Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and home to Islam's two holiest cities—Mecca and Medina. For decades largely closed to leisure tourism, the Kingdom opened to international tourists in 2019 with a new e-visa program, marking a dramatic shift in its travel landscape.

Riyadh (RUH) is the capital and main domestic hub, while Jeddah (JED) serves as the primary gateway for international travelers and pilgrims heading to Mecca. The country is investing heavily in aviation as part of Vision 2030, with plans for a new mega-airport in Riyadh and expansion of carrier capacity.

Beyond the religious pilgrimage traffic (millions visit annually for Hajj and Umrah), Saudi Arabia is developing tourism attractions including ancient ruins at AlUla, Red Sea resorts, and modern entertainment districts. The country offers a unique blend of ancient history, desert landscapes, and rapidly modernizing cities.

Primary Gateways

Airport	Code	City	Role
King Khalid International	RUH	Riyadh	Capital hub, Saudia base
King Abdulaziz International	JED	Jeddah	Pilgrimage gateway, international hub
King Fahd International	DMM	Dammam	Eastern Province hub, oil industry
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz	MED	Medina	Pilgrimage gateway

King Khalid International (RUH) — Riyadh's main airport and Saudia's primary hub. Modern facilities with 5 terminals. Terminal 5 is the newest and handles most international flights. 35 km north of city center (30-45 minutes by taxi). No rail link yet, but metro extension planned.

King Abdulaziz International (JED) — The busiest airport during Hajj season and main entry point for pilgrims. New Terminal 1 opened 2019 with dramatic design. Handles both regular traffic and massive seasonal surges during pilgrimage periods. 19 km north of Jeddah city center. Dedicated Hajj Terminal operates during pilgrimage season.

King Fahd International (DMM) — Serves the oil-rich Eastern Province including Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar. Strong business traffic due to proximity to Aramco headquarters. One of the world's largest airports by area. 45 km from Dammam city center.

Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (MED) — Medina's airport, serving pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque. Modern terminal with Islamic architectural elements. 15 km from Medina city center.

Regional Airports

• Abha (AHB) — Gateway to the cooler Asir region in the southwest
• Tabuk (TUU) — Access point for NEOM development area
• AlUla (ULH) — New airport serving the UNESCO heritage site

National Carriers

Saudia (SV) — The flag carrier and largest airline. Member of SkyTeam alliance. Main hub at Jeddah with secondary hub at Riyadh. Extensive network covering Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Modern fleet including Boeing 787s. Full-service carrier with good international reputation.

Saudia operates separate Hajj/Umrah charter services during pilgrimage seasons with significantly expanded capacity.

Low-Cost Carriers

• flynas (XY) — Saudi Arabia's first low-cost carrier. Bases at Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Regional and international routes to Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Modern A320neo fleet.
• flyadeal (F3) — Saudia's low-cost subsidiary. Launched 2017. Bases at Jeddah and Riyadh. Domestic and regional routes. Young all-A320 fleet.

International Airlines

Major carriers with Saudi routes:

• Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways — Gulf connections
• British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France — European networks
• Turkish Airlines — Extensive connectivity via Istanbul
• Egypt Air — Frequent service, strong pilgrimage traffic
• Pakistan International, Air India — Subcontinent connections
• Ethiopian Airlines — African gateway

Tourist E-Visa

Saudi Arabia opened to tourism in September 2019 with an electronic visa program:

E-visa eligible (49+ countries):

• USA, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen countries, Australia, New Zealand
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei
• Select other countries

Visa Type	Validity	Stay	Cost
Tourist e-visa	1 year	90 days per visit	~$160 (480 SAR)

Apply online: visa.visitsaudi.com

Processing typically instant to 24 hours. Multiple entry allowed within validity period.

Hajj and Umrah Visas

Important: Tourist visas do NOT permit entry to Mecca or Medina for religious purposes.

• Hajj visa: Issued only during Hajj season through authorized agents. Lottery/quota system for many countries.
• Umrah visa: Available year-round (except Hajj season) through approved travel agents or e-visa portal for eligible nationalities.

