Saudi Arabia travel tips
Saudi Arabia travel tips: A desert kingdom on the Arabian Peninsula, blends ancient traditions with modern development, known for Mecca, oil wealth, and hospitality.
Regions 🌎
Saudi Arabia travel tips. Here is a list of all the regions of the Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh
Makkah
Madinah
Eastern
Qassim
Asir
Tabuk
Hail
Northern Borders
Al-Qassim
Jazan
Najran
Al Bahah
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Riyadh
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 SA,
ISO alpha-3 SAU
Currency
Badge | Saudi riyal
CODE | SAR
NUMBER | 682
SYMBOL | ر.س
FRACTION | halala
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +966
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Mobily | STC | Zain |
Location
Saudi Arabia is a country located on the Arabian Peninsula, in southwest Asia. Its location on the peninsula makes it one of the most important countries in the Muslim world, since Mecca and Medina, two of the most sacred cities in Islam, are located on its territory.
The geography of Saudi Arabia is varied, although much of the country is desert, with vast expanses of sand and rock. It also has mountainous areas, such as the Asir Mountains in the southwest and the Hijaz Mountains in the west. The country has several important rivers, such as the Nile, the Euphrates and the Tigris, although only a small part of these rivers is located in its territory.
Saudi Arabia is known for being one of the largest oil producers in the world. Oil is the country’s main source of income, and the Saudi government has invested heavily in the development of infrastructure and services in the country. It has also diversified its economy in recent years, investing in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy and technology.
Islam is the predominant religion in the country, and Saudi Arabia is known for being one of the most conservative countries in the Muslim world, with strict religious laws regulating the daily lives of citizens.
Saudi Arabia’s area is approximately 2.15 million km², making it the fourteenth largest country in the world in terms of land area. The country has a maximum length of about 2,149 km from north to south, and a maximum width of approximately 1,760 km from east to west.
Currency
The riyal or rial is the official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Languages
The official and most spoken language in Saudi Arabia is Modern Standard Arabic. This language is used in education, business and official communication.
In addition to Standard Arabic, there are variants of locally spoken Arabic in different regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Eastern Saudi Arabic and Western Saudi Arabic. There are also minority groups who speak languages such as Persian, Urdu and English, especially in urban areas and among expatriates.
Dialects of Bedouin Arabic and other minority languages such as Tagalog and Malayalam, which are spoken by Filipino and Indian migrant workers, are also spoken in some regions of the country.
Climate 🌡
Saudi Arabia’s climate is mainly desert, with very hot temperatures for most of the year. In general, the climate is very dry, with little and sporadic rain. Temperatures vary depending on the region of the country, but in general they are very high, especially during the summer months.
In the coastal regions of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, the climate is hot and humid, with temperatures typically ranging between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius during the summer months. In inland regions, such as the capital Riyadh, temperatures are even higher, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some cases.
During the winter months, temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the mountainous areas of the southwest of the country, where temperatures can become very cold at night. In general, the best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter months, when temperatures are milder.
Saudi Arabia travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Mecca and Medina:
Non-Muslims are restricted from these holy cities.
Cultural Respect:
Adhere to conservative dress codes and respect local customs.
Health Precautions:
Follow health guidelines and be mindful of water consumption.
Eid Celebrations:
Experience local festivities during Eid holidays.
Transportation:
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are common; women can now drive. View Guide.
Alcohol Restrictions:
Alcohol is illegal; respect the country’s dry laws.
Guided Tours:
Consider guided tours for a deeper cultural understanding.
Enjoy your time in Saudi Arabia!
The best of the best
The cuisine of Saudi Arabia is rich and varied, with influences from Arabic, Persian, Indian and African cuisine.
Kabsa
A national dish made with rice, mutton, chicken or beef, and spices.
Shawarma
Meat grilled on a vertical spit and served on pita bread.
Kofta
Meatballs made from lamb or beef, usually grilled.
Here are some of the typical foods of Saudi Arabia:
Machboos: rice with lamb or chicken and vegetables, seasoned with spices.
Mandi: Lamb or chicken meat slow cooked in an underground oven with rice and spices.
Harees: A mixture of wheat, meat and spices that is simmered for hours.
Mutabbaq: a type of empanada filled with meat or vegetables.
Muzaffar: a dessert of rice pudding and saffron.
Luqaimat: fried dumplings with honey and sesame.
Qahwa: Arabic coffee with spices such as cardamom, ginger and cinnamon.
There are many other typical foods in Saudi Arabia, and Saudi cuisine is very varied and tasty.
Transportation 🚥
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