Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has long been off the list of western tourists, but thanks to a new visa in the last couple of years that has changed, and it has far loftier ambitions to win our hearts and minds for a whole new travel experience.

Although undiscovered to western tourists for decades, Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s most astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites. The land of Al Ula is where the Nabateans had their second city, and in Mada’in Saleh where they have carved from the rock tombs which rise through the sand in the desert. If you have been to Petra, you would love it here.

There are of course the major cities of Jeddah and Riyadh who were welcoming to tourists, even women travelling on their own. To non-Muslims, the holy cities of Medina and Mecca are really interesting to visit (outside of the Hajj).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Best to avoid the heat of the summer, the new beach destination at Neom is going to be an ‘up and coming’ winter sun option in the next few years.

FLIGHT TIME

Around 6-7 hours depending on the city, and whether you’re flying on a direct flight.

TIME ZONE

GMT/BST +3

CURRENCY

Euros

IDEAL FOR

Those looking for new frontiers, especially before mass tourism takes over.

HOW TO GET THERE

Direct flights from the UK to Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a new direct service to Neom on the Red Sea coast.

LANGUAGE

Arabic

IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH

Combine the cities, historical sites such as Al Ula.