Pilgrimage visas require proof of Muslim faith and specific documentation.

Visa Required

Citizens of countries not on the e-visa list must apply through Saudi embassies or consulates. Business visas, work visas, and family visit visas follow separate processes.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• At least one blank page
• Israeli passport stamps are no longer an issue (diplomatic relations established 2023)

GCC Citizens

Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) can enter with national ID cards.

Official visa information: visa.visitsaudi.com

Domestic Flights

Given Saudi Arabia's vast size (2.15 million km²), flying is often the most practical option:

Route	Distance	Flight Time	Frequency
Riyadh ↔ Jeddah	850 km	1h 45m	30+ daily
Riyadh ↔ Dammam	380 km	1h 10m	15+ daily
Jeddah ↔ Medina	420 km	1h	10+ daily
Riyadh ↔ Abha	620 km	1h 30m	5+ daily

Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal all operate frequent domestic services. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best fares. During Hajj/Ramadan, domestic flights fill quickly.

High-Speed Rail

Haramain High-Speed Railway — Connects Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina:

• Mecca ↔ Medina: 2h 30m
• Jeddah ↔ Medina: 2h
• Jeddah ↔ Mecca: 30 minutes
• Speeds up to 300 km/h
• Modern Spanish-built trains

Tickets: 150-350 SAR depending on class and route. Book via SAR website or stations.

North-South Railway — Connects Riyadh to Qassim and northern regions. Primarily freight but passenger service available.

Car Rental

Practical for exploring, especially desert regions:

• International licenses accepted for tourists
• Drive on the right
• Modern highways with good signage
• Fuel extremely cheap (~2 SAR/liter)
• Women can now legally drive (since 2018)
• GPS/navigation recommended for desert routes
• Speed cameras common; heavy fines for violations

Intercity Buses

SAPTCO operates intercity bus services:

• Riyadh ↔ Jeddah: 10-12 hours, ~200 SAR
• Air-conditioned coaches
• Budget option but slow for major distances

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Uber and Careem widely available in major cities
• Metered taxis in city centers
• Airport taxis available at all major airports
• Women: Can use any transport (law changed 2018)

Peak Season (October-March)

Mild winter weather with temperatures of 15-25°C in most regions. Best time for outdoor activities, desert camping, and exploring historical sites. December-January can be cool in northern regions, especially at night.

Shoulder Season (April, September-October)

Warming temperatures but still manageable (25-35°C). Good deals as tourist numbers drop. Spring (March-April) sees occasional sandstorms.

Low Season (May-August)

Extreme heat across most of the country:

• Riyadh: 40-50°C
• Jeddah: 35-40°C with high humidity
• Abha (highlands): 25-30°C (pleasant exception)

Summer visitors should focus on indoor attractions, highland regions, or coastal areas.

Special Periods

Hajj (dates vary by lunar calendar):

• Massive influx of pilgrims (2-3 million)
• Jeddah, Mecca, Medina extremely crowded
• Flights and hotels expensive
• Non-pilgrims may want to avoid these cities during Hajj

Ramadan (dates vary):

• Restaurants closed during daylight
• Reduced business hours
• Unique cultural experience after sunset (iftar)
• Check dates before planning

Weather by Region

Region	Winter (Nov-Feb)	Summer (Jun-Aug)
Riyadh	10-25°C	35-45°C
Jeddah	20-30°C	30-40°C, humid
Dammam	15-25°C	35-45°C, humid
Abha	10-20°C	20-30°C

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Riyadh	RUH	Capital, business hub, historic Diriyah
Jeddah	JED	Historic old town, Red Sea coast, gateway to Mecca
Mecca	JED	Holiest city in Islam (Muslims only)
Medina	MED	Second holiest city, Prophet's Mosque
Dammam/Al Khobar	DMM	Eastern coast, oil industry, beaches
Abha	AHB	Cool highlands, traditional culture

Attractions

AlUla — Ancient Nabatean city of Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site). Spectacular rock formations, luxury desert resorts. Fly to ULH or drive from Medina/Tabuk.

