Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2023

SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA

From ancient desert civilisations to sprawling metropolises, we spotlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an up-and-coming tourism destination for discerning travellers

Writer:

Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Deane Anderton

Untamed desert wilderness, the submarine splendour of the Red Sea, atmospheric souks and teeming oasis cities – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a veritable smorgasbord for any tourist.

As the birthplace of Islam, KSA has long been an esteemed destination of religious pilgrimage, attracting Muslims from around the globe to its most-visited city, the province of Makkah. The nation is blessed with natural delights, paradisical oases, and archaic ruins such as AlUla where the remnants of the ancient Incense Route as the crossroads of bygone civilisations will transport you back in time. Elsewhere, head towards the coast of the Red Sea and you will discover the city of Jeddah – a place where the atmospheric old town is blessed with sea air and is acknowledged as a more creative and cosmopolitan alternative to the capital of Riyadh.

KSA’s appeal to tourists is diversifying and its status developing, as the Kingdom earns itself a place on the map as a haven for luxury travel experiences while also catering to the burgeoning demand for sustainable adventure. A plethora of ambitious ventures and undertakings

are underway, most notably the mammoth Red Sea Project, which seeks to spearhead responsible and regenerative tourism destination development to enhance KSA’s luxury tourism and sustainability offering in harmony with the Red Sea’s fragile ecosystem. This is a major aspect of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, as it aspires to reach over 100 million visitors every year.

Wherever you visit in this diverse and captivating country, you can be guaranteed to experience authentic Middle Eastern hospitality. In return, it is imperative to acknowledge local customs and traditions regarding etiquette and dress code. Always be respectful, and double check any regulations before you travel.

THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY MODERN LIVING

Riyadh has experienced a remarkable transformation over the years, expanding itself into a modern metropolis.

With an enviable location in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh remains an architectural icon of the thriving city skyline.

Occupying the 30th to 50th floors of the prestigious 99-storey Kingdom Centre, the hotel is celebrating 20 years as the setting for unforgettable stays above the capital of Saudi Arabia, having originally opened on February 28th 2003.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, recognised by Forbes Travel Guide with a prestigious Five-Star Hotel Award, continues to stand as one of the country’s top luxury properties, providing international travellers and locals with exceptional experiences and shaping the concept of luxury hospitality across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and beyond. The 276-room hotel has undergone two renovations in as many decades, the latest of which now leaves Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh well placed to maintain its leading edge in the capital’s hospitality landscape.

Immersive rooms

It was November 2020 when Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh unveiled the first stage of the renovation project, with newly redesigned rooms and suites that immerse guests in Saudi culture.

Inspired by the literal meaning of Riyadh, which translates as “garden”, the sumptuous guest rooms showcase two

distinctive colour palettes with vivid shades of green and turquoise exuding throughout.

The decorative walls also incorporate historic tribal patterns engraved in wood, a recurring motif that is also found in the bespoke closet wall coverings and the sliding window panels that connect the bathroom with the bedroom. Each of the wall panels are accented with stylish tufted and stitched leather upholstery, further adding to the feel of luxurious refinement.

Artwork selected in partnership with the philanthropic foundation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, equally focuses on empowering and celebrating local craftsmanship throughout the property and is an uplifting reflection of these fresh new rooms, which are complete with all the comforts of advanced

Delivering legendary Four Seasons service, world-class amenities and a seamless ownership experience, in the world’s most sought-after locations.

in-room technology such as automated curtains and lighting systems, iPads, smart TVs, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and smart makeup mirrors.

“The redesigned spaces embrace the heritage of the city, and at the same time reflect contemporary aesthetics and the design-savvy sensibility of the modern traveller who expects a sensory experience and a place of comfort within the hotel,” says Guenter Gebhard, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.

‘‘Our new look offers an authentic and safe luxury experience for guests unlike any other in the city.”

Royally renovated

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s newly renovated Royal Suites, meanwhile, were unveiled in November 2021.

The two spacious suites are palaces in the sky fitted out with indulgent comforts, lavish appointments, contemporary interpretations of historical motifs, and locally produced artworks to create welcoming spaces for family travellers and groups of friends high above the heart of Riyadh.

