Saudi Arabia

Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam. In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, evolving century-old customs to fit the contemporary world we live in today, and one of the sectors that were significantly changed is tourism in Saudi Arabia

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Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam. In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, evolving century-old customs to fit the contemporary world we live in today, and one of the sectors that were significantly changed is tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country that occupies most of the Arabian peninsula and has coastlines on the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. It is bordered by Jordan to the northwest, Iraq, and Kuwait to the northeast, Bahrain and Qatar to the east, the United Arab Emirates to the southeast, and Oman and Yemen to the south. The Kingdom is home to the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, to which all physically and financially able Muslims are required to make "Hajj" at least once if possible.

Saudi Arabia Tourism is one of the main pillars of Vision 2030, as the Kingdom targets 100 million annual visits by 2030 and aims to contribute 10% of the Kingdom's GDP.

Recreational tourism and religious tourism in Saudi Arabia are among the main types of tourism there. In addition, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced the travel and tourism sector by opening its borders to the world to discover the Kingdom with the historic launch of the tourist e-visa.

Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country that occupies most of the Arabian peninsula and has coastlines on the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. It is bordered by  Jordan to the northwest, Iraq and Kuwait to the northeast, Bahrain and Qatar to the east, United Arab Emirates to the southeast, and Oman and Yemen to the south. The Kingdom is home to the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, to which all physically and financially able Muslims are required to make "Hajj" at least once if possible.

The main types of tourism in Saudi Arabia include leisure tourism and religious pilgrimage tourism. However, Saudi Arabia entered the travel and tourism sector by opening its heart and borders to the world to come discover the kingdom with the historic launch of tourist e-visa in 2019.

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during winter between the months of late October and early March. However, Asir Mountains, located in the south-western part of Saudi Arabia, are impregnable in winters due to excessive fog and should be visited either before November or after February. Winters in Saudi Arabia are calm and pleasant, with the maximum temperature not going beyond 30°C, and there is slight rainfall as well. Summers are very hot, with temperatures often crossing 40°C. Being a hot desert where temperatures go as high as 50°C and relatively less rainfall, Saudi Arabia’s climate is one of the driest in the world.

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The best time to visit Saudi Arabia

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during winter between late October and early March. But if you are going to visit Asir mountains, located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, it must be visited either before November or after February. Winter in Saudi Arabia is calm and pleasant, the maximum temperature does not exceed 30°C, and there is slight rainfall as well. Summer is very hot, temperatures often exceed 40°C. Being a hot desert with temperatures up to 50°C with relatively less rainfall, the climate of Saudi Arabia is one of the driest in the world.

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Tourism In Saudi Arabia

Now that tourist travel is allowed to Saudi Arabia it's time to start planning your trip. Usually, your Saudi trip will start in Riyadh or Jeddah, from where you will start planning your journey. 

Here's a list of the kingdom's most stunning destinations and tourist attractions to visit Saudi Arabia, so Welcome to Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh

Riyadh

As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has many places to visit, so it makes sense to be your first choice when visiting Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is rich in history and culture more than any other capitals cities in the Arab region. It is considered one of the most developed cities in Saudi Arabia and is characterized by its commercial and financial hubs, and the urban development appears significantly. In Riyadh, you can find many restaurants that serve the most delicious kinds of food, in addition to being home to many tourist and recreational places such as parks, amusement parks, malls, and museums. The bustling national capital and most populous city of the Kingdom, which is also home to the Kingdom's main airport. Kingdom Centre Tower is such an iconic symbol of Saudi Arabia's capital

Jeddah

Jeddah

Jeddah is the most beautiful city in Saudi Arabia, as it is named the Bride of the Red sea. It is a large city with the largest seaport on the Red Sea. The city is famous for its towers and many skyscrapers, as it boasts many historical and modern tourist places, in addition to its wonderful beaches, which are characterized by their golden sand and clear water. Jeddah is also the main gateway to Mecca, the most beautiful city in Saudi Arabia for Muslims who perform Hajj and Umrah every year, with a great atmosphere. Visitors will love Jeddah's architecture and bustling souk, the tranquil coastline home to great diving sites, and its diverse, world-class cuisine.

Dammam

Dammam

Dammam, which is located on the Arabian Gulf, is considered one of the most beautiful and most important tourist cities in Saudi Arabia. It is also a favorite tourist city for families and is characterized by its nice climate all the year. It includes many tourist and entertainment places such as Dammam Corniche, Dolphin Village, and Al Marjan Island. It is also characterized by its luxurious commercial and popular markets, as well as recreational public parks.

Taif

Taif

This magnificent city, located to the west of the Kingdom, combines the ancient past and the contemporary present, as it includes the most beautiful historical sites, archaeological heritage, and tourist attractions. This city is known for its good climate and for being one of the most important regions for the cultivation of roses and delicious fruits in the Kingdom. You can visit the most significant tourist areas in it, namely Al-Faisaliah Park, King Abdullah Park, Al-Hada City, Al-Shifa City, and Souk Okaz.

Umluj

Umluj

Umluj city, "the Arab Maldives", with its charming beaches, waters with blue colors, rare marine creatures, and magnificent coral reefs are considered one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. It is also an attraction for meditation lovers, bird watchers, and picturesque nature.

Al Khobar

Al Khobar

Al Khobar city is located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the most beautiful coastal cities that you should visit during your tourism in Saudi Arabia. The city of Al-Khobar contains various tourist places, making it an annual tourist attraction. Al Khobar is distinguished by the beauty of its pure waters, golden sands, and scenic landscapes, in addition to its charming beaches such as Half Moon Beach, high-end hotels, and luxurious resorts that provide all the amenities and relaxation for its visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous religious landmark in Saudi Arabia?

Masjid al-Haram is the most famous religious landmark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

How easy is it to get around in Saudi Arabia?

Without a doubt, the best way to get around is by car. There are no buses in the cities, which means public transportation is non-existent. There is the option for UBER and Careem, but the distances are very far in the cities, so the price will be quite expensive.