Current Local Time in Riyadh
Current Weather in Riyadh
Country Information
Major Regions & Cities
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 administrative regions.
Must-Visit Landmarks
Masjid al-Haram
The Great Mosque of Mecca containing the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Islam's second holiest site.
Edge of the World
Dramatic cliff face in the Tuwaiq escarpment with panoramic views.
Al-Ula
Ancient archaeological site with Nabatean tombs similar to Petra.
Kingdom Centre
Iconic 99-floor skyscraper with sky bridge in Riyadh.
Farasan Islands
Archipelago in the Red Sea with coral reefs and Ottoman ruins.
Brief History of Saudi Arabia
Ancient Arabia
Home to various civilizations including Dilmun, Thamud, and Nabateans.
Birth of Islam
Prophet Muhammad born in Mecca, receives revelations, establishes Islam.
Caliphate Period
Arabia part of Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid Caliphates.
Mamluk Rule
Hejaz region under Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate.
Ottoman Era
Most of Arabia under Ottoman Empire control.
First Saudi State
Muhammad bin Saud allies with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Kingdom Foundation
Abdulaziz Ibn Saud captures Riyadh, begins unification.
Kingdom Established
Official proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Oil Discovery
Commercial oil discovered, transforming the economy.
Oil Embargo
Leads to global oil crisis, increases Saudi influence.
Vision 2030
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announces economic diversification plan.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
eVisa available for many nationalities. Separate visas for Hajj/Umrah. Women under 25 may need male guardian.
Currency & Payments
Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in cities. Cash preferred in rural areas.
Transportation
Domestic flights between cities. Ride-hailing apps available. Women can drive (since 2018). Metro in Riyadh/Jeddah.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly. No public displays of affection. Remove shoes in homes. Accept gifts with right hand.
Best Times to Visit
Saudi Cuisine
Try kabsa (national dish), mandi, mutabbaq, jareesh, saleeg, dates with Arabic coffee, camel milk.
Famous Events
Janadriyah Festival (cultural), Riyadh Season (entertainment), Jeddah Season, Formula E in Diriyah.
Health Precautions
Stay hydrated in heat. Dust can affect breathing. Modern hospitals in cities. Travel insurance recommended.
Technology
Good 4G coverage. Most Western apps work. VPN needed for some VoIP services. Digital payment growing.
Religious Considerations
Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca/Medina. Prayer times observed (businesses close). Alcohol prohibited.
Shopping Tips
Traditional souks for bargaining. Malls have fixed prices. Gold jewelry popular. VAT is 15%.
For Women Travelers
No abaya required for foreigners (since 2019) but modest dress still expected. Women can travel independently.