Highlights
AlUla is the headline — the UNESCO-listed Hegra (Mada'in Salih), Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site, where the Nabataeans carved monumental tombs into desert sandstone, plus the old mud-brick town, the mirrored Maraya concert hall and dramatic desert landscapes like Elephant Rock.
The capital Riyadh mixes the futuristic with the historic: the restored At-Turaif district in Diriyah (the birthplace of the Saudi state), the Kingdom Centre skywalk, the Edge of the World escarpment for hiking and sunsets, and a fast-growing arts and dining scene.
Jeddah's atmospheric old town of Al-Balad, with its coral-stone merchant houses, is the gateway to Red Sea diving, while the south-west highlands around Abha and the Asir mountains offer cool air, terraced villages and the flower-adorned men of Rijal Almaa. Note that the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are open only to Muslims.
When to go
November to March is the prime window, with pleasant, cooler days across most of the country — ideal for AlUla, Riyadh and the deserts, and cool enough for the highlands.
Summer (June to September) is extreme almost everywhere, often exceeding 45°C, except in the higher south-west around Abha and Taif, which stay comparatively mild and green. Spring and autumn shoulder months can be pleasant but variable. Plan the desert and heritage sites firmly for the cooler half of the year.
Visa & entry
Saudi Arabia now offers tourism access to many nationalities via an eVisa or visa on arrival, typically a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa allowing stays of up to 90 days; others apply through embassies. A passport valid six months is standard.
Importantly, non-Muslims may not enter Mecca, and there are restrictions around Medina's central areas. Requirements and eligible nationalities are expanding but do change, so confirm current rules on the official Visit Saudi / eVisa portal before you travel.
Health & safety
Saudi Arabia is generally very safe for visitors, with low crime, but it is a conservative country with strict laws that travellers must respect. Dress modestly (rules have relaxed for tourists but modesty is still expected; women no longer must wear an abaya but should dress conservatively), avoid public displays of affection, and note that alcohol and drugs are strictly illegal with severe penalties.
Ramadan brings daytime restrictions on eating and drinking in public. Some border regions (near Yemen in the south) carry serious advisories — avoid them. Summer heat is dangerous. Always check your government's current travel advisory before departure.
Getting around
Distances are vast, so domestic flights (from hubs like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam) are the practical way to cover the country, reaching AlUla, Abha and beyond. A modern high-speed train, the Haramain, links Jeddah, King Abdulaziz airport, Mecca and Medina.
Cities are car-centric and spread out; ride-hailing apps (Uber and the local Careem) are the easiest way around, as public transport is limited (Riyadh's new metro is expanding). Renting a car suits road trips, with good highways but assertive driving. For AlUla and desert sites, guided tours are convenient.
Money
The Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US dollar for a stable rate. Cards and mobile payment (including Apple Pay) are very widely accepted in cities, malls, hotels and restaurants, and ATMs are plentiful.
Carry some cash for souqs, smaller towns and tips. Prices are moderate to high depending on the setting. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated — rounding up or leaving 10-15% for good service is common, and small tips for drivers and hotel staff are welcomed. Bargaining is expected in traditional souqs.
Saudi Arabia