Where is the Saudi Arabia located?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the far southwest of the continent of Asia, where it is bordered to the west by the Red Sea, to the east by the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, north to Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and to the south by Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman.
Area:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies about four-fifths of the Arab Peninsula, with a total area of around 2,000,000 square kilometers.
Saudi Language
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. English is widely spoken and incorporated into daily transactions and functions.
All road signs are bilingual, showing information in both Arabic and English.
Culture
Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam.
In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, evolving centuy-old customs to fit the contemporary world we live in today.
Currency and Payments
Currency exchange and transactions are easy in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal (ر.س SAR), which is subdivided into 100 halala.
You’ll receive notes in denominations of five riyals, ten riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals and 500 riyals; and coins in one riyal, two riyals, 50 halala, 25 halala, 10 halala, 5 halala and 1 halala.
1 Chinese Yuan = 0.55 Saudi Riyal.
1 United States Dollar = 3.75 Saudi Riyal.
1 Euro = 4.05 Saudi Riyal.
1 Pound Sterling = 4.53 Saudi Riyal.
1 Japanese Yen = 0.028 Saudi Riyal.
What type of climate does Saudi Arabia have?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always hot in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom experiences four distinct seasons —from chilly winter breezes in January to peak desert heat in August —and a climate that varies between regions. Read on for a seasonal overview of the kingdom’s weather.
Climate and Seasons:
- Spring in Saudi
Spring in Saudi Arabia can be brisk, particularly in the north, where the temperature at night can drop below 15 degrees C. The central and southern regions are warmer, averaging around 20 degrees after nightfall. Rainfall is at its highest during spring, particularly in the central region and in the southwest.
Don’t forget to pack layers — like light sweaters, scarves or pashminas — plus a rain jacket and sunglasses.
- Summer in Saudi
With the exception of the comparatively mild highlands in the southwest, summer signals the start of rising temperatures across most of the country, with the average hovering around 45 degrees C. The early mornings and long evenings are more temperate, so take advantage of the warm seas to explore Saudi’s world-class scuba diving sites, or try sailing and snorkeling.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, water shoes and a hat to protect your face.
- Autumn in Saudi
Autumn brings gentler weather and cool breezes in both Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and the southwestern highlands. While daytime temperatures remain warm and can reach the 30s in early fall, evenings are milder and fit for outdoor strolling, especially along Jeddah’s waterfront, indulging in al-fresco dining or visiting Al Ahsa’s cool desert springs.
Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes and a sweater for air-conditioned buildings and cooler evenings.
- Winter in Saudi
Take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s beautiful winter weather to explore the kingdom. The balmy days and cool nights are ideal for camping, rock climbing or exploring Saudi Arabia’s verdant highlands and bustling cities, from Riyadh to Jeddah. Average winter temperatures are in the teens, but visitors might be lucky enough to see snowfall in the mountains of the northern regions blanketing the slopes and desert sands.
Don’t forget to pack a heavy jacket or coat as well as lotion, as Saudi winters can be dry.
Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
Popular things to do in Saudi Arabia are:
- Cultural Tours
- Historical Tours
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Sporting Events
- Airport & Hotel Transfers
- Top Picks
- Walking & Biking Tours
- Likely to Sell Out
- Food & Nightlife
- Ports of Call Tours
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Shopping Tours
- Kayaking Tours
- Special Offers
Popular Cities To Visit in Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah
- Riyadh
- Medina
- Makkah
- Damam
Top Attractions in Saudi Arabia
- Al Masjid an Nabawi
- Great Mosque of Mecca
- Jeddah WaterFront
- Alula
- Kingdom Centre Tower
- Jeddah Al-Balad
- Kaaba
- Black Stone
- Safa and Marwa
- Masjid Quba
- Jeddah Fountain
- Uhud Mount
- Edge of The World
- National Museum
- Red Sea Mall
- Al Masmak Fortress
- Jabal al-Nour
- Jeddah Corniche
- Masjid Al Qiblatayn
- Hegra
UNESCO Sites
Mada’in Saleh
It’s the first world heritage site in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the largest archaeological site of the Nabataean civilization.
It contains more than 50 inscriptions from the pre-Nabataean civilization, and 111 archaeological tombs, 94 of which are decorated with inscriptions and ornaments.
Historic Jeddah
This culturally diverse neighborhood was built on the coast of the red sea, as a harbor for the trading trips that are sailing from the Indian ocean. It was also a shield for the city protecting it from outside threats and attacks, and an entry for the pilgrims travelling by sea to Mecca.
At-Turaif District
Being the first capital of the Al Saud family, and dating back to the 15th century, makes it a living museum that documents the Najdi lifestyle in the 18th century and in the first Saudi state.
Rock Art
The rock art documents a civilization that lived for 10 thousand years, in the rock region in Ha’il that is located between 2 great mountains.
Al-Ahsa Oasis
A green paradise that spreads across 20,000 hectares of land, that contains 2.5 million palm trees, in addition to gardens, water channels, wells, historic monuments, and archeological sites.
Bir Hima Rock
Located 130 km from the south of Najran, Bir Hima contains many archeological sites such as Sidah mountain, Hima mountain, Aan Jamal site, Shasa’a, and kawkab. This site is considered a historic treasure that contains inscriptions that date back around 7 thousand years.