Although not especially celebrated for its tourism opportunities, Saudi Arabia has some wonderfully enriching sites making it a memorable destination. Apart from the religious pilgrimages, there is growth in Saudi Arabia's leisure tourism sector, promising for those hoping to visit the country on holiday.
The cities are bustling and vibrant. Riyadh offers excellent hotels and some breathtaking sights, including the Al Faisaliah golden geodesic dome, which is one of the tallest buildings in the region, and the Al Musmak Castle, an important landmark and heritage site.
The historic city of Jeddah is certainly worth the visit. The preserved ancient city is listed as a tourist site, as it is the city's seafront corniche. It's a popular spot with the air of a British seaside resort, drawing the country's own domestic holidaymakers. Among it all, the magic of Arabia shines through in the souks (markets) where vendors enthusiastically tout everything from carpets to camel milk.
Rules and regulations can sometimes make sightseeing difficult for foreigners wanting to travel independently, so booking tours is the safest and most stress-free option. However, sites like the ruins of 15th-century Dir'aiyah (the nation's first capital) and trips to the world's largest camel market make for one-of-a-kind experiences which make some sightseeing a must in this somewhat enigmatic country.
Kingdom Centre
The place to see and be seen in Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the fifth tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical award-winning design. The 99-storey colossus contains a hole that visitors can walk across on the sky-bridge on the highest floor. Besides accommodating modern offices, apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom Centre also houses a state-of-the-art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Debenhams department stores. The centre also boasts dozens of world-class international restaurants.
Address:
Al-Urubah Road, between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street, in the Olaya business district
Kingdom Centre
BroadArrow
The National Museum
Chief among the multitude of museums in Riyadh, the National Museum is truly a must. Incorporating local art, religion and culture that explore the diverse and intriguing histories of the Arabian kingdoms, the National Museum welcomes many visitors each year. Artefacts such as ancient documents, furniture, weapons and more, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display. Unlike most attractions in Riyadh, the museum charges a small entrance fee. Other city museums worth visiting include the King Abdulaziz Military Museum and the Museum of Antiquities and Folklore.
Address:
King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center
Opening time:
Saturday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 4pm-8pm.
National Museum
Sammy Six
Al Masmak Castle
The clay and mud brick fort of the Masmak Fort is an important landmark and heritage site in the centre of Riyadh. Built around 1865, the site is associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian kingdom as the original stronghold of King Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The castle was the setting of the Idn Saud's legendary raid in 1902, where a spear was hurled at the main entrance with such force that the head is still intact in the main arch. Visitors can explore its impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers and well.
Address:
3153 Al Thumairi St, Ad Dirah, 6937
Opening time:
Sunday to Thursday 8am-12pm, 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-7.30pm, Saturday 9am-12am
Al Musmak Castle
Baptiste Marcel
Al Murabba’a Historical Palace
The spectacular Murabba Palace sits just outside the original city walls. Built in the early 1900s, the palace originally functioned as the private accommodation for the king of Saudi Arabia. Serving as an institute and library devoted to preserving Arabian history, the palace has been preserved as a living example of the country's royal life in days gone by and is a favourite with history enthusiasts. On the ground floor are the guard's room and storerooms, while upstairs visitors can view the reception salons, political offices and private apartments.
Address:
Khazzan Street
Opening time:
Weekly 8am-3pm, closed on weekends.
Al Murabba'a Historical Palace courtyard
Des Runyan
City of old Diriyah
The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, standing statuesque and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city centre, make for an interesting excursion. The city, originally the stronghold of the powerful Saud family, was the site of an important Islamic reform movement around 1745, when two influential imams called for the people to return to the true faith and abandon heresy, polytheism and superstition. In its heyday, the city was the biggest in the Arab Peninsula, but was overtaken by Riyadh after being destroyed by the Turks in the early 19th century. The ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain for visitors to explore.
Opening time:
Saturday to Thursday 8am-6pm, 3am-6pm on Fridays.
The mosque of Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahab at Old Diriyyah in Riyadh
Mnowfal
Souq Al Alawi
The oldest and most traditional market in Saudi Arabia, the Souq Al Alawi in Jeddah is a wonderful way to immerse oneself into local culture and see how shopping among traders and pilgrims is done in this unique part of the world. In this bustling market, visitors can find anything from beautiful Islamic art, to one of a kind Arabic jewellery. Crowded and buzzing, the market has made a name for itself and is truly a sight to behold. Visitors are encouraged to bargain, with haggling being the name of the game.
Address:
Al Alawi Lane
Traditional Souq goods.
