Saudi is a country of natural beauty, great diversity and hidden treasures. Saudi’s tourism offering focuses on delivering authentic Arabian adventure, culture and heritage underpinned by remarkable hospitality. It is the Kingdom’s unique natural attributes and its authenticity as the home of Arabia that will attract and enthral travellers.
Saudi opened its doors and hearts to the world of leisure tourism in September 2019 with the launch of its tourism e-visa service. And before the global ban on international travel in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it was the fastest growing tourist destination in the world, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and fourth most populous in the MENA region with its 2020 population estimated at approximately 35 million people. Around 80% of Saudis live in the 10 major urban centres – Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Medina, Hofuf, Taif, Khobar, Yanbu, Dhahran, Dammam. The country is also home to a large community of expatriate residents, including those from Western markets, India and Asia who live in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu and Dhahran. Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 administrative regions, or Provinces, each characterised by their own unique traditions and cultures. The Kingdom is home to the Makkah Region, Riyadh Region, Eastern Province, Asir Region, Jizan Region, Medina Region, Qasim Region, Tabuk Region, Hail Region, Najran Region, Al Jouf Region, Al Baha Region, and the Northern Borders Region.
Saudi offers awe-inspiring natural phenomena and exciting, unique ways to explore its diverse terrain, making the kingdom worthy of a spot on any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. The kingdom boasts quite an itinerary, from desert and water adventures to camping and hiking through caves and craters.
Desert Adventures
Part of what’s special about the Arabian Peninsula — and specifically Saudi — is its desert. In fact, Saudi Arabia is home to the largest sand desert on earth. From adrenaline packed excursions like dune bashing and sandboarding to more serene, history-inspired activities such as camel riding and Arabian camping, the desert in Saudi serves as a canvas for more than just adventure travellers. Dune bashing – Camel riding – Arabian camping.
Hiking Adventures
Saudi’s diverse topography is a delight for hiking enthusiasts. With striking lookout points atop cliffs and an oasis in the desert, there are plenty of adventures to embark upon on foot. Edge of the World – Al Ahsa Oasis – Jabal Abyad.
Water Adventures
Saudi is bordered by the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east — making an adventure on or in the water an ideal way to explore. Red Sea Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Visiting a Desert Lake – Exploring on boats and cruises.
Museums and History
With such a rich history, it’s no surprise that Saudi is home to a plethora of museums, castles and cultural institutions around the country. Visitors can immerse themselves in exhibitions and displays that not only highlight the ancient past but also bring to light more contemporary works by local and international artists. The National Museum in Riyadh – The Antiquities Museum – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.
Shopping and Souks
From old-world souqs to modern malls to boutique concept stores, Saudi has a wealth of shopping options, offering everything from traditional wares to designer items to creative collections and offbeat décor. Share Al Hob market – Souq Al Qaisariya – Personage.
Cuisine and Coffee
Traditional Saudi cuisines use fragrant spices and the freshest of local ingredients inspired by the trading heritage of the country. The different types of food are largely tied to the terrain, with many traditional dishes reflecting the ancient trade caravans and nomadic lifestyles of desert dwellers. To this day, while dates and aromatic coffee are central to the culture of hospitality, there is a diversity and richness to cuisines across different regions to be explored.
Arabian coffee —or qahwa, as it is known in Saudi Arabia — generally (though not always!) refers to coffee made of arabica beans. Although it’s often compared to Turkish coffee, Arabian coffee is known less for its thickness as it is for its richness in taste because of the use of spices and the manner in which it’s served.
Visa logistics
- The Saudi e-Visa process, launched in September 2019, is 100% digital.
- The e-Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for a year, allowing tourists to stay for up to 90 days per visit, and up to 180 days per year.
- Tourists from eligible countries can apply for a tourist visa online through the fast and easy-to-use e-Visa portal (https://visa.visitsaudi.com) ahead of their trip, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through visa kiosks at immigration.
- Tourists from other countries should apply for a consulate visa through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad.
- Visitors from any country can gain a tourism visa-on-arrival if they have an activated and valid US, UK or Schengen visa and are travelling with a Saudi national airline (Saudia, Flynas or Flydeal).
- Tourism visas cost SAR 440 plus VAT and are inclusive of mandatory health insurance.
