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Flights to Saudi Arabia: Explore one of the Middle East's hidden gems
Saudi Arabia may not seem like a traditional holiday destination, but the country's ever-growing tourist industry tells a different story. The Kingdom is welcoming more and more foreign visitors. If you're adventurous enough to visit, you'll find a true wonderland of shifting desert sands, world-class beaches and glorious history. Why not add a Saudi Arabia holiday to your bucket list?
Saudi Arabia: what to know before you go
Want to choose an unusual destination for your next holiday? Go to Saudi Arabia! This oil-rich Middle Eastern nation has a burgeoning tourist industry with a surprising range of attractions. Luxury shopping, gorgeous desert landscapes, ancient history and world-class scuba diving are all waiting for you when you book a Saudi Arabia holiday.
Saudi Arabia at a glance
Flight duration (from London to Riyadh): 6 hours 30 minutes
Main airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh
Population: 37 million
Language: Arabic, but road signs are often shown in both Arabic and English
Currency: Riyal (SAR)
Socket type: Type G (same as the UK)
Laws for visitors travelling to Saudi Arabia
Dress modestly: Women are not legally obliged to cover their hair, but modest dress for both sexes is standard. Cover your shoulders and your knees.
Carry personal ID at all times: Authorities may ask you for ID at any time.
Pay attention to religious laws: Some areas of the country, such as the holy city of Mecca, are off-limits to non-Muslims.
Do not play loud music in public: This is particularly important during the call to prayer.
Alcohol, pork, narcotics and pornography are prohibited: Visitors who attempt to smuggle them into the country may face deportation.
The best time of year to visit Saudi Arabia
First things first: don't even think about visiting Saudi Arabia in the summer. With temperatures hovering around 40°C in July, the country is simply unbearably hot. The good news? It's a great place to visit for winter sunshine. Just remember to always pay attention to the Islamic calendar when booking a trip, as there are some dates to avoid. During the holy month of Ramadan, restaurants will be closed by day, and the country can be extremely overcrowded during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Holidays in Saudi Arabia: Autumn, winter and spring
Generally, temperatures are pleasant from October until April. This is a good time to explore the desert or hike in the mountains. Remember, the desert gets cold at night, so be prepared to layer up after the sun sets. If you want to go scuba diving in Saudi Arabia, visit from March to May or September to November. During these months, the waters of the Red Sea are calm and full of life, with regular sightings of whale sharks, hammerheads and manta rays.
The best things to do in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's tourist industry is constantly growing, with new attractions, like an oil rig-themed amusement park, opening every year. Eerie rock formations, beautiful desert landscapes and ancient monuments are some of the major delights waiting for visitors to the Kingdom.
Top natural sights in Saudi Arabia
Wadi Al Disah is a valley that looks like the surface of another planet. Huge, twisted sandstone columns rise out of the desert sands, creating one of the most striking and unusual landscapes in the region.
The islands of Umluj are sometimes called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. Relax on the white sand beaches, keeping an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the surf.
Jebel Fihrayn is called the Edge of the World. This monumental sandstone wall is a true natural wonder, giving way to the vast emptiness of the endless desert sands.
Top cultural sights in Saudi Arabia
Hegra may be Saudi Arabia's answer to Jordan's Petra. These rock-cut tombs were built by the ancient Nabataeans, just like Petra, but they see far fewer tourists, and their spooky stillness adds to their charm.
The old quarter of Al Balad in Jeddah will transport you back in time. The narrow streets of this UNESCO-listed neighbourhood are packed with shops selling traditional handicrafts and local snacks.
Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, is an ancient desert city that now stands in ruins. Explore its sandstone and mud-brick buildings, which feel like stepping back into the world of Arabian Nights.
Saudi Arabia holiday FAQs
Q: Which month is the cheapest to fly to Saudi Arabia?
A: Generally, March is the cheapest month to fly to Saudi Arabia, although prices may spike over the Easter holidays. September and October and January and February are often budget-friendly months to travel, too.
Q: Is Saudi Arabia cheap?
A: No, Saudi Arabia is not a particularly cheap destination. The tourist industry here is focused on luxury accommodation and experiences, and prices reflect that. Expect prices to be roughly on a par with nearby destinations like Dubai.
Q: Can you drink alcohol on a flight to Saudi Arabia?
A: No. Alcohol is prohibited on all flights entering Saudi airspace. The national flag carrier, Saudia, does not allow alcohol on any flights, and foreign airlines follow suit. Remember that bringing alcohol into Saudi Arabia is illegal. Visitors who attempt to break this law will have their alcohol confiscated and may face fines or even deportation.
Q: Which UK airports fly to Saudi Arabia?
A: There are direct flights to Saudi Arabia from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport. If you're flying from another part of the country, you may find it easier to connect through a regional hub like Dubai or Qatar. Doing this will give you a lot more flexibility with flights.
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