Why visit
Saudi Arabia opened to tourism in 2019. AlUla's Nabataean tombs at Hegra, the carved rocks of the Edge of the World near Riyadh, Jeddah's coral-house old town, and Red Sea reefs that diving has barely touched.
Country - Asia
Saudi Arabia
historycultureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Saudi Arabia works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Riyadh as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Saudi Arabia.
At a glance
Location
25.0°, 45.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
2,149,690 km²
830,000 mi²
Country population
37.0 million
17/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Saudi riyal (ر.س)
SAR
Dial
+966
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Saudi Arabian
Internet
.sa
UN
Member state
ISO code
SA / SAU
Where in the world
25.0° - 45.0°
Saudi Arabia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Saudi Arabia is the world's largest country without a river: entirely dependent on desalination and aquifers.
- The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca brings 2+ million Muslims to the country annually: the world's largest religious gathering.
- Saudi Arabia has the world's largest proven oil reserves: about 17% of the global total.
Bordering Saudi Arabia
Traveler notes
- Hegra is Petra's quieter sibling, carved by the same civilization
- Al-Balad in Jeddah is a UNESCO-listed merchant quarter
- Red Sea resorts are opening along reefs with decades of no dive pressure
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Riyadh, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Saudi Arabia
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia.
What currency does Saudi Arabia use?
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (ر.س), ISO code SAR.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia?
The primary language is Arabic.
Is Saudi Arabia landlocked?
No, Saudi Arabia has a coastline.
What countries border Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia borders Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
What is the international calling code for Saudi Arabia?
The calling code is +966.
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Oct–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
Osaka
Osaka is Japan's food capital. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. And Dotonbori's neon at night. Plus Osaka Castle and an easy day-trip to Nara.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome, a rebuilt city with okonomiyaki variants, and the torii-in-water at Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the Bund's colonial facades facing Pudong's skyline, French Concession lanes, Yu Garden's Ming-dynasty layout, and a food city of exceptional depth.
Xian
Xi'an is ancient Chang'an. Terracotta Army an hour out, 14th-century city walls you can bike, the Muslim Quarter's food street, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Mong Kok's markets, dim sum at its source, and Lantau and Lamma islands for the outlying side of the SAR.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital. 300+ temples, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the hill tribes of Mae Hong Son.