SAUDI ARABIA
OPENING UP THE KINGDOM
OPENING UP THE KINGDOM
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a momentous time, which is leading the nation towards a future brimming with great potential. With the focus of Saudi Vision 2030 to unlock the true potential of the Kingdom’s tourism industry by promoting both inbound and outbound travel services, Saudi Arabia is shaping up to be one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Welcoming visitors from across the globe, the Kingdom has opened the gateway to a whole new world of opportunities and experiences with the availability of tourist visas and visa on arrival for 49 nationalities.
Nationals of any country holding a US, UK or Schengen visa in their passports are also eligible to apply for a tourist visa. With a rich heritage, modern attractions, mega developments, daring desert landscapes, breathtaking sights, lush greenery, natural wonders above & below sea level, and some of the coolest diving spots, Saudi Arabia promises unforgettable experiences like never before.
TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES GALORE
Working towards the nation’s goal of achieving 100 million international and domestic overnight visits a year by 2030 and 30 million pilgrims every year by 2030, Discover Saudi serves as your gateway to unlocking the opportunities in the Kingdom. We passionately support the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 to drive inbound and domestic tourism and are key enablers in the development of the local tourism infrastructure.
From the adrenaline-fuelled Dakar rally to a meticulous game of golf to the pomp of Formula One, sports and adventure enthusiasts have many opportunities to feed their passion in the Kingdom. In a country home to football fan...
Saudi Arabia boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is peppered with several significant events. Heavily influenced by Islamic and Bedouin practices, you can see the Kingdom’s colourful culture through i...
From the glistening red sand of the Arabian desert to the misty green mountains in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia is diverse and possesses unparalleled natural beauty. Witness one of the most beautiful sunsets on a neverendin...
A visit to Saudi Arabia is incomplete without some retail therapy. Those with a taste for the finer things in life have access to a curated mix of top brands like Gucci, Cartier, Dolce&Gabbana and many others across major mal...
Rapidly transforming into a global entertainment hub, the Kingdom has set the stage for stellar events featuring Afrojack and Jennifer Lopez and even sated the appetite of K-Pop fans. Enjoy cultural activities and art during ...
If you are in Saudi, then you must eat like a Saudi! Sample some of the tastiest treats during your visit. Whether you’re craving delicious local dishes like Kabsa or a fancy fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred inter...
The Kingdom boasts six sites that are currently on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including:
MEGA & GIGA PROJECTS
Our ambition is to go even further with the mega and giga projects.
The Red Sea Global is pioneering a relationship between luxury tourism and nature. The site encompasses an archipelago of over 90 pristine islands, and 12 hospitality brands have confirmed their involvement in this unique endeavour, including Ritz-Carlton Reserve. In addition, three super-luxury sea resorts, Triple Bay, The Island, and Coastal Development, are also set to open by 2028.
SAUDI ARABIA AT A GLANCE
Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a country known for its rich culture, heritage and as the birthplace of Islam. As the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula (2.15 million km²), Saudi Arabia borders the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
RULERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
TIMEZONE
Arabia Standard Time GMT/UTC 3+ Hours
POPULATION
35,300,280 (As of 2024)
Saudi nationals - 55.6% Non-Saudi nationals - 44.4% Males -77.2% Females -22.8%
LANGUAGE
Official: Arabic Second: English Regulations, road signs, store & restaurant names are all bilingual.
VISAS
Tourist e-visa available for over 63 nationalities For more information on visas click here (link to visa section page)
CLIMATE
SPRING (MAR - MAY)
Good for: Diving/Snorkelling in the Red Sea; Exploring nature and heritage sites
SUMMER (JUNE - AUG)
Good for: Shopping and indoor entertainment; Exploring cooler regions such as Aseer
AUTUMN (SEPT - NOV)
Good for: Sightseeing and seasonal festivities; Road trips across the Kingdom
WINTER (DEC - FEB)
Good for: Desert safaris and camping; Hiking; trekking and other outdoor activities
ETIQUETTE & RELIGION
Saudi Arabia observes Islamic guiding principles.
PRAYER
Muslims pray 5 times a day. During prayers, music is turned off in all public places."
FASTING
Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is respectful to not eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset.
PILGRIMAGE
Muslims perform pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. Only Muslims (with Hajj/Umrah or e-visa) are allowed to visit Makkah.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Displays of public affection & profane language/gestures should be avoided.
ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE USAGE
It is illegal to sell, consume and/or possess alcohol and drugs in the Kingdom.
DRESS CODE
Both men & women must wear respectful and modest attire.
GETTING AROUND
DINING
Local & international cuisine
Fine dining within major cities
All major fast-food restaurants
TRANSPORT
Mobile apps
Careem / Uber - bookable via apps.Taxis
Metered taxis - at airports, malls and public sites.VIP cars
Private cars with drivers for your convenience.Car rental
Car rental - at all airport arrivals or in within major cities.Buses
SAPTCO provides bus transport across the Kingdom.Trains
Saudi Railways for travel between Riyadh and Dammam or Northern cities such as Qassim and Al Jouf.Saudi Railways for travel between Riyadh and Dammam or Northern cities such as Qassim and Al Jouf as well as between Jeddah and Madinah & Jeddah and KAEC.
NIGHTLIFE
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Travel and Tourism Services License Permit Number: 73102979
Commercial Registration Number: 1010584439
Category: Tour Operator, Travel & Tourism Agent, Hospitality Reservation Services