Many travellers preparing for a trip to Saudi Arabia agonise over one question above all: how exactly should you pay there? Can you scan a QR code with your phone? Do you need to change cash?

Information online is scattered, and many guides mix up the payment methods used by locals, long-term residents and tourists, which leads plenty of travellers into pitfalls: carrying cards that do not work, going out without cash, and awkward, stalled payments.

This Saudi Arabia payment guide is written purely for tourists and compiled for short-term travellers and outbound visitors, and it strips out…

You’ve just touched down in Riyadh, where the airport fills with the aroma of agarwood and Arabic coffee, and staff in white thobes greet you with warm smiles saying “Welcome to Saudi.” Is this the vision of Saudi Arabia you’ve always imagined?

This once-mysterious ancient Middle Eastern kingdom now rolls out the red carpet for visitors with streamlined electronic visas, brand-new airports fully marked in Chinese, and open borders waiting for you to discover.

If it’s your first trip to Saudi Arabia, what exactly do you need to do after stepping off the plane? We’ve broken down every single post-landing task—visas, immigration clearance, mobile data, and transportation—upfront, followed by curated classic travel routes. This guide is packed with practical insider tips; make sure to save it for your trip!

Riyadh is a city that grows livelier as night falls. Once the sun goes down, the Saudi capital turns into a bustling and vibrant metropolis: neon-lit boulevards brim with atmosphere, lounges buzz with conversation, and ancient souqs glow with light, with surprises tucked away everywhere. Whether you prefer lively shopping districts or quiet corners, this night tour guide gives you plenty to work with — the destinations here suit a solitary stroll just as well as a visit with family and friends.

Riyadh is a ci…

What is your first impression when you think of Saudi Arabia? An oil-rich country whose people spend money like water? A conservative Middle Eastern kingdom of black abayas and strict religious codes? Or a dull, traditional, mysterious land that seems out of step with the modern world?

Over the past decade, a profound transformation has been quietly unfolding in Saudi Arabia. The person who has unlocked this mysterious country and brought it into the public eye is the Kingdom's young architect of reform, Mohammed bin Salman. This…

As a vibrant city wit…

Enter the world of soft lights, soothing aromas, lilting music, and treatments and therapies that will melt your stress away. A spa session is music to the ears any day.

The best spas in Riyadh offer state-of-the-art equipment, transformative treatments, and expert therapists. Plus, many offer pools and tempting on-site cafes. Whether you're flying solo or bringing the crew, it's time to indulge.

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In the vast deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, the white robe and black cloak are far more than practical garments designed to combat the scorching heat — they are cultural codes flowing in the veins of the Saudi people. Stroll through the streets of Riyadh or Jeddah, and you will see a sea of men in white and women in black, the two colors forming Saudi Arabia’s most striking visual signature. Yet, the sophistication of these white and black garments goes far beyond mere color. From the choice of fabric to the art of accessorizing, and from everyday cuts to ceremonial masterpieces, every detail conceals a rich story…

Into the Aseer Plateau of Saudi Arabia:

An Arabian Secret Hidden in the Clouds

When Saudi Arabia comes to mind, beyond the desert, the oil and the holy city of Mecca, nothing represents its religious and cultural core better than Eid al-Adha. One of the three great festivals of Islam and the grandest celebration of the Saudi year, it carries a thousand years of faith and, with it, the most unassuming hospitality and philosophy of life of the Saudi people.

When it comes to Saudi Arabia,…