly opened country, there are also many things that haven’t changed and should be considered before booking a flight: significant gender disparity remains, alcohol is still illegal, and queer travelers will find a litany of laws that prevent them from existing as they would at home or, in some cases, at all—so-called “decency mandates” prevent men from wearing women's clothes for example, and trans travelers whose passports don't match their gender identity will likely be denied entry to the country. Even in situations where it might feel like no one is enforcing these rules, know that the government routinely monitors visitors' social media accounts, and compliance is expected for the entirety of your trip.

For some Americans, the cultural clashes feel too great to overcome. “Saudi Arabia is a controversial country to visit, and poses a real dilemma for many travelers,” says Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of Responsible Travel. For Francis, however, that isn't necessarily a reason not to visit. “I strongly believe it is possible to travel responsibly in destinations with poor ethical records. Frankly, it would be hard to name a single destination with a clean record on the environment, animal welfare, and human rights.”

Anu Taranath, professor, racial equity consultant, and author of Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World , also encourages people to look at their travel decisions from a wider perspective. “Well-meaning Americans become quite vexed when considering going to places where they know a bit about what’s happening to a certain population, but that same conversation, I haven’t seen about home,” says Taranath. “The U.S. has a terrible record of preserving the dignity of Black folks, so would we tell people not to visit? It’s a conversation that never seems to come up.”

She suggests that tourists can use their trips, instead, as opportunities to widen their own perspectives about the world. “It’s an incredible privilege,” she says. “My responsibility is to move through these places with care and grace and learn about lives that are not like mine."

Darrell Wade, co-founder and chair of travel group Intrepid, visited the Kingdom last year, and while he doesn’t feel the country is ready in terms of infrastructure for the brand's organized trips, he would personally return and thinks that the opening of tourism is a good thing for locals and visitors. “I think travel is always a positive force for change," says Wade. “As travelers, we learn about new cultures and ways, whilst the hosts of our destination countries also get to meet new people and learn from them.”

Booking a trip to a country whose laws and values may not align with your own is a personal decision. For those considering a visit to Saudi Arabia, these are some of the key issues American travelers may wonder about, with logistical pointers to keep in mind on the trip itself.

Nada al Nahdi  of Qairawan travel group in Jazan

Women's rights and modesty 

As part of the effort to introduce a more moderate version of Islamic law, in 2018 women were granted the right to drive, have a passport , travel abroad, live independently without the permission of a male guardian, and, most visibly, they are no longer required to cover their hair with hijab, nor wear the abaya robe or the niqab full face covering. Yet there are still some modesty requirements. It's important to note that most restrictions impact local women more than they do visitors, but travelers are still expected to abide by most laws.

Steph Koyfman

Kaitlyn McInnis

Andrea Cheng

Pam LeBlanc

Modesty is legally defined and required for locals and visitors, and what’s considered appropriate often depends on the venue. Some Saudi women in larger cities still wear an abaya, but many forgo any kind of head cover. Similar to religious sites throughout the world, there are expectations when entering a mosque: both men and women must be covered to the ankles and wrists and shoe-less, and women should cover their hair.

In general, women should wear loose-fitting clothes that don't show skin above the knee or elbow, and men shouldn’t go shirtless or wear tank tops. Shorts are uncommon across the board. 

Wearing clothing considered too revealing or anything that features offensive logos or slogans can result in a fine of 100 SAR/$26 (doubled for subsequent violations). What’s considered offensive isn’t limited to showing too much skin, pornographic images, or drug-related or profane slogans, it is also illegal to try to promote a religion other than Islam. That means wearing a crucifix or any other religious iconography should be avoided.

Olga Aymerich, a research officer for the United Nations in Iraq, was among the first to travel to the Kingdom when tourist visas became available in 2019. She says she observed that the way women dressed varied widely, even between neighborhoods of large cities like Jeddah and Riyadh, so she wore an abaya over her clothes, either open or closed, to avoid standing out. “I just felt more comfortable that way,” she says, adding that she didn’t cover her hair except when visiting religious sites.

Ellie Quinn detailed her time in the Kingdom on her blog, The Traveling Quinn , where she suggests female travelers purchase a robe-like abaya online ahead of time or at any mall upon arrival—good quality, black abayas made with a breathable material are generally available for around $25 (100 SAR), though you'll also find colorful and patterned options.

At gender-segregated public beaches, women swim in burkinis (which look like wetsuits) or in their abayas, and men keep their shirts on. However, at a growing number of private beaches, guests can wear bikinis and swim trunks. It’s a good idea to call ahead to find out what the specific dress codes are as some beaches in Jeddah, at the other end of the spectrum, do not allow abayas. 

Gender segregation

Today, unrelated men and women can legally interact with one another in some some public spaces, like malls and coffee shops—yet there are still gendered spaces, from female-only gyms to restaurants in smaller villages that have separate entrances and dining rooms for families and men.

Even at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, where Wade recently stayed with his wife, the duo learned that the swimming pool and spa were for men only. “When I asked if there were special hours for women, or another complex somewhere, I just got a ‘Sorry, there are no facilities for women’,” Wade says. He hopes—and expects—that this will change with the greater arrival of international tourism.

As public interactions between men and women are slowly becoming normalized, physical affection between couples still needs to be kept strictly behind closed doors. That means avoiding touching of any kind between opposite genders when in public. Holding hands, kissing, or hugging in public are considered “acts of a sexual nature,” and could incur a 3,000 SAR fine (about $800) for the first offense and a 6,000 SAR for a repeat offense. It is one of 19 public decency offenses punishable by fine , along with things like failure to pick up after your pet (100 SAR/$26) and littering or spitting (500 SAR/ $133). 

