Cities In Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's vibrant capital. With a plethora of things to do, it's a must-see. As the largest city in the country, Riyadh sprawls over approximately 600 square miles and has a population exceeding 7 million.

Riyadh is one of the wealthiest cities in the Middle East and the world, ranking in the top 80 globally. It's rapidly growing as a popular tourist destination, with visitors flocking from all over the world, due to its dynamic culture, captivating attractions, and world-class facilities.

People aren't just staying for their holidays. Saudi Arabia's population is growing each year. Thanks to the city's excellent working conditions, high salaries, and low cost of living, the capital city's residents continue to rise.

By plane, it takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes to travel from London to Riyadh, and it takes about 15 hours and 30 minutes to travel from New York to Riyadh.

Top things to do in Riyadh:

• Kingdom Centre Tower
• Saudi Arabia's National Museum
• Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World)

Mecca is located approximately 73 kilometres east of Jeddah. It's nestled within the Sirat Mountains, elevated above sea level. Given its status as a sacred site, access to Mecca is limited to Muslims exclusively. Millions of Muslims visit Mecca annually in Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The population is around 2.4 million, making it the third-most populated city in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Mecca was ranked the 10th most visited city in the world due to its holy status.

Mecca doesn't have its own airport, primarily to preserve its sanctity and prevent security issues. Instead, international flights are directed to the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which is approximately 70 kilometres away from Mecca. For domestic flights, travellers can utilize the Ta'if Regional Airport, which is situated around 120 kilometres from Mecca.

Top things to do in the Holy City of Makkah:

• Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque)
• Hira Cultural District
• Mount Arafat

Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the kingdom's fourth-most popular city. Its population is currently 1.5 million. Dammam prides itself on its attractions, many of which are of historical importance. It's also known as a major administrative centre for the Saudi oil industry.

Due to its location near the Arabian Sea, Dammam experiences high humidity compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia. However, its residents still have a good quality of life because of the city's low living expenses. The nearest airport is King Fahad International Airport, also known as Dammam International Airport or simply Dammam Airport.

Top things to do in Dammam:

• Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium
• The Heritage Village
• Modon Lake Park

Here's a list of essential things to know before your flight to Saudi Arabia.

• Visitors will need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the country. This will permit them to spend 90 days in Saudi Arabia.
• You may have to submit 2 recent passport-sized photographs or bring them with you to enter the country.
• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before your departure date.
• Saudi Arabia follows conservative Islamic practices. You must dress modestly, so wear clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and legs. Women don't have to wear a hijab or any form of head covering.
• Public displays of affection aren't acceptable and may be considered disrespectful. This includes holding hands and hugging in public.
• The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Keep an eye on currency exchange rates before your trip to get an idea of how much your money will be worth in Saudi Riyals.
• Try learning a little Arabic to make communication with locals easier. English, however, is widely spoken, especially in popular tourist destinations.
• Read our blog post: things to know before visiting Saudi Arabia for additional advice.