Saudi Arabia combines dramatic desert landscapes, Red Sea coastlines, and fast-growing modern cities, offering a blend of heritage, innovation, and warm hospitality.
Discover Saudi Arabia
Discover Saudi Arabia
Why visit Saudi Arabia?
What to expect
You will find soaring skylines in Riyadh, ancient trading routes and mud-brick forts, and ambitious new destinations along the Red Sea and in the country’s northern regions.
Plan your trip
Use Saudi Arabia as a base to explore diverse regions, from Riyadh’s urban energy to coastal escapes and desert adventures, connecting easily to the wider Middle East.
Top experiences in Saudi Arabia
Explore Riyadh’s skyline and heritage
Take in sweeping city views from landmark towers, then wander through restored old quarters and museums that trace the Kingdom’s story.
Journey into the desert
Head out from major cities for dune drives, stargazing, and walks along ancient escarpments and rock formations.
Discover UNESCO-listed treasures
Visit preserved heritage sites around the country, where carved facades, mud-brick villages, and old marketplaces reveal centuries of trade and culture.
Red Sea coastal escapes
Unwind by the sea with snorkelling, boat trips, and relaxed beachfront resorts along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shorelines.
Modern art and cultural districts
Explore galleries, public art, and cultural hubs in cities such as Riyadh, where contemporary creativity sits alongside historic architecture.
Outdoor hikes and escarpment views
Take guided hikes across high plateaus and escarpments near major cities, where cooler temperatures and broad vistas reward every climb.
Festival and event seasons
Time your visit with major event calendars that bring concerts, performances, and cultural programmes to Saudi Arabia’s cities.
Experience Saudi Arabia’s way of life
Getting around
Use domestic flights to cover long distances between regions, and rely on road links, taxis, and app-based car services for travel within cities such as Riyadh.
Local life & culture
Life moves between modern business districts, family-friendly parks, and traditional neighbourhoods, with strong customs of hospitality and a growing contemporary arts and design scene.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks, desert camps, coastal resorts, and upscale hotels, many with pools, spas, and quiet lounges designed for unhurried downtime.
A taste of Saudi Arabia
National dishes & specialties
Look for hearty rice and meat dishes, slow-cooked stews, and fragrant rice with spices, with each region putting its own twist on long-standing recipes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Riyadh you will find relaxed cafés, bakeries, and international restaurants alongside home-grown concepts offering everything from quick bites to long, social meals.
Signature & scenic dining
Book high-rise restaurants with city views, rooftop lounges, or venues set in restored heritage districts for memorable evenings out.
Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore large air-conditioned malls in Riyadh and other major cities, where international brands share space with local designers, cinemas, and family attractions.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional markets and craft shops for textiles, metalwork, and fragrances, especially in older districts and heritage areas across the country.
Evening retail scene
Expect an active evening atmosphere, with malls, boutique-lined streets, and some markets staying lively after dark, especially in the cooler months.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Cooler months from November to March are the peak season, with many regions seeing daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F), making city sightseeing and desert trips more comfortable. Shoulder season falls in April, May, October, and early November, when temperatures can range from 25–35°C (77–95°F); it is warm to hot but still manageable for travel, especially in the evenings. The low season runs from June to September, when inland and desert areas often exceed 40°C (104°F) during the day, encouraging travellers to focus on coastal regions, indoor attractions, and early-morning or nighttime activities.