When meeting someone of the opposite gender, it is customary to place a hand to heart, rather than extending it for a handshake. Conversely, those of the same gender will often greet one another with a hug or a kiss on each cheek. In Bedouin tradition, some men touch noses. Visitors should follow the lead of the local.

Travelers in the Saudi Arabian desert

LGBTQ+ issues

In Saudi Arabia, same-sex marriage is not recognized and homosexual acts are punishable by law, as are any activities seen as disrupting public order and religious values. Social media posts depicting a homosexual relationship can be prosecuted as a cybercrime—making it especially important that queer travelers who decide to visit set profiles to private before arriving. 

Some may question why LGBTQ+ visitors would want to visit any of the 69 U.N. member countries that criminalize homosexuality at all. Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac, who run the travel blog The Nomadic Boys to help inspire and inform gay travelers , have traveled to many of them, including Singapore , Malaysia, and Dubai. The couple have yet to visit the Kingdom, and whether or not to go is a topic of debate between them.

“It’s easy to have an attitude of ‘OMG, I would never dare go to a place that wants to throw me in jail, better to boycott them and spend my hard-earned dollars in a place that welcomes me’," says Arestis. “This way of thinking risks doing more harm than good. It’s more productive to get out there and support the local LGBTQ community ."

Meanwhile, Chaneac isn't convinced it's safe for them to do so. “The opening of tourism is a great thing, because with more tourism, there will be more LGBTQ+ visibility, and that could start to change things," says Chaneac. "But when you’re a gay person, you have to think of other things, like whether the law is on your side.”

Arestis notes that in most places that criminalize homosexuality like Dubai, travelers benefit from a double standard and are rarely penalized for violating local law—but Saudi Arabia is different and the penalties are known for being much more severe and should be taken at face value. “We suggest going back in the closet,” says Arestis. 

Parvez Sharma, a gay Indian-American filmmaker who traveled to Saudi Arabia to complete the hajj, an experience he chronicled in the 2015 documentary A Sinner in Mecca, feels this pilgrimage is a beautiful and essential activity for Muslims like himself, but sees that as separate from general tourism.

“People save their entire lives to make the pilgrimage—for Muslims, we have to disregard our feelings [about the Saudi government] and focus on the religious aspects of the journey," Sharma says. He says he wouldn't visit if he didn't have the religious obligation. 

According to the private, conservative societal norms, no one will ask about sexual orientation. “There is a thriving gay scene, very underground, and it would be fascinating to see," says Arestis. "If you are not a public figure online, then there is nothing stopping you from going. You just have to be careful and set your social media as private, and perhaps have a rehearsed girlfriend in case it comes up. But people need to understand that if something happens, if they have an interaction, if they are caught meeting or kissing [someone of the same gender], there is no one to protect them.”

Journalism, photography, and freedom of speech

Put simply, Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, where democratic principles of freedom of press and speech do not apply. According to Reporters Without Borders, a group that advocates for press freedom around the world, over 30 editors, writers, and photographers are currently imprisoned for statements in articles, photographs, and even social media posts that were seen as critical of the government. American intelligence agencies have concluded that the government of Saudi Arabi orchestrated the murder of U.S.-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a notable dissident of the regime.

While tourists will not likely be writing critical op-eds while in the Kingdom, it is important to note that it is illegal to criticize the government, the royal family, or the Muslim faith in any way, either verbally or on social media. Politics, religion, and sex should not be discussed in a public setting or online, and cursing at someone or using foul language is a fine-able offense, as is using rude gestures.

“It's important to remember you’re a guest,” says Francis. “You’ve chosen to visit, so [you have to] play by the rules of your host country. It’s natural to want to ask questions, but you won’t be helping local people by interrogating them—free speech doesn’t exist here, and you could put them in a very difficult position.”

The most common offense that visitors are cited for in the Kingdom is unauthorized photography : Photographing a person (especially a woman) without permission or taking photos of an accident or crime is illegal and can result in a hefty fine (1,000 SAR/ $266). It is important to be particularly cautious in crowded areas like traditional markets, where it is easy to inadvertently take a photo of someone.

An ancient city in Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia

Other things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Saudi Arabia

Restrictions for non-Muslim visitors

Mecca is the one city that remains off-limits to non-Muslim tourists. Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities for Muslims who visit for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The latter is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially and physically able to make the trip, so roughly 2 million pilgrims travel to Mecca for the Hajj each year, and these visits require a religious visa.

For other travelers interested in visiting a religious site, Jeddah is a better option, as it is home to the only four mosques in the country that allow non-Muslim visitors to enter: Al Taqwa Mosque, the Al Rahma Mosque on the Red Sea, Moroccan-style King Fahd Mosque, and the King Saud Mosque, a nearly 10,000 square meter structure designed by Egyptian architect Abdel Wahed Al Wakil, who is considered the most prominent living authority on modern Islamic architecture.

Prayer timing and Ramadan

Throughout Saudi Arabia, some shops and restaurants will close for 15 to 30 minutes during the five prayer times each day though the latest laws do allow many to stay open at this time. Prayer times change throughout the year according to sunrise and sunset, so check the daily prayer times online or in the local newspaper and plan around them. Playing music during prayers, even in the car or home, is illegal.

It is best to avoid visiting during Ramadan when it is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset. Many shops and restaurants close during the day or operate on shortened schedules, and some tourist attractions shutter for the month. The dates of Ramadan are based on the lunar calendar and change each year.

