Where Best

Saudi Arabia

Newly open, and the most surprising trip in the region right now.

· Middle East · Last updated June 2026

Saudi Arabia only began issuing tourist visas in 2019, and it still feels early. AlUla's desert and the Nabataean tombs of Hegra rival Petra without the crowds. Add Red Sea diving, a fast-changing Riyadh, and the coral lanes of old Jeddah. Come for what most travelers haven't seen yet, and dress and behave for a conservative country.

Most trips run Jeddah–AlUla–Riyadh, stitched together with short domestic flights. AlUla is the anchor: two or three days for Hegra's tombs, Elephant Rock at sunset, and the mud-brick lanes of the old town. In Jeddah you wander Al-Balad's coral houses; in Riyadh it's Diriyah and a restaurant scene changing by the month. This is not a budget trip — AlUla hotels in particular price like a luxury destination — but tours and tickets are well organised.

Be clear about what this isn't. There is no alcohol and no nightlife in the conventional sense, distances between sights are enormous, and summer heat makes half the year unworkable. The tourism machine is new and occasionally half-finished. Travellers uncomfortable with conservative social codes, or with the politics, should think hard before booking. The trade-off: you walk through Hegra nearly alone — something that hasn't been possible at Petra in decades.

Highlights

  • AlUla & Hegra

    Nabataean tombs in red rock — Petra's sister site, nearly empty.

  • Riyadh

    The capital reinventing itself by the month.

  • Jeddah (Al-Balad)

    Coral-stone old town and the gateway to the Red Sea.

  • The Red Sea

    Some of the least-dived healthy reef left anywhere.

Practical info

Visa
eVisa or visa-on-arrival for most Western passports.
Currency
SAR (Riyal), pegged at roughly 3.75 SAR ≈ 1 USD.
Language
Arabic. English in cities and tourism, and growing fast.
Safety
Very safe; a conservative country, so follow local customs and dress codes.
Getting around
Domestic flights, the Haramain high-speed train, and hire cars for AlUla.
Tap water
Stick to bottled water.
Plug type
Type G 230V
Money
Cards widely accepted; cash for souks and smaller towns.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is at its best in October–March. It's best to avoid May, June, July.
How many days do you need in Saudi Arabia?
Most trips run 1–2 weeks, depending on how much ground you want to cover.
Is Saudi Arabia expensive?
Plan for budget – premium daily spend, depending on how you travel.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for travelers?
Very safe; a conservative country, so follow local customs and dress codes.
Do you need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
eVisa or visa-on-arrival for most Western passports.

Compare Saudi Arabia with

Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia vs Egypt

Saudi Arabia vs Jordan

Saudi Arabia vs Qatar

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