Saudi Arabia Tours & Holidays
The road less travelled leads all the way to this Middle Eastern kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is a lot of things: a spiritual sanctuary, a culinary haven, a beach-lover’s oasis and a cultural melting pot. And now it’s open to curious travellers who are looking for a different kind of adventure in the Middle East. From sandy desert landscapes and endless turquoise coastlines to ancient settlements and concrete jungles, there are plenty of memories to be made and extraordinary places to explore in Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Riyadh (population: 7,682,000)
POPULATION
37 million
CURRENCY
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
LANGUAGE
Modern Standard Arabic
TIME ZONE
(GMT+3:00) Riyadh
CALLING CODE
+966
ELECTRICITY
Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)
Learn more about Saudi Arabia
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter (from November to February) when temperatures are around 22°C to 28°C and it’s comfortable enough to spend long periods of time outside. Saudi Arabia’s climate is classified as arid desert, so this means extremely hot summers (it’s not advisable to travel during this time).
Culture and customs
Saudi Arabia is a highly conservative country when it comes to social rules and there is an expectation for men and women to dress modestly like in the surrounding Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia in general is influenced by Arab and Islamic culture with a core focus on faith, traditional roles and a family-orientated mindset.
Music and dance are a feature of everyday life, with traditional instruments played and dances performed at celebrations and cultural holiday festivities. Along with the thriving arts scene in Saudi Arabia, sport is huge throughout the kingdom with football (soccer) being the most popular.
History and government
Saudi Arabia shares a lot of its early history with much of the Arabian Peninsula, experiencing the rise of Islam in the 7th century and the establishment of Muslim states in the 15th century. However, due to its remote location and poverty, the country remained somewhat isolated from the general military and political trends from the 16th century onwards.
Fast forward to the 18th century when the Saud dynasty (house of rulers in the 18th and 19th centuries) came into power, conquering much of Arabia until their defeat at the hands of the Ottoman Sultan and the Viceroy of Egypt in 1818. A second Saudi state was created by members of the Saud dynasty in 1824 but civil wars eventually ensued after succession disputes and the state fell out of Saudi hands until 1902. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was royally decreed in 1932 and is still ruled by the monarchy, with a judicial system that's based on Islamic law (Shari'ah).
Eating and drinking
Saudi Arabian cuisine draws influences from surrounding Persian Gulf countries, but religion plays a role in culinary practices too. For instance, as per Islam, Muslims don’t eat pork or drink alcohol and other meats like lamb, beef and chicken has to be prepared in a specific way (halal).
But there are plenty of traditional meat dishes that locals love and that travellers to the country must try. Kebabs are big in Saudi Arabia and so is shwarma, both made with meat (such as chicken or lamb) that’s been roasted on a spit and served, either by itself or in pita bread as a sandwich.
Saudi Arabians also eat a lot of seafood, particularly fish and shrimp, so you’ll likely see dishes like machbous (rice with seafood) on most restaurant menus. Also be prepared to eat flat bread with every meal, followed by a selection of fruit (usually dates, watermelon and grapes) as dessert.
To wash it all down, locals love to drink coffee in the traditional Turkish way.
Geography and environment
Saudi Arabia is situated in Western Asia, bordering the Red Sea on the west, Yemen and Oman on the south, the United Arab Emirates and the Persian Gulf on the east and Iraq and Jordon on the north.
Its terrain is largely uninhabited sandy desert with frequent sand and dust storms. Saudi Arabia is rich in natural resources including petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold and cooper, and due to the production of these materials, the country experiences a range of environmental issues such as ground, water and air pollution, as well as extreme fossil fuel usage, deforestation and desertification.
Shopping
If it’s shopping you’re after, you can’t go past two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cities: Riyadh and Jeddah. Both cities have upscale shopping centres and department stores you can easily get lost in, as well as local markets full of traditional ingredients and souvenirs.
Popular shopping locations in Riyadh for both luxury lovers and families:
- Centria Mall
- Kingdom Centre
- Al Nakheel Mall
- Granada Mall
- Bisht Souk
- Souq Makkah
Popular shopping locations in Jeddah for both bargain hunters and electronic fiends:
- Mall of Arabia
- Read Sea Mall
- Jeddah International Shopping Center
- Al Balad district
- Gabel Street Souq
Further reading
- Girls of Riyadh, by Rajaa Alsanea
- Road to Mecca, by Muhammad Asad
- Being Young, Male and Saudi: Identity and Politics in a Globalised Kingdom, by Mark Thompson
- Inside the Kingdom, by Robert Lacey
- Cities of Salt, by Abdul Rahman Munif
Saudi Arabia travel FAQs
Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism in 2019 and we know that many of our travellers are curious about visiting there. Our aim was to create a trip that would offer our customers unique and authentic experiences that have a positive impact on local communities, particularly women.