Nightlife has a different meaning in Saudi Arabia, as alcohol is illegal. The cities come alive after dark, and many coffee shops, shisha patios, and dessert cafes are open until 2 a.m. or later. Families walk the corniche or have evening picnics in the parks, and malls bustle with activity. Restaurants are generally open late to accommodate the lifestyle.

Tour guides

The best way to enjoy the history, culture and natural beauty of Saudi Arabia is to come prepared with a good understanding of the local laws and customs and a willingness to abide by them—a local guide can help you do that, particularly if you don't speak Arabic, and most hotels can provide recommendations of people for hire. Aymerich suggests hiring a new guide in each destination to make sure you’re getting the benefit of hyper-local insights and so you don’t get stuck with someone you’re not happy with for the entirety of your trip. Guides can also arrange for transportation if you want to get out of the city to explore more far flung locations.

To help single female travelers navigate Saudi Arabia, Nada al Nahdi , a Yemeni-Indonesian female traveler and blogger, who was born and raised in the Kingdom, and local Esraa Rayes organize female group travel throughout the country via their company, Qairawan . 

Due to the pandemic, there are no more visas issued on arrival, but e-visas are quickly approved for American travelers. The online application includes the option to purchase mandatory insurance for 140 SAR/$37 and pay the visa fee of 300 SAR/ $80. The e-visa typically is emailed within minutes and is valid for one-year with multiple entries and stays of up to 90-days at a time. ( Proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72-hours prior to traveling to the Kingdom, are also required as of January 2021.)

“The visa process was so easy, but that was the only thing that was well organized,” Aymerich said, adding that visitors should be prepared to be amenable to changes in their itineraries once they're in the country. “You need to be flexible, willing to ask people for advice, and a little bit lucky. If you are looking for an easy trip, this isn’t it—but if you’re ready for an adventure, to experience new things, there is so much to see in Saudi Arabia, and the people are wonderful and excited to share their culture.”

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UN Tourism Applauds Saudi Arabia's Historic Milestone of 100 Million Tourists

• All Regions
• 26 Feb 2024

In a testament to its strategic vision and robust sector growth, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a global tourism powerhouse.

In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists , a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This remarkable accomplishment achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom's robust tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism's commitment to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.

The Kingdom's success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia's vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector's direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed  4 %, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership

UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism's Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.

Elevating its global position in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition underlines the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global tourism sector's recovery following the pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the sole region not only to rebound but also to outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels , with a 122 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, underscoring its central role in the region's tourism boom.

A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

The Kingdom's tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom. These achievements are a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.

Empowering the Workforce

The employment opportunities created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This focus on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth are shared widely and sustainably.

Gratitude and Future Vision

UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive towards its goal of 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism looks forward to supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.

Saudi Arabia's achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a diverse and rich tourism experience but delivers on that promise, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

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Saudi Arabia boosted its tourism credentials in 2021: mega-projects and music festivals

A number of hotel openings, new direct flights and large-scale events are heralding in a new era for the country's hospitality industry.

Hegra After Dark. Photo: RCU Commission

From music festivals and mega-projects to hotel openings and new direct flights , 2021 has been a year of new beginnings for Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom has spearheaded a raft of new developments over the past year and is all set to continue in the same vein in 2022.

While the kingdom was once best known for its religious tourism or for business travel to Jeddah and Riyadh, destinations such as AlUla are presenting a whole new side to the country.

Part of the country's ambitious 2030 plan to bring Saudi Arabia to the world, historic AlUla, home to the country’s first Unesco heritage site at Hegra, continues to expand its offering, with experiences such as Hegra After Dark and art events such as Desert X AlUla 2022 .

A new experience in AlUla called Hegra After Dark is now ongoing. All photos: RCU Commission

The 52-hectare ancient city in the north-western part of the country welcomed its first direct flight from Dubai in November , opening up options for a whole new generation of intrepid travellers. Saudi airline flynas now runs three direct flights a week from Dubai into AlUla International Airport.

To accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists, several new hotels will open in the area next year, to cater to the growing number of visitors attending events and festivals such as Winter at Tantora. Luxury eco resort Habitas is the latest to open, resting in an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves. The resort adds a much-needed 96 guest rooms to AlUla’s inventory.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by HABITAS AlUla (@habitasalula)

Oliver Ripley, co-founder and group chief executive of Habitas, says direct flights mark a milestone moment for travel to AlUla and will allow the destination to be discovered by international tourists. However, there is still some work to do to shift traditional perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a destination, he says.

“International perception of Saudi Arabia is shifting steadily, but there is still a lack of awareness of the cultural highlights and historical heritage Saudi Arabia offers. It is steeped in surprising culture and history of global significance, dating back to historic trade routes and the pilgrimage to Mecca.”

Global hotel chains are investing heavily in the country, fuelled by its newfound openness and the fact tourist visas can now be secured online for many nationalities. This year, Marriott signed a number of agreements for new properties in the country, including the world’s largest Aloft, The Jeddah Edition, and JW Marriott Riyadh.

Hilton, too, has major expansion plans in the country. This year, Hilton Garden Inn launched in Riyadh’s Financial District and a further three openings are scheduled for 2022. Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, at Hilton, says with international tourism new to the kingdom, the world is “excited” to see what the country has to offer.

“We currently operate 15 hotels, with another 46 under development and plans to expand our operations to more than 75 properties in the next few years, including the introduction of new brands such as LXR Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton, and Embassy Suites by Hilton. This makes our development pipeline in the kingdom Hilton’s biggest across the Middle East.”

