Saudi Arabia holidays

Saudi holidays go big on beach time and city sights, plus plenty of bonus bits – think desert tours and bargain-hunting in markets.

Emerging talent in the Middle East

Cosmopolitan cities bursting with designer shops and spice-soaked souks. Dramatic deserts that stretch for miles, and mountains that rise majestically out of the sand. Intricately decorated mosques. Beach resorts that cuddle up to the Red Sea. And colourful celebrations to coincide with your holiday, whenever you choose to go. This is Saudi like you’ve never seen it before – and this up-and-comer in the Middle East is definitely a country that is fast-tracking its way up plenty of travel lists.

On-the-rise Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi’s capital, blends tradition with the ultra-modern. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Diriyah and its restored ruins and museums, then snap photos of a skyline punctuated with skyscrapers. There are streets and malls bursting at the seams with shops. And, Riyadh’s got all the ingredients to please foodies. Hop between traditional souks like Al Zal and grab yourself a street shawarma – tasty grilled meat wrapped in a flatbread. Or, get your teeth into fine dining along the Bujairi Terrace. It’s also worth taking a trip to The Edge of the World, a dramatic cliff formation outside of the city, which flaunts sweeping views over the desert.

Seaside fix in Jeddah

Beach holiday more your vibe? Make Jeddah your destination – it’s set on the western coast of Saudi along the shores of the Red Sea. It’s the country’s second largest city and home to the historic Al-Balad district, where centuries-old architecture tells stories of trade and Islamic tradition. The waterfront Jeddah Corniche is also well worth a visit. This 30-kilometre-long promenade snakes its way along the Red Sea coastline, and is decorated with a necklace of beaches, art installations, picnic areas and even the world’s tallest fountain – the King Fahd Fountain.

What to know

Sold on all the amazing things you can do here? We’re not surprised. Riyadh and Jeddah combined are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to eye-widening places to visit in Saudi. We’ve not even covered the sweeping deserts you can visit, or the mountain hikes at sunset and the Red Sea coral reefs primed for scuba diving. But let’s not get distracted. Just so you know, alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi and therefore can’t be purchased or consumed within the country. So if you’re after a boozy one, this place won’t be for you. It’s also more liberal here than you might think in terms of clothing. It’s polite to cover up at significant places of culture, like mosques and temples, but you’re fine to pack your swimwear for beachy resorts and hotels with pools.