Best Places in Saudi Arabia You Will Love as a UK Citizen

The country has become a popular business hub on the world map. Now it is focusing on becoming a favorite tourist spot on the world map. For UK citizens, visiting the country is easier than ever.

Wondering where you should go in Saudi Arabia? Abha in the mountains is a great option for you to explore. Standing at a height of 2,200 meters, it will remind you of the weather back home. With mild climates, the place is most suitable for a UK citizen. Read on to learn about exciting hidden gems of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this blog, we will focus on identifying places where you can go with a Saudi Arabia travel visa.

Let’s start exploring the places.

Riyadh: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

The places boast contrasting places with unique features. On one side you see the modern face of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on the other side, you see sites bearing the historical legacy of Saudi Arabia. Start your journey in Riyadh with Al Masmak Palace, constructed in Hijri 14th century. The Palace remains a living specimen of KSA’s royal legacy. Start exploring the inside of the palace and marvel at the historical artifacts.

Explore the local market -Deerah Souq which is just a few steps away from the Palace. You can see small shops lined up in a row for shoppers to explore products and purchase them. Now, go to the Kingdom Centre of Riyadh and get a glimpse of the modern lifestyle of the city. The building stands at a height of 302 meters. Try the Skybridge of the building to see how it feels to view Riyadh from way above the ground. It is one of the tourist attraction features of the building.

Explore the Middle Eastern delicacies across several local restaurants. Try to select the ones serving traditional foods to their customers. However, never even dream of alcoholic beverages as they are not allowed in the country. So, no room for a quiet Arabian night with your favorite drinks. If you want to explore the beauty of the city apply for the Saudi Arabia travel visa before visiting the country.

Jeddah: Gateway to the Red Sea

Both in the past and in the present- the city has been a center of tourist interest. The desert climate of the place can be challenging for you as a UK citizen. However, try to move around the city using an AC rental car to avoid the heat.

Once you have sorted out the traveling option, visit Jeddah Corniche. If you want to view the stunning Red Sea and authentic sculptures, this is the ideal place for you in Jeddah. Next, the place of attraction is Al-Rahma Mosque. People of Jeddah prefer visiting it more than others. The mosque seems to be floating on water during the high tide, since it was built in 1985.

Now, if you prefer learning a bit about the historical background of the city and the country, visit Bait Al Balad. The local museum had once been used as a British headquarters till the 1930s. It seems like a tour taking you back to the times forgotten. At the end of the day after visiting many tourist attractions, visit a nice traditional restaurant in the city to enjoy traditional Arabian foods. Sorry to disappoint you, but you won’t experience nightlife similar to the UK in Jeddah. Except for a few café and restaurants, all shops will be closed at night.

Feeling excited already to visit the country? Apply for a Saudi visa for British Citizens.

AlUla: A UK Traveler’s Dream Desert Adventure

The historical legacy of the place is so powerful that you get taken back to the past. Madain Saleh – a UNESCO heritage site makes AlUla a famous place in the country. You can find ancient tombs, beautiful carvings in this old Nabatean city. Tourists from across the world come to explore its hidden mysteries.

Besides its historical places, the place is home to natural wonders. The Elephant Rock – the name comes from the shape of the rock. It looks exactly like an elephant whose trunk is deeply rooted in the ground. When you go on exploring AlUla’s, its historical and natural wonders might give a contrasting feeling. But Maraya offers you an experience reflecting the modern lifestyle. You won’t be able to imagine the modern facilities you get inside this large mirrored building. The modern architectural feature amidst the desert sets a contrasting experience for tourists.

Mecca and Medina (For Muslim Travelers)

If you are a traveler from the UK and follow Islam religion, these two holy cities are a must visit for you. However, non-Muslim travelers are strictly not allowed to visit the holy cities. Otherwise, you have to face severe consequences.

Mecca is revered as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammed. Kabba is at the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Muslims around the world believe Kabba to be the most holy place on earth which makes the place spiritually significant for all Muslims.

Muslims around the world come for Hajj- circling the Kabba seven times (anti-clockwise). 

The second holiest place on earth is Medina where Hajj pilgrims visit the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. However, it may not be part of Hajj but it has a significant spiritual significance for the followers of Islam.

Abha and the Asir Mountains: A Cool Escape

Like an oasis in a desert, Abha is a perfect escape from the modern lifestyle into the mountains. Rugged mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and wild landscapes – are the most beautiful characteristics of the Abha Mountains.

Besides being the capital city of Asir region, the place is a summer retreat for tourists. As a UK citizen you will find the place hospitable and it will feel like a breath of fresh air amidst the desert climate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea Project

When you are done exploring beautiful places across Saudi Arabia, explore the futuristic vision of Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Project is mainly a megaproject to regenerate tourism in the country. Across 22 islands and 6 inland sites, the project is spread. Upon completion it will have places reserved for residents and also for tourists.

One of the sites is Laheq which is the first island aimed for residents. Residents will experience resort-like living, at the same time it will open the homeownership of people outside the country. If you want to take ownership of the property, you need to procure the appropriate Saudi visa for British citizens.

Things UK Travelers Should Know

Before you visit the country, let’s take a quick look at the visa application norms. UK citizens can apply for a visa on arrival upon arriving at Saudi Arabia airport. You can also apply online for a Saudi visa for British citizens. However, we suggest you apply and receive a tourist visa before visiting the country to avoid queueing at migration.

Be respectful of the culture – don’t express affectionate gestures towards your partner in public, cover your skin and shoulder (especially for women).

When it comes to making payments in Saudi Arabia, you can use debit or credit cards – local shops accept both. Alternatively, you can also use Saudi Arabia Riyals.

All Set to Visit Saudi Arabia?

Before you go on exploring Saudi Arabia, apply online for a tourist visa. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for a visa on arrival at the KSA migration office. Select a place to explore and make a detailed itinerary for the place. You will have an excellent experience exploring the beautiful sites, foods, and culture of the country.