Saudi Arabia is one of those countries packed with unimaginable wonder and beauty. It is the second-largest Arab world in the Middle East and is home to Islam's holiest city. The land boasts everything from incredible historical sites and cultural sights to diverse and stunning landscapes, natural wonders, museums, mouth-watering delicacies, heritage sites, and whatnot.
However, Saudi Arabia was not a tourist destination but a holy pilgrimage where religious people would journey. But as time passed, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists worldwide to witness and experience its beautiful history, which is over 10,000 years old! So, planning a trip to Saudi Arabia can be overwhelming, especially if you are exploring the country for the first time. Therefore, we have curated an essential Saudi Arabia travel guide that will give you complete information on what to do and how to plan your trip.
Why visit Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an unfathomable land. While most of the world knows it as a prominent producer of oil, or home to the holy place, some matters lie beyond these. Both aspects are crucial to the country, but few travelling enthusiasts are aware of the rich culture and heritage tied to the geographical terrain. Saudi Arabia will surprise you with its culturally incredible historical sites, delicious flavours, and warm hospitality. Saudi Arabia is one such destination that you don’t want to miss.
Saudi Arabia Visa and Requirements
Just like any other country, visitors wishing to travel here require a visa for Saudi Arabia, which can be obtained online or at the nearest Saudi embassies or consulates. If you are applying for a Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai, we would suggest to get it within three weeks of your intended travel date; you will have time to resolve any unfortunate circumstances, like a delay in an appointment or a visa rejection. Make sure to check whether you require a visa and verify the necessary documents.
When to visit Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has sunny and dry weather, and due to its size, the temperature varies quite a lot, especially during the winter. The official tourist season starts from October to March, but the best time to visit Saudi Arabia is usually from November to February. The weather is mild during these months, and the temperature remains mostly average. It is best to avoid trips during the summer. Snow is rare but not overlooked in the northern mountains, thus making it one of the most popular winter travel destinations for those in the northern hemisphere.
Accommodation
As a traveller, you have a wide range of options for accommodation. From budget-friendly accommodations to five-star luxury hotels, you will find every facility to make your stay comfortable. If you're looking for hotels, Saudi Arabia boasts some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski and the Ritz-Carlton. If you are planning to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer period, look for an apartment, which can save you a lot of money. Moreover, you will also find fully furnished apartments with all the necessities. For backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, hostels can be an excellent option, which are usually located in the city centre.
Getting Around in Saudi Arabia
Travelling around in Saudi Arabia is quite easy, and all credit goes to its well-organised system of transport networks. Public transport is the most convenient and affordable mode of transport, which includes buses and trains. Moreover, these trains connect the major cities across the country, and the ticket prices are affordable but vary according to your destination. Taxis, on the other hand, are a great way to get around the city. While most taxis are metered in Saudi Arabia, the fares are relatively cheap. For the fastest and most convenient mode of transport, you can opt for domestic flights, which connect the major cities. There are numerous airlines that operate domestic flights. The ticket prices vary depending on the distance and the time of year. Uber and Careem are popular ride-hailing apps in Saudi Arabia that provide convenient and cost-effective modes of transport.
Food in Saudi Aarbia
Now that you are in Saudi Arabia, how can we forget about lip-smacking delicacies? The cuisine of Saudi Arabia is known for its bold and aromatic flavours that awaken your senses. Whether it is bustling street food or fine dining from world-class chefs, you get to enjoy and taste every side of the country. Here are some of the famous dishes of Saudi Arabia that you must try:
Shawarma: While you might be familiar with shawarma as it is quite popular on social media platforms, it is a popular street food in Saudi Arabia made with marinated meat, which is usually chicken or beef, packed with fresh veggies and a variety of flavorful sauces, and finally wrapped in a piece of pita bread and usually served hot.
Falafel: Falafel is surprisingly a vegetarian dish made with ground chickpeas, which are then deep-fried and served with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Kabsa: Kabsa is a flavorful rice dish cooked with chicken or meat with a hint of saffron flavour, often served with spicy tomato sauce.
Things to Do and See in Saudi Aarbia
There are several activities to do in Saudi Arabia. Some of the major highlights include:
· The incredible archaeological site of Fayd, dating back 500 years, was the most important oasis on the pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Mecca.
· Explore the spectacular ruins of the Al Turaif District in Diriyah, a UNSECO World Heritage Site and the base of the Al Saud dynasty.
· Visit the beautiful red sands of Al Nufud Al Kabir, one of the classic picturesque deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
· Learn about the Nadi architecture, Ushaiger, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the country.
· Peak into the future and witness the region housing the $500 billion smart city Neom plans to build.
· Explore the astounding Nabatean Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hegra sharing similar scenes but better preserved than the city of Petra.
· Learn about the holy city of Medina, an important Islamic site.
· Get an overview of rock carvings, ancient graffiti, and petroglyphs covering the rock walls at Al Ula’s Jebel Ikmah.
· Stroll along the bustling streets and explore the bazaars of Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre.
Safety and Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
While travelling to Saudi Arabia, always research the safety policies and etiquette. It is good to learn about the basic regulations that contribute to your travel, and if you are a female travelling to Saudi Arabia, this will help you a lot.
Crime rates are generally low in Saudi Arabia, but it is still necessary to take precautions to avoid any unfortunate circumstances. It is advised not to carry heavy cash or valuable items. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure to follow local traffic laws.
Learn about the local laws and customs as they differ from your culture. PDA is not allowed and requires you to dress modestly. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.
Greetings play a key role in the customs of Saudi Arabia, and it is common to exchange them when you meet someone. Use your right hand for shaking, eating, and exchanging money.
More Tips for Female Travellers in Saudi Arabia
· Dress modestly, especially in religious places. You are required to cover your head and wear a full-length abaya and a loose-fitting black robe covering your entire body.
· Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi if you are travelling alone.
· Always make sure to check the legitimacy of the hotel company before booking.
· Keep your ID copies while travelling across the country.
What to Pack for Saudi Arabia?
It is always tricky and confusing to decide what to pack for a trip. Given the rules and regulations of the country, you should be aware of what to carry while visiting the country.
· Visa and documents: First things first, don't forget about the visa guidelines. Every country has its own set of rules and policies on this. You are required to meet the necessary obligations when travelling to Saudi Arabia.
· Clothing: Saudi Arabia is a Muslim and conservative country and shares a great deal with clothing etiquette. Respect their culture and pack clothes that cover the body decently.
· Reusable bottles and other essentials: As a tourist, it is my responsibility to take part in reducing plastic pollution. You can carry a simple bottle that can be reused, eventually contributing to self-sustainability.
· Travel adapter: It is best to carry a travel adapter. Saudi Arabia uses G-type plugs, and travelling without a charged phone can be frustrating.
· Sunscreen: Saudi Arabia welcomes harsh weather sometimes, so it is always the best option to carry sunscreen on your trip.
· Guidebooks: Guidebooks are the most convenient and best option for navigating through the sites. These also help you communicate and learn things.\
Conclusion
So, this is a complete Saudi Arabia travel guideline that will help you experience a hassle-free journey. Saudi Arabia welcomes you to explore its rich culture and wonderful traditions. So, when planning, make sure to do your basic research and experience the ultimate travel memory.
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