Attraction in Saudi Arabia
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
UNESCO World Heritage
Al-Balad is the UNESCO-listed old city of Jeddah, a dense quarter of multi-storey coral-stone tower houses built by wealthy Red Sea merchants from the sixteenth century onwards and embellished with the wooden lattice balconies known as rawashin. For centuries the district served as the principal gateway for pilgrims travelling to Mecca, and that layered history is still palpable in its mosques, covered souqs, and restored caravanserais. The warren of alleyways is best explored on foot in the early morning or after sunset.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Saudi Arabia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Saudi Arabia page at Yoogo.
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR). Card payments are widely accepted across hotels, restaurants, and shops, with roughly 79% of retail transactions now cashless, though cash remains useful for souqs, small stalls, and tipping.
Saudi Arabia has a low rate of street crime and tourists generally report feeling safe in cities and tourist areas. As with any destination, it is worth staying aware of your surroundings, following local guidance, and checking your government's latest travel advice before departure.
Riyadh has a modern metro network spanning 176 kilometres across six lines, complemented by Uber and Careem, which operate reliably across major cities. Between cities, the Haramain High Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, while domestic flights are the most practical option for reaching AlUla or Abha.
November to February offers the most comfortable weather across most of the country, with temperatures in Riyadh ranging from roughly 10°C to 25°C and a busy calendar of cultural festivals including Winter at Tantora in AlUla and Riyadh Season. Summer months from June to September bring extreme heat, with desert cities regularly reaching 45°C.
Arabic is the official language, and modern standard Arabic alongside the Najdi and Hejazi dialects are most widely spoken. English is broadly understood in hotels, tourist sites, airports, and major retail areas, making it manageable for most international visitors.
No vaccinations are mandatory for most tourist visits, though routine immunisations including measles, hepatitis A, and typhoid are generally recommended. Travellers intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must show proof of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine administered at least ten days before arrival, as required by Saudi authorities.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A tip of 10 to 12% is customary at sit-down restaurants where a service charge is not already included, while hotel porters and housekeeping staff are typically tipped 5 to 15 SAR. Tips are generally given in cash, as card terminals rarely include a gratuity option.
Yes, Saudi Arabia has strong 4G and expanding 5G coverage across its major cities and tourist areas, and international eSIM providers such as Airalo and Saily offer data plans using local networks including STC and Mobily. Activating an eSIM before departure is the most convenient option for staying connected from the moment you land.