Discover Tailor-Made Saudi Arabia Vacations

The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when cooler weather makes sightseeing far more enjoyable. Peak tourist season runs from November to February, with slightly higher prices but still manageable crowds and consistently comfortable conditions. Winter is particularly rewarding for travellers seeking active pursuits, offering crisp nights and mild days that suit desert excursions and mountain hikes. By contrast, summer from June to August is the most affordable period, though temperatures often climb past 40°C. For those unfazed by dry desert heat, this season promises fewer visitors and better value, especially along the breezy Red Sea coast.

Travellers should also keep in mind the rhythms of Ramadan, when fasting and prayer shape the country’s daily life, and visiting outside this period is more convenient for non-Muslims. A week to two weeks is recommended to experience the Kingdom’s highlights, from modern Riyadh to the ancient Nabataean tombs at AlUla. While Makkah remains closed to non-Muslims, parts of Madinah can be explored, offering a sense of the city’s spiritual importance. With tourism still developing, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of tradition and transformation, rewarding those who take the time to explore beyond its headline attractions.

As the birthplace of Islam, the country’s cultural and legal framework is rooted in faith, guiding everything from dress codes to mealtime rhythms. Visitors quickly notice how deeply etiquette and modesty are woven into the social fabric, creating a respectful and structured environment.

Modesty is central to visiting culture, with men expected to wear trousers and shirts, and women advised to cover arms and legs, often with an abaya or hijab when entering mosques. Public displays of affection, offensive language, and religious iconography are not tolerated, while alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Ramadan brings additional restrictions, with shops and restaurants closed during daylight hours, but evenings come alive with family gatherings and communal meals.

Beyond religion, Arab hospitality is the heart of Saudi traditions. Guests are often welcomed with coffee, dates, or sweet tea, reflecting a long-standing custom of generosity. Social etiquette includes removing shoes before entering homes, respecting elders, and avoiding the left hand when eating or offering items. Saudis value discretion and politeness, and conversations often carry subtle expressions such as “as God wills it” rather than a direct refusal.

The Kingdom is also celebrated for its artistry, from intricate calligraphy and geometric textile designs to music and dance traditions that remain part of private celebrations. Arabic is the official language, with English widely used in business and on public signage. For travellers, Saudi Arabia offers more than just desert vistas and historic cities—it provides an immersion into a culture where faith, history, and hospitality are inseparable.

From fragrant rice dishes to sweet pastries, every meal reflects both heritage and hospitality. Dining here is more than nourishment—it is a ritual steeped in etiquette and generosity.

Kabsa, the national dish, anchors Saudi tables with its spiced rice, tender meats, and vegetables. Other favourites include mandi, a slow-cooked Bedouin classic, and jareesh, a comforting wheat and broth dish. For street food, mutabbaq pastries offer a savoury snack, while shawarma stalls are found on most city corners. Meals follow a rhythm: a light breakfast of flatbreads, fruit, and cheese, a hearty midday lunch often centred on rice and chicken, and a lighter evening spread of soups, salads, and grills. To end, sweet treats like umm ali provide a perfect finish.

Etiquette is central to dining in the Kingdom. Meals begin with sahtain or bismillah and end with daimah. Hands are washed before and after eating, elders are seated first, and food should never be eaten or passed with the left hand. In more traditional settings, men and women may dine separately, while hospitality is shown with endless refills of qahwa, spiced Arabian coffee flavoured with cardamom and cinnamon. Juices and mocktails, including the refreshing Saudi cooler, replace alcohol, which remains illegal.

For travellers with dietary restrictions, halal standards are universal, pork is absent, and vegetarian dishes are widely available with clear communication. Meals are affordable, from casual dining at around $7 to a more elaborate three-course dinner for two at about $60. In Saudi Arabia, every table is an invitation to savour, connect, and share.

For many travellers, a visit feels like stepping into the unknown—cities alive with modern energy, vast desert landscapes, and cultural sites barely touched by global tourism. This sense of discovery, combined with the Kingdom’s deep traditions, makes it unlike anywhere else.

Travel here does come with considerations. Costs are relatively high, with a guided tour averaging around $1,000 per day for accommodation, meals, and activities. The Saudi riyal is the local currency, tipping is modest, and the work week runs Sunday through Thursday. Visitors should also note that Ramadan and the Hajj season significantly affect travel plans, with closures, higher prices, and restricted access to Makkah for non-Muslims.

Dress codes remain an important part of the culture. Men should cover shoulders and knees, while women are expected to wear long sleeves and cover their legs. A headscarf or abaya is required at mosques and in Madinah. Swimwear is conservative, with most Saudis opting for burkinis or clothing, although some international hotels and resorts may offer more relaxed rules.

Saudi Arabia is generally safe, with low crime rates and greater freedoms for women, including the ability to travel alone and drive. Tap water is drinkable, English is widely spoken in cities, and hospitality remains a defining feature of the culture. However, LGBTQ+ travellers must be extremely cautious, as same-sex relationships remain illegal with severe penalties.

For adventurous travellers seeking authenticity, Saudi Arabia offers hidden allure: a nation balancing modern transformation with enduring traditions, ready to reward those willing to explore with respect and curiosity.