Brightsun’s Dedicated Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing into a leisure tourist hotspot, and we’d like to introduce you to this charming Middle East nation, with inspo and info on what to expect during your travels.

Saudia Arabia is a country with a rich heritage and centuries-old custom traditions; it's the birthplace of Islam that has undergone an immense transformation as part of its Saudi Vision 2030. From the ancient oasis city of Al-Ula to the ever-growing capital Riyadh, the blissful seaside city of Jeddah, the paradise Red Sea region, and the lush green Aseer province, there is immense beauty and culture to admire in every corner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here’s what you can get up to on holidays to Saudi…

Outdoor Adventures Galore

Visit Saudi and look forward to a myriad of travel adventures across outdoor landscapes:

• Snorkel the outer reef
• Experience catamaran sailing
• Embark on scuba diving excursions
• Go hiking in the Aseer Mountains
• Tour in a 4X4 across the Aseer Mountains
• Enjoy windsurfing
• Experience a helicopter tour

Cultural Immersion

Saudi Arabia is a place where you can really delve into the local culture and immerse yourself into the rich cultural heritage that the country provides:

• Take part in a historical city tour of Abha
• Experience Arabian astronomical observation
• Enjoy a nature walk at Wadi Khuff
• Explore the Al Balad historical district
• Embark on a Hijaz Mountain trail with storytelling
• Discover the art of honey production
• Master Aseeri Qatt art at the Fatima Museum

Entertainment & Events

From a cinema under the stars to the thrills of Boulevard World, there is something to keep every type of traveller entertained in Saudi Arabia; the country hosts a year-round calendar of events and festivals.

• Riyadh Season, Sept 2024-April 2025 – one of the largest winter events in the world.
• AlUla Moments, Sept 2024-April 2025 – experience music festivals, heritage events, cutting-edge art installations, fine dining, and the Hot Air Balloon Show.
• Diriyah Season, Nov 2024-April 2025 – a time where you can fully immerse yourself into Diriyah’s heritage with cultural events and experiences.
• Sound Storm – Dec 12th-14th 2024 – the region’s loudest festival with a fantastic line up of musicians including Eminem, Muse, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
• F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – April 17th-20th 2025 – a thrilling adrenaline-fueled racing event held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Saudi Arabia

Being largely unexplored, Saudi is a country of many mysteries. With it being new to the tourist landscape, we understand that you may have questions about this country and its residents.

Q: Is Saudi safe?

A: Yes, Saudi is a safe and welcoming destination, as well as bring a respectful nation. However, we would say as with any tourist destination to be mindful of your surroundings, and respect local customs and laws, including those that are centered around Ramadan. Be aware of emergency contacts; dial 999 for the police, and 997 for ambulance.

Q: Are there common greetings that I can learn?

A: Saudi nationals greet each other with ‘Salam alaykum’ which translates to ‘peace be upon you’. This is usually followed by a handshake if the greeting is formal, or a kiss on the cheek if they are a close family member or friend.

Q: Do I need a visa for travel to Saudi?

A: Yes, a tourist visa is required from travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia. You can apply for an Evisa.

Q: Why is Saudi promoting tourism now?

A: Saudi Arabia officially opened its doors to tourists in 2019, and the country is excited to share all it has to offer with tourists all over the globe. There is just so much to discover, from desert landscapes to mountains, beaches, modern cities, and archeological sites, and tourism will bring even more opportunities to this country.

Q: What is the local food like in Saudi?

A: Food is important to the Saudi Arabian culture and is symbolic to its hospitality.  Saudi Arabia has rich culinary traditions influenced by the country's Bedouin heritage, Islamic culture, and diverse geography. The food is hearty, flavourful, and often reflects the country’s desert environment and nomadic lifestyle.

There’s a variety of traditional cuisines to sample here, like Kabsa - a spiced rice dish, Jareesh - a traditional wheat porridge, Mutabbaq - stuffed pancake or flatbread that is pan-fried and filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and eggs, and Margoog- a traditional Saudi Arabian stew, where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked with flat pieces of dough. Dates are also staple to Saudi, eaten as a snack or with coffee.

Q: Are there customs on how I should dress in Saudi?

A: There are dress codes to be aware of in public places and you’ll likely notice residents in traditional attire; it isn't a legal requirement for tourists to dress a certain way, however, its strongly advised to dress modestly for example, cover the knees, torso, chest, and shoulders. For men, this means shirts with sleeves and long trousers, and for women, full-length dresses/skirts/trousers and tops with sleeves. If planning on visiting any places of worship, then we’d advise that women wear a shawl or scarf over their heads.

Getting Around Saudi

It’s easy and convenient enough to travel across Saudia Arabia, especially via domestic flights, offered by Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal; to fly from Riyadh to Jeddah its around 2 hours, and Riyadh to Makkah is also around 2 hours. You can also travel from Jeddah to Saudi’s Eastern Province, and this domestic flight also takes around 2 hours. Flights between Riyadh and AlUla are even shorter, taking around 1-1.5 hours.

You can explore Saudi Arabia on wheels and rent a car that offers flexibility, take a taxi for sheer convenience, or use Uber for a more on-demand service. Taxis are easy enough to find; they are equipped with digital meters with the fare clearly shown, as well as information on the driver and company.  

Saudi has an efficient public transport network including buses and trains, making it convenient to explore its major regions and cities, and it’s a cost-effective way of travelling.

Weather in Saudi Arabia

Summer

Summer in Saudi brings warmer seas with ideal conditions for scuba diving, sailing, and snorkelling, as well as swimming in the waters of Damman which provides a respite from the heat.

Winter

Winter in Saudi brings balmy days and cooler nights, ideal for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, camping in the desert, and city sightseeing. There is a chance to witness snow in Saudi’s northernmost regions and Aseer.

Spring

During spring in Saudi, there will be variations in the weather. In the north it will be brisk, with nighttime temperatures reaching lows of under 15 degrees Celsius, but in the country’s south and central regions it will be warmer, with lows of around 20 degrees Celsius.
Rain is possible in the Aseer Mountainous region. Riyadh is mild at this time of year. Dune bashing and hiking are ideal activities in the spring.

Autumn

In the autumn, expect cooler breezes in the northern regions of Saudi, as well as the southwestern highlands. Daytime temperatures are warm, and often can even exceed 30 degrees celsius. Evenings are mild, perfect for outdoor exploration, alfresco dining, and visiting the desert springs of Al-Ahsa Oasis.

If we’ve inspired you for a unique Arabian adventure, why not get in touch with our travel experts for a custom quote? Browse our Saudi Arabia holidays, call 0208 819 1111, or email Elite@Brightsun.Travel.