Saudi Arabia Vacations

Saudi Arabia is largely a traditional nation defined by its ethnic and religious roots. It’s the birthplace of Islam, which is the official religion, so Islamic law and custom shapes every aspect of legal and cultural interaction in Saudi Arabia, even for non-Muslim visitors. For instance, many shops and restaurants close briefly to observe the five calls to prayer throughout the day. In the month of Ramadan, further restrictions are observed. As well, alcohol and drugs, which are prohibited in Islam, are illegal.

But the nation’s customs run older than even the emergence of Islam and are defined by Arab hospitality and modesty. Saudi Arabia is an overwhelmingly polite nation, with strong forms of social etiquette and an emphasis on social decorum. In Saudi Arabia, you’re encouraged to be discrete, quiet, and not draw attention to yourself. Public displays of affection, cursing, and religious iconography is banned in public. There is a national dress code, which enforces modesty. Men are expected to always wear a shirt and pants or long shorts, while women need to cover up their legs and arms. It’s also expected (although not legally required) for women to wear a head covering such as an abaya or hijab, although it is required to gain entry to mosques and other holy sites. However, the coastal city of Jeddah and the northern oasis city of AlUla have more relaxed dress codes, which conforms to more Western norms. So long as you’re polite and follow the local customs, you’ll be overwhelmed by the hospitality of your hosts.

The spring and fall are typically the best times to visit Saudi Arabia due to the comfortable temperatures and wealth of outdoor activities available to you. The nights can get a bit brisk in the northern mountains, but the daytime and evening temperatures are warm. The winter is also an underrated time to visit, as the mild days and cool nights make it a great time to get active in the desert or mountains. The height of summer is typically too hot for many travellers, although the coastal region along the Red Sea is appealing. For non-Muslim travellers, it’s also wise to avoid travelling during the month of Ramadan, when the country is focused on the rituals and obligations of fasting and prayer.

Is Saudi Arabia good for tourists?

Saudi Arabia only started issuing tourist visas in late 2019. Prior to this, one could only visit the kingdom for business or the Hajj. For that reason, a visit to Saudi Arabia can feel like a journey into the unknown, without so many of the tourist experiences typical of more established destinations. That said, its mystique may not hold for much longer, as more and more tourists each year discover its exciting cities, gorgeous desert landscapes, and unique historic sights. 

Is Saudi Arabia expensive to visit?

Saudi Arabia is a very wealthy country where tourism is still in its infancy, so a Saudi Arabia vacation is, for now, still quite expensive. Budget around US $1,000+ per person, per day for a tour through the kingdom’s highlights, which includes first-class accommodation and many meals.

What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia uses the riyal, which trades at around 3.75 to $1 USD.

Do I have to tip in Saudi Arabia?

A tip of about 10 to 15 percent is standard in restaurants, while a dollar or two should be given to the person minding your shoes while you visit a mosque. Other than that, tipping culture isn’t particularly strong in Saudi Arabia.

How many days is enough in Saudi Arabia?

Allow a week or two to explore the highlights of Saudi Arabia. Note that non-Muslims are still prohibited from visiting Makkah (Mecca). They can, however, visit Madinah (Medina), excluding the Prophet’s Mosque.

What are the best months to visit Saudi Arabia?

To avoid the hot Saudi summer, visit between October and March.

When is the summer vacation in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi schools break for eight weeks from late June to late August each year. More likely to affect you as a traveller is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, restaurants and other businesses may be closed or offer limited services during the day, as Muslims fast. It can be a challenging, though fascinating time to visit the Islamic world. 

What should I wear to Saudi Arabia?

Light, breathable clothing that covers your arms, legs, and shoulders is your go-to in Saudi Arabia. Dress standards, particularly for women, are likely to be more conservative than you’re used to at home. Wear long trousers and sleeves and avoid options that show cleavage to minimize hassles. Jeans are a good choice too, though wear a longer shirt over skinny jeans. At the beach, Saudi women usually swim in their clothes or in a burkini. Tourists should do the same.

Is there a dress code in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, there are modesty laws in Saudi Arabia, so men need to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered, while women need to cover their legs and wear long-sleeved shirts. In the holy city of Madinah and at religious sites such as mosques, it’s necessary for women to cover their heads with a hijab or abaya as well. In the coastal city of Jeddah, dress codes may be more relaxed.

Can you wear a bathing suit in pools or at the beach in Saudi Arabia?

