female business travel to saudi arabia

Travelling Without a Passport

The speck of a woman standing near an ancient site in Saudi Arabia

A Female Traveler’s Guide to Saudi Arabia

In November 2021, I accepted an invitation by the Saudi Tourism Authority to visit the widely unknown Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the reactions from my colleagues and friends varied (some were skeptical whereas others were simply excited for me), we all shared one thing: none of us knew exactly what to expect. On top of this, the coronavirus pandemic was far from over. But after my third dose, and additional testing precautions, I was ready to board the plane and start this adventure.

Although the times are changing, there are still many misunderstandings and questions about Saudi Arabia. I hope my personal travel experience will shed some light on this lesser-known Middle Eastern country and serve as a guide for female travelers wanting to visit Saudi Arabia.

A woman looking down from the Sky Bridge at Kingdom Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Here’s everything you need to know:

Solo travel vs group tours

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Etiquette and customs, hotel facilities, beyond hummus: food & dining, beautiful landscapes, solo travel vs group tours .

Some people have strong opinions on whether group or solo travel is better, but there is no winner. In fact, this decision strongly depends on preference as well as the travel destination itself.

A man in a white robe at Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Personally, I enjoy exploring destinations by myself and feel that solo travel is a wonderful experience full of surprises. However, I also believe that traveling to an unknown destination like Saudi Arabia can be an adventure in itself. So this time around, I was happy to get to travel as part of a group.

For me, one of the biggest advantages was the added safety and peace of mind that came from having wonderful tour guides. Not only were they around at all times to answer questions, but they were very familiar with the places we visited and could offer expert knowledge and tips. This made me feel completely safe and relaxed.

The second (but no less important) reason why I wanted to travel in a group was that you get to connect with new people from different backgrounds. You learn about their lives and get to experience a foreign culture and country with them. Without even talking about it, you all know that you’re on this incredible adventure, together. It’s a wonderful feeling. And in a blink of an eye, strong friendships are born. Though it may feel like you’ve known each other for years, in reality, it’s only been a few days!

Different landscapes and people in Saudi Arabia

See Also: Group Tours Vs Solo Travel: Which Travel Style is For You?

Saudi Arabia was formerly closed as a travel destination for foreigners and only recently launched an international tourist visa in September 2019. Although it had to stop issuing visas due to the pandemic, the KSA finally reopened again in August 2021. Tourists from 49 countries are now eligible to apply online for a tourist visa. In fact, the country is focused on growing the tourism sector and has been making major changes and investments to help reach this goal.

One of the questions I heard a lot was whether a woman could apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia. The answer is yes. Women can even travel solo to Saudi Arabia. However, it is important to bear in mind that there is still a broad gender separation throughout the Saudi Arabian society that will influence and determine your travel. For example, there are separate lines for women and children at the airport security checkpoints, and only female security guards are allowed to check the women.

Marie Weindlmayr

Based in Vienna (Austria), Marie is Digital Marketing Manager at TourRadar. When she is not travelling, you can find her cooking, gardening or exploring Vienna and its surrounding areas by bike.

Food & Drink

Your Guide to Amsterdam’s Secret Bars and Speakeasies

One of the most popular cities in Europe, Amsterdam has no...

North America

Your Guide to Easter Around the World

Easter is a time to celebrate new beginnings. The symbols and...

Central America

The Best Spring Break Destinations

As long as academics have been a part of our lives,...

The 10 Best Day Hikes from Reykjavik

Get unlimited access to the world's best travel stories. subscribe now., privacy overview.

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

Female travel in Saudi Arabia: here’s what you need to know

A guide to independent female travel in Saudi Arabia, solo or otherwise. Includes cultural tips, advice on what to wear, things to be careful of, and more!

Are you a female traveler planning travel to Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia is a tricky country for women travelers, so here's a guide with all the things you need to know about both solo female travel and general travel as a woman in Saudi Arabia. Includes tips on how to stay safe, what to wear, cultural norms to know, and more. Click through for a full female travel guide to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

You probably could’ve guessed that Saudi Arabia is an… interesting place for female travelers.

Heavily segregated by gender and (in)famous for its restrictions on women’s freedoms and rights, the country is not the easiest place to be a woman, let alone travel as one!

However, times are changing. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pushing for relaxed restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia. I won’t go into politics or rationale—what matters is that some changes affect foreign female tourists, too.

Figuring out what is and is not okay as a woman traveling Saudi Arabia is tricky, especially given these rapid changes. To help you, here’s my guide to female travel in Saudi Arabia, compiled after my 3+ weeks of travel in the country.

Female travel in Saudi Arabia: a guide

Background on women in Saudi Arabia
Is it safe for women to travel?
What’s it like?
Should you travel there?
What to wear
Things to know
Safety tips

Solo travel vs. traveling with men

Harassment and other female traveler’s experiences
Resources for female travelers

Saudi woman pouring tea in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

My female Couchsurfing host in Riyadh dishing out karak shay at a cafe

What’s up with women in Saudi Arabia?

Where to even begin?

Saudi Arabia used to be a more relaxed and open society, until religious hardliners came to power in the 1980s . Restricting women in the name of Islam was one of the items on their agenda. Contrary to how free women were several decades ago, these days the list of restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia is immense .

Forget fixations on clothes and hijabs, as Western media tends to do—there were (and still are) far more important restrictions on women’s lives in the Kingdom.

Women could not travel internationally, conduct business, or even receive medical treatment (among other things) without a male guardian’s written permission. Now women aged 21+ can get a passport and travel without one , but many other guardianship rules are still in place.

Women weren’t allowed to drive cars until 2018 , limiting movement and forcing many to spend exorbitantly on taxis. Even now, there aren’t enough driving schools to handle the number of female applicants. Women’s rights activists who campaigned for the right to drive are still in prison .

Separation of women and men is in every aspect of society. Women are restricted to women-only educational institutions (often of lower quality), eating only in restaurants with family seating (of which there are few), and they could get in trouble for being with men whom they are not related to until very recently.

However, things are quickly changing. Many of these legal and cultural restrictions are theoretically relaxing, though women are still being punished and shamed for minor offenses in the wake of these liberal reforms.

In five years, the country might be completely different for men and women alike. Only time will tell.

Do these rules apply to foreign women?

Rules for foreign women and local women do differ at times. For example, foreign women no longer have to wear abayas , but local women do.

In general, foreign women enjoy more freedom than their Saudi counterparts. Because the Kingdom hopes to attract more foreign tourists of a diverse nature, foreign women are likely to be given more leeway if caught… but many of the rules still apply. Tread carefully.

Is it safe for women to travel in Saudi Arabia?

I’d say so. I certainly wouldn’t consider it a dangerous place for women to travel!

Female traveler walking in Nabatean tombs in Al Bad', Saudi Arabia

Exploring the “Shuaib tombs”, likely Nabatean tombs in Al Bad’

What was it like to travel as a woman in Saudi Arabia?

I’ll be honest: I found it frustrating many a time. However, it’s certainly possible, and you’re not as restricted as Saudi women.

I didn’t have to be on guard with Saudi men. Much.

Though just as conservative in many ways, Saudi Arabia is not as intense for female travel as, say, Pakistan or Afghanistan . Men don’t stare as much, and they certainly aren’t as touchy! Nor are men as aggressively forward as men in Iran .

Young men were flirty a few times, but I put on my best bitchface and ignored.

Man pouring hot water for tea on the roadside in Saudi Arabia

Most men were distant, and respectful—if still distant—when I spoke with them.

I straddled the line between men and women’s worlds.

A common occurrence for foreign women in conservative countries : you benefit from weird double standards.

I went out for one-on-one dinner and coffee with a Saudi man who wouldn’t let his own brother see his wife’s face.

A friendly local guy happily showed a foreign female friend and I around his city, even though his family was so conservative that he didn’t know what his female cousins looked like.

I drove around late at night, candidly talking about everything from sex to atheism with a man who was worried about being seen shaking my hand outside of his workplace.

Sitting with men eating lunch in Wadi Disah, Saudi Arabia

Sitting and having food with men I’d just met in Wadi Disah – something that used to be illegal.

Meeting women was tough.

In my experience, women were invisible outside of big cities. Many women travel only by car, not foot, and are fully covered when they do. I had to actively seek out women to interact with via Instagram and Couchsurfing; I sure wasn’t meeting many by chance!

However, there were some spaces where I learned I could see women: shopping areas and malls, women’s sections of cafes, and sometimes parks around sunset.

Young women in black sitting in the family section of a cafe in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Two women I got chatting with in a coffee spot in Jazan

Finding cheap restaurants to eat in was difficult.

Restaurants are usually divided into “singles” men’s sections and “family” sections… if there’s a family section at all! Most cheap restaurants are singles-only. Women are allowed to go inside to get food, but they have to get it packed for takeaway (an endeavor usually involving metric tons of unnecessary plastic and packaging).

Female traveler eating in a family section of a Saudi Arabia restaurant

Eating in a secluded “family” cubicle

Given I was backpacking around Saudi Arabia on a budget, this was annoying. Sometimes restaurants were flexible about this rule—segregation is now no longer required by law —but for the most part, I had to eat in more expensive family restaurants because I wanted to avoid the plastic waste of takeaway food.

Enjoying the middle of nowhere, Saudi Arabia

Should you travel in Saudi Arabia?

Travel in Saudi Arabia is relatively easy—infrastructure is good, tourists are now welcome, and you don’t have to worry much about scams or dangers.

However, I would not plan to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman unless you are prepared to encounter a strictly conservative and very patriarchal Islamic society and respect their norms. Or are only visiting Jeddah.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is not like other popular Muslim-majority countries where tourists can get away with ignoring Islamic aspects of culture, ex. Morocco or Turkey. Its citizens are not yet used to tourists. It’s important that tourists respect the country’s rules and customs in this sensitive time of change. Even if you disagree.

If you aren’t comfortable respecting the local culture, don’t visit.

Female traveler in Marid Castle in Dumat Al Jandal, Saudi Arabia

Rockin’ that abaya in Marid castle in Dumat Al Jandal

What should women wear when traveling to Saudi Arabia?

Remember, culture and official rules are two different things.

Officially: You can wear whatever you want in Saudi Arabia so long as it’s modest. That means long sleeves, legs fully covered, and no excessive cleavage showing. Color doesn’t matter. Covering your head is unnecessary.

Practically speaking: If you wear anything except a black abaya and hijab you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb in most of the country.

I’d say outside of Riyadh and Jeddah, 99% of the Saudi women a tourist will see will be in full niqab : an all black robe, and headscarf (hijab) with face covered except for the eyes. If you see women at all.

Inside Riyadh and Jeddah, things will only be slightly different.

Even in the capital, Riyadh, most of the women you’ll see wear niqab.

Still quite conservative. Most women wear all black, even in fancy malls. Only in more upmarket establishments will you see uncovered faces and occasionally uncovered heads. Black abayas recommended.

A diverse crowd makes up the most liberal city in Saudi thanks to all the religious pilgrims and seaport cultures. You’ll see more women in open, colorful abayas, plus uncovered heads and faces. Abayas of any color work here.

What did I wear?

What you choose to wear depends on how comfortable you are with stares. (… and, I’d venture to say, the color of your skin.)

While traveling around Saudi, I wore a black abaya every day, and rarely took it off in public. When I did go without abaya, men actually did get more flirty. I covered my head about half of the time… and had stuffy old men shout at me to cover up once when I didn’t .

When in remote areas with few to no people, I took the abaya off. Hell, I even went swimming in my bathing suit on a few different beaches! (After a liberal local woman told me I could.) The coast guard eventually spotted me; they were surprised, but didn’t say anything. However, I wouldn’t swim anywhere in Saudi where strangers were present unless I was fully clothed. If I swam at all.

Women travelers in Saudi Arabia walking through Ushaiger with a male Couchsurfing host

My friend and I walking with a Couchsurfing host in Ushaiger village near Riyadh

More things to know about female travel in Saudi Arabia

Let’s clear up some misconceptions and confusion about traveling as a woman in Saudi, shall we?

Women can book hotels on their own. No need for a male guardian.

Women can be hosted by men. Couchsurfing as a woman in Saudi Arabia IS legal, if not common. Male Couchsurfers can host women. However, many might choose not to as it’s still scandalous to do so. I recommend solo women only stay with families, women, or men with hosting references from women.

Women can rent cars and drive on their own. So long as you have a Saudi license or an international driver’s permit (IDP), that is!

Women can’t really sit in men’s sections of restaurants. Restaurants are no longer required to be segregated , but that doesn’t mean everything has changed. Sometimes restaurants will be flexible—the nicer the restaurant, the more likely this is—but for the most part it’s family sections or takeaway to eat at home/hotel. To find family sections, look for family icons or opaque side doors to restaurants.

Family section sign at a restaurant in Saudi Arabia

A family section sign at a restaurant

Women’s restrooms are usually hidden. Many mosques have restrooms for men and women, but the women’s stalls will be in the back.

Women don’t shake hands with men. Simply say salaam aleikum , nod, or put your hand over your heart.

Female traveler overlooking Wadi Disah, Saudi Arabia

Checking out dem viewz in Wadi Disah

Safety tips for female travelers in Saudi Arabia

If a man asks for your Snapchat, be wary. It’s basically the Saudi equivalent of asking for your private phone number.
If a man is harassing you, take a photo of him or his car’s license plate (or pretend to). It’s possible to report men for harassment if you have evidence, and this will scare many men off.
Be cautious with very talkative or forward men. Unless you initiated contact, it’s not normal for men to be particularly chatty with women: they’re probably flirting with you.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for female travelers? I'd say so! This female travel guide to Saudi Arabia answers all your travel questions about Saudi Arabia, and includes tips for women on how to stay safe while independently traveling around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During my 3+ weeks in Saudi Arabia, I traveled solo, with a man, and with a small group of people. Responses to me were quite different depending on who I was with.

Female traveler in Saudi Arabia watching a sunrise over mountains in Najran

Watching the sun rise over mountains near Najran

Solo female travel in Saudi Arabia

People were mostly amazed that I was doing things alone as a woman… as they are in most parts of the world! I got a lot of curious stares when walking around alone—especially when wearing full hijab—and twice as many looks when driving around alone.

Most men I met gave me as wide a berth as possible. Conversations were short; many were clearly uncomfortable speaking with me. I received no invitations for tea, conversation, or anything along those lines. There were a few instances of verbal harassment, men catcalling, etc., but nothing serious by my standards.

Women, when I did see them, were predictably more forward and curious when I was alone. However, outside of major cities I didn’t meet—or even see—many women.

It is possible to Couchsurf as a solo female traveler with male hosts. As always you should use your discretion with male hosts.

Two travelers at a campfire in Wadi Disah, Saudi Arabia

Camping out in Wadi Disah

Traveling with a man in Saudi Arabia

Would you believe that this was actually more frustrating, if easier?

When traveling with a man, I essentially stopped existing. Men would not make eye contact with me. They’d only talk to the man. When I spoke to men, they would respond to the man. They were shocked when they saw I was driving a man around. When I paid in cash, change was returned to the man.

On the bright side, we didn’t encounter any issues traveling together despite being unmarried. Sharing hotel rooms wasn’t an issue. Occasionally we said we were married to make things easier, but even when we admitted we’re friends we didn’t get much more than surprised (or judgmental) looks.

Which did I prefer?

Personally, as a stubborn headstrong woman, I preferred traveling alone. I hate not existing.

However, if you’re looking for an easy travel experience and as much welcome as possible, traveling with a man in Saudi Arabia makes things 10000x easier and more straightforward.

Canadian female traveler petting a camel in Riyadh

Checking out a camel market outside Riyadh

Harassment in Saudi Arabia and other female travelers’ experiences

I didn’t experience much harassment in Saudi Arabia. Men whistled and catcalled several times. Two men outside of Riyadh filmed me when driving by. Boys were flirty and tried to snap selfies with me at one point. But, generally speaking, men were usually too distant to do more than offer suggestive comments or stares.

However, every traveler’s experience is different. Here are stories I heard from other women to better prepare you for what could happen. Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with anything of the sort!

A female traveler from Canada encountered a man masturbating to her in one of the Wadis in the south.
A solo female traveler from Switzerland had a man proposition her for sex using pornographic imagery on his phone after he asked her to stay in a restaurant that was closed for prayer time.
A solo traveler from China was assaulted by an Indian taxi driver in the south. He invited her into his home to “use the washroom” after other passengers were dropped off, and was forceful inside.

I share these stories not to scare you off, but to show that despite gender segregation, harassment is still a very real possibility.

Remember, men in Saudi Arabia are not used to women traveling alone or otherwise. They may interpret your foreign openness as a sign that you’re available. If anything happens, be firm. Make a scene. Don’t hesitate to be rude or run away. Or kick them in the balls.

Woman sitting on the phone in Specialty Coffee, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Phone time in the women’s section of Specialty Coffee

Resources for female travel in Saudi Arabia

Nada al Nahdi – a Yemeni/Indonesian female traveler and blogger who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia
Esraa Rayes – Saudi woman and Instagrammer who quit her job to travel
Blue Abaya – Travel blog of a Finnish woman married to a Saudi and living in the country for years
Qairawan – Travel company run by Esraa and Nada offering women-friendly, affordable trips all over the country
Couchsurfing – The best way to meet other travelers and locals in Saudi Arabia
Girls LOVE Travel – A women-only travel Facebook group, some members live/work in Saudi Arabia

Alex Reynolds

19 thoughts on “ female travel in saudi arabia: here’s what you need to know ”.

Yes. That’s totally normal.

Thank you for this wonderful review. I’m a Saudi world traveler as well and I was astonished by the accuracy of your guide. Especially the cultural and traditional details that are common knowledge between Saudis only and most foreigners don’t know about. One thing I wanted to clarify is that abayas are no longer required even for locals. The Crown Prince have even said that women don’t need to wear abayas. I’m from Jeddah, and I see more and more women are letting loose to walk abaya-free with casual jeans and T-shirt. Speaking of the harassments you received, which includes the verbal harassments, it’s very easy to report them in Saudi Arabia. All you need is an application called كلنا أمن (Kollona Amn) which is a responsive app that enables all citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia to play the role of a police officer, the user interface is similar to that of Uber but for police services, and with a simple click you can report the incident.

Here is the link for the app in the appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/%D9%83%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%86/id1085635249

For the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sa.gov.moi.securityinform&hl=en_US&gl=US

Overall, it’s a very safe country, but I thought it would be useful for all travelers, especially female travelers, to know before visiting the country. I hope you can mention that in your article.

Great information, Alex. I’ve only briefly visited for a couple of weeks during the winter holiday in Dec 2019. I’m being recruited to work there long term and due to the nature of the job, I expect to travel for work but will also do family travel since we are all planning the big move. I’ll check out your links previously mentioned… what a treasure trove of information!

As a single American woman in my home country who is provided taxi service by a Saudi Arabian owned and staffed company, I am often taken aback by drivers’ comments and questions. Thanks for the insights.

So – you have some factually incorrect info you might want to clear up – #1 being that even local women do not have to wear abayas – they can wear whatever they want as long as it’s respectful (cover knees and shoulders) and a lot of women do make that choice. Also – in general, men aren’t “surprised” to see women doing things on their own now. Things have changed in the last years and it has become normalized for women to be more independent. I feel like bits of this article were frankly sexist and come from a place of prejudice and islamaphobia that is so ingrained in most of us Westerners. LOL at saying tHiS iS WhAt CoUlD hApPEn – in any country on earth bad things COULD happen – really seems like a bit of unnecessary fear-mongering unless you talk about horrific one off events that happen in every country’s blog post? Do you mention in your USA guide that you CoUlD mAyBe PoSsiBlY get shot up in the grocery store?! A place like Saudi is way safer than most Western countries due to their strict laws and when visiting the country women don’t need to constantly be in fear of men. Also, sorry but “Kick them in the balls”?? A bit childish, no??

Visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a western business woman – Middle East Memories

In this blog series I share my experiences with the Middle Eastern countries that I visited. In this episode: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) . Where I visited the capital city, Riyadh.