The company also plans to recruit 10,000 people in Saudi Arabia in the next 10 years, half of which will be Saudi nationals, representing a huge boost to the economy.

Food and beverage operators, both regional and international, are also recognising the potential of the country. Michelin-lauded chefs, celebrity brands and home-grown concepts are all carving a space for themselves in the kingdom.

In AlUla, Britain’s celebrated chef Jason Atherton, owner of numerous Michelin-starred restaurants globally, launched his latest project, Maraya Social , on the rooftop of the extraordinary Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building.

Global brand Roka opened in Riyadh this year, signalling the arrival of a new wave of luxury restaurants in the country. The London-born Japanese spot has won accolades around the world and has branches in major cities such as Dubai, New York, Rome and now Riyadh.

Dubai's Mohalla, an Indian restaurant in Dubai Design District, is opening its second branch this month, in Riyadh. Panchali Mahendra, managing director of Atelier House Hospitality, says the popularity of Indian food in the kingdom made this an obvious next move.

“The Saudi Arabian food and beverage market is new, hungry and open,” she says, while acknowledging that progress is needed when it comes to skilled manpower, resources, visas and accessibility. “I envision Saudi Arabia will be a country to watch out for in the next five years, depending on the liberalisation and relaxation of certain rules and regulations in the country."

Prospects are bright. Saudi Arabia established itself as a leading dance music destination with the XP Music Conference and Soundstorm festival in December. Held back-to-back, both events featured an array of performances and discussions by star DJs. Modelled similarly to the Amsterdam Dance Event, the three-day XP Music Conference began in Riyadh on December 13, gathering leading figures from the dance music industry at the Jax District for panel sessions during the day, followed by concerts at night.

The event acted as a precursor for Soundstorm, a mammoth four-day music festival held in the outskirts of the Saudi capital in mid-December. With more than 150 artists performing across six stages, including popular DJs David Guetta and Afrojack, the event welcomed more than 700,000 people, according to organisers.

“The future of dance music is bright in Saudi Arabia,” Afrojack told The National. “There is genuine desire in building the genre here and to play to such an excited and knowledgeable crowd is a beautiful thing to see.”

Other major cultural events that took place recently in the kingdom include Jeddah's inaugural Red Sea International Film Festival , for which stars from across the world descended on the city, plus the first Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh, which marks Saudi Arabia as significant player in contemporary art, and brings together works by 63 artists from the kingdom and abroad.

The country’s intentions continue to be made evident through the launch of ambitious mega-projects. Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the master plan for Jeddah Central Project , formerly known as New Jeddah Downtown. The 75 billion Saudi riyals ($19.9 billion) project will involve the development of 5.7 million square metres of land overlooking the Red Sea.

Jeddah Central Project masterplan will cover 5.7 million square metres of land overlooking the Red Sea. All photos: Jeddah Central Project

The project will be anchored by four key landmarks: an opera house, museum, sports stadium and oceanarium, in addition to 17,000 residential units and 2,700 hotel rooms, as well as a marina, beach resorts, restaurants, cafes and retail facilities.

The waterfront project is 9.5 kilometres long and is flanked by a promenade and 2.1km beach. Open spaces and public services account for 40 per cent of the project’s footprint, with the provision of plenty of walking areas. The project will be completed in three phases, the first of which is due for completion by the end of 2027.

Another major project to keep an eye on in 2022 is the Red Sea Development Project . Chief executive John Pagano calls it “one of the world's most ambitious regenerative destinations … pioneering a new relationship between luxury travel and the natural environment with multi-dimensional offerings across nature, adventure, culture and wellness”.

Pagano is confident it will create a thriving tourism ecosystem that will advance the domestic economy. More than 800 contracts have been signed to date, worth nearly Dh20 billion. “Our first phase of development remains on track to welcome our first guests by the end of 2022,” he says.

Upon completion in 2030, the site will host 50 hotels offering up to 8,000 keys and about 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Looking ahead, the future is exciting, he says. “We are also developing an international airport that will be accessible by 80 per cent of the world’s population in less than eight hours and expected to serve up to one million passengers per year by 2030.”

Almosafer’s CEO on Navigating the Future of Saudi Tourism

Almosafer + Skift

March 25th, 2024 at 1:19 PM EDT

In rewriting its tourism narrative, Saudi Arabia’s shift towards broader offerings, digital integration, and infrastructure improvements signals a forward-looking approach aimed at tapping into new growth avenues within the global travel industry.

This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner.

Behind every successful travel destination is a story of adaptation and foresight. For Saudi Arabia, it’s about embracing change and rewriting the narrative. With the country hitting its tourism target of 100 million visitors seven years early , the sector is poised for unprecedented innovation and growth. Travel companies in the region now face the challenge of recalibrating to keep pace with emerging trends and new market realities.

SkiftX spoke with Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, to gain insights into the evolving dynamics shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape and the key forces and opportunities propelling the sector forward.

SkiftX: How has the way people plan and experience travel changed in Saudi Arabia in recent years?

Muzzammil Ahussain: Saudi travelers continue to explore destinations, with travel demand surpassing pre-pandemic levels. More people are eyeing luxury getaways and experiential tourism across the wider GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Europe, and Asia, with trending destinations, including Turkey and Thailand, fueled by easy visa accessibility. 

Domestic tourism accounts for over 40 percent of our consumer booking volume, which indicates that the country’s efforts to promote local tourism are effective. While religious tourism and key cities still play a major role in domestic bookings, new leisure destinations such as Abha and Taif, as well as luxury getaways like AlUla and the Red Sea, have seen a growth in demand.

