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Saudi Arabia

Arabia, newly open.

Saudi Arabia opened to tourism in 2019, revealing the Nabataean city of Hegra at AlUla, the Diriyah oasis, the Red Sea coast and a fast-changing Riyadh.

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Current weather — Riyadh

Updated —

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Best time to visit November – March

Time zone GMT +3

Currency SAR (ر.س)

Visa Tourist e-visa

Flight time 8 – 10 hrs via a connection from Vietnam

AI summary

Saudi Arabia suits travellers drawn to little-visited heritage. AlUla and Hegra are the highlight, Jeddah for the Al-Balad old town; November–March is the season.

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Population 36 million people

Area 2,150,000 km²

Capital Riyadh

Currency SAR (ر.س) Riyal, pegged to USD

Language Arabic

Climate Desert hot and very dry

Visa Tourist e-visa one year, multiple entry

Driving side Right

Power socket Type G 230V – 60Hz

Saudi Arabia destination location

6 mapped locations

Hegra, AlUla The Nabataean city, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO site.

AlUla Old Town & Elephant Rock The mudbrick old town and the elephant-shaped rock in the desert.

Diriyah The first Saudi capital, with the UNESCO At-Turaif district.

Jeddah & Al-Balad The Red Sea old town with its rawasheen woodwork, a UNESCO site.

Riyadh The capital, with the National Museum, Masmak Fort and Kingdom Centre.

Abha & the Asir region The cool southern highlands, with traditional stone villages.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Excellent Very good Good Average Not ideal

Weather overview

Average temperature 14°C – 45°C Extreme seasonal range

Rainfall 60 mm Annual average

Humidity 20% – 60% Very dry inland

Sea temperature 24°C – 31°C Red Sea

Travel styles in Saudi Arabia

Culture Heritage & archaeology Adventure Desert & canyons Luxury AlUla resorts Photography Desert photography Beach Red Sea & diving MICE Conferences & events

Signature experiences

Heritage Nabataean tombs at Hegra

Adventure AlUla desert by 4x4

Culture Al-Balad old town, Jeddah

City breaks Riyadh & Diriyah

Nature Edge of the World escarpment

Food Kabsa & Arabic coffee

Islands Red Sea diving

Resorts AlUla desert resorts

Sample itineraries

View all

5 days AlUla & Riyadh Riyadh – AlUla From USD 1,090/pax 8 days Classic Saudi Arabia Riyadh – AlUla – Jeddah From USD 1,690/pax 10 days Heritage & Red Sea Riyadh – AlUla – Jeddah – Red Sea From USD 2,190/pax

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists visit Saudi Arabia?

Yes, since 2019. Over 60 nationalities apply for an e-visa online in minutes; others apply through an embassy. We check eligibility against your passport.

What is the dress code?

Women are no longer required to wear an abaya but should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Men should avoid short shorts. Mecca and Medina remain open only to Muslims.

What makes AlUla worth it?

Hegra — a Nabataean city contemporary with Petra but far quieter — plus the old town, Elephant Rock and desert resorts. Allow two to three days.

Is alcohol available?

No. Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol entirely, including in international hotels.