Saudi Arabia travel guide

Rocks shaped like elephants, 2,000-year-old tombs in the desert and an old port city on the Red Sea. For most of us, Saudi Arabia is a brand new destination.

Elephant Rock, Jabal AlFil, in the desert near AlUla in Saudi Arabia — Elephant Rock near AlUla
Wind and water have shaped the sandstone of Jabal AlFil until it looks like an elephant. Come at sunset, when the rock glows red.

Saudi Arabia holidays: a country that has just opened up

Saudi Arabia holidays feel a bit like getting there first. The country only began issuing tourist visas in 2019, and few British travellers have been there on holiday yet. In return, you get desert landscapes, ancient sites and modern cities that you often have almost to yourself.

Saudi Arabia is huge, so most people choose two or three areas: the desert city of AlUla, the capital Riyadh and the port city of Jeddah on the Red Sea. Find more destinations in Picolo’s Asia travel guide, or read our guide to Israel if you want to see more of the Middle East.

Where is Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia covers most of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. The Red Sea lies to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east, and the country borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen, among others.

Much of the country is desert. In the far south lies the Rub al-Khali, the largest continuous sand desert in the world, while the mountains in the south-west are greener and cooler than you might expect.

AlUla and Hegra: the ancient city in the desert

AlUla in the north-west is the place most people picture when they think of Saudi Arabia. Around the small town lies a landscape of sandstone cliffs, palm oases and rock formations in every shape imaginable, such as Elephant Rock, Jabal AlFil.

Nearby is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 2,000 years ago the Nabataeans, the same people who built Petra in Jordan, carved more than a hundred monumental tombs into the rock faces here. The old town of AlUla, with narrow lanes and mud-brick houses, is well worth an evening stroll.

A person walking through the doorway of a tomb in Hegra near AlUla — Hegra
The tombs of Hegra are carved straight into the sandstone. Inside it is cool and quiet, while the desert glares outside.

Riyadh: a capital with the desert on its doorstep

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and a modern city of skyscrapers, vast shopping centres and a fast-growing restaurant scene. Kingdom Centre is its best-known landmark, and from the skybridge at the top you can see across the whole city.

On the edge of the city lies Diriyah, the original home of the Al Saud family. Its At-Turaif district, built from sun-dried mud brick, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A couple of hours’ drive out of town you reach Edge of the World, sheer cliffs above an endless plain, and the red sand dunes that are popular for desert trips.

Kingdom Centre in Riyadh against an orange sky — Kingdom Centre in Riyadh
The skyscraper with the opening at the top is easy to spot. See it at sunset, when the sky turns orange.

Jeddah and the Red Sea

Jeddah is an old port city on the Red Sea and has long been the gateway for pilgrims travelling to Mecca. Its historic centre, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for tall coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies. Walk here in the evening, when it is cooler and the souks come to life.

Along the sea runs a long waterfront promenade, the Corniche, with parks, public art and a mosque that stands out in the water. The Red Sea is known for its coral reefs and clear water, and the coast is a great place for diving and snorkelling.

Old houses with wooden balconies in Al-Balad, Jeddah, in the evening — Al-Balad in Jeddah
The old houses of Al-Balad are built from coral stone. In the evening, lanterns light up the alleys and cafés.

Things to do in Saudi Arabia

See the tombs of Hegra and Elephant Rock near AlUla
Walk among the mud-brick buildings of At-Turaif in Diriyah
Drive out to the cliffs at Edge of the World outside Riyadh
Take a desert trip into the red sand dunes
Wander through Al-Balad and along the Corniche in Jeddah
Snorkel or dive on the coral reefs of the Red Sea
Head for the mountains around Abha when the rest of the country is too hot

The city of Abha sits high in the Asir Mountains in the south-west. It is green and cooler here, and many Saudis come for their summer holidays.

Green mountains and valleys around Abha in Saudi Arabia — The mountains around Abha
The Asir Mountains show a completely different side of Saudi Arabia, with green slopes, villages and fresh air.

Food in Saudi Arabia

The national dish is kabsa, spiced rice served with chicken or lamb. Food is often shared from large platters, usually with flatbread, salad and a yoghurt sauce on the side.

Hospitality matters, and you will often be offered Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom, served with dates. Say yes: it is part of the experience.

Grilled chicken, rice, salad and flatbread on a table — Rice, chicken and flatbread
Meals are generous and made for sharing. Order a little of everything and eat together.

Practical information before you go

Check the latest FCDO travel advice and visa rules before you book, and again just before you travel. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially in cities and at religious sites. Mecca is open to Muslims only.

The weekend is Friday and Saturday. During Ramadan many restaurants close during the day, and there are strict rules on alcohol, so expect an alcohol-free holiday. From the UK there are direct flights to the main cities as well as plenty of options with one change.

Saudi Arabia weather: when is the best time to go?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is from October to March. Days are warm and pleasant, and evenings in the desert can be cool, so pack a jumper.

Summer is extremely hot across most of the country and not ideal for sightseeing. The exception is the mountains around Abha, which stay cooler all year round.

A tented villa in the AlUla desert

In AlUla you stay in tented villas among red sandstone cliffs, a short drive from Hegra. Read more about Banyan Tree AlUla.

Frequently asked questions about Saudi Arabia holidays

What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is from October to March, when it is warm but not too hot. Summer is extremely hot in the desert and in the cities. If you travel in summer, the mountains around Abha in the south-west are cooler than the rest of the country.

Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, British tourists need a visa for Saudi Arabia. The country has offered tourist visas since 2019, and you can apply online. Rules and fees can change, so always check the latest information from the Saudi authorities and the FCDO before you travel.

What are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia?

Most visitors prioritise AlUla with the tombs of Hegra and Elephant Rock, the capital Riyadh with Diriyah and Edge of the World, and the old town of Al-Balad in Jeddah. With more time, add the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the mountains around Abha.

What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, the largest city in the country. Riyadh lies in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula and is a modern city with skyscrapers such as Kingdom Centre. Just outside is Diriyah with At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?

Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially in cities, at markets and at religious sites. Light, loose clothing in cotton or linen is practical in the heat. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting mosques.