151 Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

Welcome to The Ultimate World Travel Blog! We covers 195 countries travel destinations for world travelers.

🌍 Country Overview

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest country in the Middle East. It borders Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, Yemen and Oman to the south, the Persian Gulf to the east, and the Red Sea to the west.

• Capital: Riyadh

• Area: About 2.15 million km² (about 10 times the size of the Korean Peninsula)

• Population: Around 35 million people

• Language: Arabic

• Religion: Islam is the official religion, and the entire country operates based on Sharia (Islamic law).

• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

• Time Zone: UTC+3 (no daylight saving time)

• Visa: Most countries can apply for an online e-Visa, valid for up to 1 year for tourism.

---

📌 Major Tourist Attractions

1. Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr Archaeological Site)
   Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an ancient archaeological site of the Nabataean Kingdom, similar to Petra (Jordan), where visitors can see the sophisticated stone architecture of ancient civilizations. Also known as Hegra.

2. Riyadh
   The capital city of Saudi Arabia, where tradition and modernity coexist. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Al Faisaliah Tower and Kingdom Centre Tower. The National Museum offers a glimpse into Saudi history and culture, and Souq Al Zal is a place to experience local culture.

3. Jeddah
   The Al-Balad area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features traditional wooden houses from the Ottoman era. Visitors can stroll along the Jeddah Corniche, enjoy the sunset, and explore modern art museums and high-end shopping malls.

4. Mecca (Makkah)
   The birthplace of Islam and the world's largest pilgrimage site. The Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram are located here, and it is the direction of prayer for all Muslims, known as Qibla.

5. Abha
   A mountain city in the southern part of Saudi Arabia, famous for Asir National Park and Jabal Al-Soudah. The city has a cooler climate even in summer, making it a popular destination for escaping the heat.

6. AlUla
   In addition to the Hegra ruins, AlUla is home to Elephant Rock and the world’s largest mirror building, the Maraya Concert Hall, offering a blend of nature, history, and art.

7. Arabian Desert
   A desert experience with endless sand dunes and extreme temperature variations. Activities like Bedouin camping, sandboarding, and camel trekking are popular in the Najd region.

8. Dammam
   A coastal city on the Eastern Province, where visitors can enjoy water sports at Half Moon Bay, explore King Abdullah Park, and shop at Al Khobar.

---

📌 Language and Culture

• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in tourist areas, hotels, and commercial zones.

• Culture: Islamic law (Sharia) is applied throughout daily life, so visitors should be mindful of their clothing and behavior. Shops may close during prayer times, and public spaces often have prayer sessions. It is recommended that female travelers wear conservative attire, and in some areas, wearing an abaya (a full-body cloak) is required.

---

🍽️ Signature Dish: Kabsa (كبسة)

Kabsa is a traditional dish of Saudi Arabia, consisting of spiced rice topped with meat. Common meats include chicken, lamb, and camel. Key ingredients include:

• Rice – Basmati rice is commonly used

• Meat – Chicken, lamb, camel

• Tomato, Onion, Garlic

• Spices – Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Laurel, and other rich spices

It is typically served in large dishes and eaten communally, often using hands in traditional fashion.

---

🍴 Other Recommended Dishes

• Mandi (مندي): A traditional dish of rice and meat cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), originating from Yemen but popular across Saudi Arabia.

• Samboosa (سمبوسة): Fried dumplings similar to Indian samosas, commonly eaten during Ramadan.

• Mutabbaq (مطبق): A thin dough filled with meat, eggs, and vegetables, popular as street food.

• Gahwa (قهوة): Saudi-style Arabic coffee, often served with dates.

---

✈️ Travel Tips

• Visa: Citizens from most countries can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) for tourism.

• Time Zone: UTC+3 (no daylight saving time)

• Climate: Desert climate with extremely hot and dry summers and mild winters.

• Clothing: Conservative clothing is recommended in public places, and women often wear an abaya.

• Religion: Friday is the Islamic holiday, and many shops and institutions are closed.

• Important Note: Mecca is only accessible to Muslims for religious purposes.