Traveling Through Saudi Arabia

From the legendary rock-hewn tombs of Hegra to the high-tech ambition of Neom and The Red Sea Project, traveling through Saudi Arabia is not just a trip—it’s an exploration of a nation redefining itself. And for those who demand the best, our agency ensures a seamless journey, handling every detail from private guides and luxury accommodations to exclusive desert experiences and curated cultural encounters.

The Best Time to Experience Saudi Arabia

Timing is everything in Saudi Arabia, where the landscape—and the travel experience—shifts dramatically with the seasons.

October to March is the sweet spot, when daytime temperatures hover between 68°F – 86°F (20°C – 30°C), making it perfect for exploring desert wonders, historic cities, and Red Sea escapes.

April to September brings scorching heat, with temperatures soaring past 104°F (40°C). During these months, travelers retreat into Jeddah’s luxurious waterfront hotels, Riyadh’s world-class shopping malls, and AlUla’s cool, rock-carved interiors.

Riyadh: Where Past Meets Future

Riyadh is the beating heart of modern Saudi Arabia, a city where glittering skyscrapers rise from the desert floor, yet the echoes of the past still linger in its ancient forts and mud-brick palaces. It is a city of power, finance, and ambition, offering both cutting-edge experiences and deeply rooted traditions.

What to See:

Kingdom Centre Tower – An icon of the Riyadh skyline, offering sweeping views of the metropolis from its sky bridge.

Diriyah – The birthplace of the Saudi state, now a meticulously restored UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with labyrinthine alleys, traditional Najdi architecture, and exclusive restaurants.

Al Masmak Fortress – A historic mud-brick fort symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s founding.

Edge of the World – A breathtaking desert escarpment where sheer cliffs drop into a never-ending horizon of golden sands.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre – A modern oasis of luxury, offering panoramic city views and world-class dining.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel – Where Arabian elegance meets contemporary sophistication, right in the city’s dynamic core.

Jeddah: The Red Sea’s Cosmopolitan Capital

Jeddah is a city that moves to its own rhythm, where luxury meets history on the shores of the Red Sea. As the gateway to Mecca and Medina, it has long been a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its vibrant markets, Ottoman-era buildings, and cutting-edge developments.

What to See:

Al-Balad (Old Jeddah) – A UNESCO-listed historic district where ancient coral-stone buildings, wooden lattice balconies, and bustling souks transport you to another time.

Jeddah Corniche – A stunning waterfront promenade lined with luxury hotels, upscale dining, and striking public art installations.

Jeddah Tower – Set to become the tallest building in the world, a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s bold ambitions.

Where to Stay:

Rosewood Jeddah – A Red Sea-front retreat, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury.

Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq – A palatial hotel where every detail exudes opulence and grandeur.

AlUla: A Journey Into the Past

There is nowhere else on Earth quite like AlUla. It is a place where towering sandstone cliffs hide ancient tombs, where centuries-old rock art tells the stories of forgotten civilizations, and where the desert landscape feels almost supernatural in its beauty.

The undisputed jewel of AlUla is Hegra (Mada’in Salih), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the Nabataean civilization. Often compared to Petra in Jordan, Hegra is less crowded, more untouched, and equally breathtaking.

What to See:

Hegra – A city of the dead, where 111 intricately carved tombs stand frozen in time.

Maraya Concert Hall – The world’s largest mirrored building, rising like an illusion from the desert sands.

Elephant Rock – A colossal sandstone formation shaped by millennia of wind and time.

Where to Stay:

Banyan Tree AlUla – A luxury desert retreat offering private pool villas and immersive cultural experiences.

Chedi Hegra – A boutique property with exclusive access to Hegra’s ancient wonders.

The Red Sea & Neom: The Future of Travel

Saudi Arabia is not just preserving history—it’s building the future. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Red Sea Project and Neom, two ambitious, ultra-luxury developments designed to redefine global travel.

• These eco-conscious, high-tech resorts promise:

• Floating villas perched over crystal-clear waters.

• Sustainable luxury retreats on untouched islands.

