Saudi Arabia

Now is the time to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a nation with simmering potential and sharpened ambition on the very cusp of taking the world stage by storm. Dating back to pre-Islamic Arabia, this Arab country has and continues to dominate the Arabian peninsula in wealth, size, and cultural influence. The Kingdom was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz when he united the four historical regions into a single state, beginning with Riyadh, the ancestral home of his family, the Al Saud. When petroleum was discovered in 1938,  Saudi Arabia became the world’s second largest oil producer and a major world economy. It is also where the world’s second largest religion, Islam, was born. Within this country, religious doctrines dictate the social norms and day to day activities: each day begins with the call to dawn prayers, and worshippers pray four more times throughout the day and into the evening. Recreational activities are often a family affair and segregation of the sexes is commonplace. Though Saudi Arabia has long been a major religious destination with millions visiting Islam’s two holy cities of Mecca and Medina annually, the kingdom recently opened its doors to the rest of the world, promoting leisure travel as part of a strategy to diversify its economy. With several tourism-focused projects and high-end developments already in the pipeline, Saudi Arabia is poised to become the next world-class destination. It juxtaposes ancient souqs and modern skyscrapers in Riyadh, ruins of the ancient Nabatean civilization with upcoming luxury resorts blended into Al Ula’s desert-scape, and Jeddah’s historical landmarks with cutting-edge modern museums. Off the beaten track towns perched in the mountains, out in the desert on ancient trade routes, and along the coasts are raw and awaiting discovery. 

Saudi Arabia Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Saudi Arabia Itineraries

Classic Saudi Arabia

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,500
See Itinerary

Cross Country Saudi Arabia: Riyadh to Abha

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Aman Al Ula

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

Luxury hotel group Aman has announced its plans to open three properties in Saudi Arabia in 2023. There will be a tented camp and two resorts, all in the Al Ula region, granting guests sublime access to this extraordinary area and its UNESCO Heritage Site.
Preferred Hotel

Banyan Tree AlULa

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

A retreat nestled in AlUla’s serene Ashar Valley, the Banyan Tree welcomes guests to 47 tented villas that blend luxury and sophistication with its mesmerizing desert landscape. The accommodation ranges from spacious one to three bedroom villas, dressed in terracotta walls, muted desert tones, Nabataean-inspired designs, and locally sourced handicrafts. Most villas feature a private pool and fire pit. Covered with sand-colored canvas, the villas fit seamlessly into its landscape of sand dunes and red stone mountains. Leaving a light footprint, the boutique resort’s other facilities include a secluded Rock Pool, a Health Center, and two dining venues offering Thai and local cuisine. Immersing guests in the locale, the property offers exclusive outdoor treatments, nomadic chef’s tables, active adventures, and private events staged in spectacular settings. The Banyan Tree AlUla is located approximately 30-minutes’ drive from Al Ula airport.
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Four Seasons Riyadh is an urban oasis perched within the iconic 99-floor Kingdom Centre Tower. There are 274 rooms, located between the 30th and 50th floors, all offering remarkable views of the city skyline. North-facing rooms look to the Financial District while southern-view rooms face Old Riyadh. Spacious rooms start at 46 sqm (494 sq. ft.) and are dressed in calming neutral colors with steel and leather accents. Modern smart amenities include an Espresso machine, refrigerated private bar, a Lutron Lighting system, down duvet and pillows, and complimentary WiFi, newspaper, and overnight shoe shine. The property offers four dining venues: the signature Elements all-day dining restaurant serves an array of cuisines across an open buffet with special themed nights; steaks and seafood are the focus at the elegant eatery The Grill; Middle Eastern specialties and shisha are on the menu at the al fresco Al Balcon; and light bites and afternoon tea is served in the atmospheric Lobby Lounge. The fitness and spa center, accessible to men, is the largest of its kind in the region. An exclusive women’s-only floor has its own gym and spa services. This centrally-located hotel is a 30-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport.
Preferred Hotel

