Saudi Arabia

Since Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists, the entire country can be visited - only the city of Mecca is reserved for people of the Muslim faith. In addition, the German Foreign Office advises against travelling to the regions along the border with Yemen due to ongoing political conflicts. Particular highlights are the cities of Riyadh, and Jeddah, located on the Red Sea and Dammam, on the coast of the Persian Gulf.

The best time to travel to Saudi Arabia is winter: From October to April, temperatures are comparatively mild (25 to 30 degrees Celsius). You are on the safe side, especially from November to March. In the summer months, it gets uncomfortably hot and dry - often up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Saudi Arabia is now considered a safe travel destination with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. However, the German Foreign Office advises against travelling to the border areas with Yemen. These include the provinces of Najran and Jazan. The district of Qatif in the eastern province should also be avoided if possible.

Those who inform themselves well in advance and behave according to the rules can get to know Saudi Arabia as a traditional but hospitable country that is happy to welcome tourists. The rules for travellers in Saudi Arabia are less strict than for the locals. Nevertheless, there are some rules to follow:

Dress code: Long sleeves; women should avoid too revealing and tied clothing.

Consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited in public.

Photography and filming of people or public buildings are not allowed everywhere.

Decency rule: No exchange of affection in public.

The city of Mecca is reserved for people of the Muslim faith alone.

Yes, women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone. They do not need any permission or declaration and can apply for a visa - just like men. Nevertheless, it is (still) advised to travel to Saudi Arabia in male company. It is true that the peninsula is basically considered a safe travel destination with a very low crime rate. However, women still have fewer rights than men, which can lead to problems in the event of a legal dispute.

Since 2022, travelers from the Schengen area no longer have to apply for a visa in advance. Instead, they will receive a "visa on arrival", i.e. when they enter the country. The prerequisite is a passport that is still valid for at least six months. A visa fee of SAR 300 (€80) must also be paid by credit or debit card. The visa allows travelers to stay in the country for 90 days, multiple entries are possible.

Restaurants, cab rides and hotel accommodations are up to 30 to 40% cheaper in Saudi Arabia compared to Germany. Leisure activities, on the other hand, are more expensive in Saudi Arabia. In general, prices are higher in big cities like Jeddah or Riyadh than in rural regions.

In Saudi Arabia, it is common to tip. About 10-15% of the bill amount is appropriate.

The time zone in Saudi Arabia is CET+2, so it is always two hours ahead of the Central European time zone. However, there is no summer and winter time in Saudi Arabia. If the clock is set to daylight saving time here (end of March to end of October), the time difference is only one hour.

The dress code in Saudi Arabia is also becoming increasingly relaxed for travellers. For example, it is no longer obligatory for foreign women to wear a veil or headscarf. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is a conservative country. Therefore, tourists should observe some rules - especially outside the hotel - and pack their suitcases accordingly:

Generally speaking, what is appropriate to wear varies depending on the occasion. For leisure activities (such as sports, on the beach or hiking in nature), the rules are seen somewhat more loosely than, for example, for business meetings or fancy restaurant visits. Especially at places of worship, care should be taken to wear neat and long clothing - even in hot temperatures. To prevent sunstroke, however, it is a good idea to pack something to protect your head from the sun, like a cap or sun hat.

The public display of tattoos and piercings is considered disrespectful in Saudi Arabia and is not welcome. When entering the country, tourists should consider removing piercings and cover-up tattoos.

The official language in Saudi Arabia is Arabic. However, especially in larger cities, many locals also speak English - especially the younger generation. Nevertheless, it is always appreciated if travellers make an effort and learn some vocabulary in Arabic. Tip: A small hand dictionary does not take up much space in your suitcase and is the ideal companion to please locals, make contacts and leave a good impression.