In this Middle East Memories series:

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Beirut, Lebanon

Man and woman in traditional Arab clothing in Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Once upon a time, when I was working in nuclear medicine for 7 years, I did a lot of business with the Middle East . A few times I was lucky enough to be able to travel to the Middle East region. I became rather passionate about it, mostly because of the super kind people! How is it to visit Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia as a Western woman?

Here we go…

Schiphol Airport, checking in for my flight to Riyadh , the capital of Saudi Arabia. It was the first time in the Netherlands someone asked me: “Do you have your headscarf and your male guidance with you?” Sure, all arranged… What did I get myself into?!

Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, The Netherlands

Women vs. men

With regards to clothing , Saudi Arabia is still very traditional and strict. Women have to cover themselves up, it is mandatory by law. So did I. I pre-arranged to receive my black covering dress (abaya) and headscarf (hijab or shayla) from our local distributor upon arrival at Riyadh Airport. It was already pretty damn hot (45+ degrees Celsius), the black dress did not make it easier to bear those high temperatures, especially the times when there was no air-conditioning!

The good side of this black dress I saw was that I did not have to think what to wear every morning – the black dress it is! Easy peasy. Although getting the headscarf right and ensure it would stay there the whole day, was another challenge. One time I saw a lady tripling over her child because her lack of sight due to her face-covering niqab, I felt sorry for her.

Let’s be honest; women do not have the same rights as men in Saudi Arabia. Slowly this is changing though. As of June 24, 2018 Saudi women can finally get their driver’s license ! Very exciting news . Whether or not their husbands, fathers and brothers will allow them to actually drive is a different matter. We’ll see!

Making new Arab friends over tea Saudi Arabia

Work & shop

On the other hand, doors were opened for me to buildings and rooms that women normally never enter. Men access only! Women cannot work in Saudi Arabia, only in a few, very particular ‘female areas’ it is tolerated. At this point only 4% of the workforce in Saudi Arabia is female.

For example in the malls, men work at the shops, including lingerie shops and such, which leads to some discussion in Saudi Arabia. This is a happy place for people who hate trying on clothes; there are no dressing rooms in the shops. This because it is considered a risk to create the opportunity to potentially break the strict Sharia rules (you might see any naked skin for example).

Not sure why anyone would want to shop for plants in the middle of the desert

Medical centers

One of the things I noticed in Riyadh are the many medical centers. I remember we drove on this big road, seeing both left and right at least one medical center at every hundred meters or so. Cosmetic surgery is booming in Saudi Arabia. Besides, Diabetes Mellitus , one of the fastest-growing health problems in the world, is now reaching epidemic proportions in some Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia is in the top 10 (around 25%)! A serious risk when everybody drives around in their big, airconditioned SUVs and not being able to do any sports outside.

All those medical centers and patients create a high demand for doctors . If you are a Saudi and you have the capacity to learn well, the government is very supportive. All you need to do is apply to the university of your choice and get accepted. Many Saudis study at American Ivy League universities and the government pays everything ; from tuition to housing and having your own family staying with you there. In Riyadh there are also an Imam University and a University for Women .

Food & drinks

Contact between unmarried males and females is avoided in all possible ways in Saudi Arabia. For example in restaurants, females can only enter when there is a family section . Otherwise, it’s men only. Curtains on railing racks around the table provide the guests’ privacy, so females can take off at least their facial scarf (part of the niqab). I saw women holding up their face scarf piece with one hand while spooning in their food with the other hand. Did not seem very comfortable.

Saudi food is not necessary the healthiest, but tasty, with delicious spices and other ingredients Western people are usually not familiar with. The restaurant I can recommend in Riyadh is Karam Restaurant .

One day it was lunch time and we drove up to a Riyadh branch of Subway for lunch. As this was a small place without family section, I could not enter and stayed in the car. Unfortunately my Saudi friend forgot to keep the engine running, so after a few minutes I started to melt in the hot car without the air-conditioning on. Pfff… Now I know how those dogs feel like when kept in cars in the middle of summer!

Sipping Saudi champagne , watching over the city lights from the Al-Faisaliah tower… Of course this is not real champagne, alcohol is forbidden in Saudi Arabia. They do have humor those Saudis!

Out for dinner in the family section of Karam Restaurant Riyadh

Foreign woman in KSA

Female solo traveling is currently still NOT ALLOWED in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! Forget about it. Those who try should expect to be detained. But let’s say your husband or male colleage has a meeting and you do not want to stay inside the hotel all day? How about taking this Tour for ladies around Riyadh City ? A simple girls hang-out at a mall and/or restaurant to socialize and get to know the locals. Recommended for those who love to meet with new people and explore local food/ restaurants. Duration: 3 hours.

When we got back to King Khalid International airport , I remember a long line of people standing outside, waiting to get inside. Based on their situation and luggage, most likely workers from abroad. Many foreign workers can only afford to go back to their families at home once every so many years.

Our big black SUV dropped us of at the shiny sliding doors of the International Departure Terminal. Immediately a guard popped up out of nowhere and guided us quickly inside, straight to the check-in desk. I never felt so embarrassed and privileged at the same time. It was not the Royal Terminal that King Khalid International airport of Riyadh also has, but the different treatment was so obvious!

People waiting outside Riyadh International Airport

Where to sleep

If ever in Riyadh, I would recommend staying at one of these luxury hotels :

Intercontinental Riyadh
Al Faisaliah Hotel
Hyatt Regency Olaya
The Ritz Carlton

How to get there

KLM has direct flights between Amsterdam Schiphol airport (AMS) and Riyadh (RUH). Most Middle Eastern airlines have connection flights. Turkish Airlines is quite competitive priced on this route, but it will require a stop-over in Istanbul. Jeddah is another important airport for KSA.

While at Riyadh King Khaled International Airport, I would suggest to treat yourself with access to the Plaza Premium Lounge and relax before flying out. The lounge provides an excellent ambiance with services ranging from comfortable seating, food and beverage, shower facilities, Wi-Fi and international newspapers and magazines.

Map Riyadh, KSA

This map includes places and spots mentioned in this article (and more). This one is ‘smartphone friendly’; you can easily use it via the Google Maps app. Click the icon at the top left to open the menu and see the categories. To adapt the map to your own preferences and interests, (de)select a category. Via Google Drive you can copy the map to your own My Google Maps account.

Did you know…

Some facts about Saudi Arabia:

Number of inhabitants: >28 million
Size: 2.206.714 km2 (mostly desert)
Capital: Riyadh
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
King: Salman bin Abdoel Aziz al-Saoed
Religion: Islam (Wahhabism, Sunnite)
KSA still executes death penalties (130 in 2017) according to Sharia Law. It is usually carried out publicly by beheading with a sword (source: ESOHR), sometimes shooting. Afterwards, sometimes the beheaded body is publicly displayed (crucifixion) at a central square for one or more days.
KSA borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Middle East is part of the continent Asia.

Al-Faisaliah Tower, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

If I ever go back to Saudi Arabia:

I would like to visit the Ruins of Diriyah , Madain Saleh and the city Jeddah. I heard this city, located just one hour west of Mecca, is more liberal with regards to clothing and such. Curious to see how it is there. Ethiopian Airlines uses Jeddah as a hub to Addis Ababa by the way.
I will take some better pictures! Sorry for the poor quality of the shots in this blog post. I made them with an old iPhone and Canon. So no fancy photos this time, yet I hope you appreciate the story.
I hope the human rights situation especially for women has improved, otherwise I’m not so sure if I’ll ever go again

Person touching prayer beads in Al Janadriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Djoser – Saudi Arabia

For my Dutch readers: Djoser just very recently started to organize a new group trip to Saudi Arabia! Cautious reformations and declining income from oil have made Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salam decide to develop tourism. Check out the possibilities with Djoser to Saudi Arabia via below banner.

Interested to read more about countries in the Middle East? Please check out the Middle East Blog Archives .

Many thanks to Charbel, Koen and my dear friends at AZM for making this trip to KSA such success! I will never forget it.

I hope you found this blog post interesting to read. Have you been to the Middle East? What are your experiences? Do you recognize something from my story? Or would you like to go to the Middle East soon? Please share!

This article contains affiliate links to support this website. It does not cost you anything extra if you buy something after clicking on one of those links. Partner websites that I am affiliated with , reward me with a small commission for making useful connections between buyers and their service or product. This helps to cover the costs for this website. Consider it as a compliment for my work. For more information click here .

Don’t want to order anything via these links but would like to support me to continue to create new content ? You can always buy me a glass of wine or take a look at my partner page . Thanks in advance & enjoy your next trip!

Last Updated on 05/09/2021 by Elisa Flitter Fever

Elisa Flitter Fever

Hello, I'm Elisa - travel blogger, passionate about beautiful destinations, writing, wine tasting and animals. Sharing info & tips like I do with my best friends. The travel blog that goes the extra mile. 70 countries & counting!

Charming Croatia: amazing three island boat trip from Trogir

Schilcherland, the austrian wine region that calls to be discovered big time.

I also see MANY more women working in a variety of businesses. There is much excitement among these women. I too am excited to see their enthusiasm and new freedoms. Thanks for posting your observations.

Dear Peggy, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I also heard about the latest developments with regards to the freedom of women in Saudi Arabia. I am curious to hear how it will develop in the near furture. Kind regards, Elisa

Doing Business in Saudi Arabia as a Woman

If you’re looking for guidance on being a foreign businesswoman in Saudi Arabia, then you’re off to a good start.

Researching Saudi culture and society demonstrates you already have some awareness that things work a little differently in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia can be a tough place for foreign businesswomen; however, it doesn’t always have to be that way.

With the right attitude and the ability to navigate the local culture , Saudi Arabia can also be a breeze.

This is why cultural awareness is so important for any businessperson working abroad – it can be the difference between make or break.

Here, we’re going to give you some quick insights and tips on doing business in Saudi Arabia as a foreign woman and what you can do to ensure your success.

DON'T MISS THE FREE SAMPLE OF OUR SAUDI CULTURE COURSE AT THE END!

Saudi Arabia is Changing

It’s really important to understand that Saudi Arabia is in a state of change. The country today looks very different to that only 10 years ago.

What was once law in Saudi Arabia, such as women not being allowed to drive and the use of separate restaurant entrances , is no longer law.

Similarly, it was not that long ago that foreign women could not enter Saudi Arabia without being accompanied by a man.

So, things are now, in theory, changing as Saudi Arabia tries to ‘open up’ to the world. This means foreign businesswomen today have a much easier ride than their predecessors.

However, beware! Just because laws have been changed, doesn’t mean the people have changed . Saudi society, culture, values, norms and red lines have not changed just because a law has.

Yes, when working with some sectors in Saudi Arabia it can seem very relaxed and liberal - this doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience in other sectors. Saudi Arabia is still highly conservative , so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Women are a lot more noticable now. Photo by WIPO (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

What’s Your Attitude to Women and Saudi Arabia?

Before we dive into the details of doing business in Saudi Arabia as a woman, it’s crucial you ask yourself what you think of the country and the people.

We all carry stereotypes, bias, prejudice and preconceived ideas. When it comes to Saudi Arabia and the place of women, many of us are influenced by what we see in our media, etc.

If you’re a foreign businesswoman visiting the country with very strong ideas as to what is right and wrong, this is going to colour a lot of what you see.

It’s best to try and keep an open mind as taking a moral stance can become exhausting and self-defeating. This is not to say, however, that one should compromise their own culture or values.

saudi woman in niqab walks past saudiaramco

When visiting Saudi Arabia, grasp any opportunity to speak and spend time with local women. This will help your understanding of the culture immensely. Photo by ILO (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Women, Hierarchy and Saudi Culture

From the get-go you need to understand that Saudi culture is hierarchical .

People believe hierarchy is natural and necessary for order and harmony. Hierarchy runs through Saudi society; starting in the family and all the way through to the boardroom. Everyone understands their place and how it works.

Women, naturally, slot into this hierarchy – again both inside and outside the home. Only until recently men and women led very separate existences in the workplace as they were often segregated. Women are now more visible.

However, this doesn’t mean Saudis are comfortable with it. Culturally it can still be a challenge.

One area in which foreign businesswomen experience this is in how much respect they feel they receive from Saudis. Some women have told stories of being ignored or dismissed by their Saudi male counterparts. Well, this comes down to hierarchy.

Foreign women doing business in Saudi Arabia need to establish rank, status and hierarchy. This can be demonstrated or asserted in a number of ways including:

Your qualifications and professional know-how
Job title and company prestige
Having an important local partner

Essentially, the more experienced and senior you are, the more you can pull rank. In Saudi culture, this is needed in order to establish position.

Women doing business in Saudi Arabia should not be afraid to do so.

Most social functions and celebrations, including weddings such as the one above, are segregated. Photo by A. Khayyat (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Relationship Building as a Woman with Saudis

Saudi Arabia is a relationship driven culture meaning people like to spend time with one another both in and out of work.

Spending time of an evening sharing a meal or attending an event is a great way of building trust and cementing a business relationship. However, for foreign women, this can be difficult as you can’t just take your male Saudi colleague or client out for a meal.

Relationship building is tough and is something that needs to be taken into consideration. Things you can do to overcome this would include:

Taking out a whole group of people as opposed to a one-to-one
Having male colleagues attend male-only events in your place
Inviting someone’s family and kids out for a meal

Remember, relationship building is going to take much longer for women doing business in the country than for men, so be patient.

Be aware of generational differences in Saudi Arabia. What women would have once considered improper is now being challenged by the younger generation. Photo of is of Raha Moharrak, a Saudi mountaineer taken by World Travel & Tourism Counci l (CC BY 2.0)

Communicating as a Woman with Saudis

One final aspect of doing business in Saudi Arabia for foreign women to consider is that communication, when working with men, can be more indirect .

Saudi men have a natural inclination to try and be polite and hospitable with speaking with foreign women and consequently may give a response that is simply meant to please you, rather than speak the truth.

Similarly, if there is no rapport or trust, they may keep small details out or not give you all the information you feel you need.

It’s important to find the right balance between accepting their attempts to be gracious with ensuring you really understand what is being communicated to you.

Some things to consider would be:

Asking open questions rather than inviting an automatic “yes” response
Talking to people away from others to reduce risk of loss of face
Avoiding any sense of commitment in how you frame your questions/requests

It may not always be an issue depending on who you're working with, but good to know in case you start getting crossed messages.

Michelle Obama politely stands back and lets her husband do the shaking. Photo taken at the Erqa Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 27, 2015. Photo by US Dept. of State .

10 Etiquette Tips for Women Doing Business in Saudi Arabia

Well, we hope we've given you some food for thought. To wrap up, let’s leave you with ten essential tips in terms of etiquette when you’re in Saudi Arabia.

1. Women are not legally required to cover their hair, however you must dress conservatively meaning being covered from ankle to neck and to your wrists. Showing flesh is a no-no.

2. Make-up is fine and local women also wear it in professional contexts. If you’re working with the public sector, it might be a good idea to tone it down.

3. If you’re travelling alone, remember at restaurants you may be required to eat in the family section , although you won’t have this issue in your hotel.

4. Some Saudi men may not shake hands with women outside their family; do not take this personally.

5. Similarly, some may not want to sit too close to a woman in a meeting room or seminar. Some may even prefer not to have a meeting alone with a woman and will insist on others joining the proceedings.

6. Never touch someone of the opposite sex. If you bump into someone by accident don’t worry too much as people are not big on apologies.

7. If you are out and about, be prepared for some locals to stare at you. Don’t be scared or intimidated – you are simply very curious! Just smile and walk on by.

8. Eye contact is fairly minimal across the sexes – make sure you break eye contact every few seconds.

9. If you have clients that like to be entertained , consider occasionally meeting them in Bahrain or Dubai.

10. Should your position as a businesswoman ever be questioned, it’s possible to politely remind your host that Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, was indeed a businesswoman! They will be impressed with your knowledge of Islam .

Take a Sample of our eLearning Course on Doing Business in Saudi Arabia

If you want to learn more about doing business in Saudi Arabia, then why not take our eLearning course?

It's packed full of cultural insights and tips to help you make a great impression and navigate the culture like a pro!

Have a watch of the preview below then hop over to the course page to take a free sample!

Main photo shows British PM Theresa May meeting King Salman in 2017. Photo by Number 10 (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.commisceo-global.com/

34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA. +44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908

34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA. +44 0330 027 0207 +1 (818) 532-6908

Search for something

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Search ITA Search

Market Overview
Market Challenges
Market Opportunities
Market Entry Strategy
Defense & Security
Oil Gas & Petrochemicals
Information and Communications Technology
Waste Management
Travel, Tourism, and Entertainment
Agricultural Sector
Trade Barriers
Import Tariffs
Import Requirements and Documentation
Labeling/Marking Requirements
U.S. Export Controls
Temporary Entry
Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Standards for Trade
Licensing Requirements for Professional Services
Trade Agreements
Distribution and Sales Channels
Selling Factors and Techniques
Protecting Intellectual Property
Trade Financing
Selling to the Public Sector
Business Travel
Investment Climate Statement

Business Customs

While modern Saudi Arabia has adopted numerous business methods and styles of the West, many cultural differences remain. Most important is that business will generally only be conducted after a degree of trust and familiarity has been established. Considerable time may be spent exchanging courtesies, and several visits may be needed to establish a business relationship. Business visitors should arrange their itineraries to allow for long meetings, as traditional Saudis often maintain an “open office” in which they will sign papers, take telephone calls and converse with friends or colleagues during the engagement. Tea and traditional Saudi coffee are usually offered. One to three cups of Saudi coffee should be taken for politeness, after which the cup may be wiggled between thumb and forefinger when returning it to the server to indicate that you do not need more.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s deeply conservative culture, the role of women within the society is quickly changing and extending into the workplace following historic reforms introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud. This has led to growth in the number of working women in Saudi Arabia and a rise in female entrepreneurship. Women in business or workplaces will shake hands with other women or place hands over the heart when greeting.

Many Saudi businessmen have been educated in or have traveled extensively in the West and are sophisticated in dealing with Americans. For the most part, travelers can rely on Western manners and standards of politeness in dealing with business counterparts, with a few additional rules that may be observed. One should avoid sitting at any time with the sole of the foot pointed at the host or other guest. Unless one is on familiar terms with a Saudi, it may be discourteous to ask about a man’s wife or daughters; ask instead about his family.

Shoes are often removed before entering a Saudi living room (majlis). If you are invited to the home of a Saudi for a party or reception, a meal is normally served at the end of the evening, and guests will not linger long after finishing. Be observant and adapt your behavior to the customs of your host.

Dress is conservative for both men and women. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops. While women are no longer required to wear abayas, they are advised to wear “modest clothing,” i.e. loose-fitting and concealing clothing with long pants or skirts, elbow-length sleeves that also cover the shoulders, and modest necklines. Saudi Arabia no longer requires restaurants to have separate entrances segregated by gender, instead it is left up to the businesses to decide. All Saudi nationals are required to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels. This is not required for foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone providing ID on check-in. Unmarried foreign couples visiting the country as tourists are now allowed to rent hotel rooms together. Saudi wives are often excluded from social gatherings or are entertained separately.

Travel Advisory

Current travel warnings and advisories can be found on the U.S. State Department website.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Saudi Arabia. Regional actors hostile to Saudi Arabia have conducted destructive and sometimes lethal attacks against a variety of targets including critical infrastructure, military facilities, airports, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Riyadh, Yanbu, areas in proximity to Jeddah, the civilian airport in Abha, military installations in the south, and specific oil and gas facilities are examples of recent targets. The Islamic Republic of Iran has supplied Yemen-based Houthis and other regional proxy groups with weapons, including drones, missiles, and rockets. Houthi militants continue to plan and conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. Violence associated with Iran-supported groups represents a significant threat. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly in the Eastern Province and areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

The State Department issues consular information for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability and the location of the nearest American embassy or Consulate in the subject country. For consular information related to travel to Saudi Arabia, please visit the U.S. Embassy – Saudi Arabia website.