With their emphasis on local interaction and cultural insights, we felt Women’s Expeditions was our ideal first product in Saudi. We carried out firsthand research on the ground, including speaking to local people from all walks of life. As with all Women’s Expeditions, the trip creates opportunities for local female leaders and guides while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses across our supply chain.
As a general rule, travellers will need to obtain a visa before arrival in Saudi Arabia. However, there are a range of nationals that can apply for an eVisa online to make the process as easy as possible, so you don’t need to spend time at embassy and consulate appointments. The visa application process will require you to provide information about your trip, return travel plans and accommodation details and might prompt you for bank account information and employment contracts.
Tipping is common in service-oriented businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and taxis, but it is not routine; but rather a way to show appreciation for good service. It is also not required if a service charge is already included in the bill. Saudis usually tip expatriate service people and individual services in hotels despite the overall service charge. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem usually have a built-in tip option, but you can also tip in cash if you prefer.
Tipping guides, drivers and other tourism services providers is also common and it's a way to show appreciation for their services. It's worth noting that tipping in Saudi Arabia is a cultural and personal decision, and it's always a good idea to follow the local customs and traditions, and to tip in line with your budget and satisfaction with the service received.
Internet access is widely available in Saudi Arabia, and the country has a well-developed infrastructure for telecommunications. The country's internet penetration rate is quite high and most people have access to high-speed 4G and 5G internet.
The government of Saudi Arabia regulates the internet, and there are some restrictions on access to certain websites and online content, such as those related to political dissent, pornography, gambling, and other sensitive topics. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, are widely used in the country, but they are also subject to government censorship. WhatsApp is commonly used for chat but cannot be used for calls and video calls.
Mobile phone networks are widely available in Saudi Arabia and getting a local SIM card for your phone is relatively easy. Upon arrival, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at any of the mobile phone stores located in most major cities and towns. The process is straightforward and you will need to provide a passport or a valid ID to register your SIM card.
The water supply in the major cities and towns is treated and is safe to drink in theory, but because of older pipe-systems even many locals refrain from doing so. In some rural areas or remote regions, the water may not be treated and may not be safe to drink. It's also worth noting that in some places, the water may have a high mineral content, which can affect its taste and may not be suitable for everyone.
The country has a well-developed banking system, and ATMs are widely available in most cities and towns. You can find ATMs in banks, airports, shopping centres, and other public places.
Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. However, it's always good to check with your bank if your card will work in Saudi Arabia, and also to inform them of your travel plans. You should also note that ATM withdrawal limits may vary depending on the bank and the type of card you are using.
It's also common to find that some ATMs have a limit per transaction, while others have a daily limit, so you may have to withdraw money in multiple transactions.
You can use credit or debit cards, or even international credit cards in most of the shops, restaurants and hotels in Saudi Arabia, however, it's always good to check with the specific establishment if they accept foreign cards.
It's also worth noting that Saudi Arabia was, until recently, a cash-based society, and it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when travelling to rural or remote areas of the country where access to ATMs and other banking services may be limited.
Western style bathrooms are found all across the country with the same amenities and facilities you’d expect elsewhere.
It’s generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, whether solo or as part of a group as, overall, the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low.
As with any destination, there are a few do’s and don’t’s that all travellers should follow, such as adhering to local laws, dressing appropriately in places of worship and respecting cultural traditions. However, women should behave and dress in a similar way to locals and stick to well-populated areas, especially when venturing out at nighttime.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. Travellers should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.
It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.
Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists – as with all destinations, travellers to the country should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries.
In general, when it comes to Saudi Arabia's laws and social rules:
- It is illegal to preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam.
- Refrain from questioning religious values or public morals.
- Don't criticise the country, its royal family or practicing religion in public (including on social media).
- Dress modestly in public.
- Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.
Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia does not recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights.
Travellers should be aware of the socially conservative rules when it comes to the dress code in Saudi Arabia. It is no longer a legal requirement for women to cover their hair and wear an abaya (long sleeved robe) in Saudi, but women should still dress modestly when out and about (especially when visiting places of worship), covering their shoulders, chest and knees, as well as wearing any loose-fitting dresses or pants.
Due to the hot climate in Saudi Arabia, pack lightweight clothing like cotton and linen, so you're not uncomfortable when you're exploring during the day.
Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t recognised in Saudi Arabia and a high degree of caution should be undertaken when travelling. Homosexuality remains illegal and carries a heavy penalty such as imprisonment and deportation.
Additionally, being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. You will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows 'X' in the gender field. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress code and access to medical care.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation