Visit Saudi Arabia and explore the cultural heart of the Middle East. From the modern business metropolis of Riyadh to the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia offers a range of experiences during holidays in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, spanning most of the Arabian Peninsula and can be roughly divided into five historical regions, including Hejaz on the Red Sea coast - the city where most of the country's trade and commerce takes place, as well as the Eastern Province. Each district offers its own historical and cultural experiences.
Riyadh is situated at the heart of Saudi Arabia, in the centre of the Nejd highland region. Visitors to Riyadh can experience its fascinating fusion of new and old, as the historic old town remains largely intact next to Saudi Arabia's modern capital of hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Saudi Arabia's commercial centre Jeddah also offers a wonderful blend of ancient and modern styles. Visitors can explore the coral houses and traditional market souks of al-Balad or enjoy a range of tourist activities on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast.
Saudi Arabia is a huge country with most of its area uninhabited, something that adventurous locals have turned to their advantage by devising exciting desert excursions, particularly in the scenic Empty Quarter. There are many opportunities for adventure holidays in Saudi Arabia as the country enjoys two coastlines on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, both popular areas for water sports. The Jeddah Corniche is the largest waterfront area in Saudi Arabia, a tourist capital offering 30 km of beach resorts and luxury hotels and providing the ideal opportunity for scuba diving amongst the coral reefs.
A travel Visa is essential when booking flights to Saudi Arabia, but internal travel permits are no longer required. As a Muslim country, visitors to Saudi Arabia are expected to pay heed to local customs and beliefs and to dress conservatively in public. Travellers visiting Saudi Arabia during the fasting month of Ramadan can further respect Saudi culture by abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the daylight hours.