U.S. citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are advised to be aware of their surroundings when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners. U.S. citizens also are advised to keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise caution while driving and entering or exiting vehicles, and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid. From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons. Threat information that is specific, credible, and non-counterable is made available to the American public. In those instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the local American citizen community apprised through the Mascot system and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Security messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website:

All travelers are encouraged to register their trip to Saudi Arabia through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or from outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). For additional information, consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy in Riyadh at (966) (11) 488-3800, the Consulate General in Jeddah at (966) (12) 667-0080, or the Consulate General in Dhahran at (966) (13) 330-3200.

Visa Requirements

A valid, unexpired passport and a visa are required for entry into Saudi Arabia. In September 2019, the Saudi Arabian Government began issuing tourist visas to American citizens. American citizens may now apply for an “e-visa” at the VisitSaudi website prior to visiting the Saudi Arabia, or at an airport upon arrival. Saudi e-visas are generally valid for one year; the maximum allowable stay during a visit is three months. The U.S. government has no control over the issuance or denial of Saudi entry or exit visas and issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry. The Saudi e-visa allows tourism-related activities and Umrah pilgrimage, excluding during the Hajj season. The Hajj pilgrimage is not allowed on the e-visa. Eligible female travelers are now allowed visit Saudi Arabia without a male guardian. Persons holding tourist visas are not authorized to work or study and will not be able to open bank accounts or perform other bureaucratic procedures for which a residence permit (iqama) is required.

Public Decency

Saudi officials recently released new guidelines for “public decency” for foreign visitors to the Saudi Arabia. Visitors are instructed to dress “modestly,” but abayas and head coverings are not required for female visitors. The guidelines, which are available on the Visit Saudi website, include prohibitions on taking photos of persons without their permission, prohibited books or literature, cutting in line, playing loud music, and wearing clothing with profane or obscene images. Please refer to the Saudi Customs website for a detailed list of prohibited items.

Business & Commercial Visas

Business visas are routinely issued to U.S. visitors who do not have an invitation letter from a Saudi company, and visa applicants must provide evidence that they are engaged in legitimate commercial activity. Business and commercial visas must be obtained prior to arrival. In compliance with the 2008 U.S.-Saudi Arabia visa reciprocity agreement, Saudi Arabia now regularly issues U.S. citizens five-year, multiple-entry visas at Saudi embassies, consulates, and ports of entry that allow the visitor to stay in general for 180 days.

In order to obtain a commercial visa, a U.S. applicant is required to submit a letter of invitation from a sponsoring entity in Saudi Arabia. The invitation letter must be in Arabic. The American applicant may be asked to present a copy of the original letter at the port of entry, and the letter must be on the sponsoring organization’s letterhead and must bear an authenticating stamp of the local Saudi Chamber of Commerce. The letter should name the visa applicant, passport number, company name and address, approximate dates of visit, and reason for visit (e.g., business meetings). It is recommended that the American applicant’s company use the company’s letterhead when requesting cooperation of the Saudi embassy/consulates in issuing the visa. The visa applicant must apply for and receive the visa prior to departing the United States at either the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C. or at Saudi Consulates-General in Houston, Los Angeles, or New York City.

If the American applicant does not have a Saudi sponsor, the U.S. Commercial Service offices in Saudi Arabia can advise on how to make initial contacts with potential sponsors. Please visit our Saudi Arabia website to connect with the U.S. Commercial Service in Saudi Arabia. Please note that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot sponsor private American citizens for Saudi visas. Occasionally the Saudi consular officer may require the applicant to obtain the visa through a more time-consuming process involving approval by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Women traveling alone, Americans of Arab origin, and private consultants are more often required to use this process.

American citizens have not recently encountered difficulties obtaining visas and entering Saudi Arabia, despite previous travel to Israel or birth in Israel. Currently, Saudi Arabia does not bar entry to visitors based on places they have previously visited.

Resident Visas (Iqama)

Resident visas also are available through a separate process. A medical report, including an HIV test, is required to obtain a work and residence permit. For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C., or one of the Consulates in New York, Houston, or Los Angeles. Please visit the Saudi Embassy website.

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that most foreign nationals require a visa to enter the United States. Information on applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is available on the U.S. Embassy website.

The Saudi riyal (SAR) is fixed to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of SAR 3.75 = $ 1.00.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Saudi Arabia has a sophisticated telecommunications network and satellite, microwave, and cable systems that span the country. The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966. The main city codes are Riyadh (11), Jeddah/Makkah (12), and Dammam/Dhahran/Jubail (13).

Mobile Telephone

International roaming agreements exist with some mobile phone companies.

The Saudi Telecommunications Company, Mobily, and other telecommunication companies provide Internet facilities in most cities. E-mail can also be accessed from internet connections at many hotels and internet cafes. Access is blocked to many websites featuring sensitive political, religious, and/or social content, or content that is deemed obscene and anti-Islamic. E-mail traffic may be monitored in certain cases.

Saudi Arabia exercises tight media control, and criticism of the government, the royal family, and religious tenets are not tolerated. The state-run Broadcasting Service of Saudi Arabia (BSKSA) is responsible for all broadcasting in Saudi Arabia. The Minister of Culture and Information oversees radio and television operations. Viewers in the country’s eastern region can receive television channels and signals from relatively liberal Gulf neighbors. The government blocks access to websites that it deems offensive. Newspapers tend to follow the lead of the state-run news agency on whether or not to publish stories on sensitive subjects.

The main newspapers include Al-Jazirah, Al-Riyadh, and Okaz. English-language dailies include Arab News and the Saudi Gazette. Pan-Arab papers, subject to censorship, are available.

In Saudi Arabia the associated plug is type G, a plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Saudi Arabia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Transportation

The business centers of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam/Al-Khobar/Dhahran have international airports served by a variety of international airlines. Domestic air service is provided by national carrier Saudia, and low-cost airlines Flyadeal, Flynas, SaudiGulf, and Nesma Airlines. In 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the creation of two new airline concepts: Neom Airlines, which is expected to launch in 2024, and Riyadh Air, a new national carrier that aims to leverage the country’s strategic location between Asia, Africa, and Europe to become a global hub for transportation, trade, and tourism. Women are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Short-term visitors may drive on their U.S. driver’s license. American men and women residing in Saudi Arabia should obtain a local driver’s license with the Department of Traffic Police. Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Main roads in the cities and those connecting cities are monitored by ‘Saher’ traffic cameras. Vehicle insurance is required by Saudi law, and all vehicles must have at least third-part liability insurance. Driving habits are generally poor, and accidents involving vehicles driven by minors are not uncommon. In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all persons involved (if not in the hospital) may be taken to the local police station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. In case of an accident, you should contact ‘Najm,’ a national insurance company that resolves traffic accidents and related formalities and procedures.

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and mass communication such as signs and notices. Most road signs are in Arabic, while major highways and streets in major cities display road signs in both Arabic and English.

Good, modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in major Saudi cities, but only mediocre medical care may be available in the outlying areas. Most Western expatriates in major Saudi cities find in-country medical care adequate for routine care and minor surgery. In recent years, however, medical care has evolved in Saudi Arabia, with sophisticated treatments such as open-heart surgery, kidney transplants, and cancer treatment being undertaken. Most drugs available in the United States are available in Saudi Arabia. Many local hospitals and healthcare companies are interested in partnering with U.S. healthcare providers. In 2005, for example, the Cleveland Clinic set up a joint venture medical center in Jeddah, the International Medical Center, and worked on several joint initiatives, including e-health, teleconferencing, consultations, and continuing education programs. In 2014, the Johns Hopkins University Hospital, in conjunction with Aramco, started offering health care services for Aramco employees.

A yellow-fever certificate is required for travelers coming from afflicted countries. A meningitis vaccine is recommended before coming to Jeddah and the Western Region, especially during the annual Muslim pilgrimage rituals of Hajj and Umrah. There is a risk of malaria throughout the year in most of the southern region and in certain rural areas of the western region, except for Mecca and Medina. There are periodic outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers can find the latest health advisories and information on food and drinking water safety for countries around the world on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/ .

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Saudi Arabia’s time zone is UTC/GMT+03:00. Business hours vary in different parts of the country. Saudi companies usually close for two to four hours in the afternoon and remain open into the early evening. Retail stores often close for the noon prayer and reopen around 4:00 p.m., often staying open until late in the evening. The normal workweek runs from Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the Muslim weekly holy day.

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country that requires strict adherence to Islamic principles. Five times a day, Muslims are called to pray in the direction of the “Kaaba,” located in the of city Mecca. The prayer times are published in newspapers and come approximately at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Stores and restaurants were previously required to close for approximately 30 minutes at these times. However, this requirement was recently loosened, giving businesses the option to remain open. When staging promotional events or product demonstrations, it is still best to anticipate these prayer breaks, as many businesses still do close.

During the major holidays of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, expect reduced government business hours and closures. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours; accordingly, business travelers should not drink, eat, or smoke in public during daylight or in the presence of fasting Muslims. Major hotels offer special daytime food services for their non-Muslim guests. The Eid al-Fitr holiday occurs at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha celebrates the time of year when pilgrims arrive from around the world to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj. The timing of these holidays shift throughout the year based on the lunar calendar. The complete list of U.S. and local holidays observed by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia can be found on U.S. Embassy website.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

For temporary entry of goods for promotional purposes, importers need an invoice with the value of the goods endorsed by the local Chamber of Commerce or the U.S.-Saudi Business Council and a certificate of origin also to be authenticated by one of the aforementioned entities. The invoice should state that the goods are being imported for exhibition purposes only and will be re-exported. Saudi Customs requires a deposit for these goods (equivalent to the applicable tariff rate on the total value of the goods). This deposit is refundable when the exhibition is over and upon showing a document that the owner of the equipment officially participated in a trade show. Additionally, the customs authorities will collect handling charges (for details, visit the Saudi ZAKTCA website) Reimbursement takes between two to four weeks. If the goods are meant for demonstration purposes to a government entity, a letter from that entity is required indicating the nature and purpose of the goods.

Travel Related Resources

U.S. Embassy Riyadh
U.S. Department of State

'Do you have to cover your face (in Saudi Arabia)?': What to know about solo female travel in the kingdom

Muslims pray during the first dawn prayers of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, as they keep social distancing to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on April 13, 2021.

Saudi Arabia is extending electronic visas for visitors coming from 49 countries – including the U.S.
While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders is recommended.
The kingdom is just opening up to tourists and for locals in smaller towns and villages, it is still somewhat of a novelty.

As a female and second-generation expatriate who has lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly three decades, one question that I get asked often is: "Is Saudi Arabia safe for women?"

Or even: "Do you have to cover your face?"

Up until 2019, the kingdom only issued business or visitor visas for a religious pilgrimage to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. As a plan to diversify its economy through tourism and entertainment (like neighboring Dubai), the country announced an electronic visa for visitors coming from 49 countries – including the United States.

As tourism to Saudi Arabia for either business or pleasure gains traction, we answer a few of your burning questions for solo female travel.

How can I travel through the country?

Saudi Arabia does not have a public transportation system. The easiest and safest way to get around the metropolitan cities of Riyadh and Jeddah is by using ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, Wsslini, and Bolt. Some apps have the option of choosing a female driver.

An affordable and efficient train line links Riyadh to the eastern province of the country, where smaller cities – like the UNESCO world heritage site of Al Qarah caves or the historical Qaisariah Souq of Al-Hofuf – may be of interest. On the west, a train line links Jeddah to religious sites. Separate seating areas for women in trains and transport lounges are the norm.

Sheila Russell, the British travel blogger behind Saudi Travel Notes advises on hiring a driver or opting for the " Vintage Land Rover " experience at AlUla, which will allow enough time to visit all the archeological sites.

Where can I stay?

The major metropolitan cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam have a slew of accommodation options – ranging from fully furnished rentals to high-end hotels. CouchSurfing is not a popular option and is highly discouraged. If traveling on a budget, Airbnb and OYO rooms are affordable and safer options.

In developing tourist locations like AlUla during December and the mountainous Rijal Almaa from July through September, accommodation options (particularly, budget) are limited, and prices hike up during tourist seasons.

What should I wear?

Alina Calianu, a Polish digital nomad who has visited Saudi Arabia several times over the past four years, does not wear an abaya (a full-body cloak that was until recently, mandated by the government).

"The abaya is still traditional attire, particularly, among Saudi women. But even they are starting to adopt modest clothing," she says.

As with any country, it is important to be respectful of the culture. While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. It's a good idea to keep a long, lightweight sweater or coverall handy as temperatures – contrary to popular belief that Saudi Arabia is a hot country – tend to drop drastically during the months of December through mid-February.

Story continues below.

What is etiquette?

In general, solo female travel through Saudi Arabia is safe and you will find locals welcoming. Calianu has always found locals keen to help.

"They go out of their way to help, even if they don't know English. There is willingness from everybody to assist," she says.

Arab hospitality is famed, and it is the norm for locals to offer gifts and address women in endearing terms like "dear" or "lovely."

The kingdom is just opening up to tourists and for locals in smaller towns and villages, it is still somewhat of a novelty. On the other hand, cultural reforms take time, so best to mirror the etiquette of your guide, host or locals.

Do not offer a handshake with the opposite gender, until they do so first. A common way of greeting men is placing a right hand on your chest and nodding with an "Ahlan" (hello).

Shaistha Khan is a travel and culture writer who has lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly three decades and traveled extensively through the Arabian Gulf. You can follow her on Twitter: @khan_shaistha .

I'm a female traveler who spent 3 weeks backpacking around Saudi Arabia — and discovered it's not for the casual vacationer. Here's where I went and what I experienced.

Alex Reynolds has been traveling the world full time for the past four years.
In November, she took a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, prompted by the newly available tourist visa and the relaxed restrictions on solo female travelers.
Reynolds went everywhere, from the capital of Riyadh to the lesser populated Tabuk region neighboring Jordan, and experienced firsthand the country's evolving culture.
While Reynolds said she would love to return, she advised that more casual travelers may find certain social norms difficult to adapt to.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

For me, a solo, female, non-Muslim traveler allergic to guided tours, Saudi Arabia was a non-option for years.

In recent decades, non-Muslims could enter only on business or transit visas. Muslim pilgrims could transit only through major cities to Mecca and Medina. Women had to be accompanied by male guardians.

Then everything changed in 2019.

Years-old rumors of tourist e-visas became reality for 49 nationalities . Traveling women no longer needed male guardians, and women could drive cars as of 2018. Suddenly, the idea of women traveling in Saudi Arabia went from laughable to very, very plausible. My time had come.

I was on the e-visa portal in a hot second and received my e-visa via WhatsApp 15 minutes later. No exaggeration.

In November, I began my three-week journey, both solo and with friends, through Saudi Arabia. Here's what it was actually like.

Why did I want to travel to Saudi Arabia in the first place, and was it ethical?

I'm a 20-something American solo traveler and blogger passionate about traveling to countries most tourists overlook. Too many people form opinions about countries and their citizens based on exaggerated news; I prefer to come to my own conclusions.

You could accuse me of supporting the Saudi government's human-rights violations , religious extremism , and restricted freedoms by traveling to the country. I disagree.

There are ways to support people over governments. I traveled independently (not on a government-sponsored trip, like many others ), stayed with locals and at local hotels, and spent my money at small businesses. Governments and people are separate entities — especially in a totalitarian monarchy like Saudi Arabia — and I don't believe in holding an entire population accountable for the acts of a corrupt few.

Whether or not you agree, here's a glimpse of what I saw.

My journey began in Riyadh, the capital, which felt lifeless and artificial.

Riyadh felt Floridian: wide boulevards with shiny skyscrapers and palm trees, malls and luxury shopping as primary entertainment, development concerned more with image than substance. Think historical ruins being demolished to be replaced by chic cafes with faux-historic feels.

The major difference is that in Florida you see people outside walking, cycling, and running. Riyadh is not for pedestrians — cars only. As I racked up Uber bills, I noted that streets were often devoid of life.

Riyadh was the perfect introduction to Saudi Arabia now: rapid change, and a lot of confusion.

In recent years, the Saudi government made many liberal changes to the law of the land. Public concerts and cinemas became legal. Unrelated men and women can now mix in public. Rules about abayas, the long (and traditionally black) robe previously required by law, were relaxed. Female tourists don't have to wear abayas, and Saudi women can, in theory, wear colored and/or open abayas so long as they're dressed modestly underneath.

In practice, the changes were less clear. An example: Several festivals — including Riyadh Season and MDL Beast Fest — took place while I was in Saudi Arabia. They clearly were intended to present the country as liberal and tolerant to the international community. There were events and concerts all over Riyadh, including shows with Western women performing in form-fitting clothes and parties with well-known international influencers dancing seductively.

But at Riyadh Season, a young Saudi woman in a headscarf and face veil who was dancing was arrested . At MDL Beast Fest, dozens of local men and women were arrested, accused of wearing indecent clothing .

Outside of Riyadh was a different world.

Though Riyadh felt bland and confused, the area around Riyadh was far more interesting — if less polished.

The first time I drove out of the city with a CouchSurfing host — a traveler I met on the platform connecting travelers with locals who can host them in their home or show them around — and some friends, my eyes were glued to the window. Skyscrapers gave way to sand dunes. Small towns and abandoned mud villages replaced apartment complexes.

Some of the villages, such as Ushaiger and Shaqra, are being restored as "heritage villages" for tourists. Even there, it was common to see buildings consumed by time next to manicured mud facades.

It felt less contrived, more honest. This side of Saudi Arabia was more up my alley.

I rented a car with a friend and headed south from Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia is vast — road tripping is the best way to travel the country.

Driving in Saudi Arabia was relaxed at times, terrifying at others. Main roads were immaculate, perfect for cruising. But several Saudis drove at concerningly high speeds, with a healthy dose of drastic, last-minute maneuvers. (They also didn't seem to enjoy being overtaken by a woman — I was regularly playing leapfrog with fellow drivers.) Signs of car crashes were everywhere, and even the fanciest cars on the road were covered in dents and scratches.

I expected sand dunes for days, but I found quite the opposite.

Many of us associate Saudi Arabia with sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Though those do exist in Saudi Arabia, there's far more diversity to the desert. From sudden bursts of green palm trees among desert sands to rocky Martian mountain ranges, the scenery in Saudi was far less mind-numbing than I expected.

I threw all my expectations out the window when I reached the mountains of Jazan province.

Would you expect to see misty green mountains blanketed in clouds in Saudi Arabia? Yeah, me neither.

The Sarawat Mountains cut through several provinces along Saudi's Red Sea coast. Steep switchbacks took us through villages scattered across mountaintops and around terraced hills of coffee, vegetables, and khat, a plant chewed by men in the region. Despite the stimulant's illegal status, officials choose to overlook khat cultivation and consumption; it's too ingrained in the local social culture.

The one thing I didn't see much of? Women.

In most of Saudi Arabia — but particularly in the southern Jazan province — I rarely saw women outside. When I did, they were fully covered in hijabs and niqabs (face veils).

The lack of women in public made things difficult for me. Men and women are highly segregated in Saudi Arabia. Local men didn't want to speak to me (and often ignored me completely when I spoke to them, especially when I traveled with white friends). I wanted to meet women, but I didn't know where!

My luck didn't improve. During more than three weeks in Saudi Arabia, I spoke with women a total of five times.

Traveling as a woman did require extra effort.

Restaurants were one challenge. Most restaurants in Saudi Arabia are divided by gender or for men only. Family sections in restaurants are usually divided into cubicles with walls or curtains to hide women from view. Cheap restaurants are usually only for "singles" — men.

I often had to look hard to find places where I could sit and eat. If I couldn't find anything, I'd ask to sit in the men's area. Sometimes people said yes; mostly they said no.