While Saudi Arabia has plans of emerging as a beach destination with the Red Sea Project, currently swimming is not common within Saudi culture. As such, rules around swimwear depend on the specific venue. For instance, you’ll never find Saudi citizens at the beach in western swimwear such as trunks or bikinis. If they’re in the water, they’ll be fully covered in swim clothes. However, some hotels and beach clubs catering to international visitors might have different rules, so it’s best to ask management about swimwear expectations at any given venue.

Is alcohol allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Having and consuming alcohol remains illegal in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom took the first steps toward loosening these laws in early 2024, but this is in its infancy, and is seen by many as a way to counter the illicit flow of alcohol into the country via diplomatic missions.

Are Saudi Arabia people friendly?

Saudis have a strong tradition of hospitality and will commonly invite guests into their homes for a meal or coffee. Normal points of Middle Eastern etiquette apply. These include taking your shoes off when entering a home or mosque (if you’re invited inside one), not pointing at others, dressing respectfully, avoiding public displays of affection, and minimizing use of your left hand, which is considered “unclean.” Elderly people are deeply respected in Saudi Arabia, and tourists will be expected to observe this as well.

Is it safe for a woman to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate and is generally safe for women taking the usual precautions. You can also go out, stay, and travel alone without an escort or guardian. Saudi women have been allowed to drive in the kingdom since 2018. Avoid isolated spots at night and trust your instincts, particularly in crowds or with strangers. 

Is Saudi Arabia LGBTQ+ friendly?

Officially, “everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details.” However, homosexual acts incur severe punishments in Saudi Arabia including a possible death penalty, enforced as recently as 2019. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to be extremely discreet if visiting Saudi Arabia. Some LGBTQ+ travellers have made the journey, including one Muslim filmmaker who covertly filmed his Hajj for the documentary, A Sinner in Mecca. The film offers a fascinating glimpse of the intersection between faith, oppression, and queer identity in Islam’s holiest city.

Can I drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia?

Tap water in Saudi Arabia is for the most part clean and safe to drink. Much of it is desalinated, however, so many visitors prefer to drink bottled water.

What is the work week in Saudi Arabia?

The work week in Saudi Arabia is from Sunday to Thursday instead of Monday to Friday like most Western countries.

Do people speak English in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, many people speak English in Saudi Arabia, especially in the cities. Most Saudi citizens learn English in school and it’s common for businesspeople to also speak English. It's less common in the countryside. However, signage through the country is in both Arabic and English.

Can non-Muslims go to Makkah (Mecca)?

No, only Muslim travellers are permitted in the holy city of Makkah.

Can non-Muslims go to Madinah?

Yes, non-Muslims can visit everywhere in Madinah, except the Prophet’s Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried.

Can you visit Saudi Arabia during Ramadan?

Yes, but it’s much busier, prices will be higher, and the entire pattern of the month changes to focus on prayer and fasting. It’s typically wise for non-Muslim travellers to avoid visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan.

Can you visit during the hajj?

The hajj has its own visa and travel process for pilgrims, which are unavailable to non-Muslims. So if you are a Muslim visitor, you can arrange to travel during the hajj, but for non-Muslims, it’s best to avoid the pilgrimage season each year.

Saudi cuisine reflects its Arab heritage, as well as its position on the crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa. It’s likely you’ll recognize many of its staple dishes from the cuisines of neighbouring nations, but the exact style of each dish is specific to Saudi Arabia.

Like most countries, Saudi cuisine is centred on three meals per day. Breakfast is usually a mix of flatbreads, cheeses, fruits, dates, and jams. Breakfast is usually light and accompanied by coffee or tea and juices. Lunch is typically the heaviest meal of the day. Rice and chicken are the staples, with spiced chicken dishes such as kabsa (the national dish), machboos, and shawarma the most common. Dinners are usually lighter and consist of soups, stews, salads, and meat platters, including barbeque. After dinner, it’s typical to enjoy some desserts, including umm ali, a pastry with honey, nuts, cinnamon, and milk. Adhering to Islamic dietary laws, all meat in Saudi is halal and pork is not available.

Coffee occupies a significant role within Saudi culture. It’s hard to go anywhere without being offered a cup of qahwa (Arabian coffee) as a show of hospitality. Qawha is typically rich and spicy, with a more pronounced flavour of cinnamon and cardamom than many visitors might be used to. Juices such as mango, lemon, or even mint are also common throughout the nation. Per Islamic law, alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, but mocktails abound. For instance, it’s common to toast the end of the day with a Saudi cooler, also known as Saudi champagne, which is a blend of apple juice, sparkling water, and slices of orange and lemon. Blackberry cordial is also popular during the Ramadan months.