SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL GUIDE
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and occupies about four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. It stands at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. It holds an important place in the religious map of the world as the cradle of Islam, the world's second-largest religion. Mecca and Madina, Islam's holiest shrines, are in Saudi Arabia. Uncountable pilgrims make their way into this country from all over the world.
As a country that strictly enforces Sharia law, if you are not prepared to accept several limitations on your behaviour and freedom of expression, or if you feel uncomfortable with such adjustments, you should not travel to Saudi Arabia.
Do You Need a VISA to Visit
SAUDI ARABIA?
FIND YOUR
WHERE-TO-NEXT
DESTINATION
Advanced real-time filter by visa, region, value, weather & activity
SAUDI ARABIA QUICK FACTS
Capital: Riyadh
Government: Absolute monarchy
Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)
Area: 1,960,582 km²
Population 33,7 million (2018)
Language: Arabic
Religion: Sunni Muslim majority and a Shia minority mainly in the eastern province.
Electricity: 127 or 220V, 60Hz (US, Schuko, Type G plugs)
Search for flights to
SAUDI ARABIA
SAUDI ARABIA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 23 September, Unification of the Kingdom
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are official holidays.
The Islamic weekend for the public sector is all day Thursday and Friday.
Also, work schedules may be seriously disrupted during the month of Ramadan and businesses may commonly take time off for other Islamic holidays.
SAUDI ARABIA WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Saudi Arabia is characterised by a desert climate, with the exception of the southwestern part of the country, which exhibits a semi-arid climate. Summers in the central region are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 50°C. The country sees dry and cool winters with freezing nighttime temperatures. Mountainous regions experience several weeks of severe frost and snow, while eastern and western regions experience hot and humid summers. Saudi Arabia's climate is impacted by the Indian Ocean monsoons, the El Nino Southern Oscillation, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
HIKING & CYCLING IN SAUDI ARABIA
When trekking in Saudi Arabia, keep in mind that the air is dry and the sun is unforgiving.
BEACH OPTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA
While there is no shortage of public coastline in Western Saudi Arabia, it's really Jeddah's private beaches that stand out. If you're visiting the beaches, just be aware that you may need to wear appropriate clothing ie nothing too revealing.
KITESURF IN SAUDI ARABIA
Wind is consistent almost all year round in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is an epic spot for kitesurfing, offering winds from 17-25 knots and sunshine almost every day! The no wind season begins in December but by January it's back and stays throughout the rest of the year.
HEALTH RISKS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Be aware of possible health risks in
Saudi Arabia
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