Clothes were another concern. Though foreign women are no longer required to wear an abaya (robe) by law, I was uncomfortable not wearing one. Outside of Jeddah and diplomatic areas of Riyadh, I did not see any women without abayas. Most women also wore hijabs and niqabs. In villages and towns, despite wearing a hijab, I still stood out because I didn't fully cover my face.

As I moved north, Instagram guided me to historic Rijal Alma. Though it was pretty, it fell flat.

The soon-to-be Unesco-listed stone fortresses of Rijal Alma were once home to wealthy traders and fearsome fighters — but they felt more like an Instagrammable backdrop than a historic site. Visitors can enter only one or two of the buildings to see very modest museums. Most buildings are empty.

That's not to say the site isn't significant. Local villagers were commendably proactive about preserving the heritage of the area. People pooled family heirlooms for the museums and made efforts to restore the buildings. The government noticed and has since taken over.

Now the site embodies what I saw in many tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia: overdevelopment, a loss of atmosphere to Disney-fied luxury, and not much consideration of anything in the surrounding area.

Jeddah, the biggest city on the west coast, was another story. As Saudis say, "Jeddah ghair" — Jeddah is different.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's most liberal city, is a major seaport and gate to the holy city of Mecca, so people from all over the world have passed through Jeddah for centuries.

Unlike in other places in the country, in Jeddah I saw plenty of people enjoying themselves outside. Young men and women mixing together. Families picnicking and playing on the corniche boardwalk. Women in colorful and/or open abayas riding bicycles along pedestrian walkways.

Jeddah was different, and I liked it.

Jeddah's old city, Al Balad, had some of the most beautiful architecture in the country.

Tall mud and coral merchant houses loom over alley mazes in the Unesco-listed old city . Some of the "Roshan towers" are in dangerous states of disrepair — many have collapsed from neglect in recent years — but slowly they're being repaired.

Whereas restoration efforts felt contrived in other parts of the country, in Jeddah the splendor of restored houses added to the atmosphere. It helped that the old city streets are abuzz at all times, with chatting shop owners, roaming street vendors, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and souqs catering to international pilgrims passing through.

There are miles of white coastlines with crystal-clear water and living corals around Jeddah. But no one swims.

Though diving is somewhat popular in Saudi Arabia, most beaches are neglected. Rules about modest dress are one deterrent, and concerns about the immodesty of swimming are another. People come to the beach to picnic, and that's about it.

Drive a bit, and it's possible to have an entire beach to yourself (well, yourself and the coast guards). Local women told me you could even get away with wearing swimwear when no one is around. Not that I'd ever test that myself. Cough cough.

Beaches weren't the only empty places in the country.

Saudi Arabia felt eerily apocalyptic at times. Sprawling parks and playgrounds were devoid of playing children. Streets were empty of people, despite the cars and houses. Abandoned villages were everywhere, as though there used to be a thriving society and then everyone simply ... vanished.

Saudi Arabia's most famous historic site was ... closed?!

Despite being by far the best-known and -promoted tourist attractions in the country, the Nabatean tombs at Madain Saleh and the Al Ula area were closed to tourists so they could be "prepared for tourism." (Ironic, eh?)

The tombs are not open to the public until October. Only those with tickets to a luxury festival were allowed access to the tombs — just one of many instances showing Saudi Arabia's desire to attract luxury tourists, not budget tourists like myself.

But I found an alternative in the northern Tabuk region: the Nabatean tombs at Madyan.

In an oasis town called Al Bad — believed to be where Moses lived after fleeing Egypt — this small collection of Nabatean tombs is known by few and free to enter. Far more ideal than paying for a flashy luxury festival (in this backpacker's opinion).

The entire Tabuk region was a treat, really.

Remote in every sense, the Tabuk region bordering Jordan was my favorite in all of Saudi Arabia. Surreal rock formations blossomed from otherwise empty desert sands, craggy mountains pushed right up against turquoise Red Sea waters, and roads were devoid of cars and speed cameras. Very important.

Wadi Al Disah is the crown jewel of Tabuk. A trickling stream runs between towering pillars of red stone, nourishing tall grasses, and leafy palms. Visitors can camp anywhere and everywhere in the valley. Wadi Al Disah stretches for miles, ending at a historic village with yet more Nabatean ruins, aptly named Al Disah.

On the long drive back to Riyadh, coffee stops were a must. Some were more atmospheric than others.

While my friend and I were stopping in Jubbah to see some ancient petroglyphs, a man sitting in a courtyard saw us driving past. Noticing my friend's fair hair, he shouted hello and insisted we stop by.

Turned out he was the owner of a traditional coffee house where men (and me?) could sit and chat over Arabic coffee, tea, dates, and fresh fruits. His father started the business several decades ago, and he took up the responsibility after his father passed away. It's no mean feat — the place is open 24/7!

I wanted to do something epic on my last day in Saudi Arabia. What's more epic than the Edge of the World?

No, I'm no flat-earther, but I did visit the Edge of the World, a dramatic line of cliffs two hours from Riyadh. And not an easy two hours — half of the journey is wretched off-road track.

I went with a local male couch-surfer to watch the sunset and camp out, Saudi style. Years ago it would've been illegal for us to do so — unless we got married first — but these days it's allowed.

Or is it? Though unmarried men and women can mingle, my friend still had to be secretive. His conservative family would be furious if they knew he'd spent the evening alone with a girl in the middle of nowhere!

Overall, I enjoyed my time in Saudi Arabia. But I'm not so sure about it as a tourist destination right now.

Saudi Arabia is full of confusing contradictions and tricky restrictions. I would love to return, but that doesn't mean I'd recommend it to everyone.

Tourists have to be careful in all kinds of ways. Playing music during the call to prayer is a $250-plus offense . Speaking critically of the royal family or their ideas is dangerous . Atheism is considered an extremist idea .

Though I doubt any foreign tourist would be executed for non-religion during this tourism push — fair-skinned foreigners from developed countries enjoy a privileged position in Saudi Arabia — these rules are representative of the intensely restrictive nature of the country.

Combine the conservatism with the many tourist sights that are either poorly overdeveloped or under-maintained, a serious plastic-waste problem in natural places, and landscapes that, though beautiful, can be found in more tourist-friendly neighboring countries, and you can see why I'd hesitate to recommend Saudi Arabia to the casual holidaygoer.

However, if you're interested in visiting a country few tourists have been to, or want to learn firsthand some of the nuances of the unique and complex Saudi culture, I think you'll find what you're looking for.

Alex Reynolds is a solo backpacker who documents her travels and shares her experiences from around the world. Connect with her on her blog and on Instagram .

Main content

Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman

Saudi Arabia remained closed to most tourism for years. In the past, the only way of traveling to Saudi Arabia was by a special business visa or by family invitation.

In 2019 Saudi Arabia finally opened for tourism and visiting KSA couldn’t be easier. The process is easy and everyone is extremely welcoming. Plus, the country has a lot of natural beauty that rivals Iran’s when it comes to tourism.

Visiting Saudi Arabia was surely an eye-opening experience, mostly because most things you hear about KSA are that people are unfriendly and there’s nothing to do there.

Believe me when I tell you that whoever says there’s nothing to do in Saudi Arabia is simply ignorant because not many other countries have such diverse landscapes and amazing hospitality.

I even met a few businessmen in Saudi and none of them could grasp the fact that I was visiting as a tourist. In their mind there was nothing to do in Saudi, but when I started to ask them questions about what they’d seen I discovered all they did on their numerous visits was come to Riyadh, get picked up by a driver, stay at a hotel, go to another business building and sometimes go for dinner.

They didn’t even bother to go to the observation deck, take a day trip, or even take a stroll around the old town of Riyadh or Jeddah. They saw basically nothing.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman in 2022

Recent Changes in Saudi Arabia

I specifically pointed out when I wrote this paragraph as things have changed quite significantly and most blog posts and opinions online are outdated.

Many people might not think that visiting Saudi Arabia would be for them due to the things they heard. The most common question I received before and during my visit was how was I even allowed to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone as a woman.

Let me explain. Even a year ago things have been slightly different in Saudi then they are now. Strict Islamic laws have been softened. Segregation isn’t a major issue anymore and as you probably heard – women can drive now.

Not so long ago women and men had to use separate entrances and weren’t allowed to hang out or dine together. Even standing in line together in a food court.

This is no longer the case in most places, which made things easier for work events, mothers with older sons and simply friends.

What surprised me, however, is that many women told me that they still prefer to go to places exclusively for women, so they can relax and remove their headscarves.

While women are not legally obliged to wear an abaya and hijab anymore, they wear them for religious reasons. The fact that it’s not compulsory by law anymore isn’t changing anything for many of them.

It isn’t like in Iran where most women dislike wearing headscarves and lonely fit overcoats. In Iran women wear them on the very edge of the head and the minute they can they remove it all and underneath there’s a tight and short dress. This doesn’t happen in Saudi.

Many women chose to wear nib which covers the whole face without the eyes. It’s not sexist and against their rights as many Westerners tend to say. If you talk to many Saudi women you’ll understand that most don’t feel restricted – it gives them a sense of privacy.

You’ll naturally find some liberal Saudis who will willingly wander around in jeans, but it’s not a regular appearance.

Common Misconceptions:

It’s worth mentioning that women were never technically forbidden to travel around the country and abroad, they just needed permission from their guardian (father, brother, husband, uncle or any men from the family).

It was more of a cultural norm, but many families have always allowed women to travel and actually encouraged them to do so.

Is It Ethical to Travel to Saudi Arabia?

I don’t think I need to tell anyone about human rights violations happening in the country – it’s all over the news and naturally many of you asked about it straight away.

What I personally find difficult with traveling to countries like Saudi, Iran, Eritrea, or some I haven’t been to like North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, Nauru; is that many would like to boycott traveling there because of it. I highly disagree.

Simply because if we take what we see on the news and what governments do we’d be boycotting almost whole world – USA, Australia, Poland, Mexico, Ethiopia included, just to name a few.

I’m saying this from a perspective that I definitely don’t agree with the politics of my home country and my adopted country as well – what doesn’t mean that you cannot mean awesome people in both and discover the beauty of the place as a visitor.

My experience as a visitor to Saudi Arabia was obviously limited because I haven’t spent months exploring it, plus I’m aware that visitors’ experience is usually different than the life of locals.

I’m well aware that Saudi now isn’t what it used to be even a year ago, but let’s talk about now, as that’s what matters.

That said I think it’s surely worth going to Saudi Arabia. There’s so much almost untouched natural beauty of the country that you can easily spend a month there.

How to Behave in Saudi Arabia

Tourists aren’t a usual appearance in Saudi, so be prepared for questions ‘who do you work for’ or ‘how long you’ve been living in Riyadh for’.

Riyadh does have a big expat community, so while it’s no unusual to spot a foreigner, no one will assume you’re just a tourist. Including foreigners who travel to Saudi for business.

I had the privilege of spending a day with local girls and guys and learning a lot about their culture and how their lives truly look like – and let me tell you this: Saudi people are extremely welcoming and intelligent.

Most of the locals and expats whom I spoke to enjoy living in KSA and they do travel a lot and many of them lived elsewhere. In fact, I had a long chat with the girls on pros and cons of many things.

Before you travel to Saudi keep one thing in mind: Saudi Arabia is very religious and therefore most people you’ll meet will be religious. Be respectful of their religion and culture.

Solo Female Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

1000 times yes. Everywhere I went I felt extremely safe. In fact, Saudi girls I met were telling me that one of the reasons they wouldn’t want to live elsewhere was because in Saudi they can go on the street in the middle of the night and feel safe, which isn’t a norm in other spots, US included.

Many of you messaged me regarding the abaya and were stunned to see that I didn’t wear a headscarf in my photos . Wearing an abaya and headscarf isn’t compulsory by law, it’s more of a cultural thing.

The only thing asked from visitors is to dress modestly, but if you don’t want to feel out of place buy an abaya before your visit. I got mine on Amazon.

If anyone feels offended by this and dare to say that no one should tell me what to wear, think of it logically: you wouldn’t wear what you wore to Burning Man at the Vatican.

You wouldn’t wear a bikini to parade it in a European city (you’d actually get fined for it in Venice), so simply be respectful to local women. Not all of them want to remove their headscarves – I met many who wouldn’t do it for religious reasons.

You don’t have to worry about stares and catcalling in Saudi Arabia, unlike in some other Muslim countries I’ve visited. Men are very respectful and polite to women.

Extra Tips for Visiting Saudi Arabia

1) Saudia Arabia never sleeps

Saudis are definitely night owls. It’s perfectly normal to go shopping at 11 pm and parties tend to start after midnight.

It’s super safe to wander around at night, even as a woman, and that’s not just my opinion but what was I told by local women.

2) There’s Prayer Time a few times a day

When planning your time exploring keep in mind that things will suddenly close for prayer. Shops and restaurants included.

In Riyadh, most malls are opened at 9 am-12 pm and 4 pm-11 pm, but when I went around 5 pm most shops were closed. They opened about half an hour later after the prayer time ended.

3) Saudi is a Muslim country, so rules apply

Naturally, as it’s a religious Muslim country drinking alcohol is forbidden. Drugs are a death sentence, so don’t try to do anything stupid.

PDA is also not allowed, similar to Dubai, Qatar, Iran and many other places.

4) Weekend is Friday and Saturday

Remember that just like in any other Muslim country, Friday and Saturdays are weekends. Everything is usually closed on Fridays.

How to Get a Visa to Saudi Arabia

E-visa is finally available through their official website . You can apply for a visa by filling your passport information, uploading regular (2×2) passport photos.

While you don’t need to provide your flight information apart from the port of entry, the system asks you which hotel you’ll be staying in first and when will you travel. In my case, I actually put a different hotel as I wasn’t sure where will I stay and it was never an issue.

You’re also required to pay for the visa online. E-visa to Saudi Arabia costs 440 Saudi Riyals (about $120).

You need to print this visa before boarding your flight, as both airlines and immigration officers upon arrival will ask you to present it to them.

MORE ON: How to Get an eVisa to Saudi Arabia

How to Get to Saudi Arabia

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is very easy as there are many airports around the country, all operated by major and respected airlines.

Your best bet would be getting a flight to either Riyadh (the capital) or Jeddah. I flew in with FlyDubai and left with Saudia Airlines.

While the first one was a typical budget airline, Saudia was great and affordable, so I would recommend it.

One tip: I was going to revisit Lebanon after my Saudi trip and fly back to Europe with Qatar Airlines from Beirut. As I opted against it due to the situation in Lebanon at the time, I was unable to change this flight from within Saudi as any Qatar-based websites are blocked. That said, I had to call my husband to do it for me from Europe. Just something to keep in mind.

Cost and Money in Saudi Arabia

Exchanging money and taking more cash from the ATM isn’t a problem in Saudi Arabia. All of my cards from various countries worked just fine.

Saudi Arabia isn’t as expensive as many think it might be. A standard hotel is usually $100 for a regular double room. You should expect to pay about $5 for lunch and $10 for dinner at the restaurant.

Keep in mind you’ll be using Uber and Taxis a lot because Saudi Arabia isn’t designed for pedestrians. Especially in Riyadh, you cannot just walk around anywhere apart from Embassy district.

Internet and SIM cards in Saudi Arabia

I didn’t need to purchase a SIM card for Saudi Arabia, because my T-Mobile International plan worked great. It was actually faster in Saudi Arabia than in some parts of the US, and definitely way faster than in Europe.

If you don’t have an international plan you could get Mobily SIM with 10 GB internet for about 150 SR ($40).

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia

You can travel and book hotel rooms as an unmarried couple these days. The only issue is when you’re a gay couple who wants to stay together because homosexualism is illegal in Saudi.

As a woman, don’t get too excited about a hotel pool. Pools are exclusively for men, even in most luxury hotels. While you can go see the pool, you cannot get in.

I can recommend a few places to stay, but it’s really tough to find a bad hotel to stay in Saudi Arabia.

In Riyadh, Ritz Carlton is “the” hotel to visit as it’s simply incredible inside. Even if you’re not staying there, take a look inside and come for some tea.

For those not willing to pay so much, Centro Olaya by Roatana is a good alternative. It’s a luxury hotel with a good restaurant and rooftop.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman? Or maybe you’re interested in reading my tips for visiting other places in the Middle East like Jordan , UAE or Lebanon ?

9 Misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman

By Joan Torres 28 Comments Last updated on April 8, 2024

can a woman travel to Saudi Arabia alone

In the last few years, I have been traveling extensively across the Middle East and other Muslim countries, so it is not surprising at all that, every week, I receive tons of requests and questions from kick-ass women who wish to travel to the same places.

Since I am a man, all my articles tend to be kind of male-oriented, not on purpose though, but it is just that, sometimes, I forget that the experience for women may be totally different.

When I was posting all the photos and videos from my visit to Saudi Arabia on my Instagram Stories , people were actually amazed at all the places I visited and the people I met, as they were so many miles away from all the stereotypes the media has been showing us during the last decade.

Those images really triggered the interest of many travelers who would have never thought of going there, and that included many women as well.

However, since Saudi is known for being an extremely patriarchal country, I received more questions than I had ever received before, some of them asking about safety, while others if it was even possible to go travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman alone.

As always, I can’t give an accurate response about solo female traveling but, luckily, during my journey, I met Nada from Nadal Al Nahdi , a 20-something-year-old backpacker who has traveled solo to some very cool destinations such as Pakistan , Afghanistan, Oman and Sudan , and the coolest thing about her is that she is half-Yemeni, half-Indonesian.

Nada actually grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, so she knows the people and culture very well and has traveled around the country extensively, so who could be better than her to explain about solo female travel in Saudi Arabia?

In this article, Nada takes us through the 9 misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman.

Here are some common misconceptions about solo female travel in Saudi Arabia.

1 – As a female, I need a guardian to travel to Saudi and around Saudi.

Remember to get travel insurance for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s health care is extremely expensive, so insurance is a must. IATI Insurance offers different plans, for all budgets. Get your 5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link

No. No. No.

This common misconception needs to be eradicated as soon as possible.

Women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone. I travel around independently all the time and, definitely, without a guardian.

The ‘guardian thing’ is more of a cultural thing, not the law. What I mean is that, in general, Arabs treat females as queens, something I am not complaining about, but the concept of females being independent is not something they can comprehend.

I am not saying they are close minded but it is a scene they are not used to. However, as things are opening up and changing, this is starting to slowly wear out.

I’m going to share an incident that happened to me on 4 th January 2019.

I needed to travel from Jeddah to Riyadh . The flights were ridiculously expensive, and I missed the bus, so I went outside the bus station to hop in any of the carpooling services which are called “Kadad”. I got in one, slept comfortably throughout the journey until we reached the checkpoint to enter Riyadh .

The police asked us to pull over, took our IDs and asked standard procedure questions.

Keep in mind that I was the ONLY female in a car of 7 men; the driver and 6 male passengers.

Three policemen came to me one by one, asking where my guardian was and how could I travel without one.

I simply answered: I do not need a guardian and I can travel around without a guardian .

The police insisted that was an issue, so they wanted to hand me in and report me.

I said: What are you going to report me for? I did not do anything .

He was stunned and said that they would explain the procedure at the station.

I was NOT ONE BIT scared because I knew my rights and that that was not the law. This is just the culture he has in his house.

Long story short, the higher rank guy came out and instructed the policemen who were questioning us to let us go as long as our documents were legal.

There you have it, a proven and real-life situation with the man of the law that females do not need a guardian.

You may also be interested in: Is it ethical to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

Travelling to Saudi Arabia as a single woman

2 – I need to get a burqa aka ninja cover and a headscarf

I’m going to let photos speak for me.

Here’s a photo of me in Jeddah:

This is me in Al Ula:

And when traveling to remote areas and going for activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping, abayas are not needed at all.

Here’s a photo of me hiking at Wabah Crater :

can you travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman

And don’t forget to pack your bikinis! Yes, females can wear bikinis in Saudi when you are on a boat trip or at any of the private beaches. Private beaches can be accessed at a certain fee.

While in the city, all you need is decent and long outerwear. It can be of any color and pattern. We love colors, patterns and unique styles!