Diriyah — Historic birthplace of Saudi Arabia on Riyadh's outskirts. UNESCO World Heritage mud-brick ruins. Ongoing development into cultural district.

Red Sea Coast — Jeddah's waterfront, diving sites, beach resorts. Major development projects underway including AMAALA luxury tourism zone.

Edge of the World — Dramatic cliff escarpment near Riyadh. Popular day trip for desert views.

Asir Region — Green highlands around Abha. Traditional villages, cooler climate, unique architecture.

Upcoming Developments

Vision 2030 projects changing Saudi tourism:

• NEOM — Futuristic city project in northwest
• The Red Sea Project — Luxury island resorts
• Qiddiya — Entertainment city near Riyadh
• AMAALA — Ultra-luxury wellness destination

Money

• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR), pegged to USD at 3.75 SAR = $1
• Cards: Widely accepted in cities. Visa/Mastercard preferred
• Cash: Useful for smaller shops, tips. ATMs plentiful
• Prices: Moderate by Gulf standards. Budget $100-150/day

Dress Code

Saudi Arabia has relaxed dress requirements significantly but remains conservative:

Men:

• Long trousers expected in public
• Shorts acceptable at beaches, resorts
• T-shirts generally fine

Women:

• No longer required to wear abaya (as of 2019)
• Modest dress expected: shoulders and knees covered
• Loose-fitting clothing preferred
• Swimwear acceptable at designated beaches and pools
• Abaya may be useful for visiting mosques or conservative areas

Everyone:

• Remove shoes when entering mosques
• Dress more conservatively in smaller towns

Alcohol

Strictly prohibited. No bars, no alcohol in hotels, no importation allowed. Zero tolerance policy with serious legal consequences.

Connectivity

• Mobile: STC, Mobily, Zain
• Tourist SIM: Available at airports and malls (50-100 SAR)
• eSIM: Works well. Airalo, local carrier eSIMs available
• WiFi: Good in hotels, malls, increasingly in public spaces
• VoIP: WhatsApp calls, FaceTime generally work

Electrical

• Voltage: 220V, 60Hz (unusual combination)
• Plug type: Type G (UK-style three rectangular pins)
• Adapters: US and European travelers need adapters
• Note: The 60Hz frequency (vs 50Hz in UK) doesn't affect most modern devices

Religious Considerations

• Prayer times: Businesses close for prayers (5 times daily, 30 minutes each). Plan accordingly.
• Friday: Islamic holy day. Many businesses closed Friday morning
• Mosques: Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina. Some other mosques welcome visitors outside prayer times
• Ramadan: Respect those fasting. Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight

Safety

Generally very safe for tourists:

• Low crime rate
• Heavy security presence
• Traffic accidents are the main risk
• Follow local laws strictly
• Register with your embassy if staying long term

Legal Considerations

• No alcohol or drugs: Severe penalties
• No pork products: Illegal to import
• Prescription medications: Check status before bringing. Many common drugs are controlled
• Photography: Don't photograph people without permission, especially women. Avoid government/military buildings
• Public behavior: No public displays of affection
• LGBTQ+: Illegal. Exercise extreme caution

Cultural Notes

• Greetings: Handshakes common between same gender. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first
• Weekend: Friday-Saturday (Sunday is a workday)
• Business hours: Typically 9am-5pm, with prayer breaks
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (10% at restaurants)
• Bargaining: Expected in traditional souks, not in malls

Useful Apps

• Uber/Careem: Ride-hailing
• HungerStation/Jahez: Food delivery
• Waze: Navigation
• Almosafer: Local travel booking
• Muslim Pro: Prayer times (useful for planning around closures)

• Saudi Tourism: visitsaudi.com
• E-Visa Portal: visa.visitsaudi.com
• Saudia: saudia.com
• flynas: flynas.com
• flyadeal: flyadeal.com
• Haramain Railway: sar.com.sa
• Riyadh Airport: riyadhairports.com
• Jeddah Airport: jed-airport.com
• AlUla: experiencealula.com