Top Things to Do in Saudi Arabia During Your Middle East Trip

Saudi Arabia has quietly become one of the most exciting places to visit in the Middle East. For years it was closed to most tourists, but that has changed. Since the tourist eVisa opened the doors, travellers have been discovering a country of dramatic deserts, ancient rock-cut cities, buzzing modern capitals and a coastline that rivals anywhere on earth. If you’re planning a trip to the region, the Kingdom deserves a firm place on your itinerary, and this guide walks you through the very best of it.

For many British Muslim travellers, a journey to Saudi Arabia is about far more than sightseeing. It’s a chance to combine an unforgettable holiday with the spiritual heart of the trip: performing Umrah in Makkah. Plenty of people build their whole visit around it, arriving for pilgrimage first and then exploring the wider country afterwards. If that’s your plan, you can look through the Umrah Packages to sort the sacred part of your trip before you start mapping out the rest. With that in place, let’s get into what Saudi Arabia has to offer.

Before you go: visas and the best time to visit

Most UK travellers can apply for the Saudi eVisa online, which is usually valid for a full year with multiple entries and stays of up to ninety days. It’s quick to arrange and covers tourism as well as sightseeing alongside a religious trip. The one thing worth planning around is the heat. Summers are brutal, so the sweet spot for exploring is roughly November to March, when the days are warm rather than scorching and the evenings are pleasant. Spring and autumn work too, especially if you don’t mind a bit of warmth in exchange for smaller crowds.

Explore Riyadh, the beating heart of the Kingdom

The capital is where old and new sit side by side. Head up the Kingdom Centre Tower for sweeping views across the city from its famous sky bridge, then swap the skyscrapers for history at Diriyah, the mud-brick birthplace of the first Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Museum is well worth a couple of hours to get your bearings on the country’s long story. If you’re after something wilder, take a day trip to the Edge of the World, a jaw-dropping escarpment about ninety minutes from the city where the cliffs drop away to an endless desert horizon. In the cooler months, Riyadh Season fills the capital with concerts, food and entertainment.

Step back in time at AlUla and Hegra

If you see only one place in Saudi Arabia, make it AlUla. This ancient oasis in the north-west is home to Hegra, the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Nabataeans carved grand tombs straight into towering sandstone cliffs more than two thousand years ago. It’s often compared to Petra in Jordan, but with a fraction of the crowds. Beyond Hegra you’ll find the old town, the ancient inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah, and the wonderful Elephant Rock, a natural arch that looks exactly as its name suggests. Sunrise and sunset here are something special, so give yourself a couple of days rather than rushing through.

Wander the old streets of Jeddah

On the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is the country’s most relaxed and welcoming city, and for many pilgrims it’s the gateway to the holy cities. Lose yourself in Al-Balad, the historic old town and another UNESCO site, where centuries-old coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies line narrow lanes full of little shops and cafés. In the evening, join the locals along the Corniche waterfront for a stroll and some fresh seafood.

Because Jeddah is the natural jumping-off point for Makkah, many British families like to time their visit to the school holidays. If that suits you, the Easter Umrah Packages let you combine pilgrimage with a proper family break, giving everyone time to see the country as well as perform Umrah together.

Dive into the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the world’s best-kept secrets for divers and snorkellers. The reefs here are vibrant and largely untouched, with warm, crystal-clear water teeming with life. New luxury resorts are opening along the coast as part of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism plans, while further south the Farasan Islands offer quiet beaches, birdlife and a slower pace. Whether you want a world-class dive or simply a lazy afternoon on the sand, the coastline delivers.

Escape to the mountains of Abha and Taif

If you think Saudi Arabia is all sand, the south will surprise you. Up in the Asir mountains, Abha enjoys a cool, misty climate, green terraced hillsides and traditional stone villages, with Asir National Park perfect for walkers and nature lovers. Closer to Makkah, the mountain city of Taif is famous for its roses and its fresh, high-altitude air, a lovely retreat from the heat of the lowlands. These highland regions are a completely different side of the country and a favourite escape for locals in summer.

A spiritual journey in Makkah and Madinah

For Muslim travellers, no trip is complete without the two holy cities. Makkah is home to the Kaaba and the Masjid al-Haram, the destination of Umrah and Hajj and the holiest site in Islam. In Madinah, the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, welcomes pilgrims in an atmosphere of deep calm. Do bear in mind that Makkah is open only to Muslims, as are the sacred areas of Madinah, so this part of the journey is reserved for those performing pilgrimage. For many, standing in these places is the emotional peak of the entire trip.

Practical tips for your visit

Dress modestly and respectfully, particularly at religious sites and in smaller towns. Ride-hailing apps make getting around cities easy, and cards are widely accepted, though it’s handy to carry some cash for markets. Friday mornings are quiet as many places close for prayers, so plan around that. A few words of Arabic go a long way, and you’ll find Saudis warm and generous hosts.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK travellers need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, most UK visitors need a visa, but the eVisa is easy to apply for online and usually covers a full year of travel with multiple entries.

When is the best time to visit?

November to March offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, avoiding the intense summer heat.

Can non-Muslims visit Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Non-Muslims are welcome across most of the country, though Makkah and the sacred areas of Madinah remain reserved for Muslim pilgrims.

How many days do you need?

Around seven to ten days lets you comfortably combine a couple of cities with a heritage or nature highlight such as AlUla.

Final thoughts

Saudi Arabia is a rare thing: a destination that still feels genuinely new, yet holds thousands of years of history and, for millions, the spiritual centre of the world. Whether you’re drawn by the tombs of Hegra, the reefs of the Red Sea or the call of Umrah, the Kingdom rewards those who take the time to explore it. Plan well, travel respectfully, and it may just be the highlight of your entire Middle East trip.