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Mecca
As the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of his first revelation of the Quran, Mecca is the holiest city in the Islamic world and is the direction towards which the world's Muslims pray five times per day. The pilgrimage to Mecca as part of the Hajj is the centrepiece of Islam's Five Pillars and a peak experience in the life of any devout Muslim. Unfortunately, the city cannot be visited by non-Muslims.
The key sites in Mecca are the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate one million worshippers; Jabal Rahmah At Arafah, the tall white pillar marking the place where Adam and Eve met after 200 years of separation; and Muzdalifah, where pilgrims pray and collect stones to be used in the Hajj rituals. Hira, another important landmark, is a cave on the mountain Jabal Al-Nûr where Mohammed received his first revelations from the angel Jibreel.
Mecca is located in the Sirat Mountains, 45 miles (72km) from Jeddah. The city's entire economy depends on the Hajj, and the large number of pilgrim immigrants from all over the globe have made it one of the most diverse in the Muslim world. The area is also considered an important archaeological site, with fossil discoveries dating back nearly 30 million years.
Mecca
Ali Mansuri
Ta'if
Located in the mountains near Mecca, Ta'if is a popular summer holiday resort in Saudi Arabia. One of the few places in the region open to non-Muslims, Ta'if is a lush region known for its rose farms, as well as grapes, pomegranates and honey production; there are said to be more than 3,000 gardens in the area. The fragrant valleys are especially good for hiking, but those less keen on a workout can take a cable car to the top of the mountain in Al Hada. There are also some good restaurants and shops in Ta'if, and a popular souvenir is the rose water and perfume made from the rose farms in the area.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ta'if, such as the Al Rudaf Park, a large natural park with interesting rock formations and a small zoo. Around 25 miles (40km) to the north is the Rock Carving Site that was the site of a huge pre-Islamic souq or gathering place. Another interesting place is Wadi Mitna, the sanctuary for the Prophet Mohammed in the year 662. Visitors to Ta'if should also be sure to visit Al Shafa, a small village high in the mountains with incredible views. Non-Muslim visitors to Ta'if should be aware that they will need to take the non-Muslim Bypass when driving from Jeddah, which adds a few miles to the journey.
Taif
Ziyad Khader
King Fahd International Airport
Location: King Fahd International Airport is located about 30 miles (50km) northwest of Dammam, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Getting to the city:
Public buses run to Dammam from the airport, leaving every 30-60 minutes.
Car Rental:
Various car hire companies operate from the airport, including Budget and Avis.
Airport Taxis:
There are numerous taxis avaliable. The trip from downtown to the airport takes around 30 minutes by car.
Facilities:
The airport offers duty-free shops, restaurants and cafeterias, banks and currency exchange facilities, a mosque, and smoking areas.
Parking
King Fahd International Airport has a multi-storey parking garage with short and long-term facilities.
King Khalid International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Transfer Between Terminals
The terminals are linked by moving walkways.
Getting to the city:
Terminal 5 is connected to the Metro Yellow Line which runs to King Abdullah Financial District. Free shuttles ferry passengers to nearby hotels and prepaid airport taxis are available for transport to the city.
Car Rental:
Car rental counters are located in the lobby and include Hertz and several local companies. Women are allowed to drive but cannot travel with a man unless they are related.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. Fares into downtown Riyadh will never be less than SAR 70. A trip from King Khalid Airport to downtown Riyadh takes 30 minutes. However, scammers and touts will try to charge tourists up to SAR 200, which is grossly overpriced. It is recommended that visitors have the address of their destination written in Arabic.
Facilities:
Facilities include restaurants, bars, and cafeterias, banks and ATMs, a first aid clinic, various shopping opportunities, currency exchange, and visitor information. A mosque is located in the centre of the passenger terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking
Two multi-level garages are located directly in front of the passenger terminals, on either side of the mosque, which are connected to the terminals by walkways.
King Abdulaziz International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) from Jeddah.
Time: GMT +3.
Transfer Between Terminals
There is no free transport provided between terminals. Passengers are required to pay for a taxi.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available and fares can be negotiated with the driver. There is a bus service connecting to the city but this tends to be crowded and unpleasant and is usually avoided by visitors. The Haramain High Speed Railway was recently connected to the airport.
Car Rental:
A number of car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Avis and Budget.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available and fares can be negotiated with the driver.
Facilities:
Although it has been extended and renovated several times, Jeddah's airport remains crowded and chaotic. There are three terminals, with the North Terminal being used exclusively for international flights. There are money exchange facilities, a restaurant, a cafeteria and shops in this terminal. There are also two restaurants in the South Terminal. The vast Hajj terminals contain prayer and rest areas, markets, a clinic, banking services, and a mosque.
Parking
Parking is available outside each of the terminals.