Don’t be surprised when strangers come up to you and ask “Where did you get the abaya from?!” I get that a lot too.

As for scarves and burqa, they are absolutely not required.

During the questioning I mentioned in point 1, the policemen asked me to cover my hair and, of course, I did not cover my hair because, one, it’s not the law, and two, I didn’t have a scarf anyway.

Sometimes, this happens on the streets when random religious men yell out at you and ask you to cover. The best thing to do is to just ignore them and continue doing your thing.

Again, this is a culture, not the law. Please don’t take it that if we don’t wear a scarf is disrespecting the culture. It’s a personal choice.

Read more stories from kick ass solo female women in offbeat destinations!

3 – I need to be covered to avoid harassment

Harassment is an unfortunate worldwide issue that is specific to the person, not the country or culture.

6 years ago, I faced harassments here and there. In recent years, I have not experienced any harassment.

The worst one I get these days is someone coming up to me and slowly whispering “Mumken Snapchat?” which means “Can I have your Snapchat?”

Simply say no and walk away and that’s the end of it.

Read: Places to visit in Saudi Arabia, a 15-day itinerary

4 – As a female, I cannot hang out or be seen with unrelated men.

This is again not true.

Whether it’s in the city or remote areas, unrelated men and women, basically, a group of mixed gender, can mingle and hang out whenever, and wherever.

Here’s a photo of my friends and me in Jeddah, along with a tourist/travel blogger @ morinasworld

and here in Jizan, mingling with locals while exploring the area.

5 – The Religious Police are everywhere and monitoring women

The religious police do not have any authority, hence they cannot act on anything without being accompanied by the officials. Moreover, I have not seen religious police in the last 2 years.

Skip all content and get ExpressVPN

Get unrestricted access with the fastest VPN for Saudi Arabia country.

6 – Women cannot rent a car

Yes, we can. I’ve rented cars in different cities in Saudi with absolutely no issues, as long as you have a valid driving license for those issued in Saudi/GCC and international driving license for others.

7 – It’s not safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a solo female

In the first point, I mentioned that females are seen as queens and, therefore, must be protected and looked after.

The only thing you need to worry about is being fed way too much food and being introduced to all the family members, relatives, and neighbors, who will keep you for a never-ending conversation because they want to make sure you get the best hospitality.

Another potential danger might be being offered some camel milk.

How to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman

8 – Saudi is not for everyone.

Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Saudi IS for EVERYONE.

Have you seen Saudi on the map?

It’s HUGE! It’s actually the fifth largest country in Asia.

From those who love to lounge by the sea to those looking for adventures, Saudi is for any kind of female traveler, really. Moreover, the culture in Saudi is so diverse that only 1:10 of my friends are purebred.

The traditions and cultures within the region itself are also very diverse. The northernmost part of the country has similarities to the Levant Arab countries, like Palestine and Jordan , while the southernmost part of the country resembles Yemen so much that it makes me feel like home!

Saudi Arabia has amazing historical sites such as Madinah Saleh, Rijal Almaa and many others.

is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman

Saudi Arabia is surrounded by the Red Sea, hence a perfect diving spot for divers, snorkelers or simply lounge by the beach or on a boat!

And, of course, the great desert landscape! Saudi Arabia got you covered with black, brown and red sand dunes! And there are much more than just the desert and the sea. There are many unexplored caves, unclimbed mountains, and stunning valleys!

9 – This is an exaggerated post and it’s not what it’s like in reality

Please have a look into these Instagram accounts based in Saudi that will also show you the reality of Saudi Arabia as a Saudi woman and a non-Saudi woman.

@ nadaalnahdi – Yemeni/Indonesian living in Saudi @ blueabaya – Finnish married to a Saudi and living in Saudi @ esraarayes – Saudi @ mearch_ – Saudi @ nirvana.abdul – Yemeni married to a Saudi @ saraomar_travels – Saudi @ mykindoffridays – Saudi @ redseacitizen – Saudi

If you have any more questions about traveling to Saudi as a woman, don’t hesitate to contact Nada through her blog .

You can also follow and contact her on Instagram and Facebook .

I also recommend reading these 2 articles from her:

What you didn’t know about Pakistan

An impulsive visit to Afghanistan

More information for solo female travel in Saudi Arabia

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

More solo female travel guides

Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq
Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan
Solo Female Travel Guide to Jordan
Solo Female Travel Guide to Lebanon
Solo Female Travel Guide to Oman
Solo Female Travel Guide to Pakistan
Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a Solo Female Traveling section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

More guides to Saudi Arabia

Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
Travel Guide to Riyadh
Where to Stay in Riyadh
Is it Ethical to Visit Saudi Arabia as a Tourist
Hitchhiking and Backpacking in Saudi Arabia
VPN for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Itinerary

28 comments

Good to know that it’s normal to travel alone in Saudi Arabia. The place looks so fascinating! I have been to Jordan, and I found it quite normal, too.

Hi, I’m an expat here in riyadh and I have an aunt working in jeddah, she’s inviting me to visit her in jeddah. I’ll be alone for sure, do I need anything to present at the airport? , aside the ticket and iqama. Your answer will be highly appreciated.

Hi, I don’t think you need to present anything

That’s good news indeed! Thanks! I’ll be going there for sure

“Saudi Arabia is EVERYONE”… Well, except if you are a gay person since any minimal display of affection in public to another person of your same sex (even just holding hands) can be punished with the DEATH penalty.

Displays of affection are not allowed, regardless of your gender.

If the police see a man and a woman kissing, they would also get arrested and yes, you are right that homosexuality can be punished with death penalty but controversially, you can’t imagine the massive gay scene you can find in Riyadh. You wouldn’t believe it.

In any case, if you wanna go to Saudi, you will have to subject to their rules. If subjecting to their rules is an issue for you, then don’t go. It’s that simple.

It’s fair enough to say that if you don’t like the rules, then you shouldn’t go. But you can’t say in good faith that Saudi Arabia is for EVERYONE when you can literally get the death penalty for being gay.

actually. holding hands with a person of the same sex would not be considered “gay” in most Asian countries. thats a very western perception of homosexuality. im not saying that saudi does not persecute gays its just that ‘holding hands’ is an indicator of homosexuality amongst Saudi men (or even South Asian men).

Now, if they see two White men holding hands in the city where a few Saudis know and are fully aware of western culture and how western culture views holding hands as ‘gay’, then it could raise some eyebrows. but amongst arabs itself its very common and its not viewed as sexual.

holding hands between a female and a male is also fine in all the negbouring gulf countries at least – it would be assumed that you are related or married and its not like theres any religious police there to appoarch you. kissing on the lips is a no-no – both between gays and straights.

I am considering a visit to see an old friend and his wife who currently lives in Saudi. Would it be appropriate to exchange hugs at the airport, or would this be considered a display of affection in public?

Hey Karen, I guess it depends on which kind of hug 🙂 But I don’t really know what would be the limits here. Maybe your friends know?

Hello,I am from India I ‘m planning to go to the bts concert in Riyadh this October.Anything I need to know?

I am not sure about specific-visa requirements for Indians, but just follow the tips from the visa section

Hii I m Hindu female I need to go to Riyadh Dammam for business purpose and I m unmarried will I get the visa…like I have heard u need to be married to get a visa

Hi No you don’t have to be married to get a visa don’t worry

Without sounding too disrespectful to the author of this article travelling solo to any country is not 100 percent safe for any woman. The author was obviously brave to have got into a vehicle with 7 Male men but for your own protection this is not something to be advised. Women must take caution so please don’t feel that just because this author has said this that’s it’s okay. I say this from having lived in Saudi myself not as someone from outside the country.

I traveled to Medina about 10 years ago with two men (one husband) and a little boy. We were never questioned about anything untoward and were treated beautifully (Egyptian men and my American self). The only stupid thing that I experienced was that after buying a coffee in a local cafe, we were not allowed to sit because they didn’t have a family section there and I was a female. I thought that the whole thing was ridiculous for if it was too risque for me to drink a coffee in an empty restaurant, then how risque was it for me to drink it walking down the street during Ramadan? However, we were treated to so many kindnesses as guests (when goodness knows they were overrun with guests!) Our cab driver wouldn’t less us pay-after he took us on an extended mosque tour in Medina. A stationer in Mecca wouldn’t let me pay for my purchases. I was a middle aged american woman but traveling with Arab speaking men, so I didn’t expect poor treatment or special treatment. Not being allowed in the cafe was the only thing that happened to me that was negative in a week in Saudi. Well, that and the bathrooms on the road between Riyaad and Mecca. They really need a Buccees over there!

This summer, I am planning to take my 17 year old daughter on a trip to Saudi Arabia. I have been to Egypt in 1989 and traveled with my son and daughter to Morocco in the summer of 2018. (I have traveled extensively around the world, but for the purposes of this e-mail, only my trips to Moslem countries is important.) Because we have been to Israel, it was impossible for us to travel to Saudi Arabia until now. I want to take my daughter now in case G forbid things change and we are unable to go. I plan to fly into Jetta, rent a car, and drive to Riydah, sightsee around there and then drive back to Jetta and do the same before flying back to the US. I plan to stay with my daughter at an apartment hotel in Ridyah and Jetta so we can do our own cooking and ask for the hotel to arrange for day guides for us. I have a teacher colleague that has lived in Saudi Arabia so she is going to help to let us know what to do around Jetta and Riydah. I also plan to see what Lonely Planet recommends to see in Saudi Arabia as it has helped us to plan trips to Brazil, Belieze, China, Peru, Equador, Mexico, Guatamala, Morocco, and Europe. With all of the conflicting information, I need to know if I am able to rent a car and drive between the two cities? Do I need a special driver’s license to drive in Saudi Arabia? As it is a Moslem country how easy can credit cards be used? We found in Morocco that credit cards were difficult and we needed cash. Do we need to wear an abya? I have heard in Ridayh yes and no. Jetta is supposed to be more open. Can I travel with my daughter alone in Saudi Arabia? Are we allowed to go to the Riyadh zoo by ourselves? Are banking hours restricted for women?

Hi there, all your questions and more are answered in this guide: https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-to-saudi-arabia/

The only thing I don’t know is very specific questions such as the zoo and the banking hours.

You will be fine,

Been living in Saudi many years. While things are changing in the big cities in provincial areas it’s another matter. Currently based in Buraydah, and as a woman you would be crazy to walk around showing your hair. To avoid unwanted attention it’s best to go with the flow and do the same as everyone else. My wife was actually physically attacked in a supermarket in Buraydah for not wearing a niqab. What works in Riyadh or Jeddah won’t work everywhere. I do agree that Saudis are great hosts though. But even then my wife had just had enough after 6 years. It’s just too restrictive at the end of the day. I’m sure they’ll get there in the end, but they’ve got a long way to go.

In the end you’re living in Buraydah. It’s a common stereotype between Saudis that Qassim region is the most conservative with the most religious fanatics . You’re speaking of the Alabama of Saudi Arabia.

Everything in article true. Im a California all American women and doctorbeen working in Saudi for 20 years. Years ago things were VERY different but life here over past 2-3 years has changed 500%! Its truly westernized now. I drive by myself and move freely in city, airports and stayed in hotels in Jeddah, Taif and Dammam alone with no issues. I used to need escort, had to cover hair and wear abaya before with threat of arrest. Today i go to resturants and stores without headcover and many times with pants and my clinic jacket. No issues at all. Life is easy here now and Saudis are very friendly and as article no religious police harrassing you as seen in okd days. Women are working everywhere from store sales to managers, they are active in Saudi workforce and im so happy see all the changes. They do however hold on to their culture and foreigners should always respect local county culture. Theres so much for them to share here for tourism so I highly recommend visit here… its safe, comfirtable and fun. Winter usually amazing weather and a vast array of entertainment from Circus de soleil to concerts to resturants from around the world. When visiting I only recommend show them respect and dress “modestly” which means its not South Beach Florida haha but casual attire of pants, skirts, dresses doesnt insult or embarrass anyone . Dont miss Saudi if you visit the region !

Hi, I found your blog interesting & fun, but I have a little comment, hope you take it in more constructive way, The misconception of the idea of being Tourist & a Local is different. Don’t engaged both, otherwise your are putting others in compromise, yet 100% is true that everything is changed, but I don’t think the culture & rules adjust too, particularly in local woman travelling, as you trying to point in you blog. Maybe I’m wrong but take it a consideration to allow yourself to explore more deep in your content. I came out with this reply because your subject, Nada is not a local, she’s a half Yemeni half Indonesian, even though she was born here she’s still consider an expat. In short she was raised by Parents with different view, maybe similar but not totally. I suggest you better interview a pure local but you need a permission to there Guardian if they will allowed you. Hope so.

Thanks for sharing this information. As a women or a solo traveller i also had these misconceptions, usually people think a lot before travelling to Muslim countries but now i am ready to explore Saudi Arabia very soon.

Thanks for your tips would be great for my upcoming trip. do you have any suggestion for accomdation in Jeddah .I am a solo female traveller

With our groups, we used to stay at Shada Hotel Shatea. It’s a bit pricey but next to it there’s Lotaz Hotel, which is a pretty good deal

Hi there, Many thanks for publishing a blog about your travel experience in Saudi Arabia – it looks wonderful!

I’m considering traveling to the area for a few days to perform pilgrimage.

Could you please provide any insights on the current atmosphere and security situation for a solo female traveler and is the conflict in the neighboring countries having any impact on the travelers/visitors?

Any tips on how to get from Jeddah to Mecca and Mecca to Madinah would be great or any other words of wisdom you can offer. Thank you so much!

Hello! I was wondering where your photo in Jeddah was taken? Looking to visit 🙂 thank you!

“Three policemen came to me one by one, asking where my guardian was and how could I travel without one. The police insisted that was an issue, so they wanted to hand me in and report me.”

Well that wouldn’t be terrifying at all, it’s absolutely fine for female visitors!

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

How to Travel to Libya in 2024
Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)
How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela
How to visit Angel Falls and Canaima National Park

Tour Operators
Destinations
Hotels & Resorts
Digital Edition Spring 2024
Digital Edition Fall 2023
Travel Webcast
Voices of Travel
Agents' Choice Gala
Suppliers Kit
Canadian Travel Press
Travel Courier
Offshore Travel Magazine
Culinary Travels

Intrepid launches 12-day women’s expedition to Saudi Arabia

April 8, 2024

Intrepid Travel has introduced a 12-day Saudi Arabia Women’s Expedition , designed to offer an authentic and transformative travel experience while empowering women and supporting female-owned businesses in the destination.

The tour will be exclusively led by female leaders and guides, aiming to showcase a different side of the country beyond the luxury resorts and high-end offerings.

Starting in Riyadh and finishing in Jeddah, groups will stay in a female-owned boutique hotel, heritage property and desert camp, directly supporting a total of nine female-owned and operated businesses.

“This new trip has been a year in the making, as we challenged ourselves to create a trip in Saudi in line with our values that would be a genuine force for good,” said Jenny Gray, product manager, Women’s Expeditions, Intrepid Travel. “ With tourism to Saudi focused on vast ultra-luxury offerings, we wanted to balance that by creating something completely unique in Saudi Arabia: a trip putting local women’s voices centre stage. With activities like joining a cooking class with a local female chef and getting pampered at a women-owned salon, the trip will give our travellers the chance to see a side of Saudi few get to experience.”

Five departures available

A limited run of five departures, each with a maximum of 12 travellers, will start on 26 November 2024. The 12-day trip will start at $7,975CAD.

Highlights include:

Visit Madinah – the second holiest site in Islam, after Mecca – with a local female guide. Non-Muslims have recently been allowed to visit the holy site up to the perimeter
Take a sunrise visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, guided by a local ‘rawee’ or storyteller
Take a bullet train to Jeddah and explore Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Saudi’s first female guide
Head to a female-owned, female-only salon for a spot of pampering. Chat to the locals and learn how these types of businesses have created opportunities for the women who live here
Meet two sisters running a local citrus farm near Alula, sample their produce and have lunch under the trees
Visit an abeya shop to learn how women are modernising this staple piece
Jump on a boat and cruise the Red Sea, snorkel, swim, and enjoy a barbeque lunch before ending the day on a private female only beach.

For more information, visit intrepidtravel.com .

2024 Arabian Travel Market draws record-breaking attendance

Don’t miss the biggest travel trade party of the year!

Brand Activations
Event Management
Lighting and AV
Set and Stage Design
Christmas Events
Event Production
Gala Dinners & Award Ceremonies
Product Launches
Sustainable Events
Conferences
Event Technology
Influencer Events
Sales Kick-Offs
Event Theming
Venue Styling
Artistic Performers
Catering Services
Circus Entertainment
Family Fun Day Entertainment
Musicians & Bands
Technology Entertainment
Walkabout Entertainment
Bespoke Shows & Productions
Chinese New Year Entertainment
Guest Speakers
Seasonal Entertainment
Themed Entertainment
Winter Wonderland Entertainment
Brand Reveal Entertainment
Christmas Entertainment
Event Attractions & Rides
Halloween Themed Entertainment
Sports Entertainment
Virtual Entertainment
Virtual Conferences

What To Wear As A Business Woman Visiting Saudi Arabia

Home / What To Wear As A Business Woman Visiting Saudi Arabia

Having visited and conducted business regularly in Saudi Arabia , Julia, our Managing Director gives us an insight into the do’s and don’t’s of what to wear when visiting Saudi Arabia as a businesswoman.

Saudi Arabia is a highly religious and proud country. Therefore, as a visitor, respecting this and dressing correctly can make the difference between a highly successful business meeting or conference.

It is important that when visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia you adhere to their dress codes . By Western standards, Saudi Arabia can come across as very conservative. Especially when it comes to the rules on how women are expected to dress. However, it is just a simple case of following basic guidelines. Showing respect to Saudi Arabia and its cultural and religious beliefs.

Example of what women should wear when visiting Saudi Arabia

What should female tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

In 2019 Saudi Arabia eased some of its stricter guidelines on dress code for female tourists and businesswomen. This was done in partnership with the Kingdom opening their country to foreigners with their new visa as part of their 2030 vision.

Although certainly conservative, the guidelines may not be as strict as you think!

The following guidance is based off of the requirements published by the Saudi Arabian government and should be followed by all female tourists visiting the kingdom:

It is the expectation that all Saudi Arabian women wear the abaya , however, women visiting Saudi Arabia do not have to wear this. The hijab and niqab are optional for both Saudi and tourist women
Knees and shoulders must be covered and women are expected to dress modestly at all time
In most scenarios the abaya is optional for female tourists visiting Saudi Arabia, however, must be worn if visiting mosques as a mark of respect to the Muslim culture
In some places in Saudi Arabia- Riyadh being one of them- you may have to wear a head scarf- we suggest tying a head scarf to your bag and then you can put it on whenever you need it
Sleeveless shirts, short dresses, loose tops, short bottoms, crop tops and miniskirts are strictly not allowed
Nightwear, underwear as outerwear or anything that could be deemed as inappropriate must be completely avoided
If planning to swim whilst visiting Saudi Arabia bikinis are a no-no as they are seen as taboo
There is no restriction on footwear, however, be mindful that footwear must be removed when entering religious places
Ensure the fabric on your clothing is loose and not see-through
If you wear religious jewellery you may want to consider removing this, if you want to keep wearing it whilst you visit Saudi Arabia then keep it hidden under your clothes
Although not a rule, culturally Saudi Arabia prefers women with natural make-up, so if you’re planning on packing bright red lipstick you may want to reconsider

Do tourists need to wear an abaya in Saudi Arabia?

It is no longer mandatory for foreign female tourists to wear an abaya . This is the long, (typically black) flowing cloak that has been part of the mandatory dress code for decades. Nor is it mandatory for female visitors to wear head scarves.

That being said, there is a big difference between Saudi Arabia laws and what you can wear, and Saudi Arabia customs and what you may feel more comfortable wearing.