Saudi travelers spent more on longer trips in 2023, with both average trip length and spending rising compared to pre-pandemic levels. There’s been a shift towards more luxurious and meaningful experiences post-Covid. Meanwhile, low-cost carrier bookings have increased, showing that travelers prefer economical flights while allocating more for in-destination expenses.

SkiftX: What major opportunities do you foresee for new technologies to drive growth and innovation within the region’s tourism industry?

Ahussain: Technological innovations have revolutionized customers’ travel experiences in the region, with digital platforms becoming the go-to for complete travel planning. 

B2B portals and distribution platforms are also driving industry growth, while white-label solutions allow partners to adopt advanced technology without heavy IT investments. This promotes a more inclusive tourism ecosystem and stimulates growth across all levels of the industry.

The future of tourism relies on continuous digital innovation, including AI for personalized recommendations, VR for virtual tours, and blockchain for secure transactions. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leading digital tourism hub in line with Vision 2030 by staying at the forefront of these technological advancements. Almosafer will remain a key driving force behind digital developments in the sector.

SkiftX: As corporate and government travel requirements evolve, what are some new solutions Almosafer is introducing to redefine travel management, and how are they improving operational efficiency?

Ahussain: Almosafer Business, our corporate and government clients division in the Kingdom, provides customized travel management services by integrating Almosafer technology, travel advisory, and expertise across our 40-plus years of local market experience. We serve over 140 leading corporate and government entities as a one-stop shop for end-to-end travel management services. Our digitized system provides a flawless experience, making every step trackable, leading to improved efficiency.

We’ve also recently partnered with American Express Saudi Arabia to enable our corporate clients to centralize payments through its Corporate Travel Account (CTA). This consolidates and enhances corporate travel spending visibility, providing clients with an optimized, personalized business travel management solution.

SkiftX: What key destination development strategies are making the underexplored areas of Saudi Arabia more accessible to international tourists?

Ahussain: Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in infrastructure, new airports, increased flight frequencies, additional routes, the establishment of ground transportation facilities, and a richer array of “things to do,” making it easier for global hospitality brands to expand into underexplored areas, driven by growing interest from domestic and international tourists.

Destination management companies (DMCs) also play a big role in providing on-ground services. They increase awareness of local offerings in collaboration with regional destination management offices (DMOs). Enhanced connectivity and global marketing are bringing previously unexplored territories to the forefront, and our DMC, Discover Saudi, is well-placed to serve the influx of travelers from around the world.

Almosafer’s recent partnership with the upcoming Riyadh Air, investments in alternative accommodation, and ongoing collaborations with the Saudi Tourism Authority and key ecosystem players are all contributing to a seamless experience for international tourists looking for authentic immersion in the Kingdom.

SkiftX: How is Saudi Arabia planning to improve its religious tourism infrastructure?

Ahussain: Religious tourism is the largest economic contributor to the country’s tourism sector. The two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are popular destinations throughout the year, as per Almosafer’s consumer and inbound tourism data. The Saudi government aims to increase the number of pilgrims to over 30 million by 2030 and is investing in infrastructure to improve the mosques, hotels, transportation, and tourist services in Makkah and Madinah.

Several projects are underway to accommodate increasing visitor numbers, including the Holy Mosque’s expansion and urban development projects like Rua Al-Madinah, a large mixed-use real estate development near the Prophet’s Mosque, and the Masar development giga-project in Makkah.

Recent reforms in Saudi Arabia now allow visitors to perform Umrah with any visa and have simplified visa policies, with residents of the GCC being able to obtain a visa on arrival.

SkiftX: What role does Almosafer play in streamlining the Hajj and Umrah experience?

Ahussain: Mawasim, Almosafer’s dedicated Hajj and Umrah tour operator, provides B2B partners worldwide with a portal to create seamless pilgrimage experiences. Religious tourism is critical to our growth and will be strengthened in 2024 by integrating with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official booking portal, Nusuk. This will expand our Umrah package offerings globally. 

Mawasim is also among the few companies licensed by the Ministry to provide Hajj-related services in select destinations via its B2C platform, Nusuk Hajj, with plans to serve 10,000 Hajj pilgrims annually, including new markets.

Almosafer has also recently been named the official flight partner for the direct Hajj program through Nusuk Hajj. This partnership will improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and select Asian and African countries, with reliable travel options and a range of additional services from the Nusk Hajj platform.

SkiftX: What trends are currently shaping the activities and tours market in Saudi Arabia?

Ahussain: Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and diverse geography make it an ideal destination for those seeking immersive experiences. Almosafer has seen a growing demand for activities and recreation among Saudi residents, mainly in Riyadh and Jeddah, with personalized experiences like diving, snorkeling, and other adventure and nature-based activities being popular among domestic travelers.

Almosafer continues to promote local activations by partnering with key stakeholders in the industry. Additionally, we support SMEs through Almosafer Activities, the Kingdom’s first marketplace for tours and activities, which is now integrated with Almosafer’s other travel businesses and sells directly to domestic travelers.

SkiftX: What key trends do you predict will shape Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector over the next decade, and how should stakeholders adapt?

Ahussain: While religious tourism has traditionally been the cornerstone of the local tourism sector, leisure and entertainment travel are set to become additional major economic drivers moving forward. The development of giga-projects shows the ambitious scale of Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future. With outbound, domestic, and inbound tourism increasing, improving local infrastructure and offering seamless digital experiences will ensure travelers have unforgettable visits, making Saudi Arabia a must-visit destination.

