Saudi Arabia
A kingdom opening to the world

About Saudi Arabia

Overview

Saudi Arabia has opened to leisure tourism, revealing a land of ancient tombs, dramatic deserts, and rapidly modernizing cities. The Nabataean wonders of Hegra rival Petra, while AlUla's canyons, the Red Sea coast, and the green highlands of Asir showcase surprising natural variety. Historic districts in Jeddah and Diriyah sit alongside soaring modern towers in Riyadh. It is a frontier destination blending deep heritage with bold ambition.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Saudi Arabia, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Hegra (Mada'in Salih), AlUlaSaudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to monumental Nabataean tombs carved into desert rock.
  • 2
    Diriyah, RiyadhThe mud-brick birthplace of the Saudi state, with restored At-Turaif district and heritage attractions.
  • 3
    Kingdom Centre, RiyadhA distinctive skyscraper with a sky bridge offering panoramic views over the capital.
  • 4
    Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)A UNESCO-listed old town of coral-stone houses and ornate wooden balconies near the Red Sea.
  • 5
    Farasan IslandsA Red Sea archipelago known for coral reefs, birdlife, and turquoise waters off the southwest coast.
  • 6
    Rijal Almaa, AsirA striking stone-and-clay heritage village set amid the green Asir mountains.
  • 7
    Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center), DhahranA bold cultural landmark housing a museum, library, and exhibitions in the Eastern Province.
  • 8
    Masmak Fortress, RiyadhA historic clay-and-mudbrick fort central to the founding story of modern Saudi Arabia.
Best time to travel

November to February

The prime time to visit Saudi Arabia is the cooler season from November to February, when daytime temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing in the desert and cities. The broader travel window runs from October through March, with the shoulder months slightly warmer. Summer, from June to September, is extremely hot across most of the country, though the Asir highlands stay milder. Major events such as festivals and Formula races often cluster in the cooler months.

November–FebruaryPeak season with cool, comfortable days ideal for AlUla, Riyadh, and the coast.
October & MarchShoulder months that are still good but warmer than midwinter.
April–MayRising heat as summer approaches; plan for early starts and hydration.
June–SeptemberVery hot desert summer; the cooler Asir mountains are the main exception.
Good to know

Saudi Arabia at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelNovember to February (season October–March)
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic (English widely spoken in tourism and business)
CurrencySaudi riyal (SAR)
Entry / visaAround 66 eligible nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia can apply for a tourist eVisa online (multiple entry, one-year validity, up to 90 days per stay); GCC citizens need no visa
Getting aroundDomestic flights link distant regions; car hire, private drivers, and ride-hailing serve cities and heritage sites.
What to book

Best tours in Saudi Arabia

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Saudi Golden Triangle

The kingdom's flagship route, the capital's heritage, the marvels of AlUla and Hegra, and Jeddah's coral-stone old town by the Red Sea.

Luxury

AlUla Immersion

A deep dive into Saudi Arabia's most spectacular landscape, Nabataean tombs, canyon dining and desert adventure, with a stay at a signature AlUla resort.

Classic & Cultural

Riyadh & the Red Sea

The capital and the coast, Riyadh's Vision-2030 landmarks paired with Jeddah's old town and Red Sea diving.

See all Saudi Arabia programs
Why Saudi Arabia

The specials

The Wonders of AlUla

Hegra's Nabataean tombs and AlUla's dramatic canyons and rock formations form Saudi Arabia's flagship cultural and natural destination.

Historic Diriyah

The restored mud-brick At-Turaif district tells the founding story of the Saudi state in an atmospheric heritage setting.

Red Sea and Islands

Emerging coastal resorts and the Farasan Islands offer pristine reefs and turquoise waters for diving and relaxation.

Questions about Saudi Arabia?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Lonely Planet, Saudi Arabia travel, Saudi eVisa, official tourist visa information, Wikipedia, Saudi riyal. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.