Travel to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia in numbers

Why visit Saudi Arabia

Deserts, ancient ruins, the Red Sea and mountains in one kingdom

Landmarks

AlUla, Wadi Disah, Riyadh, Jeddah and the Red Sea

A trip to Saudi Arabia is often organised by region: the north-west with AlUla and Wadi Disah, Riyadh and its cliffs in the centre, Jeddah and the Red Sea in the west, then the Asir mountains in the south.

AlUla and Hegra

In the north-west, the AlUla region combines an oasis, wind-carved sandstone canyons and Hegra, with its tomb facades cut into the rock some 2,000 years ago. The famous Elephant Rock, a great ochre arch, is best photographed late in the day. Visits are often by guided excursion or with tickets booked online.

Wadi Disah

Near Tabuk in the north-west, this narrow canyon lines up red walls dozens of metres high, with a floor of reeds and palms that contrasts with the surrounding desert. It is explored by 4x4 with a local driver, preferably outside the hottest months.

Riyadh and the Edge of the World

The capital mixes modern towers, museums and historic districts; Diriyah, cradle of the first Saudi state, is a short drive away. One to two hours by road, the Edge of the World cliffs overlook a plain of sand and rock and are best seen at sunset.

Jeddah and Al Balad

Gateway to Mecca on the Red Sea, Jeddah keeps a UNESCO-listed historic quarter: Al Balad. You stroll between coral-stone houses and openwork timber balconies, in lanes that come alive in the evening, before a walk along the seafront.

The Red Sea and the Asir

On the west coast, reefs and islands draw divers and swimmers; the Yanbu and Jizan areas give access to the Red Sea. In the south-west, the Asir mountains around Abha are cooler and greener, with hilltop villages and rain from autumn to winter.

Before you go

November to March for most regions

Area	Climate	Best time
Riyadh and the centre	Desert: very hot summer, cool winter nights.	November to March
AlUla, Tabuk and the north-west	Hot by day, cool at night; snow possible on the Tabuk heights in winter.	November to March
Jeddah and the Red Sea	Hot, very humid summer, mild winter with a few short showers.	November to March, diving year-round
Asir and Abha	Cooler and wetter, with rain between October and March.	Summer to escape the heat, winter for mist
Dammam and the east	Scorching summers, mild winters.	November to March

Summer averages near 45 °C across much of the country: plan visits early in the morning or late in the day. Rain is rare but can cause flash floods in wadis. Follow flight prices before you lock in dates, as winter remains the busiest season.

Getting around

Domestic flights, car hire, high-speed rail and taxis

The country is huge: to link Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah or Abha, domestic flights are simplest. The road network is wide and car hire handy for excursions; for wadis and tracks, a 4x4 with a driver is advised.

A high-speed train links Medina and Jeddah, and ride-hailing taxis cover the big cities. Allow margin: distances between regions are long.

Food and culture

Arabic coffee, kabsa, dates and suitable dress

Arabic coffee scented with cardamom, served in tiny cups, opens every encounter. At the table, kabsa (spiced rice with lamb or chicken), mandi, taboon bread, dates, yoghurt and hummus make a meal true to the country. Pork is not served and meat is halal.

Visitors are expected to wear loose, modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Alcohol is banned. Mecca is open to Muslims only, as are some areas of Medina: check before you go.

Flying to Saudi Arabia

The Saudi airports covered by SniperAir

SniperAir destinations

Discover our destination pages

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Saudi Arabia