UK
Heritage, Hospitality & Desert Majesty
Saudi Arabia is a land of ancient civilizations, sacred cities, futuristic skylines, and vast deserts. Once closed to tourists, it now welcomes visitors with open arms — offering a rich blend of culture, adventure, and transformation.
Air Travel
Direct flights from London to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam take around 6–7 hours. Other cities like Medina and Abha are accessible via domestic connections.
Airlines
British Airways, Saudia, and Riyadh Air offer direct routes. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad provide excellent one-stop options.
Cheap flights to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Heritage, Hospitality & Desert Majesty
Landmark
Travel Season
- October–March: Cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing
- April–September: Hot and dry — best for coastal escapes and indoor attractions
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Credit cards widely accepted in cities and malls
- ATMs are plentiful; cash preferred in souqs and rural areas
- Tipping is appreciated (5–10% in restaurants)
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and airports
- Local SIM cards (STC, Mobily, Zain) available at arrival terminals
- Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs are popular for longer stays
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Metro systems in Riyadh and Jeddah (expanding)
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Uber and Careem
- Car rentals available — drive on the right
Time Zone
- Arabian Standard Time (AST) – GMT+3
Etiquette & Culture
- Dress conservatively in public
- Public displays of affection are discouraged
- Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or parts of Medina
- Respect prayer times — shops may close briefly
- Arabic is spoken; English is common in tourist areas
Top Destinations
- Riyadh: Museums, skyscrapers, and heritage sites
- Jeddah: Red Sea diving and historic old town
- AlUla: Desert landscapes and ancient tombs
- Abha: Mountain retreats and cool climate
- Taif: Rose gardens and summer festivals
- Dammam & Khobar: Coastal vibes and modern malls
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Kabsa (spiced rice with meat), Mandi, Samboosa, Dates, Arabic coffee
- Street food is tasty — try shawarma and falafel
- Tap water is safe in cities; bottled preferred
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited
personal_bag What to Pack
- Modest clothing (long sleeves and trousers)
- Women: Abaya recommended in public; headscarf for religious sites
- Power adapter (Type G plug — same as UK)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle
Best Time to Visit
- October–March: Ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and desert adventures
- April–May: Shoulder season with fewer crowds
- June–September: Best for coastal cities and indoor attractions
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Saudi Arabia is generally safe in tourist zones
- Emergency numbers: 999 (police), 997 (ambulance)
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; check latest health advice
- Check UK FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia before departure
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Riyadh
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Jeddah
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