Habitas AlUla

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

The Habitas Al Ula is an upscale adults-only hotel that brings luxury living to Al Ula in an eco-friendly manner. The property sits within the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves. Scattered across a vawst swath of sand are 96 villas, each with well-appointed terraces, across three tiers: premium Celestial villas, Alcove villas, and Canyon villas. Each villa is sustainably-designed to embrace the natural surroundings and take advantage of the scenic canyon views. Complimentary e-bikes are parked by each suite, inviting guests to explore the property and beyond. The restaurant, Tama, practices sustainable agricultural methods and brings eco-consciousness into its local dishes. Other facilities include a yoga deck, wellness and fitness centers, and a swimming pool. In addition, the hotel facilitates programs for guests such as canyon trekking, meditation, and a weekly outdoor cinema screening featuring regional cultural films and documentaries.
Preferred Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Coming under the Mandarin Oriental brand as of 2022, the centrally-located Al Faisaliah Hotel has been one Riyadh’s top hotels since its opening. Guestroom and public area renovations were undertaken upon the switchover, giving the property a modernized facelift that aligns it with the brand’s signature style and service, including its 24-hour butler service. There are a total of 330 smartly appointed rooms and suites, each with plush furnishings, Arabesque details, and modern amenities. Spacious rooms start at 45 sqm and feature a king or twin beds, round-the-clock butler service, separate lounge area, and a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower. For dining, guests have a wealth of choice between nine venues that collectively serve an array of cuisines such as French, Mediterranean, Greek, and Chinese in both casual and fine-dining spaces that are befitting of any occasion. Al Faisaliah’s health club is especially for men and features a 20m indoor pool, fitness center with isotonic weight machines, and a relaxation space. There is also a ladies-only spa center which offers vibrant lounges, private spa suites, Hammam, a 16m indoor pool, and scented Finnish-style saunas and steam baths. Guests can also enjoy the luxury shopping and entertainment areas of the adjoining Al Faisaliah Mall.
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Since its grand opening in 2017, the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah has been the premier ultra-luxe destination in Jeddah for international travelers, businessmen, honeymooners, pilgrims to Mecca, and families alike. In grand Ritz-Carlton style, its opulence is fit for royalty: massive crystal chandeliers, impeccably polished marble floors, lush gardens, majestic arches, an impressive fountain, and all paired with genial Saudi Arabian hospitality. The property has 224 rooms and suites, each offering a King or two double beds with premium pillowtop, high speed WiFi and modern tech features, and marble baths with luxury bath toiletries and separate bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower. Club rooms have exclusive access to the Club Lounge and amenities including culinary offerings and a dedicated concierge. Other facilities include a health club with designated times for men and women, which includes a gymnasium, soaking tub, sauna, and steam room. Guests can choose amongst three dining venues including Reyhana which specializes in Arabian and Mediterranean dishes and holds monthly cuisine-themed nights, Saltz which offers classical and innovative dishes that are elevated by the use of eight different salts from around the world, and Karamel Lounge where guests can enjoy high afternoon tea and other sweets made fresh by in-house pastry chefs. The centrally-located Ritz-Carlton is within a 15-minute drive of Jeddah Mall and Thalia Street, and 45-minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The palatial Ritz-Carlton Riyadh sits on a 52-acre retreat of manicured gardens and has been the premier hotel in the capital for discerning guests and VIPs including foreign dignitaries, local elites, and royalty. Past the spectacular fountains and inside its ochre facade are arched doorways, marble hallways, grand chandeliers, and curved staircases with gilded filigree balusters - an opulent vision of Saudi Arabian grandeur. All guestrooms and suites are dressed in ethnic textures of the region and elegant neutral colors, and feature plush luxury textiles, modern amenities, and large windows that open to the gardens and city. Club-level rooms offer access to the Club lounge and exclusive services such as dedicated Concierge and complimentary culinary treats. The Ritz-Carlton offers a variety of dining venues for all occasions. Al Orjouan is the signature all-day dining restaurant that serves a sumptuous spread of Middle Eastern and international dishes at its dinner buffet, with select themed nights highlighting meats and seafood in addition to an impressive Friday brunch affair. Chorisa Lounge is a more casual venue for all-day dining with seating in the elegant saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows or al fresco on the terrace. For lunch and dinner, try Italian fare at Azzurro or Hong for modern Chinese in a fine dining setting. Sweets of Arabia is a petite cafe that offers traditional hand-crafted Arabian sweets, while the sophisticated Turquoise Cigar Lounge is ideal for unwinding at the end of the day with a selection of premium cigars and drinks. The family-friendly Strike Bowling Alley features six bowling lanes, a large TV broadcasting major sporting events, a number of billiards tables, and its own kitchen that serves American bar-inspired fare. The gentleman’s spa facilities include treatment rooms, steam and sauna, a fitness center, and indoor pool. The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is a quick 30-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport.
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The Rosewood Jeddah is a modern ultra-luxe hotel located at the heart of the Corniche, the capital’s most impressive and fashionable coastal resort area. Each of the hotel's spacious 101 guestrooms and 26 suites spread across the 19-story hotel feature imported European furniture, plush carpeted floors, marble bathrooms with LED television, private balconies with views of the Red Sea or Jeddah city. Thoughtful modern amenities include personal espresso coffee machines, daily shoe valet, high-speed WiFi, and smart touch-screen control for lighting, curtains, temperature and butler service. There are four dining options including a rooftop lounge where guests can savor drinks with panoramic views of the Red Sea. The hotel also features the city’s only rooftop health club with outdoor rooftop pool. The King Abdulaziz International Airport is 20 minutes away by car.
Preferred Hotel

