Saudi Arabia - Travel Guide

Geographical position and Climate of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia and is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It has coastlines along the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east.

The climate of Saudi Arabia is characterized primarily by a desert climate with extreme heat during the day and a sharp temperature drop at night. The country experiences very little rainfall, and the temperatures can vary significantly from region to region.

Summer: Hot and dry with daytime temperatures often exceeding 50°C (122°F) in some areas.
Winter: Cooler with occasional rain, especially in the northwest and coastal areas. Temperatures can drop to around 0°C (32°F) in the northern regions.
Coastal Areas: Slightly more moderate climates due to the influence of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, but still hot and humid.
Highlands: Such as the Asir Province, experience milder temperatures and more precipitation, making them somewhat of an exception to the predominantly arid climate of the country.

Brief History of Saudi Arabia

The history of Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in the Arabian Peninsula’s rich tapestry of tribal cultures, trade routes, and the birthplace of Islam. The modern state of Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, who began his quest to unify the Arabian Peninsula in the early 20th century.

In 1902, Abdulaziz captured Riyadh, the ancestral home of his family, the House of Saud. Over the next three decades, he consolidated control over the peninsula through a series of conquests, alliances, and marriages. By 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially proclaimed with Abdulaziz as its first king.

The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed Saudi Arabia from a desert kingdom to one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The country’s vast oil reserves became a central player in global energy markets and dramatically altered its economic and political landscapes.

Throughout the 20th century, Saudi Arabia emerged as a key regional power, balancing its traditional Islamic values with the demands of modernization and international relations. It played a significant role in Arab politics, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine, and became a founding member of the Arab League in 1945.

Saudi Arabia also became an important ally of the United States, especially after World War II, due to its oil resources. This relationship has been complex, marked by mutual economic interests and strategic considerations, but also by differences over issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Gulf Wars.

Today, Saudi Arabia continues to be a dominant force in the Middle East, known for its conservative interpretation of Sunni Islam, its control over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and its vast oil wealth. The country is undergoing significant social and economic changes under its Vision 2030 program, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil and opening up its society.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia and plays a central role in its culture, law, and governance. The country is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia adheres to the Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam, which is known for its conservative and strict practices.

The government enforces a strict interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law), which guides all aspects of life for its citizens and residents. Public practice of any religion other than Islam is prohibited, and the government does not allow the establishment of non-Muslim places of worship within its borders.

Language

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is used in the country’s educational system, official documents, media, and for formal communication. However, in everyday conversation, people commonly speak regional dialects, with Najdi Arabic being predominant in the central region and Hejazi Arabic widely spoken in the western region, particularly around Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. In the Eastern Province, Gulf Arabic is more prevalent. Additionally, due to its large expatriate population, other languages are also spoken within the kingdom, including English, which is commonly used in business and as a second language.

Places to visit in Saudi Arabia

Before you visit Saudi Arabia

Travel to Saudi Arabia

Travelers can get to Saudi Arabia primarily by air, as the country is well-connected internationally through its airports. Here are the main ways of getting to Saudi Arabia:

By Air

International Airports: The major entry points by air are King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. These airports serve numerous international flights from across the globe.
National Carrier: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is the national carrier, offering flights to and from various destinations worldwide.
Other Airlines: Many international airlines operate flights to Saudi Arabia, providing accessibility from different continents.

With car or bus

Border Crossings: Neighboring countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain (via the King Fahd Causeway), the United Arab Emirates, Qatar (when borders are open), and Yemen have land border crossings into Saudi Arabia. However, these are typically used by residents of the region or for commercial transport.

By Sea

Commercial Ports: Saudi Arabia has several commercial ports on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. While not common for passenger travel, they are essential for cargo and goods transportation.
Cruise Ships: Some cruise lines may include stops at Saudi ports like Jeddah as part of their itineraries.

Visas

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, most visitors will need to obtain a visa. The kingdom offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, which can be applied for online through the eVisa portal or upon arrival for eligible countries. It’s important to check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before planning your trip.

Visas for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are some of the common visa categories:

Tourist Visa

eVisa: Eligible travelers can apply for an eVisa online before their trip or upon arrival.
Consulate Visa: Those not eligible for an eVisa can apply through a Saudi consulate in their home country.

Business Visa

Issued to foreign nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia for business meetings, conferences, or professional purposes.

Work Visa

Required for expatriates who intend to work in Saudi Arabia, usually sponsored by the Saudi employer.

Hajj and Umrah Visas

Specifically for Muslim pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for Hajj or Umrah. These visas are available through authorized travel agents and have specific travel windows.

Family Visit Visa

For close relatives of residents or citizens of Saudi Arabia wishing to visit family.

Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination.

Diplomatic and Official Visa

Issued to diplomats and officials traveling on official government business.

It’s important to note that visa policies can change, and requirements may vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Always check the latest information from the official Saudi visa portal or consult with the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate before planning your travel.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the cooler months from late October to early March. During this period, the temperatures are more moderate across most of the country, making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Key Seasons:

Autumn (October to November): The weather begins to cool down, providing a pleasant climate for exploring cities and attractions.
Winter (December to February): This is the peak season for tourism due to the mild weather. Especially in central and northern regions where temperatures can be quite cool. It’s also an ideal time for desert excursions and attending cultural festivals like the Janadriyah Festival near Riyadh.
Spring (March to April): The temperatures start to rise but remain comfortable. It’s also the time when the desert can bloom after any rainfall, offering beautiful natural scenery.

Visiting outside these months, particularly between May and September, means facing extremely high temperatures, especially in inland areas where it can exceed 50°C (122°F). However, the coastal regions by the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf are slightly cooler due to sea breezes, though they can be very humid.

Additionally, if you plan to visit during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, it’s important to consider that many services operate on reduced hours, and eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for non-Muslims as well. The dates of Ramadan vary each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

Important Information

Capital – Riyadh

Territory – 2,149,690 km²

Currency – Saudi riyal (SR)

Time Zone – UTC+3 (AST)

Population – 32,175,224

Demonym – Saudi Arabian