Saudi Arabian culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and Bedouin heritage, with a society that is rapidly evolving while maintaining its core values. As the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest mosques in Mecca and Medina, religious observance shapes many aspects of daily life and social customs.

Key elements of Saudi culture include:

• Islamic heritage: The five daily prayers (salat) structure the rhythm of daily life, with businesses and restaurants closing briefly during prayer times. The holy month of Ramadan is observed with fasting from dawn to sunset, and the two Eid festivals (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are major celebrations marked by family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.
• Hospitality (Diyafa): Saudis are known for their exceptional hospitality, a tradition rooted in desert culture where travelers were welcomed and cared for. Coffee ceremonies are an important expression of this, with Arabic coffee (qahwa) served with dates as a gesture of welcome in homes and businesses.
• Traditional arts: Saudi artistic traditions include intricate geometric designs in architecture, calligraphy, poetry, storytelling, and traditional music featuring instruments like the oud (string instrument) and tablah (drum). The ardha, the national sword dance, is performed at celebrations and cultural events.
• Family and social structure: Family ties are extremely important, with extended family networks providing support and identity. Respect for elders is paramount, and family gatherings are central to social life. Gender segregation has traditionally been observed in many public and private settings, though this is evolving with recent reforms.
• Traditional attire: Men typically wear the thobe (long white robe) and ghutrah (headdress), while women traditionally wear the abaya (long black cloak) in public. While the abaya remains common, recent reforms have relaxed some dress requirements for foreign women visitors in certain areas.

Saudi cuisine reflects both Bedouin influences and the country's historical position on trade routes, featuring aromatic dishes with rice, lamb, chicken, and distinctive spice blends:

• Kabsa: The national dish combining rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), vegetables, and a complex spice mixture
• Mandi: Meat and rice dish traditionally cooked in an underground pit
• Jareesh: Crushed wheat mixed with meat, often served during Ramadan
• Mutabbaq: Folded stuffed pancakes with various fillings
• Dates: Produced in multiple varieties throughout the Kingdom and served as a symbol of hospitality
• Saudi coffee (Qahwa): Lightly roasted coffee beans flavored with cardamom, often served with dates

Modern Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant social and cultural transformation under Vision 2030, the ambitious reform program launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Recent years have seen the opening of cinemas, entertainment venues, and tourist destinations; increased opportunities for women, including the right to drive and travel independently; and major investments in arts, culture, and sports. This evolution represents a balancing act between embracing modernization while preserving cultural identity and religious values.

Saudi Arabia has recently opened its doors to international tourism as part of Vision 2030, revealing a land of surprising diversity—from ancient archaeological sites to ultramodern cities, vast deserts to mountain retreats, and cultural landmarks to developing leisure destinations.

Here are some of Saudi Arabia's most impressive attractions:

Al-Ula and Hegra: Often compared to Jordan's Petra, Hegra (ancient Madain Saleh) was the southern capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. The area features over 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades carved into sandstone outcrops. The nearby Al-Ula region offers stunning desert landscapes, the mirrored Maraya Concert Hall (the world's largest mirrored building), and seasonal festivals featuring international artists.

Diriyah: The birthplace of the first Saudi state and ancestral home of the Al Saud royal family. This UNESCO World Heritage site features restored mud-brick architecture in the At-Turaif district, showcasing traditional Najdi style. The area is being developed as a major cultural and tourism destination with museums, restaurants, and cultural venues while preserving its historical significance.

The Red Sea Project: An ambitious luxury tourism development spanning 28,000 square kilometers including more than 90 pristine islands, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural sites. With a focus on sustainability and conservation, the project aims to position Saudi Arabia as a premium global tourism destination while protecting the area's exceptional natural resources.

Edge of the World: Part of the Tuwaiq Escarpment near Riyadh, this dramatic cliff offers spectacular views over an ancient ocean bed stretching to the horizon. Popular for hiking and photography, the site provides a striking contrast to the nearby capital city, with hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and unusual rock formations.