Saudi Arabia is about six times the size of Germany. So the distances from one travel destination to the next can be huge. That's why it's essential to know the best way to get from A to B on the Arabian Peninsula:

• Domestic flights: air travel is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel within the country. Cheap flights are available - depending on the route - from as little as 30 euros.
• Bus & Train: There are several rail routes in Saudi Arabia. The trains are highly modern and air-conditioned, connecting different metropolises. For example, there is a North Train and an East Train, which you can book via the SAR website (Saudi Railway Company). You can also reach more remote areas by bus. These can be booked online at SAPTCO - assuming you know Arabic.
• Taxi & Uber: There is hardly any public transport in Saudi Arabian cities - cabs are, therefore, the most important means of transportation. As a general rule, the fare should always be negotiated in advance. If you prefer to avoid this, you can also use the Uber app or the local app Careem.
• Rental cars: You need an international and German driver's license to rent a car. There is right-hand traffic in Saudi Arabia. You will only find gas stations on major roads. Since 2018, women are also allowed to drive in the country.

Important: The infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is not as well developed as you might know it from Europe. Within the cities, there are often traffic jams and traffic chaos. The rural areas are often only equipped with poor roads. If you book an organised round trip with us, you are, in any case, on the safe side.

Hospitality is very important in Saudi Arabia. As in many Islamic communities, guests are seen as a gift from God. Taking care of guests is an opportunity to do good and gain favour in the eyes of Allah. So when travelling in Saudi Arabia, don't be surprised if you receive gifts, are invited to dinner, or are shown around for a whole day. Such attention may be gladly accepted and are not a "fraudulent scam", although, of course, there may be exceptions. It should be noted that some Saudi locals will pay special attention to you the whiter you are.

Important: Do not feel pressured by potential gifts to give something back. Sometimes this can even be taken as insulting.

In principle, it is possible to travel alone to Saudi Arabia as a woman. However, female solo travellers should be prepared for the fact that they may be treated differently than male travellers. Rules that apply to Saudi women play a subordinate role to foreign women. However, the strict separation of the genders is also present for tourists; for example, when eating out: Especially in smaller towns and the countryside, men and women have to dine at separate tables or even in different restaurant rooms. However, more and more restaurants, especially in the metropolises and tourist areas, are increasingly relaxing this rule. Even in hotels and resorts, gender segregation at meals is not common.

Saudi women are usually fully veiled: They wear a black robe that reaches to the floor (abaya) and a black headscarf (hijab), and sometimes also a niqab that covers the face except for the eyes. Foreign women are not expected to follow this dress code. However, many female tourists are unsure of what clothing is appropriate. No wonder: the gap between official rules and cultural customs could hardly be wider. According to official regulations, foreign women in Saudi Arabia can wear whatever they want. The only requirements are

• long sleeves,
• fully covered legs and
• no excessive cleavage.

Sexual harassment is severely punished in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, female travellers are generally at little risk of suffering severe assaults. Saudi men are usually less intrusive than many women experience in other countries. Nevertheless, it is important to be mindful and observe the following safety measures:

• Do not give out your private cell phone number or other data (e.g., social network contact information). In Saudi Arabia, Snapchat is especially common.
• If a man harasses you, take a picture of him or his car's license plate (or pretend to). It is possible to report men for harassment if you have evidence, which will deter many men.
• Be wary of particularly talkative men and avoid eye contact unless you are interacting.
• Do not touch local men unless you know them. This also applies to shaking hands unless the man offers his hand first.
• Do not sit next to a local man (such as in public areas) unless you are related or otherwise known.

To travel into Saudi Arabia's past, not only historical sites and museums are suitable, but also typical restaurants or street food stands: The cuisine of the desert state is considered one of the most traditional in the world. Recipes have been passed down from generation to generation and have hardly changed. The food is often eaten in large groups: huge plates are placed in the middle, and everyone takes a bite. Traditional Saudi cuisine is based on regional products and oriental spices such as cloves, pepper, saffron, allspice, cardamom and coriander. In short: Look forward to a taste explosion!