For more information about Almosafer, click here .

This content was created collaboratively by Almosafer and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX . 

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Tags: accessible travel , booking technology , digital technology , infrastructure , religious travel , SkiftX Showcase: Destinations , SkiftX Showcase: Hospitality , SkiftX Showcase: Technology , Travel Trends

UN Tourism applauds Saudi Arabia’s historic milestone of 100 million tourists

In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

This remarkable accomplishment achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom’s robust tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.

The Kingdom’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed  4 %, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership

UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of  UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021  marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.

Elevating its global position in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition underlines the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the global tourism sector’s recovery following the pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the sole region not only to rebound but also to  outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels , with a 122 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, underscoring its central role in the region’s tourism boom.

A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

The Kingdom’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom. These achievements are a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.

Empowering the Workforce

The employment opportunities created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This focus on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth are shared widely and sustainably.

Gratitude and Future Vision

UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive towards its goal of 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism looks forward to supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a diverse and rich tourism experience but delivers on that promise, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.

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Saudi Arabia aims for 70 million tourism visits this year

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Reporting by Yousef Saba Editing by Mark Heinrich

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Thomson Reuters

Yousef covers Middle East energy out of Dubai, paying close attention to Gulf state oil giants, their roles in the ambitious region's transformational plans and the shift to green energy. He previously covered Gulf financial and economic news, with a focus on the fast-growing capital markets there. He joined Reuters in 2018 in Cairo, where he covered Egypt and Sudan, including its uprising. He previously had stints at a local paper in Cairo and in D.C. as an intern at Politico during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The United Arab Emirates has approached European nations including Britain to gauge their interest in the Middle Eastern state investing in their nuclear power infrastructure, according to three sources familiar with the talks.

Nigerian village celebrates the return of kidnapped students

The whole village of Kuriga ran towards the convoy of buses shouting "Our children are back!" and "Alhamdulillah," meaning "Thank you, God", to welcome home more than 100 students and staff who were abducted this month in Nigeria's northwest.

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Saudi Arabia hits tourism target seven years early

• 100m annual visitors milestone
• New goal of 150m for 2030
• Tourists spent $66bn in 2023

More than 106 million tourists visited Saudi Arabia last year, surpassing the kingdom’s 2030 target and prompting it to set a new goal of welcoming 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Achieving the milestone target of the Vision 2030 economic roadmap seven years early cements the kingdom’s status as an “emerging global tourism powerhouse”, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.  

The kingdom recorded more than 27 million international tourists in 2023 – up 56 percent since 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic and a 65 percent increase over 2022, the ministry’s figures show. 

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The number of domestic tourists reached 79 million, also up 56 percent from 2019, and a 12 percent increase from 2022.  

Tourism has proved to be a “significant contributor to the nation’s economy”, the Saudi Press Agency added. International and domestic visitors spent a combined SAR250 billion ($66 billion) over the course of the year.

This represents four percent of overall GDP and seven percent of non-oil GDP, “reflecting the crucial role tourism plays in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy”, it reported.  

“Tourism is a key pillar in the nation’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, creating jobs and revenue for the kingdom,” tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb was quoted as saying. 

“We are committed to aligning with top-tier international experiences and practices,” he added, “to shape a prosperous future for our tourism industry… and bolster the kingdom’s position on the global tourism map”. 

Saudi Arabia launched its National Tourism Strategy five years ago as part of Vision 2030, setting out targets to attract 100 million visitors each year by 2030, increase tourism’s GDP contribution to 10 percent and create one million jobs. 

The United Nations agency UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council praised the achievement.

The introduction of tourist visas to Saudi Arabia in 2019 and subsequent regulations in 2022 to improve hospitality service provision and infrastructure were “pivotal”, the World Travel & Tourism Council said.  

CBRE’s Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market Review for the fourth quarter of 2023, published on Tuesday, noted that the kingdom’s hospitality indicators “mostly” outperformed their 2019 baselines over the course of last year. 

Average hotel occupancy rose 3.5 percentage points for the full year 2023 compared with 2019. Revenue per available room rose 18.9 percent, helped by a 12.3 percent uplift in the average daily rate (ADR). 

Riyadh was the best-performing Saudi tourist market in 2023. Average occupancy rates were up 3.1 percentage points in the year to December and ADR was up 17.5 percent, resulting in a 23.5 percent annual increase in revenue per available room. 

Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah all recorded positive indicators in 2023, and Khobar and Damman were the only markets in which ADR declined, by five percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent respectively, CBRE said. 

US-based hotel operator Hilton said it aims to quadruple its presence in the kingdom to 100 hotels by 2030, with two-thirds of its pipeline already under construction. 

Some of Saudi Arabia’s most important tourism mega-projects lie along the Red Sea coast, close to the politically turbulent shipping strait . 

The main one is The Red Sea Project , which forms part of the Vision 2030 agenda for boosting tourism, and is planned as a major mixed-use destination featuring 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms, 1,000 residential properties and its own international airport by 2030. 

A spokesperson for the developer, Red Sea Global , told AGBI the company remains “confident” in its ability to ensure the safety of its holiday destinations.

“The Middle East is a huge geographical area,” the spokesperson said. “Visitors to our destinations and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia can rest assured that this is a safe and welcoming place, far away from the current conflict.”

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Saudi Arabia aims to be among top 10 global destinations in 2024

Travel & tourism.