Abha and the Asir Mountains: This southwestern highland region features a distinctly different climate and culture from much of Saudi Arabia. With green terraced hillsides, cool temperatures, colorful villages with unique architectural styles, and cultural traditions more closely related to Yemen, the area offers a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Note on Islamic Holy Sites: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina, containing Islam's two holiest mosques (Al-Masjid Al-Haram with the Kaaba and Al-Masjid An-Nabawi), are exclusively reserved for Muslim visitors and are not accessible to non-Muslims. These cities host millions of pilgrims annually for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Other notable destinations include the modern architecture of Riyadh (including Kingdom Centre Tower and the developing King Salman Park), the corniche and floating mosque in Jeddah, the pristine beaches of the Arabian Gulf, the ancient rock art in the Hail Region, and the dramatic landscapes of the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), the world's largest sand desert.

Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in its transportation infrastructure, with modern airports, highways, and developing rail networks. While public transportation has historically been limited, major improvements are underway as part of Vision 2030 initiatives.

• Air travel: For a country of Saudi Arabia's size, domestic flights are an efficient option for covering long distances. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and budget carriers like flyadeal and flynas operate extensive domestic networks connecting major cities and regional centers. The distances between cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam make air travel particularly time-efficient for visitors with limited time.
• Railways: The Saudi railway network is expanding, with several key routes:
  • The Haramain High Speed Rail connects Medina and Mecca via Jeddah, primarily serving pilgrims (Muslims only)
  • The North-South Railway runs from Riyadh to the northern borders
  • The Saudi-GCC Railway project will eventually connect Saudi Arabia with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries
  • Modern metro systems are operating or under development in Riyadh and other major cities
• Road travel: Saudi Arabia has an extensive and well-maintained highway network. Car rental is a popular option for tourists, though visitors should note that Saudi driving can be aggressive by international standards. Major international rental companies operate at airports and in city centers. While women are now permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia (since 2018), foreign visitors may prefer to use other transportation options if unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
• Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis are widely available in cities, with both traditional taxis and app-based services like Uber and Careem offering convenient options. Ride-sharing apps are particularly useful for foreign visitors as they eliminate language barriers and haggling over fares.
• Public buses: The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates intercity bus services connecting major cities, as well as limited urban routes. While functional, buses are generally used less by tourists than other transportation options.

Special considerations: Transportation in Saudi Arabia has some unique aspects visitors should be aware of:

• Prayer times may affect transportation schedules, with brief pauses in service during prayer times
• During the holy month of Ramadan, transportation services may operate on modified schedules
• The Hajj period brings massive movement of pilgrims, affecting transportation in the western region
• Saudi cities are typically designed for car travel, with limited pedestrian infrastructure in many areas
• The extreme summer heat (often exceeding 45°C/113°F) makes walking impractical during daylight hours in summer months

Future developments: Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure, with projects including Riyadh Metro (one of the world's largest urban transit projects), high-speed rail expansion, and potential Hyperloop technology between major cities. These developments will significantly enhance mobility options for both residents and visitors in coming years.

Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of airports, with four major international gateways and numerous regional airports serving domestic routes. The Kingdom's airports have undergone significant modernization in recent years to accommodate increasing international tourism and business travel.

• King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh: The main gateway to the capital and central Saudi Arabia, this five-terminal airport serves over 28 million passengers annually. Terminal 5 is dedicated to domestic flights, while the newly renovated Terminal 3 handles international traffic. The airport offers direct connections to major cities worldwide and serves as a hub for Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) and flynas.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah: The busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, handling over 41 million passengers annually, including millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visiting the holy cities. The new terminal, opened in 2019, significantly increased capacity and features modern facilities. This airport serves as the main gateway to Mecca and Medina for Muslim visitors. The Hajj Terminal is specifically designed to handle the massive influx of pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
• King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam: Serving the Eastern Province and its oil industry, this airport connects the region to domestic and international destinations. Originally built with significant capacity for future growth, it serves as an important hub for business travelers to Saudi Arabia's oil-rich eastern region.
• Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Medina: This airport primarily serves Muslim pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque, with notable modern architecture inspired by traditional Islamic design. Access to Medina city is restricted to Muslims only.
• Regional airports: Smaller international and domestic airports serve other cities including Abha, Tabuk, Al-Ula, Taif, Jizan, Ha'il, and Al-Jouf, connecting these regions to major cities and, in some cases, to international destinations.

