Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to international tourism in earnest since 2019 — and in 2026, the kingdom is one of the most rapidly evolving travel destinations in the world. From the ancient Nabataean rock city of AlUla and the coral-fringed diving reefs of the Red Sea to the modern boulevards of Riyadh’s Diriyah district and the futuristic skyline under construction at NEOM, Saudi Arabia offers a range of experiences unlike anywhere else on earth.
Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia introduced a tourist visa programme in September 2019 — a historic shift for a country that had previously issued tourist visas only in rare circumstances. As of 2024, nationals of 49 countries can obtain Saudi Arabia tourist visas online through the Sharek platform or on arrival at major airports. Citizens of many other countries can apply through Saudi embassies. The tourist visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, with each stay up to 90 days. GCC nationals can enter Saudi Arabia on their national identity cards. Always verify current visa requirements through the official Saudi tourism authority (visitsaudi.com) as regulations evolve.
AlUla: The Kingdom’s Crown Jewel
AlUla, located in Saudi Arabia’s northwest, is one of the most historically significant sites in the Arabian Peninsula. The region contains Hegra (also known as Mada’in Saleh), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site — a Nabataean settlement of over 100 monumental rock-cut tombs dating from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. The tombs are well-preserved and accessible through organised tours from the AlUla Experience Centre, which manages visitor access to protect the heritage site.
Beyond the ancient sites, AlUla offers the dramatic Ashar Valley with its elephant rock formation, Dadan (a Lihyanite ancient city), and the dramatic desert landscapes of the Hijaz mountains. The Royal Commission for AlUla has invested heavily in accommodation, visitor infrastructure, and the annual Winter at Tantora cultural festival, which runs from November to March and brings international artists, heritage experiences, and outdoor events to the site.
Riyadh: A City in Transformation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city, is rapidly transforming from a conservative Gulf capital into a modern metropolis with world-class hospitality, entertainment, and cultural offerings. Key sites include Diriyah — the UNESCO-listed historic district that was the birthplace of the Saudi state, now being restored and redeveloped as a cultural and heritage destination — and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, a remarkable cultural complex housing a museum, cinema, library, and exhibition spaces.
Riyadh’s restaurant and entertainment scene has transformed since the social liberalisation reforms of 2017-2018: cinemas (closed since 1979) reopened in 2018, mixed-gender events are now commonplace, and the city hosts concerts, sporting events, and international festivals throughout the year as part of the entertainment strategy executed by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
Red Sea Project: Luxury Eco-Tourism
The Red Sea Project is a luxury tourism development on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, targeting 50 hotels across 22 islands and six inland sites by 2030. The first phase of development, including the first operational resorts, is underway. The Red Sea’s coral reefs — largely undisturbed for decades due to limited tourism — are among the world’s most pristine, making the region a significant draw for diving and marine tourism. The Red Sea Project is governed by strict sustainability commitments including net-zero carbon operations and protection of the existing coral reef ecosystems.
Practical Travel Information
Saudi Arabia’s currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.75 SAR per USD. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the kingdom. Dress codes require modest clothing in public (covering shoulders and knees), though enforcement for foreign tourists is more relaxed than in the past. Prayer times cause brief closures of shops and some services — typically five times daily for 15-20 minutes. The best weather for travel is October to April; summer temperatures in Riyadh can exceed 45°C.
Related Reading
See also: Dubai Travel Guide 2026, GCC Tourism Overview 2026, and Saudi Arabia Economy 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women travel to Saudi Arabia alone?
Yes. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has removed the guardianship requirements that previously restricted women’s independent travel. Women of all nationalities can visit Saudi Arabia alone, book hotels independently, and travel throughout the country without male accompaniment. Female travellers are advised to dress modestly in public areas (covering shoulders and knees) and be aware that cultural norms in some areas remain more conservative than in international tourist-oriented zones like AlUla or Red Sea resorts.
What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
October to April offers the most comfortable weather for visiting Saudi Arabia. Temperatures during this period in Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia typically range from 15-25°C during the day, cool at night. AlUla’s desert can be cold overnight in December and January (5-10°C), so layered clothing is advisable for the heritage sites. The Red Sea coast remains warm year-round. Avoid July and August unless accustomed to extreme heat.
Also Read: Riyadh vs Jeddah 2026: Which Saudi City Is Better for Expats? | Tadawul: Inside Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange and What It Means for Investors | Abdulmajeed Alsukhan: How a Saudi Central Bank Alumnus Built the Kingdom’s First Fintech Unicorn
