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.
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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)
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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.
FESTIVALS IN SAUDI ARABIA
BEST TIME TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA
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).
SAUDI ARABIA TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
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COLD
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FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
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MARCH
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COLD
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APRIL
HOT
COLD
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MAY
HOT
COLD
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WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
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DECEMBER
HOT
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN SAUDI ARABIA
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.
SURFING IN SAUDI ARABIA
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.
For more details on kite surfing in Saudi Arabia expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Be aware of possible health risks in
Saudi Arabia
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
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.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF SAUDI ARABIA
WHAT TO PACK FOR SAUDI ARABIA
WHAT TO EAT IN SAUDI ARABIA
LGBTQ IN SAUDI ARABIA
WHERE TO STAY IN SAUDI ARABIA
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