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Home › Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia

The world's most dramatic travel opening, a kingdom of ancient Nabataean cities, vast desert landscapes, and a Riyadh that is reinventing itself at extraordinary speed.

Riyadh
RUH · King Khalid International. Riyadh's main hub. Metro to city centre available. Taxi: SAR 60–100.
Jeddah
JED · King Abdulaziz International — gateway to Mecca (non-Muslims cannot enter). Jeddah itself has excellent historic old city (Al-Balad, UNESCO).
AlUla
ULH · Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz — small airport serving AlUla and Hegra. Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah.
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
3.75 SAR = 1 USD (pegged). Cards widely accepted in Riyadh and major cities. Cash still needed in traditional souks.
Value
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range from affordable to ultra-luxury. Dining is generally good value compared to Dubai. Vision 2030 has brought excellent mid-range hotel options.
Time Zone
AST. Arabia Standard Time
UTC+3 year-round. No daylight saving time.
Vs. US Eastern
Riyadh is 8 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (7 hours in US summer).
Riyadh
Best: Nov–MarAvoid: Jun–Aug (45°C+) Desert climate, extreme in summer. Winter is warm and pleasant (15–25°C).
AlUla
Best: Oct–Apr Desert landscape — hot days, dramatically cold nights year-round. The Maraya concert venue is most atmospheric in winter.
Language
Arabic. English increasingly spoken in Riyadh's business and hospitality sectors, especially post-Vision 2030.
Tourist eVisa
Citizens of 49 countries (including USA, UK, EU, Australia) can get a tourist eVisa at visitsaudi.com. One-year multiple entry, 90 days per visit.
Laws
Alcohol is completely prohibited. Public decorum laws apply. Photography of government buildings and military sites is forbidden.
Riyadh Metro
A new, modern metro system connects major districts of the capital, though many attractions still require a taxi or ride-share.
Ride-share
Uber and Careem are the most practical way to get around Riyadh and are widely used by visitors.
AlUla & Beyond
A rental car or private driver is recommended for exploring AlUla and the Edge of the World, given the distances involved.
General
Safe for Tourists Saudi Arabia's tourist zones are safe and increasingly visitor-friendly. Rapid cultural change underway since Vision 2030.
Emergencies
911. Unified emergency line (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

Destinations in Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's capital is transforming before your eyes, with extraordinary museums, world…

2 restaurants · 2 hotels · 3 attractions