OPENING UP THE KINGDOM
Saudi Arabia stands on the cusp of 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 positioned to be one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
As the most significant move to open up Saudi Arabia to tourists, the Ministry of Tourism announced the availability of tourist visas and visa on arrival for 49 nationalities in September 2019. Prior to this important milestone, travelers could visit Saudi Arabia only with a religious travel visa, for business travel, or to visit family and friends. Saudi authorities also announced that nationals of any country holding a US, UK or Schengen visa in their passports will be eligible to apply for tourist visa.
TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES GALORE
The outbound travel market from Saudi Arabia has always been lucrative, but the growth in domestic and inbound travel, fueled by the opening of tourist visas in September 2019, is the key focus of the country’s ambitious tourism agenda. 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.
ADVENTURE
HISTORY & CULTURE
SPORTS
NATURAL WONDERS
ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
DINING
ASPIRATIONAL MEGA & GIGA PROJECTS

RED SEA PROJECT
This massive land and property development project spanning 90 untouched islands and 28,000 square kilometers of land and sea will become a unique luxury sanctuary. Showcasing undiscovered natural beauty of the region, the Red Sea Project is designed to attract both domestic and international tourists to a place. The destination is set to be fully completed by 2030.

NEOM
The megacity project, located in the desert of the Tabuk Province, will in future, become home to a million citizens from around the world. The futuristic city, which will be innovative in its design and ecosystem, will serve as a smart city and tourist destination. The first phase is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

QIDDIYA
This entertainment megaproject close to Riyadh includes plans for a Six Flags branded theme park and hotels. Grand opening is scheduled for 2023. Qiddiya will serve as the capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts in Saudi Arabia.

AMAALA
Set to become the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’, Amaala is designed as an integrated resort with its own airport, focused on luxury residential and tourism real estate on the coast of the Red Sea.
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 (2.15m km²), Saudi Arabia borders the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

POPULATION
34 Million
2/3 Saudis
1/3 Expats

LANGUAGE
Official: Arabic
Second: English
Regulations, road signs, store & restaurant names are all bilingual

TIME ZONE
Arabia Standard Time
GMT/UTC+3 Hours
CLIMATE
SPRING (March-June)

Good for
✓ Outdoor Pursuits
✓ Exploring Heritage Sites
SUMMER (June-Sept)

Good for
✓ Exploring/Diving Red Sea
✓ Hiking the Asir/Taif Mountains
AUTUMN (Sept-Dec)

Good for
✓ Seasonal Festivities
✓ AlUla and Jeddah’s Modern Waterfront
WINTER (Dec-March)

Good for
✓ Desert Safaris & Camping
✓ Exploring Cities
ETIQUETTE & RELIGION
Saudi Arabia observes Islamic guiding principles
1
Muslims pray 5 times a day. During prayers, music is turned off in all public places.
2
Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is respectful to not eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset.
3
Muslims perform pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. Only Muslims (with Hajj/Umrah or e-visa) are allowed to visit these two cities.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
- Displays of public affection & profane language/gestures should be avoided.
- No profane images or language are tolerated.

ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE USAGE
- It is illegal to sell, consume and/or possess alcohol and drugs in the Kingdom.

DRESS CODE
- Respectful and modest attire for men and women.
- No tight-fitted garments.
- No exposed shoulders or knees.