In 2023, Al-Khateeb said that the tourism sector accounted for 5 per cent of GDP

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Dubai: Saudi Arabia aims to be among the top 10 global touristic destinations this year, with national tourism strategy aiming to attract more than 150 million visitors by 2030.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism, spoke at the Manafea Forum in Medina stating how the Kingdom is on the right path to make the tourism sector an important contributor to the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP).

In 2023, Al-Khateeb said that the tourism sector accounted for 5 per cent of GDP, with the target of increasing this figure to 10 per cent.

He said: “At the Ministry of Tourism, we were keen to make the legislation regulating the tourism sector characterized by ease, flexibility and clarity, and we introduced new licenses with regard to guest facilities and hospitality.”

He talked about the Tourism Investment Enablers Programme, which aims to achieve these objectives by empowering the private sector as well as creating 1,000,000 job opportunities by 2030.

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Saudi Arabia welcomes over 100 million tourists in 2023, surpasses Vision 2030 targets

Saudi Arabia celebrated a monumental tourism milestone as it welcomed over 100 million tourists in 2023, surpassing Vision 2030 expectations seven years ahead of schedule. This extraordinary achievement, acknowledged by the  UN World Tourism Organization , underscores the Kingdom’s ascent as a leading force in the global tourism landscape.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed that the Kingdom welcomed 27.4 million international tourists last year. This marks a notable 65 percent increase compared to 2022. Moreover, it welcomed 79.3 million domestic tourists as well, marking a 2 percent increase compared to 2022.

Economic diversification

Collectively, both international and domestic tourists spent more than SAR250 billion ($67 billion). This constitutes over 4 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total gross domestic product (GDP) and 7 percent of its non-oil GDP.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth is attributed to its strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. The demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 surged by 390 percent. Moreover, the contribution of tourism to the non-oil gross value added (GVA) exceeded 7 percent.

The UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) extended their congratulations to Saudi Arabia for surpassing one of #SaudiVision2030 goals of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. This achievement underscores the dedicated… pic.twitter.com/f560N8r2q1 — وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) February 27, 2024

Strategic initiatives

UN Tourism’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence. Moreover, the inauguration of UN Tourism’s regional office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development.

Saudi Arabia has led the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023. It also spearheaded the Middle East’s tourism recovery post-pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the only region not only to rebound but also to outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels. Its rate of recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 was 122 percent compared to 2019. Particularly, the Kingdom witnessed a staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, underscoring its vital role in the region’s tourism boom.

Read: NEOM expands its vision with Elanan: A sustainable nature retreat

Resilience and innovation

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector demonstrates remarkable resilience, with inbound spending surpassing $37 billion in 2023 and significant growth in hotel infrastructure. These achievements reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector through innovation and adaptation.

Notably, employment opportunities in the tourism sector play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s success, with plans to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. With over 925,500 jobs created and investments in workforce development, the Kingdom ensures equitable distribution of tourism’s benefits.

As Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s journey. Collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future continue to drive Saudi Arabia’s tourism success, promising a brighter future for global tourism.

For more news on hospitality & tourism, click  here .

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Saudi Arabia Is Building a Cutting-Edge, World-Class Ski Resort in the High Desert

I n the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a remarkable transformation is underway in the form of NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious project that serves as the center of the country’s pivot to becoming a global tourism destination . Trojena, Saudi Arabia’s forthcoming ski resort, is being developed as an unexpected haven for winter sports enthusiasts, drawing attention worldwide ahead of its projected opening in 2026. This groundbreaking resort – a $500 billion part of the broader NEOM project – will bring skiing to the high desert of northern Saudi Arabia, blending traditional Saudi culture with the allure of winter sports. This, of course, raises a lot of questions, from how the resort will get snow to what the experience of skiing there will be like.

Desert skiing: The genesis of Trojena

Photo courtesy of Trojena

Trojena, being built in the stunning mountainous region of Tabuk Province bordering the Red Sea in the northwest corner of the country, represents a visionary shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to tourism. It all began with the ambitious Vision 2030 program, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This initiative aims to diversify the Saudi economy and promote tourism by unlocking the country’s untapped potential through projects like The Line , Hidden Marina , Leyja , and more.

The concept of Trojena was born from a desire to make use of the region’s natural beauty and unique geological features, such as its rugged terrain and chilly winters. Temperatures often dip below freezing here, and the region receives moderate natural snow. Developers sought to create a year-round attraction that would not only cater to international tourists but also provide a new recreational space for Saudis themselves.

Constructing Trojena is an engineering marvel in itself. The site sits at an altitude of approximately 8,800 feet. Trojena’s ski slopes are equipped with top-notch snowmaking equipment, ensuring a consistent and reliable snow cover. The resort expects to feature several ski runs of varying difficulty levels, accommodating beginners and seasoned skiers alike, though if you’re a backcountry hound, you’re better off bringing climbing gear instead of skis. Visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports activities.

Ensimore was announced as the first hotel partner at the resort. The company’s 25hours and Morgans Originals hotel brands will have outposts there when the resort first opens. Wellness programs, guided tours, and group retreats will be available at Trojena, though details are currently scarce.  The architecture will be built to resemble the region’s natural surroundings, employing a minimalist aesthetic that (at least on the outside) blends into the landscape.

The Trojena experience

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TROJENA (@discovertrojena)

Trojena is set to be much more than a ski hill. The resort’s accommodations are headlined by The Vault, a “vertical village” that will house hotel rooms and apartments alongside shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can embark on a thrilling ski adventure during the day and then unwind in the evenings in the luxurious lodges while enjoying traditional Saudi cuisine and hospitality.