Located on the 44th and 46th floors respectively, the former replicates the soft green and turquoise palette of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s renovated rooms, whilst the latter draws from Saudi heritage with deep red colour tones. Each Royal Suite is laid out for spaciousness and comfort, stretching 240 square metres (sqm) and looking out onto panoramic views of the city, illuminated by the warmth and glow of soothing lamps and natural sunlight.

Marble-topped bedside tables flank a king-side bed in the master bedroom, just off which a full bathroom is arrayed in beige marble with dual vanities, mirror TVs, a separate shower, and an extended tub for a blissful submission. The Royal Suites also house a living room with comfortable sofas and chairs, contemporary coffee tables and a 75-inch Smart TV, a dining room with seating for 10 people, a slender kitchen fully equipped for whipping up everything from tasty snacks to full meals, as well as a private gym, welcoming foyer, handsome study, and two walk-in closets. If there was any doubt that the hotel is the high point for hospitality in the Saudi Arabian capital, one look at the luxury and design of the Royal Suites will only reemphasise its commitment to offering an incomparable hospitality experience.

Signature Suite

The latest treasure unveiled by Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh as part of its $150 million renovation, which taps into the capital’s love of ultra-exclusivity, superior comfort and eye-

catching reinvention, is the Kingdom Suite.

Debuted in July 2022, this opulent 330 sqm duplex is situated between the 48th and 50th floors of the Kingdom Centre and is the most highly anticipated addition to the hotel’s magnificent portfolio of accommodation.

Phases of the moon expressed in other areas of the hotel are likewise referenced in the Kingdom Suite, which hosts an impressive contemporary ceiling pendant in the main living area and guarantees breathtaking views of the city.

Luxurious features of the Kingdom Suite include an impressive contemporary ceiling pedant, and a Master Innovation turntable handmade in Germany accompanied by an eclectic selection of vinyl records, carefully sourced by a special curator.

Colour tones of red and soft blue delicately dominate the scheme and stand out in the neutral background, embellished by elegant furnishing, Saudi objets d’art,

and all the thoughtful Four Seasons touches, resulting in an exclusive enclave resonating with heritage, style and glamour.

“The Kingdom Suite has been astutely designed to engage the senses of our guests and create visual narratives that they will remember long after they leave,” says Gebhard “Combined with well-thought amenities and intuitive Four Seasons service, our new Kingdom Suite offers guests the ultimate in luxury, the opportunity to take time to connect with loved ones and create timely experiences.”

The renovations come at an exciting time to be part of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, with Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s plans for expansion and the country prioritising the growth of tourism and development of local talent.

+966

ALMOSAFER INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

OPERATING UNDER ALMOSAFER – Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company – Discover Saudi is the Kingdom’s leading destination management company, specialising in inbound travel, online distribution and MICE solutions. We speak with Almosafer’s Chief Tourism Officer, Fahad Alobailan, to find out more about one of the Middle East’s most exciting travel destinations.

Outlook Travel (OT): Firstly, could you introduce us to Saudi Arabia? What kind of travellers does the region most appeal to?

Fahad Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer (FA): The country is perfectly positioned to welcome travellers across all segments of travel as Saudi Arabia really is continuing

to build offerings for everyone. This includes adventure tourism, luxury escapes, family-friendly options and a vast array of landscapes that range from lush greenery in spring, to mountains covered in snow during winter, to beautiful seaside resorts in the summer, desert activities all year round and even lush greenery for nature lovers. Saudi Arabia is also home to the Two Holy Mosques which continue to draw religious tourists travelling to perform Umrah.

OT: What makes the region stand out as a destination for luxury travel?

FA: In the space of a few years, the country has developed numerous hotels and resorts offering unrivalled luxury

and wellness experiences. This includes the Red Sea Project – a luxury ecotourism project under development with ultra-luxury resorts offering tourists a wide variety of experiences all in one location, from deserts and mountains to volcanoes and pristine coastlines. A worldclass luxury mountain resort is currently also under study in Soudah, home to the highest peaks in the Kingdom, and there are already luxury resorts operating in stunning locations including AlUla, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, Jeddah with its luxurious seaside resorts, Al Ahsa, and Diriyah, the jewel of the Kingdom.

OT: What are some of the major tourism trends in KSA? Have you noticed this change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

FA: During the pandemic, many people were prevented from travelling due to government restrictions across the world. Since the lifting of COVID-19 and travel restrictions,

we have seen a huge resurgence of demand for travel. People are grasping at opportunities and they are no longer willing to wait for that once-in-a-lifetime trip with travellers opting to spend more on luxury experiences, including 5-star hotels. Destinations including Taif, Jizan, Al Khobar and Jeddah have become increasingly popular, with each city offering unique experiences. The historic city of AlUla has also been attracting a growing number of tourists.

Domestically, there has been a significant increase in the number of people travelling to attend conferences and events, such as the Riyadh Season, Deriyah Season and Saudi Cup, drawing people from across the Kingdom. We have seen a surge in religious travel as pilgrimage restrictions have been lifted and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that people on tourist visas are now able to perform Umrah. There is also a rising trend of pilgrims combining their religious travel with leisure travel, extending their trip to explore the Kingdom.

OT: What does KSA have to offer in terms of sustainable or eco-friendly travel experiences?

FA: A sustainable tourism sector is crucial to ensuring longterm viability and sustainable growth, including stable employment, protecting social-cultural authenticity and conserving natural heritage. Discover Saudi is helping to achieve this through our committed efforts to strengthen localised knowledge sharing and reach, including human capital building through training programmes. We are also educating international travel agents on the Kingdom’s rich culture, local customs and traditions, and showcasing it to the world. This includes the tourism human capital programmes launched by the Ministry of Tourism.

There are several eco-tourism projects underway in the Kingdom, including the aforementioned Red Sea Project which aims to attract international tourists while protecting the ecosystem of the Red Sea through various conservation programmes. Elsewhere, the Green Riyadh project will increase the city’s green spaces from 1.7 square miles (sqm) to 28 sqm, and the Neom project aims to introduce a new model of urban sustainability. Meanwhile, Seera Group, in partnership with the Tourism Development Fund, is developing Raghadan Tourist Resort, the first sustainable tourism project in the Al Baha region.

OT: Tell us more about the Saudi Vision 2030 and how Discover Saudi supports this?

FA: In 2016, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Saudi Vision 2030 which set out the framework to achieve economic diversification. The tourism sector is a key pillar of the Vision, with a target to account for 10 percent of the Kingdom’s GDP, attract 100 million visitors annually, and host 30 million religious tourists by 2030.

We are supporting the Vision in numerous ways including actively promoting the Kingdom, particularly to travel agents, building on our success of bringing in over

20,000 tourists since 2019. We are also educating travel agents globally on the many attractions in the Kingdom and helping to dispel misconceptions. In addition, we are supporting the events and entertainment industry, which also helps to drive tourism, by providing logistic and ancillary services to support large-scale events including the Saudi Cup and Dakar Rally.

OT: Finally, what makes 2023 the year to visit KSA?

FA: There are many new initiatives and projects going live in 2023 that will facilitate travel to the Kingdom. Recent visa reforms, including the newly announced free transit visa, are making the country more easily accessible than ever before. This year, the Red Sea Project will welcome its first guests, the Red Sea International Airport is set to open and RIA, the new national carrier, will be launched. Saudi Arabia will also be hosting a wide range of exciting events that should not be missed, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Saudi Cup, numerous arts festivals and music concerts, and of course Umrah, with development taking places at many sites in Madinah and Makkah to enhance the pligrims’ experience. With all this to come, 2023 is most definitely the year to visit the Kingdom!

“SAUDI ARABIA WILL ALSO BE HOSTING A WIDE RANGE OF EXCITING EVENTS THAT SHOULD NOT BE MISSED, INCLUDING THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX, SAUDI CUP, NUMEROUS ARTS FESTIVALS AND MUSIC CONCERTS – 2023 IS MOST DEFINITELY THE YEAR TO VISIT THE KINGDOM!”

– FAHAD ALOBAILAN, CHIEF TOURISM OFFICER, ALMOSAFER

LOCATED IN THE central region of KSA, the capital of Riyadh is a fascinating collision of cultures – an urban metropolis where skyscrapers sparkle, rising from the desert like palm trees, and ancient ruins lie just a stone’s throw away. Originating as a small desert village, Riyadh has blossomed over the centuries to become the administrative and political nexus of KSA.