Saudi cuisine is known for being meat-heavy. Lamb and chicken, in particular, are often on the menu (for example, in the form of skewers or kebabs), beef is less common. Pork is forbidden in the Muslim country. Fish and seafood are also popular on the coast. However, those who eat a vegetarian diet do not need to worry. Most restaurants now also offer many plant-based dishes.

Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula and borders with

• Jordan,
• Iraq,
• Kuwait,
• Qatar,
• Oman,
• Yemen,
• and the United Arab Emirates.

Administratively, the country is divided into 13 provinces (also called emirates), which are again divided into many small administrative districts.

In the west, the desert state borders on the Red Sea, in the east on the Persian Gulf. In the south lies the Asir Mountains, which extend up to 3,000 meters in altitude. Here are also the highest mountains in the country: Jabal Ferwa and Jabal Sauda. Due to the high altitude, the climate is much milder, and the precipitation is higher, making Asir province one of the greenest regions in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, especially in summer, Asir serves as a popular refuge for locals.

There are no rivers or lakes in Saudi Arabia, only a few dried-up river beds (wadis) that occasionally carry water after heavy rainfall. The country consists mainly of vast desert landscapes and volcanic rocks.

Off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea is the Farasan chain of islands, which includes about 80 islands. Most of them are very small and only sparsely populated. The largest of the islands is called Farasan al Kabir, with an area of just under 400 km² and a population of 18,000. Coral reefs surround the tropical island with a beautiful white sandy beach, which attracts tourists repeatedly. Farasan al Kabir can be easily reached by ferry.

To further boost tourism and create new jobs, the kingdom is planning a massive project on the west coast: By 2030, a new tourism centre is to be built that will extend over 22 islands and, in addition to luxury resorts, a yacht harbour and wellness centres, will also be equipped with an airport. What makes the project special is its sustainability aspect. The entire centre is to be built in an environmentally friendly manner and be close to nature despite the highest levels of luxury. According to the plan, the airport will run on 100 per cent renewable energy. Marine studies are tasked to provide information on how damage to the coral reef can be avoided.

When you think of a desert country like Saudi Arabia, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the animal kingdom is the camel. The sand-coloured oaf is undoubtedly the country's national animal. Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years and used for a wide variety of purposes: they form the hub of every caravan, being heavily loaded with goods but also with people. Camel wool is woven into cloth; camel milk is milked and drunk or used to produce other products like chocolate or soap. The milk of the animals is considered particularly healthy because it is rich in antioxidants. In terms of taste, it is similar to cow's milk but a little saltier and spicier. When a camel dies, its meat is eaten, and the skin is made into leather.

Camel races and beauty contests are also famous. The latter, in particular, have come under heavy criticism following a scandal involving Botox and doping in isolated cases.

If you travel within Saudi Arabia's cities, you will not see any camels, but you will see them on all country roads and smaller highways - and in the rural regions and desert areas anyway.

Besides camels, you can also look out for baboons: Baboon gangs regularly rampage along the roadside in search of food.

But be warned: the burly monkeys can get cheeky and are master thieves. If you get out of your car for a photo, be sure to lock it before one of the baboons steals your provisions.

Other species native to Saudi Arabia include insects, such as a wide variety of colourful butterflies. You may also see various species of snakes, scorpions and lizards. Even the oryx antelope, which was on the verge of extinction, has been reintroduced to the desert state and is now protected.

The most extraordinary biodiversity in Saudi Arabia is probably found in the Red Sea: from countless exotic fish species, jellyfish and octopuses to sea turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins - not to mention the dazzling coral reefs!

The best time to travel are the winter months, from October to April. It gets so hot and dry in summer that sightseeing, swimming and all other activities are hardly bearable. It can be endured in winter with warm but still pleasant temperatures of 25 to 35 degrees. The good thing is that the humidity is not very high during this time either!