Sports and leisure activities Saudi Arabia

Budget & Tips

Riyadh has equipped itself with bicycle paths in some areas of the city, including the very chic Olaya. Due to the high temperatures that prevail in the city 9 months out of 12, they are mostly deserted. However, some hotels provide bicycles for their guests.

What's very local

Saudis prefer to work out in an air-conditioned room. All hotels and even many apartment hotels are equipped with gyms. There are also gyms everywhere in the cities.

Your documents please

If you are planning to dive in the Farasan Islands or Yanbu, remember to bring a medical certificate written in English as a precautionary measure.

To be booked

Book your diving or snorkeling trips to secure a place with the best operators, especially during the high season.

Desert excursions: Desert safaris, camel rides and nights under the stars often require advance booking to arrange equipment and guides.

Many outdoor activities are available in AlUla, including hiking, stargazing, abseiling and via ferrata. A large number of activities are listed on www.experiencealula.com and must be booked online or at the Visitor Center in the Winter Park.

Main events

Winter sees festivals blooming all over the country. The two most important ones are Riyad Season and Winter X Festival in AlUla. Riyad Season starts in November and offers amusement parks, exhibitions and fireworks for several months. The Winter X Festival runs from December to March: it is the major event for contemporary art in Saudi Arabia. Many concerts are also scheduled in the fabulous Maraya concert hall.

Tourist traps

Saudi Arabia is an extremely safe country and there are no particular scams against tourists.