For example, it can come across as much more respectful if you choose to wear an abaya and headscarf as a female tourist, even though it is not mandatory. Therefore, when travelling on business you may want to consider wearing these items in order to put your best foot forward.

Business women wearing headscarf and appropriate clothing for meeting in Saudi Arabia

As a female foreigner in KSA, you are much more likely to stand out and draw attention to yourself from NOT wearing an Abaya and headscarf. Especially in the capital city Riyadh where 99% of the women you see are wearing one.

The religious police in Saudi Arabia lost a lot of control recently, therefore you will not be told off for not wearing an Abaya. However, customs and traditions stick and you may risk offending certain people in Saudi Arabia by not wearing one.

Having said that it is important to note that when you are visiting holy places or the holy city of Medina then an abaya and headscarf should be worn!

What clothes can I wear as a female visitor in Saudi Arabia?

The key is to dress conservatively.

DO wear loose-fitting clothes
DO wear long sleeves
DO ensure that all clothing goes below the knee, preferably to the ankle
DO wear tops and dresses with a higher neckline
DO NOT have lots on skin on display
DO NOT wear visible religious jewellery such as a cross necklace
DO NOT have your shoulders or knees uncovered

Trousers and jeans are allowed for women. However, I would suggest that they’re loose and you wear a top that is loose fitting and covers your bum and hips.

Wearing a long-sleeved, loose, and full-length dress can be an easy option.

What clothes should I pack as a businesswoman visiting the Kingdom?

If you are female conducting business in Saudi Arabia I would suggest being additionally conservative in what you wear.

Therefore I would suggest packing an abaya. Although not compulsory you are more likely to create a better impression with potential clients by ensuring you wear one.

Likewise with head scarfs. Although not a compulsory item I would definitely suggest packing one so that you can wear it in meetings and out and about.

A handy tip is to ensure you carry around a shawl or scarf. That way if you are not wearing a headscarf and feel like you’re getting lots of looks you can quickly put it on.

Tips when purchasing an abaya

I would make sure that you purchase your abaya prior to your trip. Although abayas a very easy to get hold of once in Saudi Arabia, it is much better to have one as soon as you land rather than having to spend time sourcing one.

Although you can pick up abayas in different dark colours it is best to purchase a black one.

Saudi women wearing different clothing options including full burqa, abaya and head scarf.

When purchasing an abaya consider material type. Although very hot in summer it does cool down in the winter months. Therefore consider material type and fastenings. Abayas with buttons all the way down can provide a bit of a breeze. Whereas abayas without buttons or with zip fastenings keep the heat in.

There are loads of UK websites that you can browse through to purchase your abaya.

The beauty of wearing an abaya is that you can’t go wrong. By choosing NOT to wear one you have to put a lot more time and consideration into what is and isn’t appropriate. By wearing an abaya you eliminate this worry.

Women wearing different clothing options at Saudi Arabia business event

I hope this has been a helpful guide on what to wear as a female visiting Saudi Arabia.

If you’re interested, we have lots more content from business trips our company has made to Saudi Arabia to more information on the events industry in KSA and the UAE.

Get In Touch With Us Today.

With nearly 20 years of Event Management insight, working with world-renowned Clients we'll help you create your Dream Event.

Conference Events
Gala Dinners
Themed Events
Bespoke Shows
Event Attractions
Halloween Entertainment
Musicians & Bands
Virtual Events

Email Your Wishlist

Please complete the form below to email yourself your wishlist. Alternatively you can email us on [email protected] or call us on 01908 969322

Enquiry Response

Make Wishlist Enquiry

Please complete the form below to make your enquiry. Alternatively you can email us on [email protected] or call us on 01908 969322

Privacy Overview

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Saudi Arabia

Travel Advisory January 24, 2024

Saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of missile and drone attacks and terrorism :

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
Abha airport;
Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions. As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past. Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning. Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest . This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life. U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases. Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited. Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards. An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas .
Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets . Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.

One page required for entry stamp.

Required for certain visa classes

More than 16,000 USD must be declared. Customs details are here .

Embassies and Consulates

The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundbaout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website for visa information.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

For residency permit-holders (iqama), an exit/reentry permit is required to leave Saudi Arabia as well as six month’s validity on your passport to request an exit/reentry permit.

Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card (iqama) at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3,000 Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.
Females and minors may require a male guardian’s permission to leave the country, including U.S. citizens or dual-nationals.
You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia.

Saudi law requires all Saudi citizens to enter and depart the country with a Saudi travel document. If you enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom.

Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.

Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period. Carefully check your visa validity and length of stay granted, and clarify any questions on permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration officials on arrival. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.

If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.

Travel Bans: When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.

The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:

charged with criminal offenses;
under investigation;
involved in financial or labor disputes;
failed to report to work according to the terms of the contract (absconded);
unpaid debts or who have passed bad checks.

The list above is not exhaustive. Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against foreign citizens for various reasons.

Residency Permits: If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.

You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications (202-485-8000) and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C.

Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.

If the visitor or business visa has been annotated “not permitted to work,” you are not allowed to legally work in Saudi Arabia. You risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia if you work without legal permission. Additionally, without a work visa, there would be no legal grounds to pursue a case against an employer should a dispute arise.

HIV/AIDS: To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS or hepatitis travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.

Vaccinations: Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Health website.

Yemen Travel: The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our Yemen Travel Advisory for further information. A visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia, and Saudi authorities generally do not permit foreign citizens to enter Saudi Arabia using land border crossings from Yemen. The Embassy and Consulates General cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

Safety and Security

The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here .

Do not travel:

Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.

Houthis operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Rebel groups are also in possession of unmanned aerial systems (UASs or drones) which they have used to target civilian infrastructure and military facilities in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working on or near such installations, particularly in areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

On October 11, 2018 the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Government’s Defense Internet NOTAM Service (Type “OEJD” in the search field, then click “View NOTAMs,” then scroll down to W0438/18 and click to view).

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the cities of Jizan and Najran;
Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia .

Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.

You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible.
Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.
Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.

See the websites of the Department of State and the FBI for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the Department of State’s webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department can:

help you identify appropriate medical care;
assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
provide a list of local attorneys;
provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: If you are the victim of any form of physical violence, including domestic violence, you should contact the Saudi police by calling “999”. In addition, victims of domestic violence can contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a network of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports. U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Dual Citizenship: Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi law requires Saudi citizens to obtain official permission from the government before obtaining a second nationality. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately. Be aware that Saudi Arabia generally restricts consular notification of the arrest of foreigners to the Embassy of the country that issued the travel document used to enter the Kingdom. If you enter Saudi Arabia with a Saudi travel document, or with the passport of a country other than the United States, it will be extremely difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services if you are subsequently detained. Persons detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for lengthy periods and denied access to counsel; dual citizens may not have consular assistance. See the Embassy’s webpage for further information.

Drones: The importation of drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). A customs clearance certificate authorizing importation can be obtained as part of the GACA approval process. Visit GACA’s website for further information.

Criminal Penalties: While in Saudi Arabia, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Saudi laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled; arrested; imprisoned; held without trial for lengthy periods of time; interrogated without counsel; subject to corporal punishments, including lashings; or executed.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death. Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

There are substantial limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia. For additional information see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia .

Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet .

Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed and/or deported. Church services in private homes have been raided, and participants have been jailed and/or deported.
Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship.
Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted.
Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and parts of Medina, the cities where two of Islam’s holiest mosques are located.
See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.

Students: See the Department’s Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.

Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.

If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.

Foreign mothers of Saudi children, who are divorced or widowed, may apply for a permanent residency permit(iqama) without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they were legally married to the Saudi father.

Also see the Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers .

Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.

Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.
All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit (iqama) and are legally required to carry it at all times.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom. Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development .
Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U.S. citizens may be prevented by the sponsor from leaving Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or business dispute, which could take months or years to resolve.
To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer.
The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.
U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system, and payment for those services, lies with the parties involved. For additional information on Saudi labor law, please refer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s webpage .
Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam (such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials).
Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored.
Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines.
Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. Please see the Department’s Customs Information page as well as the Saudi Customs webpage.

Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

Cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia require a Veterinary Health Certificate and a dated letter from the veterinary practitioner addressed to his/her sponsor to obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Both documents must be authenticated by the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service Office and the State Department's Authentications Office and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia .
The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current. Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated.
Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas .

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: In recent years, increasing numbers of American language teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Some teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in the Embassy’s Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia . Additionally, prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy cannot help you if you violate Saudi labor law.

Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Both the uniformed police and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.

Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police.
While a 2016 government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.
An individual must, if requested, present his/her residence permit (iqama) or other identification to the mutawwa or the police.
U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the mutawwa should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.

In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length covering known as an abaya. Most women in conservative areas also cover their hair with a hijab for modesty, and many also cover their faces with a niqab.

Tourists are expected to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images; women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair but are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should not go without a shirt. Women who choose not to conform to Saudi Arabia’s dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa, negative or hostile comments by Saudi citizens, and possible detention Guidelines on public decorum for tourists are available at the Saudi government’s official tourism website, www.visitsaudi.com. Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime) by unmarried men and women. Less frequently, members of the mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Men and women detained for socializing with individuals who are not relatives may be charged with moral crimes such as khulwa (mixing with unrelated members of the opposite sex). Less frequently, some restaurants may refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative In addition, a few restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always clearly posted.

While there are now movie theaters, musical concerts, and artistic performances in Saudi Arabia, the country remains socially conservative. Social media postings which contravene cultural standards can have legal and/or criminal consequences.

Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities, such as military bases and government buildings, nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if you violate Saudi law.

The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is available to U.S. citizens throughout Saudi Arabia at public and private facilities. Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Saudi Arabia. For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high-profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments. See the Department’s webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expatriates.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Please note:

Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year – travelers should stay hydrated.
Air pollution is a significant concern in many parts of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Many infectious diseases, such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), are present in Saudi Arabia.

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Saudi Ministry of Health

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage .

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.

Beginning on June 24, 2018, women have been able to obtain a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia. With a valid visitor visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car. However, outside the major cities of Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, visitors—especially women—may experience difficulty renting a car. Female residents with independent sponsorships and U.S. or international driver’s licenses also may obtain a Saudi driver’s license, necessary to drive vehicles other than rental cars. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit (“iqama”) may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver’s licenses. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.

See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.

Traffic Laws :

Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U.S. or international driver's license for up to 90 days.
Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police.
In the event of a traffic accident, U.S. citizens should dial “993” to report the accident. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.
Additionally, U.S. citizens should contact Najm, a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete the accident report (+966 9200 00560).
In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved (if not seriously injured) is likely be taken to the local police station.
All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid.
Use of front seat belts (driver and passenger) is required by law.
U.S. citizens involved in a serious accident resulting in injury or death should immediately contact their sponsors and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.
Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.
Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount.
Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country.

Public Transportation:

U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using taxis in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Uber Black in Riyadh, Kareem First in Jeddah, and Majestic taxi service in Dhahran. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible.
Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Please refer to the Department’s Road Safety page for more information. Also, it is recommended that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page .

Information for Mariners:

Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal .

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Saudi Arabia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, saudi arabia map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Search site

10 tips for women travelling to riyadh, saudi arabia.

Zafigo’s Quick Guide to Riyadh for Women Travelling Alone or with Family and Friends

O pening her veil to the rest of the world for the first time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now showing up on travel lists. With the recent series of measures aimed at empowering women and opening Saudi society, Saudi Arabia finds itself on the global map. From business travellers participating in the economic resurgence by the Kingdom’s move away from oil dependence to intrepid travellers, all eyes are on this hot spot!

Unbeknownst to many, Saudi Arabia is also home to phenomenal unspoilt natural beauty. Think misty mountains that are snow-capped in winter, or the Rub Al Khali’s (the Empty Quarter’s) sand dunes of every hue and never-ending desert, or aquamarine and pristine beaches with some of the world’s best coral reefs.

Riyadh, the country’s capital, is a sprawling metropolis. It’s a beautiful city still in the making, aiming to position itself as a metro with world-class facilities, currently undergoing a transformation from a sleepy conservative desert capital to a bustling, modern, and well-governed city.

About 600 metres above sea level, smack bang at the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, Riyadh is on the Eastern edge of the mountain-studded Najd plateau. A stark and dramatic rocky ridge called the Tuwaiq Escarpment runs like a backbone for about 800 miles along the plateau, with a series of valleys or wadis, where settlements have grown – including the capital Riyadh. The name ‘Riyadh’ derives from the Arabic ‘Rowdah’, meaning ‘gardens’ and is a reference to the green oasis that dotted the plateau. Here’s what you should know if you’re planning a visit:

1. The weather blows hot. And cold.

Yes, it gets hot in the summer. By this I mean burning hot, with daytime temperatures regularly rising to 50° Celsius. You probably know this already, though. So here’s one of the best-kept secrets: for the rest of the year, the weather is quite beautiful. The fall sees warm days, and pleasant evenings give way to chilly winters with the temperatures dipping into the single digits. You’ll see residents embrace the outdoors and fill their evenings with picnics, barbecues, and camp-outs only to welcome the milder spring when the desert flowers are in bloom. The best time to visit is any time from November to April. This is when local tour operators offer a wide array of activities all over the country.

Dust storms typically herald the onset of summer, and come in from the north-westerly front, but you can pretty much be hit by one anytime of the year. When the city is in the throes of a moderate to severe dust storm, stay indoors as much as possible. If you need to venture out, stay in the car cover your face with a scarf, and wear dark glasses. Strong winds carry the dust everywhere, so visibility is often reduced to a few feet. Take particular caution if you suffer from asthma or are prone to respiratory allergies.

2. Lay of the land

The airport is located 35 kilometres north from the city centre. This translates to a 45-minute drive unless traffic is exceptionally bad, which it can be during peak hours.

Riyadh is served by a modern highway system. The main Eastern Ring Road connects the city’s south and north, while the Northern Ring Road connects the city’s east and west. King Fahd Road and Olaya Roads are two main thoroughfares that run through the city centre from north to south, in parallel with the East Ring Road.

Shining new skyscrapers dot the skyline along these roads, and the main business district is found here. Three tall standing stalwarts merit mention: The Faisaliah Towers, the Iconic Kingdom Tower (Al Mamlaka), and the Burj Rafal.

Al Faisaliyah was the first skyscraper to be built here, and it graces the skyline with an unusual, shimmering beauty. The golden ball that lies atop the pointed tower is said to be inspired by a ballpoint pen. The Kingdom Tower, with its award-winning and modern design boasts a Sky Bridge on the 99th floor that’s open to public, and offers breathtaking views of Riyadh. The Burj Rafal is quite simply the tallest kid on the block.

Between the glittering lights at night and the gorgeous desert sunsets, it’s difficult to decide which view is better. All three buildings house 5-star hotels and decks that provide wonderful views of the city.

Tahlia Street in downtown Riyadh is the city’s high street. It’s lined with trendy sports cafés, restaurants, and eateries. It’s also where the youngsters like to hang out.

3. Shopping is the national pastime

With avenues for entertainment being limited, the shopping experience grew to fill this space. While Riyadh may lack the grandeur and organised decadence of Downtown Dubai, the city has a mall, boutique, or souk to fit any budget or taste.

The scene here is dominated by massive malls, all of which feature a vast range of shops, restaurants, and theme parks, which means that many of them are all-day adventures in and of themselves. Nakheel and Granada are two of the most popular shopping centres, with both combining fast and high fashion with family-friendly fun. The amusement park in Granada is a highlight for those with kids.

For the traveller with more discerning or refined tastes (this is Saudi Arabia, after all), there are high end outlets all over the city. The biggest clusters can be found in Centria and Kingdom malls on Olaya. Expect to find brands such as Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Saint Laurent. Oh, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia special editions too, making your exclusive find even rarer!

However, if the shopping experience you’re looking for is more for artisanal artefacts than Prada purses, Riyadh’s traditional souks are where to go. These atmospheric souks situated in the heart of the city offer an escape from the glass and concrete jungle, and give you the opportunity to explore parts of Saudi culture that visitors seldom get to see.

Riyadh’s souk s give you a chance to step away from the rapid modernisation of the country, and experience an ancient culture that is steeped in tradition. Here, you’ll find robed men and veiled women selling everything from precious gold jewellery to aromatic oud incense. Keep an eye out for spice markets and pre-owned watch markets, perfume bazaars and fine Arabian carpets.

For more incentive, at mealtimes, you can find enterprising Saudi women selling home-cooked local food from stalls on the pavements. Insider tip: Bedouin cuisine is outstanding and markedly different from the typical Arab fare. So definitely try it!

Deerah Souk, situated in the old parts of Riyadh, is one of the city’s oldest. It’s next to the Masmak Fortress where, in 1902, a young Ibn Saud and his small band of loyal soldiers crept up after dawn prayers and captured the governor, heralding the beginning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as we know it today. The original door still stands with the mark of Ibn Saud’s sword.

The gold souk at Deerah, Thumairy St, has some of Riyadh’s oldest gold stores, and the corridors beside it is crammed with carpets, antiques, and other knick-knacks. The streets and alleyways around the souk are filled with local shops. Often, an entire street specialises in a particular offering, like Saudi winter coats or handcrafted Madas Sharqi sandals worn by Saudi men and of course, spices and perfumes.

The sprawling Kuwaiti and Tayba souk s downtown near the Financial District are where you’ll find the locals shopping for just about everything they need – home ware, clothes, traditional medicines, furniture, jewellery, and then some.

4. What to wear

For now, the answer quite simply is the abaya (robe-like outerwear). While regulations surrounding the public dress code are slowly liberalising, Saudi Arabia remains an intrinsically conservative nation, and this is very much reflected in the way people dress. It remains mandatory for women to wear the abaya in public. This is a shoulder-to-ankle gown that you put on over your outfit anytime you are in public to ‘protect your modesty’.

Abaya s were typically black in colour, but as public opinion around the severity of the dress code relaxes, Saudi designers are getting creative. Nowadays, you’ll see stunning abaya s in many hues on the streets. In fact, if you’re looking to mix up your wardrobe, many designer abaya s are gorgeous garments in their own right. With intricate embroidery overlaying luscious satin, they combine oriental grace with Parisian luxury. The dress code for men is, unsurprisingly, much less restrictive.

5. Pleasing the palate

Riyadh throws up an array of dishes from local street food to high end (and very pricey) fine dining. With expatriates of many nationalities living in Saudi Arabia, you can find pretty much any cuisine you want.

The most popular street food is the shawarma (thin cuts of meat) served with fries, brine pickles, and a garlic mayonnaise locally called thom , which is ever-present and finger licking good. Try one and you’re hooked. Falafel (vegetable patty) wraps are the popular vegetarian option.

Close in competition for the unofficial national street food title comes Broasted Chicken and the rice-based kabsa and mandi . A host of salads and dips, of Arabic/Mediterranean origin such as hummus (chickpea dip), stuffed vine leaves, fattoush (bread salad), and muttabal (roasted eggplant) are available everywhere.

The local bread is a flatbread called khubs and tameez , quite like the pita bread. It’s freshly made in street side bakeries or freshly packaged in any store. A lot of the time, it’ll find its way to your table, unannounced, with anything else you order.

Local Saudi cuisine is becoming increasingly popular. An iconic restaurant called Najd Village serves authentic Saudi food of the Najd Reign in a quintessential village setting. Dining here is an experience unto itself.

Looking for something more familiar? Well-known and loved brands such as McDonalds, Shake Shack, Five Guys for that special burger, iHop, the newly-opened Cheesecake Factory, and PF Chang’s are just some of the international chains firing up Riyadh’s palates.

Indian and Pakistani food is everywhere. Catering to the expatriate community, they range from hole-in-the-wall stores serving inexpensive, spicy, hearty fare to mid-range and fine dining restaurants with celebrity chefs and fusion food. Like the Anardana at Mövenpick, Asha’s, or Maharaja by Vineet.

Most standalone restaurants have a single section and a family section. Women, whether single or with a mixed group, need to use the family section.

