Tourist Attractions & Monuments Saudi Arabia

Timetable

Saudi Arabia is a country still relatively uncrowded by tourists. You'll have most of the sites to yourself, or almost all of them, except for important Unesco World Heritage sites such as Hegra and Jubbah, where we recommend you book your visits in advance. What's more, you'll sometimes be confronted with sites that are closed for renovation or some other unknown reason. Despite our often extended opening hours, some sites may be closed. Times can be adjusted in summer or during the hottest hours of the day. Most points of interest open early in the morning, close mid-day and reopen shortly before sunset. Some museums close late in the evening. As for Saudi government-run sites, they are usually open every day of the week, with a big break on Fridays or opening in the afternoon only.

To be booked

The Hegra tombs, the Dadan site and the Jabal Ikmah frescoes are must-sees in AlUla. Reservations are required for access to these sites, in order to control visitor numbers and preserve the sites. All activities and visits in the AlUla oasis are managed by the Royal Commission of AlUla and must be booked in advance on the www.experiencealula.com website. It is also advisable to book a show or dinner at Winter Park in advance. Due to a limited number of departures to the ancient Nabataean capital of Hegra, advance booking is highly recommended, especially if you're visiting in winter as part of the Winter Festival.

Budget & Tips

Some sites are free, such as the archaeological site of Jubbah or the old city of Jeddah. Entrance to museums is charged at between SAR10 and SAR20 for public establishments and around SAR20 for private museums. The Tayebat Museum in Jeddah is an exception, with an entrance fee of SAR 80.

Entrance fees to the sites of AlUla range from SAR 70 to SAR 95, depending on the site. All tours are guided and depart from the Winter Park. Prices for activities in the AlUla area are higher and depend on the nature of the activity.

Student discounts : Some attractions offer discounts for students on presentation of a student card.

Main events

In winter, the festivals intended to animate the various destinations multiply. There is not a large city that does not have its own festival. The most important and exciting is the Winter Festival in AlUla. During 3 months, concerts, contemporary art exhibitions and happenings follow one another in the enchanting setting of the oasis. But beware, due to a limited number of accommodations, the prices are skyrocketing, especially on weekends. Book well in advance.

In March-April, Taif lives to the rhythm of the rose petal harvest, an event that attracts many tourists. Summer is the season for camel festivals, but it is very, very hot.

Guided tours

All visits to sites around AlUla (Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikhma, Old AlUla...) are guided and organized by the Royal Commission of AlUla. Tours can be booked at www.experiencealula.com, at the Winter Park visitor centers or at the entrance to the Old Souk.

Nature outings in the country's deserts and mountains should be booked with a specialized agency, as should diving in the Farasan Islands on the Red Sea or in Jubail in the Persian Gulf, bookable on the DiveXcape.com website.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public spaces in Saudi Arabia. You may smoke outdoors. If you are a smoker and are planning an expedition into the wilderness, bring a pocket ashtray so you don't leave your cigarette butts in pristine spaces.

Tourist traps

Saudi Arabia is a very safe country and tourism development is only very recent. Therefore, there is no need to be particularly vigilant against possible frauds or scams.

What's very local

Due to the high temperatures and the sun hitting hard, always carry a hat and covering clothes to avoid sunstroke. Women should have their arms covered and their legs covered up to the knee and should not show any cleavage under any circumstances. Bermuda shorts or shorts for men are frowned upon.