Welcome to Saudi Arabia — a land of vast deserts and lush oases, ancient trade routes and futuristic cities, deep‑rooted heritage and bold ambition. Once primarily known for pilgrimage, the Kingdom is now opening up in spectacular fashion to the world of leisure travel, culture‑seekers and adventure travellers alike.
Location & Overview
Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Red Sea to the west, the Persian Gulf to the east, and several neighbouring countries to the north and south.
In recent years, the Kingdom has embraced a seismic shift in its identity under its Vision 2030 framework — positioning tourism as a central pillar of its future economy.
What Makes Saudi Arabia Special
Heritage, History & Culture
From the ancient city of Al‑Ula (and its UNESCO‐listed site Hegra) to the mud‑brick grandeur of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia showcases millennia of human story.
Iconic Islamic cities — Makkah and Madinah — remain major draws for pilgrimage, yet the Kingdom is actively expanding beyond that to welcome broader tourism.
Landscapes & Nature
From the sweeping dunes of the Empty Quarter (Rubʿ al‑Khālī) to the dramatic mountains around Jabal Soudah, and the coral‑rich Red Sea coast — the geographic variety is stunning.
New resort projects on the Red Sea islands and coastline aim to combine luxury with nature‑based experiences.
Modern Cities & Entertainment
Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are undergoing rapid transformation, with world‑class infrastructures, mega‑projects and a growing calendar of global events and festivals.
The Saudi government is harnessing tourism not just for heritage, but for entertainment, sports, culture and investment.
Top Things to Do
Wander the rock‑cut tombs and desert landscape of Al‑Ula and Hegra.
Visit the historic mud‑brick city of Diriyah and explore the heritage of central Saudi.
Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea, or stay on a luxury island resort emerging along the coast.
Experience the vast deserts and mountains — adventure tours, hiking, stargazing.
Explore modern Saudi city life: design, gastronomy, arts, festivals.
Attend one of the growing “tourism season” events such as Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, Al‑Ula Moments.
Practical Info & Travel Tips
Visa & Access: The Kingdom has made major changes: tourist e‑visas are available for many countries online.
When to Visit: Cooler months (autumn, winter, early spring) are better for outdoor exploration — summer in some regions can be extremely hot.
What to Pack: Lightweight clothes, sun‑protection, comfortable walking shoes; layers for cooler desert evenings; modest dress when visiting local towns and cultural sites.
Culture & Etiquette: Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and many traditions apply — conservative dress in some places, respect local customs.
Stay & Infrastructure: Accommodation ranges from luxury resort developments to boutique heritage stays; new investment is rapidly raising standards across the board.
Responsible Travel: The Kingdom emphasises sustainability and heritage protection. Visitors are encouraged to respect natural sites, historical ruins and cultural norms.
Why Visit Saudi Arabia?
For a fresh travel frontier — a country opening up with major new destinations and experiences.
For a blend of ancient and modern — heritage sites, desert landscapes, and future‑facing cityscapes side by side.
For remarkable variety — from pilgrimage/historical journeys to beach resorts, mountains, cultural festivals and luxury escapes.
For value and novelty — many sites are less frequented by international tourists (yet), offering something new and less crowded.