About Saudi Arabia

The country in brief

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula - a land of gravel plains and sand seas, volcanic highlands in the west, and the green terraces of Asir in the south-west. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, which welcome millions of pilgrims every year.

For most of the twentieth century the Kingdom's story was oil - discovered at Dammam in 1938 and still central to the economy. The twenty-first century story is diversification: under Saudi Vision 2030 the country has opened to tourism, entertainment, sport and foreign business at a pace few expected, and the tourist eVisa launched in 2019 was one of the first doors to swing open.

People and culture

Hospitality is not a slogan here; a guest is offered coffee and dates before business is mentioned, and generosity to visitors is a point of honour. Society is family-centred and observant - the day bends gently around prayer times - while the big cities are young, connected and increasingly cosmopolitan. Our guide to Saudi etiquette for visitors covers the practical courtesies that make a trip smoother.

Good to know

Alcohol is prohibited throughout the Kingdom. Dress is modest in public, for visitors as for residents. The call to prayer sounds five times a day and many shops pause briefly at prayer times. None of it takes long to get used to - and most visitors are surprised how quickly the rhythm of the place starts to feel natural.