6. Qahwah and Shisha

It’s coffee time all day in Saudi Arabia! The local brew, or qahwah , is an aromatic blend of coffee with cardamom, saffron, and other additives. The recipes vary widely, and a good qahwah is hailed as a matter of pride. Served in small qahwah cups (the size of a shot glass), they’re always accompanied by a small bowl of dates. Traditionally served in a dallah , the iconic coffee pot is a great souvenir to take back, as are a box of dates.

Smoking shisha (water pipes) is extremely popular. There are many many shisha bars where local men sit around in the evenings smoking shisha and drinking qahwah . In public, this is usually a men’s only thing. But shisha s are equally popular among women who get together in more private gatherings.

7. Places to visit

Diriyah, spread over 50 acres, is a living heritage museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northwest Riyadh that is an absolute must-see. Still under development, the site was the original seat of the Saudi royal family. The adobe structures are in the Najdi architectural style, and the enclave includes the remains of many palaces and an urban ensemble that borders on the ad-Dir’iyah oasis. The palaces are being refurbished and are expected to be opened to the public soon.

A drive through the area, even in its current form, beside the beautiful Wadi Hanifa (Valley) is a great way to get a taste of how life once was. The Al Bujairi Square has shops and restaurants, and is very popular with visitors and locals.

In the winter and spring, the people of Riyadh head outdoors in hordes. One can hire a campsite with a tent and spend an evening or weekend with family and friends. There are sites of stunning natural beauty such as the Edge of the World. This dramatic drop at the edge of the escarpment is a two-hour drive from Riyadh, and easily one of the best experiences you can have.

There are sites of Neolithic stone art all over Saudi Arabia. Qaryat Al Musayqirah, about two hours from Riyadh, is a great example. The art form, dating from about 10,000 to 3000 BCE, even features water buffaloes – a testament to the fact that the Arabian Peninsula wasn’t always the arid desert it is today.

Falcon hunting is another activity popular in the winter, where you are driven out into the desert and introduced to hunting falcons and can watch them hunt their bird of prey.

The National Museum in central Riyadh holds some great treasures and is worth a visit for those interested in the history of this region.

8. Entertainment in rocking Riyadh

Public entertainment was almost non-existent here. It’s only in early 2018 that the ban on cinemas was lifted. There are currently two multi-screen theatres in the snazzy Riyadh Park Mall, and the Financial District in the north of Riyadh, but plans are well underway to scale up.

The Saudi Government is committed to opening up society to a vibrant entertainment scene. For the first time, a year-long calendar has been rolled out offering a wide variety of events – including Arabic and Western operas, wresting matches, circuses, jazz events, talk shows and so on

9. Getting in and getting around

At the time of writing, standalone tourist visas have been announced, but the modalities are yet to be made public. Women over the age of 25 can now travel to Saudi Arabia without a male family member or companion, but women under 25 must be accompanied.

Riyadh has a number of 3- to 5-star hotels where women can stay. It’s advisable to stick to more established hotel chains, until local hotels become better prepared to meet the requirements of lady travellers.

Getting around Riyadh is very easy. White limousines (taxis) can be hailed on the road, and Uber and Careem provide easy, efficient. and very safe services. It’s not common to walk to one’s destination in Riyadh, partly because of the weather and the distance (nothing is really ‘round the corner’), but also because there isn’t much of a walking culture.

All visitors are advised to keep their ID handy, such as your passport with the relevant visa. There may be spot checks or roadblocks, and you’re required to have a valid identifying document on hand. The language on the streets is Arabic, but most shopkeepers do speak a smattering or more of English.

Women are now allowed to drive in the country, and an international driving license allows you to hire and drive a car here. That said, driving tends to be challenging here, and it’s advisable to go slow if you do. A new metro line is expected to be introduced next year, and much of Riyadh’s streets are currently dug up or closed.

10. Culture and attitudes

Saudis are extremely friendly and hospitable, and always happy to chat with you. Inevitably, you’ll be offered mint tea ( shai ) or qahwa , and asked about your family.

Remember, however, that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a highly conservative Islamic society. It’s important and courteous to respect their culture. Alcohol, public displays of affection between genders, and showing of skin in public are strictly frowned upon. Not everyone is happy being photographed, so please ask for permission before taking out your phone or camera.

Keep in mind that the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Almost everything will be closed on Friday mornings till the noon prayer. Malls and stores tend to be open till 10 or 11pm. Stores and restaurants will be closed for prayer times (for about 15 to 20 minutes). You will not be permitted to enter a store or restaurant when it is closed for salah (prayer). You may stay in the restaurant, but orders will not be taken or executed while it’s prayer time. Likewise for retail outlets, where some of the larger departmental stores may permit you to stay inside during prayer time, but cash registers will be closed. Other shops may require you to wait outside.

Gender segregation in public spaces starts at the airport and is common throughout the city. This doesn’t stop the women of Riyadh from enjoying the city on their own and in each other’s company as they wait for more freedoms to be enjoyed together.

Nandita loves to travel and usually falls in love with the most recent place she visits. She has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for many years and has travelled extensively within Saudi Arabia, amongst the first to experience the unspoiled beauty of the country.

Saudi Arabia: Women's Expedition

12 days | discover a unique perspective of saudi arabia on a women’s-only expedition.

Smiling local leader seated near the Nabatean tombs, Hegra, Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

On this women-only adventure around Saudia Arabia’s dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll spend 12 days learning about the country’s deep history, sampling the local cuisine and getting to know the local women. With a desire to tell their own story, they will introduce you to the world of the diverse and severely underrepresented women of Saudi Arabia. Tour a citrus farm with sisters who transformed their father’s vision into a multigenerational business, take a cooking class and pottery workshop, get to know the Holy City of Madinah with a local female guide, cruise and snorkel the Red Sea and meet Saudi Arabia’s first-ever female guide in Jeddah.

Trip overview

Tour a local, family-owned citrus farm with the sisters who run it, explore Wadi Disah (Valley of Palm Trees) and see Alula’s remarkable rock formations with giant tombs from the Nabatean era.
Visit Madinah – the second holiest site in Islam, after Mecca – with a local female guide. Enjoy a Saudi-style picnic of local bread and peppermint tea with views over the Holy City.
Take a bullet train to Jeddah’s Al Balad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and meet with Saudi’s first female guide Abir. Wander the narrow streets, meet friendly vendors and sample local delicacies.
Cruise the Red Sea on a boat on your final day – snorkel, swim and end it all on a private women-only beach for sunset.
This trip is designed to support local women and entrepreneurs, so you’ll join a cooking class with a local chef, meet with a pottery artist, get pampered at a women-owned salon, join a host family for a home-cooked meal and stay in a female-owned boutique hotel.
Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is still in its infancy, and there are some challenges to overcome, like a lack of infrastructure in some locations, reliable systems and trained guides. Sites are occasionally closed with little or no notice and restoration work is common. You’ll need to have a degree of flexibility when travelling here.
Hotel standards and service levels vary across the country and may differ from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. Locals are new to international tourism, so please have an open mind and heart.
The country has strict laws and customs that visitors should be aware of before travelling, such as dress codes. Alcohol is also banned. Please see the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
Saudi Arabia is large country and we cover we cover a lot on this itinerary. Be prepared for some longer travel days where lunch stops will be simple and limited. Our vehicle is comfortable and we've broken these up with free time in key locations to allow you rest and recharge.

Salam! Welcome to Riyadh – the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mud-brick way along desert trading routes, this capital is now a contemporary metropolis with more than 4000 mosques, busy shopping centres, palaces, museums and traditional souks. When you arrive at Riyadh International Airport, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6 pm tonight with a welcome meeting. Get to know your local leader – women are making significant contributions to the tourism sector here and represent around 30% of the workforce – over a traditional Saudi meal in a local heritage restaurant. Saudi Arabian cuisine blends traditional Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine with influences from Africa and South Asia. You’ll sample local breads, fresh salads, sambosas (a triangle pastry often filled with beef, onions and spices), taheena and kasba (a mixed rice dish).

Hotel (1 night)
Riyadh – Traditional Saudi Dinner
Riyadh – Complimentary Airport arrival transfer
Riyadh – Kingdom Tower - USD19

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast, visit Diriyah – the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The district of At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved adobe structures that showcase the Najdi architectural style. It was the first capital of the Saudi dynasty and holds great cultural and historical importance. You’ll find out how the mud-brick houses were built, how homes were cooled during the hot summer days and how people lived without electricity. Meet with a host family of women and enjoy a home-cooked traditional meal here for lunch. Get to know the Saudi culture through eating and cooking with the families, then head to Souq Al-Zal – one of the oldest markets in town. This afternoon, you’ll meet Ghada, a local artist and psychologist, at her pottery workshop. She’ll introduce you to the colours and patterns that Saudis are known for, like the Najdi style and the Aseeri style.

Riyadh – Pottery workshop visit with female artist
Riyadh - Traditional Home cooked meal with female hosts
Diriyah – UNESCO Site
Riyadh - Souq Al-Zal Market visit
Riyadh - National museum - Free
Riyadh - Al Masmak Fortress - Free

If shopping isn’t your thing, you can visit the Al Masmak Fortress instead of the market.

Make your way to Unayzah this morning, stopping in Ushaiger along the way. Explore the heritage village and see a glimpse of a traditional, slow-paced Saudi society. Bedouins first settled here 1500 years ago and Ushaiger quickly became a popular stopping point for pilgrims crossing to Makkah, thanks to its springs and low olive and palm groves. Continue to Buraydah, where you’ll roll up your sleeves with a local chef and learn some of the traditional dishes the Najd area is famous for. Influenced by the region’s topography and desert climates, Najd dishes are hearty and wholesome – think rich stews, wheat and rice dishes with fragrant spices. After enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch, you’ll be treated to some coffee and Kleija for dessert – these biscuits hail from the date-rich province of Qassim and are filled with date paste or nut-sugar. Spend the night in a traditional home built in the local Quasimi architectural style. Converted into comfortable accommodation, your home for the night is on a working farm, among the gardens and date palms.

Heritage Hotel (1 night)
Ushaiger - Heritage Village
Buraydah - Cooking class with female chef

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today starts with a visit to Unaizah to explore one of the oldest markets in Najd. Here, you’ll find lots of varied shops and folk crafts, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see one of the traditional weekly performances. This is the perfect place to buy an abaya (as a foreigner, the use of an abaya is completely optional, but you’ll need one for your visit to Madinah). On the way to Hail, you’ll stop at Buraydah – home to the world’s largest date market. Known as the Date City, this is where farmers from all over the region come for the seasonal market in August and September. The region has more than 7 million date palm trees, which is the highest concentration among all regions in Saudi Arabia. Learn why dates are a cornerstone of Saudi culture and why they’re considered one of the best gifts one can give. Carry on to Hail, where you’ll have a free afternoon to rest and relax.

Buraydah - Date market
Unaizah – Al Musoawkaf Traditional market
Hail - Visit A'arif Fort - Free

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today you’ll have the opportunity to rest and recharge with a free day in Hail. Hail used to be the capital of the entire Arabian Desert and was a frequent stop for those travelling to Mecca from the north. If you like, you can take an optional half-day tour to Jubbah – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jubbah hosts two of the most emblematic carvings in Saudi Arabia. The petroglyphs, dating back 10,000 years, feature hunting parties, lions, horses and camels. After soaking in some local history on the tour, you’ll head into the Nufud desert for a desert picnic. Alternatively, you can head to the Hail Souq and pick up your own fruits, vegetables and dates. The souq also features handmade crafts such as clay pots and handwoven mats. You might also like to see the Hail Flea Markets – one of Saudi’s last real flea markets, primarily run by women selling handmade crafts and traditional attire. Tonight, meet back up with your group and head to a female-owned, female-only salon for a spot of pampering. Chat to the locals and learn how these types of businesses have created enterprise opportunity for the women who live here.

Hail - Female only Salon visit
Hail - Jubbah Rock art and Saudi Desert Picnic (price per group up to 12) - USD400
Hail - Souk & Flea Market - Free
Hail - Al Mutlaq Heritage Mosque - Free

Today is a long travel day as you head to your next stop in Alula. Home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alula sits deep in the desert. The natural rock formations and canyons here feature pre-Islamic rock art and immaculately preserved tombs, built more than 2000 years ago by the Nabataeans. When you arrive, you’ll head to Elephant Rock for sunset. The rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) was carved by millions of years of wind and water erosion and now stands 52 m high – now one of Alula’s most impressive geological structures. As dusk falls, there will be food trucks, and music, so you can hang out on the deck chairs and enjoy the view! After, head to the Old Town and explore Old Market Street’s many local artisans, handicraft stores and restaurants. Visit a modern abaya shop to learn how this staple piece has evolved and how many Saudi women still choose to wear it, even since it became optional in 2018.

Desert Lodge (1 night)
Alula - Historical Old town and Al Jadidah Area
Alula – Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Alula – Abeya shop

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Start the day early with a sunrise visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra. This was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE, and extended as far as Petra in present-day Jordan. Tours here are guided by a local rawee (storytellers), who are predominantly women. You’ll explore several of the 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rocks scattered around the desert. The smallest tomb is only 2.7 m tall, but the largest is 21.5 m! Later, head to a local family-owned citrus farm. Tour the farm with the Al Joud family and learn more about their local produce and how they turned their father’s labour of love into a multi-generational business. Sample the local produce before sitting down under the trees for a farm-to-table lunch prepared by the sisters. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head up the mountain to the Harrat Viewpoint or visit the town for sunset, where you can see Hegra in the distance.

Alula - Citrus Farm Tour & Lunch
Alula - Madain Saleh (Hegra) Tour with local guide
Alula - Harra View point (transport cost per group of 4) - USD66

The Hegra tour’s departure time is assigned by the Alula Authority. Tours are guided by local guides and we will be joined by other travellers. Your leader will update you if there are any changes to the morning timeslot.

Jump into 4WDs this morning and head out on a daytrip to Wadi Disah – one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular natural attractions. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, this valley is made up of rocky mountainous peaks, freshwater springs and palm trees, creating an oasis in the middle of the desert. This site has been inhabited for centuries and is well known for its dates and mangos. On your off-road adventure, you’ll descend into the valley through the lush vegetation and rushing stream, which winds its way between the towering rock walls. Lunch is a traditional, Bedouin-style meal among the palms. Then, you’ll take a walk and explore part of Wadi Disah’s 15 km-long canyon. Soak in the dramatic scenery of the unique landscape before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Dissah Valley - 4x4 Excursion and bedouin style picnic

This morning, travel through the desert and mountains along an ancient pilgrimage route to Madinah. This volcanic area is rich with black lava stone, mountain landscapes and religious history. Stop at the terminus station of the Hijaz (or Ottoman railway), which once brought pilgrims to Madinah from as far away as Damascus in Syria, then arrive in one of the two holiest cities in Islam. In the centre of the city sits Al Masjid an Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) – a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate one million people. Meet with a local female guide and join the masses of pilgrims in the heart of the city. Have lunch in one of the local markets, then visit the outskirts of the mosque. Later, you’ll have time to explore the next-door museum dedicated to the life of Prophet Muhammad. One of the 25 pavilions is dedicated to the history of women in Islam and is a dedicated space for women to engage in spiritual discussion and reflection. At sunset, head to a viewpoint across the Holy City and enjoy a picnic of local bread and duggah (spice) with tea and peppermint.

Madinah - City Tour & Dar Al Madinah Museum with local female guide
Madinah - Sunset Saudi Picnic with female local guide
Madinah - Market visit & lunch
Madinah - Hijaz Railway Terminus Station

You will be required to wear an abaya and head scarf while in the holy city of Madinah.

This morning you’ll hop on one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains for the journey along the Haramain High Speed Railway to the coastal city of Jeddah. This commercial hub sits on the Red Sea and is home to the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. The main gateway to Mecca (the holiest city in Islam), Jeddah sees up to two million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Jeddah is known as the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular spot for visitors. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon to cool off in the hotel’s pool or explore the city. Tonight, head to Al Balad (named by the locals, this means ‘the town,’ referencing the base of Jeddah). Take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the country’s first female guide and learn the history of these buildings and Abir’s story. Sample a few local delicacies, like sobia (a local drink made of bread) or beans and pickles from the local vendors, then continue to explore on your own.

Boutique Hotel (1 night)
Al Balad - UNESCO Heritage walking tour with female guide

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

The train has bathrooms, power outlets and a dining car. Large bags and suitcases must be carried onboard and stored at the end of each carriage. There is a baggage limit of 25 kg per bag.

Abir (the local guide in Jeddah) holds a unique and coveted role within the Department of Tourism, meaning sometimes, she’s called away. In this instance, she will be replaced by another local female guide, all of whom were trained by Abir.

Hop on a private boat today and soak up the sunshine on the Red Sea. Go snorkelling (gear provided) and find out why this region is known for its underwater sea life – you’ll see the many varieties of colourful corals and tropical fish. The temperature of the water never drops below 21 degrees Celsius here, and the high salinity of the water is known to be beneficial for your health! This afternoon, toast to an incredible trip with some snacks and refreshments on the boat. End the day on a private women-only beach. Chill out on the sand, listen to the local music with a mocktail and watch the sunset over the Red Sea. Later, why not gather your group for a final dinner and continue the celebration of an amazing journey.

Jeddah - Ladies only beach
Jeddah - Red Sea Boat & Snorkelling trip

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Jeddah this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

Private vehicle, High-Speed Train, Boat, 4x4 Jeep

Hotel (5 nights), Heritage Hotel (1 night), Desert Camp (3 nights), Boutique Hotel (2nts)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 3. Checked in luggage on the high speed train from Madinah to Jeddah is restricted to 1 x 25kg bag. 4. This trip requires a minimum of 2 customers to depart. Please speak to your booking agent to confirm if these numbers have been met.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

Sustainability
Client Login

Built Environment
Energy & Natural Resources
Financial Services
Government & Public Sector
Technology, Media & Communications

Legal Services

Commercial, Regulatory & Data
Dispute Resolution
Employment and Pensions
Finance and Restructuring
Real Estate
Tax & Private Capital
India Group

Legal Operations

Contracts Management
Cyber Incident Services
Legal Analytics
Legal Operations & Consulting
Litigation and Investigations

Business Services

Claims Management & Adjusting
Corporate Governance & Compliance
DWF Chambers
Regulatory Consulting
Class Actions
Economic Crime & Fraud Hub
Sustainable Business & ESG
Data Protection and Cyber Security
News and Insights
Reports and Publications
News and Press
DWF onDemand
Brave New Law
DWF Link: Business leaders of the future
Consumer Duty Hub
Understanding Saudi business culture

How understanding Saudi business culture can help British businesses build more productive relationships

On 14-15 May 2024, over 300 business leaders from the United Kingdom will participate in the first Great Futures event in Riyadh, meeting with important decision makers from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the aim of building productive partnerships. In this article, I draw upon my 9+year's experience working in the KSA to provide guidance as to how British business leaders should approach this event and other such opportunities.

Understanding the Scale and Pace of Change

The KSA has gone through a paradigm shift in almost all facets of life over the last 8-10 years. What was unthinkable in 2015 is now commonplace.

The enhanced participation of women in the overall workforce as well as the rapid development of a " start up " culture (e.g. female business start ups exceed both male business start ups and the European average) is testimony to these changes.

The Saudi economy has been an international powerhouse, but is now maturing and diversifying. Over $3 trillion of investment is planned by 2030 in high profile projects such as NEOM , Qiddiya and the Red Sea Global (to name a few). Internationally, the breadth of the investments now includes high profile sports clubs such as Newcastle United , but also the LIV Golf League , tennis and motorsports , as well as winning the right to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2029 Asian Winter Games (yes, winter games). Each of these investments is having a transformational effect, changing the KSA's position in the world.

Appreciating the importance of Vision 2030

To understand why so many "big ticket" investments have been made by the KSA in recent years it is necessary to look to the Vision 2030 strategy, the ambitious plan was overseen by Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of KSA that was published in 2016. It articulates the aim of realising the KSA's vast potential by “ creating a diversified, innovative and world leading nation, for the benefit of future generations. ”

In making investments, the KSA:

(i) strives to be a global investment powerhouse (economic returns);

(ii) wants to diversify its non-oil economy (develop and transform the KSA), and

(iii) seeks to become a hub bridging three continents, connecting East and West (geo-political aims).

