Destination

Saudi Arabia

Destination Overview

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East
Official Name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Region: Middle East / Arabian Peninsula
Capital: Riyadh
Major Cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Dammam
Borders: Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman & Yemen
Total Area: 2,149,690 sq km
Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST) — UTC+3
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Language: Arabic & English widely spoken
Religion: Islam
Climate: Desert climate. Hot Summers: 40–50°C. Mild Winters: 10–25°C.
Best time to visit: November to March.

Why This Tour

Top Attractions

Jabal Maqla
Jabal Maqla

Mysteriously scorched, blackened peak — believed to be Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Gulf of Aqaba
Gulf of Aqaba

Site of the miraculous Red Sea crossing — a moment that changed the course of human history forever.

Diriyah (Riyadh)
Diriyah (Riyadh)

UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of the Saudi state, iconic mud-brick architecture.

Visa Procedure

What is the Visa Procedure ?

e-Visa

Available for citizens of 49+ nationalities. Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com or on arrival at major airports.
• Valid for 1 year | Stay up to 90 days per visit | Single or Multiple Entry
• Fee: Approximately SAR 300 (~USD 80), inclusive of travel insurance
• Processing Time: Instant to 24 hours

e-Visa Application Steps
1. Visit visa.visitsaudi.com or download the ‘Visit Saudi’ app

2. Create an account and fill in the application form
3. Upload a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) and a passport-size photo
4. Pay the visa fee online via credit/debit card
5. Receive the e-Visa by email — print or save digitally to present at immigration

Visa-Free

Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) do not require a visa.

Business Visa

Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi company. Applied through the Saudi embassy.

Travel Methods

How to Travel & Reach

By Air

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) — Jeddah

Main gateway for tourists and Umrah pilgrims. Connected to 100+ international destinations.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) — Riyadh

Largest airport and main business hub. Served by all major global airlines.

King Fahd International Airport (DMM) — Dammam

Serves the Eastern Province / oil and corporate region.

Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) — Madinah

Exclusively serves pilgrims.

Regional Airports

AlUla (ULH), Abha (AHB), Tabuk (TUU), Hail (HAS), Jizan (GIZ)

By Land

King Fahd Causeway

25km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, accessible by personal vehicle or taxi.

Land border crossings available with UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Valid driving license and vehicle documentation required. Some nationalities need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

By Sea

Jeddah Islamic Port

Cruise ships and ferry connections from Egypt and Sudan.

Dammam & Jubail Ports

Limited passenger ferry services from Bahrain and Kuwait.

Transportation

Local Commute & Transport

Riyadh Metro

6 lines, 85+ stations — ultra-modern, air-conditioned, affordable. Launched 2024. Covers all major city areas.

Makkah Metro (Mashaaer Railway)

Operates during Hajj season, connecting the holy sites.

Uber & Careem

Most popular and reliable option — available in all major cities, app-based, safe for tourists.

White Taxis

Government-regulated metered taxis — identifiable by white color with beige stripes, no app needed, available at airports and major streets throughout Saudi cities.

Accommodation

Types of Accommodation

Luxury Hotels (5-Star)

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh — Iconic palace hotel, full leisure and business amenities.
  • Four Seasons Riyadh — Located in Kingdom Tower with panoramic city views and world-class dining.
  • Park Hyatt Jeddah — Beachfront luxury on the Red Sea with marina and spa.
  • Banyan Tree AlUla — Eco-luxury tented resort set in the AlUla desert, a truly unique experience.
  • Rosewood Jeddah — Contemporary luxury with a rooftop pool and elegant interiors.

Business & Mid-Range Hotels (3–4 Star)

  • Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Regency — present in all major cities.
PRICE RANGE

SAR 400–1,200/night (approx. USD 100–320).

Ideal for business travellers with full conference and dining facilities.

Budget & Serviced Apartments

  • Rotana Centro Series — Serviced apartments for longer stays with kitchen facilities.
  • Golden Tulip & Time Hotels — Affordable business hotels with apartment options.
PRICE RANGE

SAR 150–400/night.

Furnished apartments available via Airbnb and Booking.com

Travel Tip

  • Dress Code:Modest clothing required in public. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Abaya is no longer mandatory for tourists but is respectful.
  • Alcohol:Completely prohibited throughout the country.
  • Photography:Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or people without consent.
  • Prayer Times:Shops and restaurants may close 5 times daily for 20–30 minutes.
  • Best Season to Visit:November to March for comfortable weather.
  • Currency:Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs widely available. Cards accepted in most hotels, malls, and restaurants.
  • Emergency Numbers:Police — 999 | Ambulance — 911 | Traffic — 993