A land of extremes, where towering skyscrapers cast shadows over timeless deserts, and sacred mosques stand beside neon-lit racetracks. Saudi Arabia is reinventing itself—but its soul remains deeply rooted in tradition.
🔥 Highlight
Where else can you camp under a billion stars in the Empty Quarter, then wake up to a hyper-modern skyline in Riyadh—all while hearing the call to prayer echo through canyons?
🏙️ Cities & Regions Worth Exploring
- Riyadh: The booming capital, home to the Kingdom Centre Tower and Diriyah’s mud-brick ruins.
- Jeddah: The “Bride of the Red Sea,” with its floating mosque and historic Al-Balad district.
- AlUla: An open-air museum of ancient Nabatean tombs (like a quieter Petra).
- Dammam: Gateway to the Half Moon Bay beaches.
🏜️ Nature & Adventure
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): A 300m-high cliff with views stretching to infinity.
- Farasan Islands: Snorkel coral reefs and spot dugongs (sea cows).
- Red Sand Dunes (Al Thumama): Sandboarding near Riyadh.
🕌 Culture & Heritage
- Mada’in Saleh: Saudi’s first UNESCO site—a “sister city” to Petra (but with 1% of the tourists).
- Riyadh’s National Museum: A high-tech dive into Arabia’s past.
- Souq Al Zal (Riyadh): A 150-year-old market selling everything from incense to falcons.
🌮 Food & Drink (+ Prices)
- Kabsa (spiced rice with lamb): ~$8 at local eateries.
- Dates + Arabic coffee: Free in most shops (it’s rude to refuse!).
- No alcohol—but try Saudi champagne (sparkling date juice).
🛏️ Accommodation Costs
- Budget: Basic hotels ($50–100/night).
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh (from $400/night) or Banyan Tree AlUla (desert villas).
🎉 Festivals & Events
- Riyadh Season (Oct–Dec): Concerts, wrestling, and “Sandstorm” EDM festival.
- Janadriyah Festival: Camel races + traditional sword dances.
🚗 Transportation
- No public transit—rent a car or use Uber/Careem.
- High-speed rail links Riyadh, Jeddah, and Medina.
💴 Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs everywhere; credit cards widely accepted.
🌱 Sustainability
- NEOM’s The Line: A $500B zero-carbon megacity (coming… eventually).
- Solar-powered resorts in AlUla.
♿ Accessibility
- New malls/hotels: Fully wheelchair-friendly.
- Historic sites: Challenging (no ramps in old forts).
📶 Internet & Connectivity
- 5G nationwide (even in deserts!).
- VPN needed for blocked apps (e.g., WhatsApp calls).
🏥 Health
- Hospitals are top-tier (but travel insurance required for visas).
- No vaccinations needed.
🛂 Visas & Entry
- eVisa ($120): 1-year, multi-entry for 50+ nationalities.
- Dress code: Women no longer need abayas, but shoulders/knees covered.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
- Kid-friendly malls: Like Riyadh Park (with an aquarium and ice rink).
- Al Hokair Land: Saudi’s version of Disneyland.
🌙 Nightlife
- None—but “dinner parties” in private villas (with Arabic music and shisha).
- Coffee shops open until midnight.
🏳️🌈 LGBT+ Friendly
- Illegal (punishable by death in theory, but tourists are usually deported).
- Zero tolerance—no PDAs, no rainbow flags, no dating apps.
🌇 Best Time to Visit
- Nov–Feb: Coolest weather (20°C).
- Avoid June–Aug: 50°C heat.
⚠️ Travel Safety & Tips
- No photos of government buildings.
- Women: Can now travel alone, but harassment still happens.
- Ramadan: No eating/drinking in public during daylight.
🧳 Why Visit?
Saudi Arabia is raw, unfiltered Arabia—before globalization smoothed its edges. It’s the only place where you’ll haggle for a gold dagger at a souq, then sip $100 mocktails in a skyscraper. Come for the adventure, stay for the paradoxes.