Saudi Arabia holidays

Saudi Arabia’s capital boasts an explosion of exciting restaurants and luxury hotels. Beyond the modern glitz, don’t miss its historic fortresses and dreamy desert landscapes.

Like a glimmering jewel in the Red Sea, Jeddah is a city where ancient history mingles with ultra-modern skyscrapers. Come hungry because you’ll find Arabian feasts on every corner.

Saudi Arabia’s sacred city gives you a fascinating glimpse into Islamic history, from its ornate mosques to its intriguing museums. Make your own pilgrimage to Mecca.

From leather to rugs, scouring the ‘souks’ (markets) is a favourite thing to do in Saudi Arabia. Be on the lookout for some of the country’s most coveted goods, like nutrient-packed dates (a local speciality) at Souq Al Tumor in Medina. Saudi’s ancient incense route is one of the oldest on earth — stock up on bakhoor and welcome guests into your home the Saudi way.

Archaeologists are flocking to uncover the secrets of this previously closed-off kingdom. The desert city of Madain Saleh was an essential stop along the incense route between South Asia and the Mediterranean. Today, its remains include the elaborate tombs that housed society’s elite. Don’t miss writings carved into the foothills of nearby Jabal Ikmah, dubbed the ‘open library’.

In the mountainous Asir region, the ‘Flower Men’ of the Qahtan tribe don crowns made of flowers and herbs. Pick up yours from the Malhalah Market. In the city of Buraydah, visit the world’s largest camel market, where races help determine the most eligible camels for purchase. The sword dance was originally performed by Bedouins preparing for battle — catch it today at festivals and weddings.

The Red Sea is home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. You’ll find plenty of dive operators in the coastal city of Jeddah. Set off in search of shipwrecks while keeping your eyes peeled for turtles, hammerheads and colourful clownfish. Be sure to dress conservatively on public beaches in Saudi Arabia. Some offer female-only shores, though private resorts often relax the rules.

Walk around the rim of the Al Wahbah volcanic crater or hike the dizzying cliffs at the Edge of the World, where panoramas see desert plains disappear into the horizon. The AlUla Oasis is the largest on earth — picnic beneath the palms by day and stargaze among rock formations by night. Drift across the Arabian Desert by balloon at the AlUla Skies Festival.

If you’re lucky enough to be invited into a Saudi household for a snack, you’ll be plied with bitter coffee and chewy dates. Order the national dish, ‘kabsa’, in Saudi Arabian restaurants, a one-pot wonder of spiced chicken and rice that’s eaten from a communal platter. Etiquette dictates eating only with your right hand here.

The desert of the Arabian Peninsula is teeming with petroglyphs portraying ancient civilisations, animals and hunting scenes. One of the best museums in Saudi Arabia, the Fatima Museum celebrates the geometric folk art that has adorned Asiri homes for centuries. In September, the AlUla Oasis plays host to the Azimuth festival, which sees extraordinary art installations backdropped by otherworldly landscapes.

November through March is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia. Outside these months, the coast can be humid, and the desert is blisteringly hot, making this a good time to head for the highlands. Muslim visitors may time their trip with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, while non-Muslims should note that businesses close between dawn and sunset for Ramadan.

You can have a cheap holiday to Saudi Arabia if you plan accordingly. Fuel up with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for 25 Saudi riyals (SAR), and chase it down with a cappuccino for less than SAR15. A short taxi ride will set you back about SAR35.