Airport Transportation: Options for reaching your destination from Saudi airports include:

• Taxis: Available at designated stands outside all airport terminals. Some airports have introduced fixed-fare systems to avoid haggling.
• Ride-sharing: Uber and Careem operate at major airports, often with designated pickup points.
• Car rental: All major airports have car rental facilities with international and local companies represented.
• Airport limousines: Premium car services can be arranged at international airports.
• Public transportation: Limited at most airports, though Riyadh's new metro system will eventually connect to King Khalid International Airport.

Important notes: Saudi airports maintain high security standards with thorough screening procedures. International travelers should arrive at least 3 hours before departure time. During religious holidays, particularly Hajj and Ramadan, airports can be extremely busy, and additional time should be allowed. Photography restrictions exist at some airports, and travelers should be respectful of local customs regarding appropriate dress and behavior.

Saudi Arabia has significantly opened its visa policy in recent years as part of Vision 2030 initiatives to develop tourism. The introduction of electronic tourist visas in 2019 marked a historic shift, making the Kingdom more accessible to international visitors.

Visa Options

The following table outlines the main visa categories for visitors to Saudi Arabia:

Visa Type	Eligibility	Duration
Tourist eVisa	57 Eligible Countries	Multiple entry, valid for 1 year, stays up to 90 days
Umrah Visa	Muslims Only	30 days (non-extendable)
Hajj Visa	Muslims Only, Annual Quota System	Valid for Hajj season
Business Visa	Business Invitation Required	Single or multiple entry, various durations
Transit Visa	Available for eligible travelers	96 hours

eVisa Process: For eligible nationalities, the tourist eVisa can be obtained through the official Visit Saudi platform. The process typically involves:

• Completing an online application form
• Uploading a recent photograph and a copy of your passport
• Paying the visa fee (approximately $120 USD, including health insurance)
• Processing typically takes 24-48 hours

Important Cultural and Legal Considerations

Saudi Arabia has unique cultural and legal frameworks that visitors should understand and respect:

• Religious sites: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are accessible only to Muslim visitors. Non-Muslims should not attempt to enter these cities.
• Dress code: While regulations have relaxed somewhat, visitors should dress modestly. For women, loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing covering shoulders and knees is appropriate in public settings. In some conservative areas, women may feel more comfortable covering their hair. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves in public places.
• Photography restrictions: Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and local people without permission. Some historical and religious sites may have specific photography restrictions.
• Alcohol and drugs: Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. Drug offenses carry severe penalties. The importation or use of narcotics, alcohol, pork products, and certain medications is strictly prohibited.
• Public behavior: Public displays of affection should be avoided. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is forbidden, including for non-Muslims.
• Prayer times: Businesses close briefly during the five daily prayer times. Visitors should be aware of these times and plan activities accordingly.

Best time to visit: Saudi Arabia's climate varies by region:

• October to March: Generally considered the best time to visit most of Saudi Arabia, with pleasant temperatures throughout the country
• April to September: Extremely hot in most regions, with temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C (113°F) in summer months
• Year-round: The southwestern mountains around Abha enjoy a milder climate and can be visited throughout the year
• Avoid Hajj season: Unless participating in the pilgrimage, travelers should avoid the western region during the annual Hajj, when millions of pilgrims converge on Mecca

Health and safety: Saudi Arabia is generally quite safe for visitors, with low crime rates. Healthcare facilities in major cities are excellent, though comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Extreme heat poses a health risk during summer months, and visitors should stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.