The closest many people get to Saudi Arabia is via Walt Disney’s classic, Aladdin. But there's more to this country than hot Arabian nights and giant genies. Forget the magic carpet; hop a flight to Saudi Arabia and tour a land filled with history and lined with a bit of luxury.
Most people travel to Saudi Arabia for a visit to Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammed and Islam’s holiest city. In fact, all devout Muslims are supposed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life. While Mecca is highly off limits to non-Muslims, the capital city of Riyadh has much to offer tourists. Thanks to a boom in oil production and sales, cheap flights to Saudi Arabia land at one of the largest airports in the world in Riyadh. The millions of dollars in oil production paid for the city’s state-of-the-art buildings, five-star hotels and exceptional restaurant and nightlife options. While it’s not likely you’ll be whisked away on a magic carpet by an Arabian prince, it’s likely your trip to Saudi Arabia will be a memorable one.
Find flights to Saudi Arabia
Back to top
It is the desert; the climate is hot and dry, but along the coasts, high humidity is a factor. Average temperatures range between 64 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical winds during the summer months cause monsoons in the west and southwest. In the south, tropical winds in the winter time are often accompanied by sandstorms.
Back to top
Peak Season:
The best time to book Saudi Arabia flights and tours is between October and May, when the days are warm and nights are cool.
Off Season:
April to November. During these months, temperatures are very high. Ramadan occurs during the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (in 2008, Ramadan falls in September). If you book flights to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan remember that many restaurants and tourist attractions are closed during this time.
Find flights to Saudi Arabia
Back to top
Saudi Arabian Airlines flies domestically as does Nas Air which flies from Riyadh to Gizan, Gurayat, Jeddah and Madinah. Al Khayala flies from Riyadh to Jeddah.
The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company runs intracity services in ten cities (including Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Abha, Gaseem, Tabuk and Hael) and intercity buses.
The Saudi Railways Organization operates a service from Dammam to Riyadh. Taxis are plentiful and cheap and can be flagged down just about everywhere. Taxis are metered, but you can also negotiate a fee with the driver.
Back to top
- Riyadh is the capital and seat of government. Don’t miss Al-Musmak Fortress, which was built in the late 19th century and is now a museum. In mud and brick, it is a beautiful example of desert architecture. The museum is open to families Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday morning; Saturday, Monday and Wednesday for men only. Al-Thumairi Gate is a restored city gate. Kingdom Tower, Saudi Arabia’s tallest building, is known as the bottle opener due to its resemblance to a … bottle opener. It is technically an inverted catenary arch; the developer described it as a necklace for the city. There is a 183-feet skybridge and an observation deck. A half-hour drive from Riyadh is Thumama Desert, with beautiful sand dunes.
- Mecca is the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed and Islam’s most holy city. All devout Muslims – around the world – are bound to make the pilgrimage (hajj) if possible once in the lifetime. The city is open to Muslims only however. This is also the case with Medina, Islam’s second-holiest city, home to the Tomb of the Prophet Mohammed.
- Madein Salih is an absolute must-visit. It is an archeological site, a sister city to Petra in Jordan. The tombs were carved into the side of cliffs between 100 BC and 100 AD when it was a kingdom of Nabataean people. You will need a permit to visit it, but this can usually be arranged by the hotel or travel agent you book with.
Back to top
Riyadh (RUH) (King Khaled International) Airport, 22 miles north of the city.
Dhahran (DHA) (Al Khobar) Airport, 8 miles southeast of Dhahran.
Jeddah (JED) (King Abdul Aziz) Airport, 11 miles north of the city.
Dammam (DMM) (King Fahd International) Airport, 19 miles northwest of Dammam.
Back to top
All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket. Women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Haj or visiting holy sites.
Back to top
A sponsored visa is required for American citizens.
Back to top