The snow-covered peaks of Trojena provide a surreal contrast to the surrounding arid landscape, and the fact that much of this resort will be artificial slopes and inclines should create quite the spectacle. You’ll be able to carve your way down pristine runs while taking in panoramic views of the desert expanse, for example, and then unstrap and walk into a luxury boutique.

For those looking to take a break from skiing, the resort offers a range of activities. Snowshoeing through the crisp snow, snowmobile rides, and ice skating are just a few options. Additionally, the Trojena Adventure Park caters to adrenaline junkies with zip-lining and challenging obstacle courses.

Sustainable development

One of the critical aspects of Trojena’s development is its commitment to sustainability. In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the project places a strong emphasis on preserving the fragile mountain ecosystem and conserving water resources. Cutting-edge environmental practices, such as snow recycling and renewable energy sources, are integral to the resort’s operations.

One thing the resort developers have done is to engage with local communities to ensure that the resort benefits the region economically. The project has created numerous job opportunities and stimulated local businesses, contributing to the socioeconomic development of Tabuk Province. It’s also important to note that the NEOM project as a whole represents humanity learning from past mistakes and moving forward, for better or worse, with the development of a region based on forward-thinking practices of sustainability rather than following the high-impact development practices behind nearly all cities and resorts currently operating around the world.

Of course, developing cities and resorts in the desert, where fresh water and resources are scarce, is far from sustainable on its own. The resort will be powered by a mix of solar and wind energy. Water will be pumped from the sea and desalinated, rather than relying on the scarce water available in the region. Given the increased strain on global freshwater supplies, headlined in the US by the current plight of the Colorado River, if Trojena’s developers can implement a minimal-impact system for providing desalinated water to residents and visitors, this could become a model for developers the world over to build upon.

Cultural connection

Trojena will not just be a winter sports destination, but a cultural bridge between ancient traditions and modern recreation. Developers promise nearly half a million square feet of retail space, over 3,500 hotel rooms and apartments, and a 3,000-person amphitheater that will host live music and other events. The resort has pledged to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage through its architecture, cuisine, and activities. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying traditional music, dance, and storytelling.

The broader significance of Trojena

Beyond its role as a premier ski destination, Trojena holds broader significance in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It represents a tangible demonstration of the country’s commitment to diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. This, in effect, is as much a part of the project’s sustainable design as anything else, because right now, oil and gas accounts for nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s GDP and the industry employs hundreds of thousands of Saudis. As the global economy transitions away from fossil fuels, those people will need jobs, and while the transition into a new line of work is never perfectly smooth – nor should it be assumed that anyone wants to or should be forced to work in tourism – having a diverse array of jobs available is critical. Trojena stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s willingness to embrace innovation and modernity while respecting its cultural roots.

Trojena contributes to the country’s efforts to reduce its dependence on oil revenue, thereby increasing economic stability. Developers estimate 10,000 jobs will be generated by the Trojena project. The revenue generated from tourism, coupled with sustainable practices, positions the resort as a model for responsible development in the region.

How to plan a trip to Trojena

The nearest major airport to Trojena is Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU), located approximately 60 miles away. Travelers can reach Tabuk via domestic flights from Saudi Arabia’s major cities, such as Riyadh , Jeddah, and Dammam. Upon arrival in Tabuk, opt for a rental car or arrange for transportation to Trojena, taking in the scenic drive through the picturesque mountainous terrain.

Prices may change between now and when the resort opens, and it’s likely that direct transfer services will arise between now and then. Domestic flights to Tabuk from major cities in Saudi Arabia can range from approximately $50 to $150 or more, depending on the time of booking and class of service. Accommodation options at Trojena should cater to a range of budgets, with luxury lodges and chalets offering premium experiences, while more affordable options are also available. A night’s stay at one of the mid-range lodges is expected to cost $150 to $300, with the more lavish accommodations surpassing $500 per night. Additionally, lift passes and access to skiing facilities are priced separately, with day passes projected to start at around $50.

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Dragon Ball theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia

S audi Arabia has announced it will build a theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball, sparking mixed reactions from fans.

It will feature a 70m (229.6ft) dragon at its centre and at least 30 rides, the firm behind the project says.

The park would be the world's first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.

The announcement was met with some criticism from fans, citing Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The park will cover more than half a million square metres, according to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) which is wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian government's investment fund.

The plans are part of "a long-term strategic partnership" between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.

According to the official Dragon Ball website, the park will include a roller coaster inside the dragon modelled after Shenron, a wish-giving dragon that features in the franchise.

Qiddiya is a major entertainment and tourism project being built near Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh.

It is part of the energy-rich nation's plans to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.

While some Dragon Ball fans have welcomed the plans for the theme park, others on social media have questioned the decision to locate the attraction in Saudi Arabia.

The country has been criticised for its human rights record and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

The announcement comes just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball's creator, Akira Toriyama.

Toriyama died on 1 March, aged 68. Only his family and very few friends attended his funeral, according to a statement on the Dragon Ball website.

Fans around the world paid tribute to Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their lives.

The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls that can give him super powers.

It is one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

In a first, saudi arabia to now take part in miss universe 2024 competition.

Saudi Arabia gears up for its inaugural appearance in the Miss Universe pageant as Rumy Alqahtani, a seasoned beauty pageant participant, represents the nation. This marks a significant stride in Saudi's modernization efforts. Alqahtani, from Riyadh, announced her participation on social media. The kingdom's recent reforms include encouraging tourism and granting women the right to drive. The upcoming pageant is set to be held in Mexico.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by rumy alqahtani | رومي القحطاني 🇸🇦 (@rumy_alqahtani)

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