Saudi Arabia Vacations

Saudi Arabia is a very 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. During the month of Ramadan, further restrictions mean many restaurants and eateries are closed, at least until sunset. In addition, 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.

There is a national dress code, which enforces modesty. The coastal city of Jeddah and the northern oasis city of AlUla have more relaxed dress codes, which follow more Western norms. So long as you’re polite and follow the local customs, you’ll be overwhelmed by the hospitality of your hosts.

What is the visiting culture in Saudi Arabia?

Modesty is key in Saudi Arabia, extending to the way one dresses, speaks, and behaves in public. Public displays of affection, cursing, and religious iconography are all banned in public. 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 (though not legally required) for women to wear a head covering such as an abaya or hijab. Note that you will need one to gain entry to mosques and other holy sites. Practicing a religion other than Islam publicly is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.

What is Saudi Arabia best known for?

Saudi Arabia is best known as the birthplace of Islam, and for its holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The latter can be visited by non-Muslims and is considered the world’s cradle of Islamic culture. Saudi Arabia is also renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes, but perhaps its biggest attraction is that it’s barely known to the outside world at all. For all its globe-spanning influence, Saudi Arabia has remained closed to commercial tourism for a very long time, making it one of the few "new frontiers" available to globetrotters today.

What are some Saudi Arabian traditions?

Saudi Arabia’s traditions are widely rooted in Islam, with some pre-Islam Arab influences. The holy month of Ramadan is observed throughout the country, while Dhul Hijjah takes place from the 8th to the 12th of the last month of the Islamic year. In 2024, that was June 14 to June 19. People in Arab cultures also tend to be coy around the word "no," preferring expressions like "as God wills it" or a simple "maybe" for fear of seeming impolite. Further confusing things for westerners, "yes" can also mean "maybe."

Arab music is as rich and diverse as the Arab world, but its traditional forms are still quite recognizable, while belly dancing is one of the most popular forms of Arab dance worldwide. It is frequently a part of celebrations, even in conservative Saudi Arabia. Calligraphy and geometric textile patterns are also deeply entrenched in Saudi culture, while hospitality is considered a way of life. If you’re a guest almost anywhere, a tray of traditional tea or coffee is probably already on its way.

What are Saudi Arabians like, socially?

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.

What languages do Saudi Arabians speak?

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, with regional variants including Najdi and Hejazi Arabic. English is the lingua franca for ex-pats in the Arab world, and most signs are in both Arabic and English.

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.

When is the ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia?

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

When is Saudi Arabia’s peak tourist season?

November through to February is Saudi Arabia’s only recognized tourist season, though tourist visas are issued year-round. You can expect higher prices, but crowds will still be modest, and temperatures will be far more comfortable.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The most affordable time to visit Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly the summer, from June to August, despite the local school holidays. Unfortunately, temperatures also soar as high as 43C/110F during this time. If dry desert heat doesn’t bother you, you might want to consider these months for a more affordable Saudi Arabia vacation.

How long should I plan to visit Saudi Arabia?

Allow a week or two to explore the highlights of Saudi Arabia. With tourism still in its infancy, tourist infrastructure is still limited in many parts of the country. Note that non-Muslims are still prohibited from visiting Makkah (Mecca). They can however visit Madinah, excluding the Prophet’s Mosque.

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.

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 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.

What is Saudi Arabia’s traditional cuisine?

Arab cuisine shapes the local table in Saudi Arabia. The signature dish is kabsa, a delicious mix of rice, meats, vegetables and spices. Far simpler, but almost as delicious is jareesh, which is crushed wheat cooked with ghee, chicken broth, and delicious spices. Let mutabbaq pastries become your new street food obsession, or for a touch of Bedouin tradition, dive into a plate of mandi, another delicious dish that blends rice and meat.

What is the dining etiquette in Saudi Arabia?

The word sahtain begins the meal in Saudi Arabia, or the slightly more devout bismillah (in the name of God). Close the meal with daimah (may there always be plenty at your table). If eating with utensils, keep your fork in your left hand, and your spoon in your right, favouring the spoon (which is far more practical for most Saudi dishes anyway). Remember, do not eat anything directly from your left hand or use it to pass food. Washing hands both before and after every meal is normal in Saudi Arabia, and men and women may be asked to dine separately in more conservative settings. Even when you’re invited to sit down at the table, allow elders to sit first, unless you’re specifically escorted to a seat.

What is the drinking etiquette 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. That said, if you want to take a break from alcohol during your vacation, Saudi Arabia is a great place to do it, with some uniquely local concoctions. Mocktails abound! 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. Toasting to the health of the host or the success of business at hand is usually appropriate.

Does Saudi Arabia cater to dietary restrictions?

You won’t find pork or alcohol at any Saudi table (at least, not officially), according to Islamic law. It’s easy enough to get by as a vegetarian without too much compromise, and as long as you’re clear about any allergies, you shouldn’t run into any trouble at most modern restaurants or hotels. However, understand that within Saudi culture, fish is often not considered meat, so locals might assume that vegetarians are actually pescatarians, so just be clear when communicating dietary preferences. Consider having your allergies written on a card in Arabic to prevent any confusion.

What do meals typically cost in Saudi Arabia?

Everyday meals in Saudi Arabia are not too expensive, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around US $7. A three-course dinner for two will come closer to US $60. Local beer is also very cheap (albeit non-alcoholic, of course).