This drives investments in key strategic sectors, such as technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, and entertainment. Investments in the first three sectors aim to transfer knowledge and expertise back to the KSA to contribute to the growth of the KSA economy and create new job opportunities, whilst the KSA at the forefront of future global economic trends. Investments in tourism and entertainment help the KSA more closely integrate into the global community. The investment strategies are also underpinned by commitments to ESG (environmental, social and governance) .

It is important to understand that KSA is no longer a place where you can "fly in / fly out". The regulatory environment when it comes to visa / travel, emphasis on localization and generally doing business is geared to favour those who make commitments. The KSA is open for business. It is not open for taking the bounty without making investments. A good example of this is the Regional Headquarters Programme (and indeed, DWF was the first legal business to obtain the RHQ license).

Different culture, similar aims

Fostering business relationships is not too dissimilar with the Western approaches, namely to build trust and understanding ahead of working together. There are, however, nuances and it is easy to commit faux pas . In dealings in the Kingdom, business people should consider that Saudi culture strongly values relationships, not transactions. One should act accordingly, so here are some top tips:

Shake hands with each man in the room starting with the most senior. Wait for a woman to extend her hand before extending your own. Keep your hands to your side if she does not.
Business meetings normally don’t have an agenda and you should not take it personally should a scheduled appointment begins late, is interrupted or is cancelled.
It is usual to have casual conversations on topics that are not business related. This is an important stage and you should invest in taking the time to build positive rapport and trust. You will often encounter an indirect and friendly communication style. Consider the right tone and words to use, especially in front of seniors. Enquire whether someone's family is doing – do not ask how someone's wife is doing!
It is important to present yourself well. Formal dress is required for offices and meetings. Men are expected to be in a suit and tie. Women wear an abaya, although foreign women are exempt from wearing a head scarf, it is expected that they will consider covering as much skin as possible.
In Saudi Arabian business, a small group of senior executives control key decisions. Whilst more junior colleagues may have a say in planning, implementation and budgeting, it is only a small group of people are normally involved in making strategic decisions.
There is a significant advantage in having offices in both the KSA and the UK to develop relationships. For example, AlQhtani & Partners (officially, Nouf AlQhtani Legal Consultants) in Riyadh is growing and works on a daily basis with DWF's offices in cities such as London, Manchester and Newcastle. We also have our regional Legal Operations business based out of Riyadh thus KSA is a melting pot of integration of legal services and technology.

The Great Futures event offers excellent opportunities for creating and developing closer working relationships. By taking account of the steps set out, business leaders from the UK can make the most of the opportunities available.

DWF is on hand to help you with your investments. We are the only legal services business which has offices in Newcastle , Leeds , Manchester and Liverpool as well as having the benefit of a regional headquarters license (RHQ) in Riyadh, KSA .

Related Authors

Leopold Zentner

Related sectors, related services.

International Trade
Public Procurement

Airlines Get a Boost From Business Travel’s Comeback

Rashaad Jorden , Skift

May 17th, 2024 at 3:26 AM EDT

Today's podcast looks at aviation's surprise boost, Chase's new perk, and Saudi Arabia's luxury focus.

Rashaad Jorden

Skift Daily Briefing Podcast

Listen to the day’s top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, May 17. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

🎧 Subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts

Episode Notes

Airlines have recently gotten a big boost from a segment many airlines thought would continue to struggle — business travel, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.

Delta Air Lines said corporate bookings were up 14% in the first quarter. Delta President Glen Hauenstein said 90% of the companies it surveyed said they plan to increase travel in the second quarter. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines both recorded significant increases in corporate bookings during the first quarter, with Alaska stating business travel for the carrier has fully recovered to pre-Covid levels.

Next, Chase now offers its cardholders something its rivals and online travel agencies don’t — the opportunity to book Southwest Airlines flights through its own travel platform, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

A Chase spokesperson said this week that cardholders are able to book Southwest flights on Chase Travel using points or cash. Cardholders who wanted to book Southwest flights in the past would’ve had to phone Chase Travel customer service. Schaal notes Southwest’s official website was the only place to book its flights for years, adding that online travel agencies that tried to offer Southwest flights received cease and desist letters.

It’s uncertain though if other credit card companies will enable cardholders to book Southwest flights through their travel portals.

Finally, Saudi Arabia is looking to attract 70 million international tourists annually by 2030. They can’t all stay in the luxury hotels that get so much attention, writes Middle East Reporter Josh Corder.

Fahd Hamidadin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said that no more than 20% of visitors will be staying in four- or five-star hotels, adding that the real business of tourism is far from luxury. Indeed, an Accor executive said most people in the world are basically economy and mid-scale brand consumers.

However, roughly 82% of the rooms in Saudi Arabia’s hotel pipeline are in the luxury and upscale categories, according to real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank.

Producer/Presenter: Jane Alexander

Jet Stream Newsletter

Airline news moves fast. Don’t miss a beat with our weekly airline newsletter. Landing in your inbox every Saturday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: aviation , business travel , chase , corporate travel , luxury , saudi arabia , skift podcast , southwest airlines

Photo credit: Business travelers entering an airport. Adobe Stock

How to Check Your Saudi Visa Status: A Comprehensive Guide

E mbarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia entails meticulous planning, especially concerning visa requirements. Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, or visiting family, ensuring your visa status is up-to-date is paramount for a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here's a detailed guide on how to check your Saudi visa status using various methods, providing step-by-step instructions for online and offline processes:

Inside Saudi Arabia’s $1billion sales pitch: Plan for Princess Reema call with top female players

Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., during a panel session on day three of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The annual Davos gathering of political leaders, top executives and celebrities runs from January 15 to 19. Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg via Getty Images

For more than a year, the leaders of tennis have been trying to gauge just how serious Saudi Arabia is about getting involved with tennis.

Was the country prepared to mount a takeover and start buying off players, as it did in golf, or was it merely content to hold an exhibition or two? Or perhaps something in between?

There is now little doubt that the country and its sovereign wealth fund, known as the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are intent on pursuing a broad push into the sport at every level. The leaders of the Saudi effort have shifted their attention to working with the top officials in tennis on selling their plan to the public, and they are determined not to let entrenched interests, and even some of the biggest names in the sport, stand in their way.

Saudi Arabia has offered roughly $1billion (£1.3bn) in investment in the sport in exchange for hosting major events — a move that has now become a part of the emerging chess game between the organisers of the Grand Slams and the men’s and women’s tours, in which the sport’s leaders are battling to control tennis.

Among Saudi Arabia’s next steps are finalizing and announcing the pending deal to host the WTA Finals, the end-of-season tournament that features the top-eight players — but several of the biggest names in the sport, including Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, are among the loudest critics of the deal because of the country’s repressive laws toward women and homosexuals, and are partly responsible for a delay in the announcement, according to people with knowledge of the process who remain anonymous to protect relationships.

Navratilova and Evert, long-term rivals and the closest of friends who won a combined 36 singles Grand Slam titles, co-wrote an essay in The Washington Post in January, stating that bringing the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia would represent a step backwards for women and women’s sports.

Some current players are not completely comfortable with playing in Saudi Arabia, given current laws that limit the freedom of women and criminalize homosexuality.

Inside Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in sport

Why the country bought into Premier League soccer
Mohamed Salah, Saudis and the politics behind deal
Golf, F1 and cycling… why they are buying sport
The 2034 World Cup and what it means

To push back against Evert and Navratilova and assuage those concerns, the people with knowledge of the process said the women’s tour is working with Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, to schedule a conference call with the top 20 players in the game and other big names outside the top 20.

Some of those players had asked to hear from women who grew up in the region. The idea of the call is to have the ambassador and other successful women from Saudi Arabia speak about the changes the country has already made and other plans to make it less repressive in the coming years. They want this to happen before the WTA Finals deal is announced, which may come as soon as the end of this month, according to people involved with the planning.

The approach is very different from last fall when players participating in the elite WTA Finals received a series of responses they could consider should they face questions about bringing the event to Saudi Arabia.

If asked about Saudi Arabia, where players who are gay may feel uncomfortable given the country criminalizes homosexuality, the WTA is understood to have advised players to consider saying, “I’m happy to play wherever the WTA Finals is hosted, it’s a prestigious event.” That advice was not well received.

In an interview on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where she is working as a television commentator, Navratilova said her position had not changed.

“Bigger changes need to happen first before we go there,” Navratilova said. “I can’t go there and announce that I am gay. We have some gay players. Are they going to be safe? People say, well, just behave. But what does that mean?”

The Saudi embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond to messages seeking comment. In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, in response to Navratilova and Evert’s essay, Bandar Al Saud wrote that by trying to keep the WTA Finals from going to Saudi Arabia, the stars had turned their back on women they had inspired.

“Perfection cannot be the price for admission,” Bandar Al Saud wrote. “For a tennis tournament or any other once-closed space that our women want to enter.”

Saudi Arabia’s push toward tennis goes beyond the professional level. David Haggerty, president of the International Tennis Federation, the sport’s world governing body, traveled to the country in the fall to attend the ATP Tour’s Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, a tournament for the best men’s players aged 21 and under.

Haggerty met with sports officials there about the country’s grassroots investments in tennis. He shared information about what similarly sized countries in the region have done to develop the sport and received a commitment from leaders there to vastly expand their facilities, with millions of dollars in investment and opportunities for boys and girls to participate in the sport.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ITF said its mission is to help grow the sport in all of its 213 member nations.

“Western Asia is an important area of potential growth for the sport of tennis and, along with other countries from this region, we have witnessed Saudi Arabia actively investing in sport, both internally and externally in recent years.”

The ITF said it has been developing a strategy with the Saudi Tennis Federation to drive the growth of the sport in the country, including expanding junior programs and securing expertise and funding to enhance facilities, coaching, competition and opportunities for homegrown talent to flourish and to compete nationally and internationally.

“We have already seen encouraging signs,” the statement said, noting that in 2023 a Saudi national women’s team traveled to Burundi to compete in the regional championship of the Billie Jean King Cup, the international women’s team competition. Also last year, Saudi Arabia’s national junior girls team competed in the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Asia/Oceania pre-qualifying event in Sri Lanka.

The ITF also organizes the international men’s team competition, the Davis Cup, in addition to the Billie Jean Cup. The final round of those events generally changes location every few years, though there are no plans as of now to bring them to Saudi Arabia.

In October, Saudi Arabia will host an exhibition it is calling the 6 Kings Slam , which will include Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune. All, except Rune, have won a Grand Slam singles title.

For now, plans for official tennis events in Saudi Arabia include only the WTA Finals and a top-level mixed tournament similar to the one underway in Indian Wells. Both of those events are included in the $1billion of investments in the sport that Andrea Gaudenzi, the chairman of the ATP Tour, presented to other leaders of the sport last weekend.

The investments also include additional sponsorships. PIF has already committed $100million to sponsorships of the men’s rankings and multiple tournaments, money that was included in the proposal.

A portion of the money may also go toward funding a revived tour for senior players, increasing prize money for current players, and providing support for the smaller tournaments that provide opportunities for developing players to compete, and for more established players to earn appearance fees.

Taken together, the investments could immediately increase the total revenues and investment in professional tennis — which are between $2.5billion and $3bn — by roughly a third.

(Top photo: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Matthew Futterman is an award-winning veteran sports journalist and the author of two books, “Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed” and “Players: How Sports Became a Business.”Before coming to The Athletic in 2023, he worked for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Star-Ledger of New Jersey and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is currently writing a book about tennis, "The Cruelest Game: Agony, Ecstasy and Near Death Experiences on the Pro Tennis Tour," to be published by Doubleday in 2026. Follow Matthew on Twitter @ mattfutterman

IMAGES

What It’s Like to be a Female Tour Guide in Saudi Arabia
What To Wear As A Business Woman Visiting Saudi Arabia
What it’s really like to visit Saudi Arabia as a solo female traveller
What To Wear As A Business Woman Visiting Saudi Arabia
Female Travel In Saudi Arabia: What It’s Like + A Guide
Complete Guide for Females travelling to Saudi Arabia

VIDEO

What I Experienced as a Woman in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Flying Saudia Airlines Business Class
Saudi Airline landing Madina Airport #viral #trending #short
The Freedom Traveller
Indian Travelling to SAUDI ARABIA First Time without Visa 🇸🇦
Travelling to SAUDI ARABIA in 2021

COMMENTS

A Female Traveler's Guide to Saudi Arabia
A Female Traveler's Guide to Saudi Arabia. Marie Weindlmayr. February 16, 2022 1 min read. In November 2021, I accepted an invitation by the Saudi Tourism Authority to visit the widely unknown Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the reactions from my colleagues and friends varied (some were skeptical whereas others were simply excited for ...
Female Travel In Saudi Arabia: What It's Like
Women could not travel internationally, conduct business, or even receive medical treatment (among other things) without a male guardian's written permission. Now women aged 21+ can get a passport and travel without one, ... Resources for female travel in Saudi Arabia.
Visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a western business woman
Asia Business Travel Middle East Practical advice Saudi Arabia Travel. Visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a western business woman - Middle East Memories. by Elisa Flitter Fever 06/10/2018. ... Women cannot work in Saudi Arabia, only in a few, very particular 'female areas' it is tolerated. At this point only 4% of the workforce in Saudi ...
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia as a Woman
Foreign women doing business in Saudi Arabia need to establish rank, status and hierarchy. This can be demonstrated or asserted in a number of ways including: Essentially, the more experienced and senior you are, the more you can pull rank. In Saudi culture, this is needed in order to establish position.
Saudi Arabia
Business and commercial visas must be obtained prior to arrival. In compliance with the 2008 U.S.-Saudi Arabia visa reciprocity agreement, Saudi Arabia now regularly issues U.S. citizens five-year, multiple-entry visas at Saudi embassies, consulates, and ports of entry that allow the visitor to stay in general for 180 days. In order to obtain a ...
Saudi Arabia travel: What female travelers should know
As tourism to Saudi Arabia for either business or pleasure gains traction, we answer a few of your burning questions for solo female travel. How can I travel through the country? Saudi Arabia does ...
Women Travelling To Saudi Arabia In 2023 : Top 10 Tips & More
Dress Code For Women Travellers - Social Freedom. While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders is recommended. With the ascent of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in individual social freedom, especially for women.
Businesswomen Navigate Traditions in Saudi Arabia
By and large, as more women travel on business in Saudi Arabia, more of them are finding ways to work around the system, even as some social pressure builds within the country from Saudi women ...
Visiting Saudi Arabia for business
Entering the Kingdom Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a substantial transformation. Before 2019, it was only possible to visit the Kingdom with a pilgrimage or business visa.
Women Who Wander: A Female Traveller's Guide To Saudi Arabia
By: Bayar Jain Published: Mar 08, 2024 11:37 AM IST. Saudi Arabia has introduced many measures to help women travellers. Women are travelling now more than ever before. In fact, according to a report by RV and Playa, 64 per cent of global travellers identify as female while only 36 % identify as male. Among the ladies on the move, the majority ...
Here's What It's Like to Travel to Saudi Arabia: A Woman's Perspective
The fact is, visiting Saudi Arabia feels a lot like flying back in time to an entirely different universe with modern conveniences but Old World beliefs. I've never experienced anything else like it, and I cannot wait to visit again. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Female travel in Saudi
Discover women's recommendations for traveling in Saudi Arabia. Find out how to dress, communicate, and where to find feminine hygiene products in Saudi.
I Spent 3 Weeks Traveling in Saudi Arabia As a Woman
For me, a solo, female, non-Muslim traveler allergic to guided tours, Saudi Arabia was a non-option for years. In recent decades, non-Muslims could enter only on business or transit visas. Muslim ...
What It's Like to be a Female Tour Guide in Saudi Arabia
July 7, 2023. Fatimah Al Zimam likes to walk around in black leggings and casual tops, and she wears her curly hair loose and uncovered. She owns a silver GMC pickup truck, which she loves to take ...
Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman
Extra Tips for Visiting Saudi Arabia. 1) Saudia Arabia never sleeps. Saudis are definitely night owls. It's perfectly normal to go shopping at 11 pm and parties tend to start after midnight. It's super safe to wander around at night, even as a woman, and that's not just my opinion but what was I told by local women.
9 Misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman
1 - As a female, I need a guardian to travel to Saudi and around Saudi. Remember to get travel insurance for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's health care is extremely expensive, so insurance is a must. IATI Insurance offers different plans, for all budgets. Get your 5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link. No. No. No.
Intrepid launches 12-day women's expedition to Saudi Arabia
April 8, 2024. Intrepid Travel has introduced a 12-day Saudi Arabia Women's Expedition, designed to offer an authentic and transformative travel experience while empowering women and supporting female-owned businesses in the destination. The tour will be exclusively led by female leaders and guides, aiming to showcase a different side of the ...
What To Wear As A Business Woman Visiting Saudi Arabia
It is the expectation that all Saudi Arabian women wear the abaya, however, women visiting Saudi Arabia do not have to wear this. The hijab and niqab are optional for both Saudi and tourist women. Knees and shoulders must be covered and women are expected to dress modestly at all time. In most scenarios the abaya is optional for female tourists ...
Saudi Arabia International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
10 Tips For Women Travelling To Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Women, whether single or with a mixed group, need to use the family section. 6. Qahwah and Shisha. It's coffee time all day in Saudi Arabia! The local brew, or qahwah, is an aromatic blend of coffee with cardamom, saffron, and other additives. The recipes vary widely, and a good qahwah is hailed as a matter of pride.
Saudi Arabia: Women's Expedition
On this women-only adventure around Saudia Arabia's dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, you'll spend 12 days learning about the country's deep history, sampling the local cuisine and getting to know the local women. With a desire to tell their own story, they will introduce you to the world of the diverse and severely ...
Intrepid Launches Women-Only Saudi Arabia Tour
Intrepid Travel has launched a 12-day " Saudi Arabia Women's Expedition " led by female leaders and guides, aiming to showcase a side of the country beyond the luxury resorts and high-end ...
Intrepid Launches Women-Led Tours to Saudi Arabia
Jesse Chase-Lubitz. Intrepid Travel has announced a women's-only tour in Saudi Arabia — led by women, for women. The tour represents an effort to sidestep the luxury-focused travel industry in ...
Saudi Arabia: Etiquette and Norms in Saudi Arabia
Women in Saudi Arabia have been granted the right to drive, a significant development in recent years. If you plan to drive in the country, familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.
Saudi Arabia is going through a 'transformative ...
Posted in Travel & Hospitality, Latest News, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is going through a 'transformative time', says top AlUla executive . Melanie de Souza, the Executive Director Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla talks Saudi Vision 2030, international visits and more with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Understanding Saudi business culture to build relationships
On 14-15 May 2024, over 300 business leaders from the United Kingdom will participate in the first Great Futures event in Riyadh, meeting with important decision makers from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the aim of building productive partnerships. In this article, I draw upon my 9+year's experience working in the KSA to provide guidance as to how British business leaders should ...
Airlines Get a Boost From Business Travel's Comeback
Finally, Saudi Arabia is looking to attract 70 million international tourists annually by 2030. They can't all stay in the luxury hotels that get so much attention, writes Middle East Reporter ...
Saudi unemployment rate drops to 8.6% as more women ...
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate has fallen to 8.6 per cent as more women join the workforce in the Kingdom.. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has unveiled a series of impressive achievements in the pursuit of a more efficient and effective labour market.
How to Check Your Saudi Visa Status: A Comprehensive Guide
E mbarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia entails meticulous planning, especially concerning visa requirements. Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, or visiting family, ensuring your visa ...
Inside Saudi Arabia's $1billion sales pitch: Plan for Princess Reema
The idea of the call is to have the ambassador and other successful women from Saudi Arabia speak about the changes the country has already made and other plans to make it less repressive in the ...