If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, you’ve probably already realized that it can be difficult to know what to expect based on your research and limited personal recounts of others’ tourist experiences.
With its deep-rooted traditions, diverse attractions, and evolving tourism scene, knowing what to expect when traveling to Saudi Arabia can be tricky.
In this blog post, I’ll share Saudi Arabia travel tips based on my recent trip to Riyadh.
Disclaimer: Views are of my own accord.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (and I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is 🙂, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
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Other Blog Posts You’ll Enjoy:
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Riyadh
• How to Spend A Layover in Doha
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Avoid planning a short trip that includes a Friday
When planning a trip to Riyadh, it’s best to avoid scheduling a short visit that includes a Friday. Friday is the Islamic holy day and the weekend in Saudi Arabia.
On Fridays, many businesses, markets, and attractions remain closed most of the day or operate on limited hours, especially during the Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), which takes place around midday.
This can make exploring key sites, dining at popular restaurants, or shopping at traditional souqs difficult. While some places, like malls, may open later in the day, a short trip with fewer available activities could feel restrictive since many places are closed.
To make the most of your time, consider arriving on a Saturday or earlier in the week when everything is fully operational. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the city.
Read up on the laws before traveling
Several laws in Saudi Arabia are very important for visitors to be aware of so they don’t get in trouble on their trip.
A few examples are:
• Public displays of affection are not allowed.
• Speaking against the Saudi government, royal family, or Islam can lead to arrest.
• Posting content that insults the government, religion, or public morals can lead to arrest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website may be a great resource to review guidance on rules, regulations, and policies in Saudi Arabia.
Understand Saudi’s zero-tolerance policy on alcohol
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Riyadh, as the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are banned in the country.
Unlike some neighboring Gulf countries that allow alcohol in designated areas, Riyadh enforces a zero-tolerance policy, and there are severe penalties for possession or consumption.
If you are a drinker, I would understand this and manage your expectations accordingly.
As someone who does not drink heavily, this is not something that impacts me, but I want visitors to understand that there are no bars, liquor stores, or alcohol-serving establishments in the city.
The good news is that the establishments in Riyadh are doing a great job offering plenty of unique beverages like mocktails that make up for the absence of alcohol!
Check to see if you need a tourist visa before your arrival
If your country of nationality is listed on Saudi Arabia’s eligible countries list for its e-visa or visa-on-arrival program, you may be able to bypass many procedural to-dos before your trip to Riyadh. It’s best to check before heading to an Embassy or consulate.
This may save you a lot of time and means a quicker trip to Riyadh.
Set reservations for restaurants in advance
Restaurants in Riyadh fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to be intentional about making reservations for your desired dining experiences.
Riyadh’s dining scene draws crowds, particularly on weekends and during peak dining hours. Without a reservation, you may be waiting for long periods or unable to get a table at your preferred restaurant.
I saw people get turned away from places within Diriyah and the Globe Restaurant because they did not have reservations, and the establishments were packed.
Lean more on the conservative side when it comes to clothing choices
Clothing in Riyadh does emphasize modesty and respect for local customs.
As a visitor, you should try to dress conservatively, especially in public places, government buildings, and religious sites.
Although women are no longer required to wear an abaya, it is still common, and many still choose to do so out of respect. It is best to cover your shoulders, chest area, knees, and, really, most exposed parts of the body.
Tight clothing is also NOT suggested even when it is still covering.
For men, long-sleeved shirts and long pants help protect from the sun during hotter months and align with local customs.
Be careful about public photography
Public photography in Saudi Arabia comes with some dos and don’ts.
It is not allowed to take pictures of people, especially women, without their consent.
Photographing government and public buildings is a no, among some other things that I would advise you to do research on.
In my experience, especially as a blogger, taking pictures in Riyadh was very easy, and I didn’t really have any issues for the most part. Whenever I had a problem, it was due to having my camera bag (which I use very casually to carry my everyday items) or my actual Canon R50.
I was asked to put my camera inside a locker so I would not use it, and then I was able to retrieve it later. But when I was using my phone and taking pictures in restaurants, at tourist attractions, etc., I was fine.
Get tickets for attractions and events beforehand
I found that the attractions in Riyadh, even when free, require tickets, and it’s wise to get them 2-3 days before you plan to go.
Many of the city’s top destinations, such as BLVD Riyadh City, BLVD World, Diriyah, and the Sky Bridge, are highly demanded, especially during the Riyadh Season and peak travel times.
Some attractions have limited capacity, and popular events like concerts, festivals, and sporting matches often sell out quickly. The first time I wanted to go to BLVD World, I had to reschedule my date due to tickets being sold out, and if it wasn’t for me having another day to spend in the city, I would not have been able to visit.
By booking tickets in advance, you can avoid long lines, secure your preferred dates and time, and sometimes even get early-bird discounts.
Be flexible with your day-to-day itinerary
When visiting Riyadh, I would be flexible with your day-to-day itinerary to accommodate unexpected changes and make the most of your trip.
The city’s pace can vary depending on factors like prayer times and traffic congestion, which may affect your plans. Additionally, I found that some attractions have variable opening hours, and the times listed on Google were not the actual reality.
For example, Google told me the Sky Bridge would open at 12 p.m. one day, so I and another tourist arrived around that time, only to be told that it would be opening at 4 p.m. This was during my first trip to Riyadh, so I actually ended up missing out on the attraction on my first visit because I planned for it early on my last day.
That was a lesson learned, which is why I believe a flexible approach will help me have a great experience in Riyadh.
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I hope this blog post about Saudi Arabia travel tips was helpful and that your trip to the Kingdom is everything you hope it is!
Please feel free to comment with any other questions about my experience in Saudi Arabia or share what you find to be an interesting tip.
