Holiday Guide to Saudi Arabia

Eversince Saudi Arabia announced the issuance of tourist visas for visitors in 2019, tourist arrivals into Saudi Arabia has been growing at a steady pace. Contrary to popular belief, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer for leisure and adventure seeking travelers from across the world. Whether you choose to climb to the top of the highest mountain, 3000 meters above sea level, dive into the magical wonders of the corals and marine life of the Red Sea or cross the largest palm oasis in the world growing more than 2.5 million palm trees, all of these exciting experiences, and more, await you in a country ranked third in the world in terms of safety.

Tourism development is an important driver of growth for the future of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the key pillars at the heart of Vision 2030’s plan to help diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.

On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia formally announced the issuance of the tourist visa to visitors from 49 countries for a fee of $80. The visa can be either obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. Ten days after the implementation of instant tourist visas, 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia. China visitors topped the list, with the UK and the US in second and third.

What To See, Where To Go

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia:

Al-Ahsa Oasis : The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells and a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites.

Mada’in Salih is a pre-Islamic archaeological site located in the AlUla sector, within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia. A majority of the vestiges date from the Nabatean kingdom (1st century AD). The site constitutes the kingdom’s southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, its capital. Traces of Lihyanite and Roman occupation before and after the Nabatean rule, respectively, can also be found in situ, while accounts from the Qur’an tell of an earlier settlement of the area by the tribe of Thamud in the 3rd millennium BC.

At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, a town in Saudi Arabia located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh. Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family and served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, the town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate, which also includes the villages of Uyayna, Jubayla, and Al-Ammariyyah, among others, and is part of Ar Riyad Province.

Historic Jeddah: Historic Jeddah was as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to Mecca. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea.

Rock Art in the Hail Region: This property shows numerous representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history.

For those with time on their hands, there are other areas worth exploring while traveling across Saudi Arabia:

Farasan Islands

Off the shore of the southern province of Jazan lies a small coral island group called the Farasan Islands. Making waves for its idyllic white shorelines and bucolic views that have remained intact throughout history; this island paradise offers a sanctuary to discover the simple life on the Red Sea, while getting the chance to dive and snorkel.

The islands are famous for their mangrove forests–a breeding ground for large numbers of birds and the adjacent marine feeding grounds attract varieties such as Osprey, Sooty Falcon, Pink-Backed Pelican, Red-Billed Tropic, White-Eyed Gull, Saunders Little Tern, Crab Plover, and even Flamingos. Some of the islands are also home to the endangered Farasan Island Gazelle; seeing one is rare!

Diriyah

Birthplace of the first Saudi state, historical crossroads of pilgrims and traders, and home to one of the kingdom’s most ambitious heritage developments.

The area’s citadel-marked primary quarter, was the original seat of power for the kingdom’s Al Saud family. In 1727, the city was named the country’s capital, laying the foundations for what would later become a unified Saudi Arabia.

Souqs of Jeddah

The traditional folk markets ‎ add a unique cultural value to Jeddah. The cultural openness of Jeddah manifests in these markets’ old ancient alleys and modern buildings that gathers peoples from all around the world. It is your must-visit place for traditional local goods along with various consumer goods where most come from the sea. It is the ideal destination to get hard-to-miss souvenirs and handmade goods.

Al Ahsa

If you are looking for an escape from the city life to a more historical and enlightening location, head to Al Ahsa in the country’s Eastern Province, a UNESCO world heritage site. The region is recognized for its stunning and vivid green palm trees as well as its tranquil atmosphere, profound stillness and peaceful ambience. With 30 million palm trees, you are bound to feel one with nature in the largest date farm worldwide, which produces a few of the Saudi’s sweetest Khalas dates, known for their sticky texture.

Mountains in Saudi Arabia

Fayfa Mountains

Fayfa Mountains are the highest peak in Jizan are located in the southernmost region close to Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen. The mountains are evergreen throughout the year and are located near a local hot water spring ‘Ain Al Har’.

Jabal Sawda

Jabal Sawda stands at round 3,000 metres (9,843 feet) and is considered to be the highest point in Saudi Arabia. A small village of the same name is located nearby which serves as a tourist center. A cable car to the top of the mountain operates from the village.

Jabal Warrab

Jabal Warrab is a mountain in the As Sarawat mountain range and is considered to be the second highest peak in the country. The Sawarat Mountain range runs through the western part of Saudi Arabia and is, essentially, running parallel to the eastern coast of the Red Sea.

Jabal al-Lawz

Jabal al-Lawz is located near the Jordanian border, in the northwestern region of the Kingdom. The name translated to ‘mountains of almonds’ and was named so because of the color of the mountain – a light colored grey-brown.

Jabal Daka

Jabal Daka is the highest mountain in the area in the town of Ash Shafa (or The Cure), just a 20 kilometre drive from Taif.

Best Time To Visit Saudi Arabia

The best span to visit Saudi Arabia is from November to February. This is the time when the weather is mild and the temperature remains average. Summer is the time to be avoided to visit Saudi Arabia. People, therefore, must avoid the span between April and October.

How To Get There

With four international airports, served by a plethora of global carriers, getting to and around the Kingdom couldn’t be easier. A first-rate transportation system connects Saudi Arabia’s provinces and cities, serving millions of people each day.

Visa Requirements

You can apply for eVisa if you are from one of the below countries:

North America: Canada, US.
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Asia: Brunei, China (Including Hong Kong And Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea.

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.

Other nationalities can apply for a visa through the nearest Saudi Arabia embassy.

Getting Around

With its vast ochre deserts, rugged green mountains and glorious coastline, Saudi Arabia is a country made for road tripping. Not only does it offer a kaleidoscope of landscapes and experiences, but opportunities abound to get out and experience them. Spend your days soaking up scenery, history and vibrant cosmopolitanism, as you weave in and out of cities, explore ancient villages or embark on outdoor adventures. Stop to bask on sandy beaches, browse traditional souqs, or feast your way through delicious local dishes as you set your own pace.

There’s a route for everyone, whether family travelers, outdoor explorers, history buffs or cultural connoisseurs. Arabia has an allure that few destinations can match. But before you throw your luggage in the trunk and hit the open road.

How Long to Stay in Saudi Arabia

We recommend a minimum of 10 nights to explore Saudi Arabia at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights, from Muscat to the Al Hajdar mountains and the many beautiful Wadis as well as the unmissable Wahiba Sands desert.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

For visitors from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a perfect holiday destination for a self-drive trip. Pack you r SUV or car with your luggage and drive through Saudi Arabia. The excellent road network will take you to the various tourist attractions enroute. A suggestive route: