Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. Long closed to mainstream tourism, it opened to international visitors in 2019 with a new visa programme. The capital, Riyadh, is a modern financial centre, while Jeddah offers Red Sea coastlines and access to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Arabic is the official language, and the Saudi riyal is the currency. English is spoken in urban and tourist settings. The climate is desert, with extreme heat in summer and mild winters. Saudi Arabia is developing its tourism infrastructure rapidly, with projects like NEOM and AlUla drawing attention to its ancient history, rock formations, and archaeological sites. Dress codes are more relaxed than in the past, though modest clothing is still expected in public areas. Alcohol is prohibited. Road networks are extensive and modern, and domestic flights are widely used due to the country’s size. Visitors can explore desert landscapes, coral reefs, and centuries-old trade routes. Saudi Arabia remains culturally conservative but is gradually positioning itself as a destination for history, adventure, and heritage tourism.