Travel landscape in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Arab culture and Islam, features majestic desert landscapes, modern cities, and a rich history to explore.

Photo by Raziuddin Farooqi · Pexels

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Arabic
Time zones
GMT +3 (Saudi Arabia Standard Time)
Electrical outlets
230 V, 60 Hz, type G plugs (three rectangular pins)
Climate
Hot desert climate with very hot summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall mostly in winter

Health

Consult a healthcare professional before travel. Bring routine medications and a basic first aid kit.

Travel health advice

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
  • Use sun protection such as hats and sunscreen
  • Carry travel insurance covering medical emergencies

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Seasonal flu

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

The Riyal is pegged to the US dollar. Check current exchange rates before your trip.

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities; ATMs are available in urban areas.

Safety

Generally safe for travelers who respect local customs and laws. Stay updated via official sources.

  • Respect local laws and dress codes
  • Avoid sensitive border areas
  • Do not photograph government buildings

Areas to check before travel: Areas near the Yemen border

Regions

Riyadh Region — travel guide
Region

Riyadh Region

Central region housing the capital city blending modernity and tradition.

Eastern Province (Dammam and Al Khobar) — travel guide
Region

Eastern Province (Dammam and Al Khobar)

Gulf Coast with oil industry and beaches.

Makkah Region — travel guide
Region

Makkah Region

Holy region and major pilgrimage destination.

Medina Region — travel guide
Region

Medina Region

City with a rich Islamic history.

Asir — travel guide
Region

Asir

Mountainous region with cooler climate and green landscapes.

Tabuk — travel guide
Region

Tabuk

Northwestern region with historic sites and desert scenery.

Cities

Riyadh — city guide
City guide

Riyadh

Dynamic capital combining skyscrapers, traditional souks, and museums.

  • Masmak Fort
  • National Museum of Saudi Arabia
  • Kingdom Centre Tower
Jeddah — city guide
City guide

Jeddah

Port city on the Red Sea and gateway to Mecca.

  • Jeddah Corniche
  • Old Town Al-Balad
  • King Fahd Fountain
Mecca (Makkah) — city guide
City guide

Mecca (Makkah)

Sacred city accessible only to Muslims, main Hajj site.

  • Grand Mosque
  • Mount of Light - Jabal al-Nour
Medina — city guide
City guide

Medina

Second holiest city in Islam with major religious sites.

  • Prophet's Mosque
  • Quba Mosque
  • Mount Uhud
Abha — city guide
City guide

Abha

City in Asir with a cooler climate and unique local culture.

  • Jebel Soudah Mountain
  • Traditional village of Rijal Alma
Dammam — city guide
City guide

Dammam

Industrial oil hub with active urban life.

  • Marjan Mall
  • Maritime Museum of the Arabian Gulf
Al-Ula — city guide
City guide

Al-Ula

Spectacular archaeological site with rock formations and Nabatean tombs.

  • Hegra (Madain Saleh)
  • Al-Ula Valley

Highlights

Hegra (Madain Saleh) — travel guide
Must-see

Hegra (Madain Saleh)

Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring Nabatean rock-cut tombs.

Wadi Rum — travel guide
Must-see

Wadi Rum

Though mainly in Jordan, Saudi Arabia’s northwest deserts offer similarly stunning views.

Masmak Fort in Riyadh — travel guide
Must-see

Masmak Fort in Riyadh

Historic fort central to the city's founding, now a history museum.

Grand Mosque of Mecca — travel guide
Must-see

Grand Mosque of Mecca

The holiest Islamic site, open to Muslims only.

Jebel Soudah Mountain — travel guide
Must-see

Jebel Soudah Mountain

Natural site in Asir region with pine forests and panoramic views.

Jeddah Corniche — travel guide
Must-see

Jeddah Corniche

Seaside promenade with outdoor sculptures and Red Sea views.

Nature & other places

Rub' al Khali Desert — travel guide
Desert

Rub' al Khali Desert

The largest continuous sand desert in the world with vast dunes and silence.

Jebel Soudah Mountain — travel guide
Mountain/Forest

Jebel Soudah Mountain

Mountain and forest in the southwest with cool air and green scenery.

Red Sea — travel guide
Sea/Corals

Red Sea

Renowned coral reefs offering outstanding scuba diving.

Wadi Hanifah — travel guide
Valley/Oasis

Wadi Hanifah

Green valley near Riyadh, an oasis in the desert.

Farasan Islands — travel guide
Islands/Beaches

Farasan Islands

Archipelago in the Red Sea with beaches and a nature reserve.

Al Wahbah Crater — travel guide
Geological formation

Al Wahbah Crater

Spectacular volcanic crater with a salty lake in the center.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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