Saudi Arabia

A land of ancient history, religion, and culture. This often misunderstood country is the meeting point of modern luxury and antiquity. Opening for tourists in 2019, it’s the perfect time to get to know Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Travel Info

Language

Being the geographic and cultural center of the Arabic world, the primary language in Saudi Arabia is Arabic. There are many dialects of Arabic, with Najdi being the most common. Saudi Arabia is home to many expat communities and foreign workers, so there are prevalent communities of Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and more. English proficiency in the country is generally low, especially outside of the main cities. However, airports, hotels, banks, and services are usually available in English. We have found that locals are friendly and more than willing to work through translation issues.

Demographics

Being surrounded by the fertile crescent, Saudi Arabia is ancient and mixed. There are 35 million people in the country today. The majority of the population is Arabic, descending from hundreds of historically nomadic tribes. With Mecca the birth place of the prophet Muhammad, Saudi Arabia is the literal and spiritual center of the Islamic world. All Saudi citizens are legally required to be Muslim, and conversion to another religion or non-belief is prohibited. Foreigners are allowed to practice other religions with heavy restrictions, and cannot visit Mecca or Medina. The majority of the country is arid desert, with 35% covered in dunes, and a mix of rocky mountains and plains throughout. Only a few oasis like Al-Ahsa add a flush of green to the vast empty plains.

Weather

Although it is a hot desert, the temperature of Saudi Arabia fluctuates throughout the year. During the summer, it is often a blistering 45°c (112°f), with muggy nightly lows of 30°c (86°f). The winter is much cooler, with mild highs of 21°c (70°f) and chilly nights of 10°c (50°f). Of course, rainfall is almost non-existent throughout the country, with an average of around 90mm in most of the country. However, the mountain regions of the south can experience much more rain, up to 400mm, with annual highs of 33°c (91°f).

Public Transit

Saudi Arabia is largely a car focused culture, due to large distances between small communities making mass transit challenging. However, within the largest cities of Mecca and Riydah, there are robust and modern subway systems. Uber is widely available, making it the best way to travel medium distances. Due to the vast distances, plane travel is generally the best way to get between most cities. Renting a car is cheap and easy if you have an IDP, however be aware that Saudi drivers are very aggressive and heavy traffic should be expected throughout the larger cities.

Saudi Arabia FAQ

Compared to the rest of the ultra-rich gulf nations, Saudi Arabia is much more budget friendly. While there are plenty of luxury experiences in the large cities, overall costs are more manageable. Accommodations are cheaper than the western world, with even luxury hotels at reasonable prices between 120-160 USD. Food is very cheap, with local meals less than 10 USD, and fine dining at reasonable prices of 20-30 USD. Public transit is very cheap, only a few cents per metro ride, and 3-6 USD for a taxi.

Saudi Arabia is overwhelmingly ranked as very safe on all safety indexes. Violent and petty crime are very low, and foreigners overwhelmingly say they feel safe walking alone or at night. Especially in the larger cities, security and police presence are common, and in general threats to tourists are very low. Just keep in mind, the laws are much more strict than you may be used to. Dressing scantly, public outbursts, or anti-Islamic religious activity may be treated harshly.

Before the country opened to tourism in 2019, the dress code was very strict. Exposed shoulders, arms, collar bones, and lower legs were not allowed for women. Laws for foreigners have been greatly relaxed. Head coverings are no longer required for women. Shorts that come to the knee and short sleeves can be worn comfortably in most places. Even sleeveless shirts can be worn in more modern areas, as long as bra straps are covered. The main thing to avoid is cleavage, very thin straps, and tight fitting clothes. Although we saw a foreigner on the subway wearing a form fitting crop top and leggings athleisure set, so enforcement may vary. Just dress sensibly and you will not encounter any issues. You will be asked to wear a head covering if entering a mosque, however.

Due to the scorching summer heat, we don’t recommend visiting from late April to early October. Thankfully, most businesses are open late until 11pm or midnight, to avoid the heat. That being said, visiting in the winter is a great way to get many things to yourself, and avoid the head. In winter, the highest temperatures are around 21°c (70°f), making it much more comfortable to dress appropriately while enjoying the outdoors. If you only plan to stick to cities, you can visit during warmer weather. However, if you’re like us and want to see the unique desert geography, the winter can’t be beat.

Saudi Arabia has modernized quickly. Therefore, most businesses accept all forms of card. We still recommend taking out some Riyal before visiting, especially if you plan on leaving the city. Smaller local restaurants still only take cash, and rest stops in the desert often prefer cash as well.

Saudi Arabia is different than most destinations, as there are many rules and quirks that you usually don’t have to consider on vacation. Alcohol is completely banned in the country, and bringing alcohol in is strictly prohibited. In addition, the holy cities of Medina and Mecca are completely off limits to non-Muslims, unless you have specific special permission. Couples should not show any signs of physical affection including kissing and hugging, with hand holding being slightly taboo. LGBT+ couples are not allowed, and should either visit as friends, and may be forced to get a room with multiple beds if the staff are suspicious. Lastly, pay attention to the time of year you’re visiting. During Ramadan, restaurants are closed all day for fasting, and eating in public is not allowed. All that being said, Saudi Arabia is quick friendly to foreigners, and will work to accommodate and give leniency. Just respect the culture and religion and you will have an amazing time.

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