Money:
The Saudi currency is the Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange bureaux. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 12pm. Some banks also choose to open again later in the afternoon and stay open into the evening, from 5pm to 8pm. All major credit cards are accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants in Saudi Arabia, with ATMs being widely available.
Language:
Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but English is widely understood.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Three-pin, flat-bladed plugs are in use, in addition to round/flat-bladed two-pin plugs, as well as flat-bladed two-pin plugs with a third, round pin for grounding.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US citizens require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and must be valid for the duration of their stay.
UK nationals: British passport holders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
CA nationals: Canadians require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
AU nationals: Australians require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
ZA nationals: South Africans require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
IR nationals: Irish passport holders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
NZ nationals: New Zealanders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are hard to get, granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket, with all necessary documents. Muslim women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting holy sites. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia as entry may be refused.
Travel Health:
Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination certificate on arrival. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims during the Hajj and Ramadan season.
There is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving. Both an outbreak of cerebral malaria and Rift Valley Fever have occurred in Jizan, with Dengue fever also having been reported.
Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels and visitors should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive so travel insurance is strongly advised.
Tipping:
Service charge is usually included in bills at hotels. Elsewhere a tip of 10 percent can be offered for services rendered. Taxi drivers can be given 10 percent of the fare.
Safety Information:
Safety in Saudi Arabia is a concern to some extent. All travel within 60 miles (100km) of the border with Yemen is not advised due to the clashes along the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Travellers should ensure they have individual security arrangements, remain vigilant and avoid public gatherings. Visitors should be particularly alert in public places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels and in the desert outside Riyadh.
Pilgrims are increasingly being targeted by pickpockets in Mecca and Medina and are advised to take care of personal possessions. In recent years pilgrims have died due to overcrowding and stampedes at events during Hajj. Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these.
Local Customs:
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, meaning Sharia law is strictly enforced. No alcohol, pork products or religious books and artefacts not related to Islam are permitted in the country. There are no bars in Saudi Arabia, and alcohol is served nowhere to anyone of any religious persuasion.
Dress should be conservative at all times, and women should take particular care not to offend. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with behaviour and dress codes before entering the country. Homosexual behaviour and extramarital sexual relations are illegal and can carry the death penalty. It is also illegal to be transgender.
Photography of local people, government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The right hand should be used for everything, including eating and the giving and receiving of things, as the left is considered unclean. It is illegal to hold two passports, and second passports will be confiscated if discovered by immigration authorities.
Business:
If you are looking to do business in Saudi Arabia, prepare yourself for a unique experience. The Saudi corporate world is perhaps the most foreign of any of the Gulf nations, and in all likelihood you are going to have to remain flexible and to learn new skills, in order to make a real success of your time in the country. It is vitally important to understand that Saudi society is underpinned by fervent belief in the tenets of Islam.
The business culture of Saudi Arabia is prototypically Arabic, in that a great emphasis is placed on personal relationships between business associates. Saudi businessmen will always prefer to do business with people they are familiar with, or people who they feel they can trust, so it's worth putting in the time and effort to cultivate business relationships. In Saudi Arabia, business meetings will most likely be lengthy and subject to numerous interruptions and personal digressions. You will be judged on your conduct in meetings, so treat them as necessary parts of the relationship-building process.
Despite the heat, business dress in Saudi Arabia is strictly smart, formal and conservative, especially for women, who must take extreme care not to wear anything too revealing. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, though English is widely spoken and widely understood in the business world. Hours of business are generally from 8am to 12pm, and then 3pm to 6pm, from Sunday to Thursday.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Saudi Arabia is +966. Mobile telephone coverage is extensive, even in remote parts of the country. Internet facilities are available in most towns and cities.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Saudi Arabia do not have to pay duty on 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco, perfume or cultured pearls for personal use, or goods up to the value SAR3,000. Duty is payable on cameras and other electronic goods, and refunds on these are available if the articles are re-exported within 90 days.
Strictly prohibited are pork, narcotics, alcoholic drinks, anti-Islamic goods and publications, gambling devices, weapons and ammunition, explosives, fireworks, unlabelled medication, goods which prominently display flags of another country, goods bearing names and pictures of celebrities, wild animal hides, counterfeit money. Other prohibited items include formula milk, natural sand, and natural pearls.
Kingdom Centre
BroadArrow
National Museum
Sammy Six
Al Musmak Castle
Baptiste Marcel
Al Murabba'a Historical Palace courtyard
Des Runyan
The mosque of Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahab at Old Diriyyah in Riyadh
Mnowfal
Traditional Souq goods.
Arnaud 25
Mecca
Ali Mansuri
Taif
Ziyad Khader