• Next-generation hospitality experiences blending nature, technology, and exclusivity.

The Red Sea’s coastline is already home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, with vibrant coral reefs that rival the Maldives. Soon, this region will be the pinnacle of exclusive, high-end travel.

Important Things to Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia comes with unique cultural and legal considerations that visitors should be aware of before their trip.

Alcohol is Strictly Prohibited – Unlike many other luxury destinations, alcohol is completely banned in Saudi Arabia, including in hotels, restaurants, and even on international flights to and from the country. This applies to both purchasing and consuming alcohol, so travelers should not expect wine pairings with fine dining or après-ski cocktails in the upcoming Neom resorts. However, many luxury hotels and restaurants offer high-end mocktails and specialty non-alcoholic beverages that provide an elegant alternative.

Respect for Local Customs & Dress Code – Saudi Arabia follows conservative cultural norms, and visitors should dress modestly in public. While foreign women are no longer required to wear an abaya (the traditional full-length robe), loose-fitting, long clothing that covers shoulders and knees is still recommended, especially in more traditional areas. Men should also avoid wearing shorts in public spaces. In luxury resorts and private areas like the Red Sea Project, dress codes may be more relaxed.

Religious Sites: Mecca & Medina Are Exclusive to Muslims – Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities in Islam and are strictly off-limits to non-Muslim visitors. While travelers can explore Jeddah, Riyadh, and even historical religious sites in other regions, only Muslims are permitted to enter Mecca and the central areas of Medina. This is strictly enforced, with checkpoints ensuring compliance. Travelers should be mindful of this restriction when planning their itinerary.

Daily Prayer Times Affect Business Hours – Saudi Arabia observes five daily prayers, and during these times, many businesses, including shops and some restaurants, may temporarily close. This is less of an issue in international hotels and larger malls, but travelers should be aware of prayer schedules when planning activities, especially in more traditional areas.

Public Displays of Affection Should Be Avoided – While Saudi Arabia is welcoming to international travelers, public displays of affection, such as holding hands or kissing, are considered inappropriate in public spaces. Couples should be mindful of local customs and avoid overt displays of romance outside private settings.

Gender Segregation in Some Areas – While Saudi Arabia has relaxed some of its restrictions in recent years, travelers may still encounter separate seating areas for men and families in some restaurants and cafés. Most luxury hotels and international restaurants do not enforce this, but visitors should be aware of the cultural norms in traditional establishments.

Strict Drug Laws – Saudi Arabia has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal substances. Travelers should never bring any prohibited substances into the country and should be cautious when carrying prescription medications. Some medications that are legal in other countries require special permits in Saudi Arabia.

Public Holidays and Religious Observances – Saudi Arabia follows the Islamic calendar, which means that public holidays such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr can significantly affect business hours and daily life. During Ramadan, for example, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted, and many restaurants only open after sunset. Travelers visiting during this period should be mindful of local customs and plan accordingly.

Visas and Entry Requirements – Most visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, which can often be obtained online through the Saudi eVisa system. However, entry rules may vary depending on nationality and purpose of travel. Travelers should apply in advance and ensure they meet all requirements before departure.

Saudi Arabia is a destination rich in history, culture, and luxury, but understanding these essential guidelines ensures that visitors have a seamless and respectful travel experience. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Riyadh, the ancient wonders of AlUla, or the luxurious coastline of the Red Sea, travelers who respect local customs will find themselves welcomed into one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Your Journey, Seamlessly Curated

Traveling through Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary experience—but one that requires expert planning. Our agency ensures that every element of your journey is flawless, from securing special travel permits for restricted sites to arranging private desert expeditions, fine dining experiences, and luxury accommodations.

With our in-house concierge service, you gain an additional layer of VIP treatment, whether it’s a last-minute table at Riyadh’s top restaurants, a private guided tour of AlUla, or a yacht charter on the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia is no longer just a mystical, off-limits land—it is a luxury travel frontier, offering timeless history, cutting-edge innovation, and a level of exclusivity rarely found elsewhere. Contact us to begin planning your journey through the Kingdom.