Sharaan Resort

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

The much-anticipated Sharaan Resort is slated to open in 2024, elevating the standard of luxury accommodation and tourism infrastructure in the Al Ula region. Designed by French star architect Jean Nouvel, the resort is envisioned to be a modern architectural masterpiece while also celebrating and drawing from the “lines and the genius of the Nabateans.” The architecture aims to showcase and preserve the beautiful and unique natural setting and the area’s cultural heritage. The resort will feature 40 suites, pavilions, and villas, and will be located in a valley deep inside the Sharaan Nature Reserve, especially chosen for its dramatic landscape of high cliffs, rocky plateaus, and spectacular sand dunes.
Pre-Opening Hotel

Four Seasons Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A new addition to Jeddah’s prolific corniche is the Four Seasons Jeddah, slated for 2023. Shaping up to be an iconic building, the hotel’s architecture will resemble twin gateways on top of a podium. The unique 8-storey podium base will house retail shops, meeting rooms and a ballroom, on top of a basement for parking and services. The roof of the podium is designed as hanging gardens hosting an outdoor jacuzzi and swimming pool, lounges and cabanas, a spa, restaurants, and children’s facilities. The main building will have over 250 guest rooms, and a number of serviced and branded apartments, all with Jeddah city views or waterfront vistas of the Red Sea.
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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Saudi Arabia

Asia’s diverse weather patterns and seasonal events means you’ll need an expert to help guide you.

  • The best times to visit Saudi Arabia are between November and February when the weather is mild and most comfortable though the Kingdom can be visited year-round based on ideal climate conditions which vary across the regions.
  • The main climate differences can be felt between the coastal areas and the interiors. Riyadh experiences temperate weather, with warm days and frigid nights, low humidity and extreme summers. The coastal areas around the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf can remain warm and humid all year.
  • Summers are intense, dry with no rain, and with moderate humidity. From May onwards, temperatures soar in the high 80’s and peak in August.
  • Winter peaks between December and January, with January being the coldest month. Average temperatures during this season are comfortable in the low 70’s during the day but in certain regions, can drop to low 30’s by night.
  • Most rainfall occurs between November and April, over winter. Jeddah can experience tropical thunderstorms and balmy days, with highs reaching mid-80s Fahrenheit.
  • Spring and Autumn are short and sweet, switching quickly between hot and cold with minimal rain. During spring, after the winter shows, the Kingdom’s vegetation comes to life so this is the best time to explore the flora and fauna in the hills.

Multi-Country Specialists

Saudi Arabia Goes Well With

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