Playground to the ultra-rich as one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and home to over 6.5 million people, Riyadh is equally rich in culture. Historical landmarks include the Al Murabba Palace, one of the

RIYADH

capital’s most prominent monuments constructed in the traditional Najdean style. Nearby, the World Heritage Site of Diriyah bears testament to KSA’s genesis as the original home of the Saudi royal family. Within the city itself, you would be remiss not to visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia – a paean to the Kingdom’s heritage that is widely regarded as the finest museum in the Middle East. Elsewhere, the green open spaces of King Abdullah Park hearken back to Riyadh’s very name, which derives from the Arabic word ‘rawdah’, meaning garden. Escape the urban buzz and savour the natural

splendour of KSA with a trip to the Wadi Namar valley, where waterfalls and rich birdlife awaits, or travel to the ‘Edge of the World’ at the perilous formations of Jebel Fihrayn.

This sprawling city is best viewed from the jaw-dropping heights of The Kingdom Centre with a trip to The Sky Bridge – a walkway at the tower’s summit connected by an inverted archway – that is not advised for the faint-hearted. Modern-day Riyadh is ever developing as it keeps pace with the relentless advancement of the modern world, however, Saudi’s famous Arabian hospitality is a reliable constant.

Discover Saudi Arabia with Hertz car rental services and enjoy driving a car from our modern and diverse fleet by choosing what suits your needs, whether you are alone or with your friends, or accompanied by your family, we have all types that meet your needs with a group of distinguished services that are endowed with the international ISO certificate of quality.

We deliver our cars with a full fuel tank in order to save you the trouble of filling the tank. Your children are our concern, get them there safely by adding a baby seat to your services. Our fleet is fully insured, we are closer to you than you can imagine, and our offices are spread in most major cities and airports.

Book your car now and you will find a staff of the highest levels of training happy to serve you around the clock.

Do you have a business? Leave it to us through our long-term operational leasing activity. We help you choose what suits your activity from all types of cars, SUVs, 4x4s, vans, buses, and small and large trucks in the color and specifications that suit your business activity with full insurance and free replacement in case of breakdowns or accidents, free maintenance is carried out at our well-equipped centers or at the site of your activity through our mobile workshops. We

FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS…

SLEEP: FOR SOARING SOPHISTICATION…

Located within the iconic Kingdom Tower, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is the height of luxury. Its interior combines authentic Saudi heritage with contemporary design to create a tasteful haven with unsurpassed personalised service. Situated on floors 30-50 of the 99-storey tower, formed in the shape of a parabola, each of the 249 rooms offers jaw-dropping views of the city and sunken marble baths for your leisure. Staff are on hand to assist Western travellers with negotiating the cultural nuances of the Saudi capital, and the hotel’s lobby leads you directly into the popular Al Mamlaka shopping mall.

FOR 5-STAR SERVICE IN THE CBD…

You will find the luxurious Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Riyadh in the new CBD district, strategically positioned next to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and Riyadh Winterwonder Land. This, combined with the hotel’s inviting mixture of genuine Swiss hospitality and Middle Eastern culture, makes it the ideal option for business and leisure travellers.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

ALULA

The world’s largest living museum, this ancient oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia promises to transport you to bygone centuries and the golden age of the caravan trade. Home to evocative ruins and archaeological treasures, walk amongst dramatic rock formations, sweeping sand dunes and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra to view the spectacular monumental tombs of the Nabatean kingdom.

DIRIYAH

Known as ‘the jewel of the Kingdom’, historical Diriyah can be found just 20km northwest of Riyadh. Renowned for its formidable mud brick architecture, the settlement dates back to 1446 AD and is generally acknowledged as the birthplace of the Kingdom. Immerse yourself amongst these archaic ruins with a scenic stroll through the At-Turaif District – the capital city of the first Saudi state.

MAKKAH

For followers of the Muslim faith, a visit to Makkah is the ultimate pilgrimage. The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location where the Quran was first revealed to him, Makkah’s appeal is legendary and for centuries has attracted pilgrims embarking on the annual Hajj, or the shorter Umrah pilgrimage.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

SAUDI ARABIA IS becoming increasingly well-connected. Welcoming international visitors, the Kingdom has increased its availability of tourist visas and the option of applying for visas on arrival for 49 different nationalities. Anyone holding a US, UK or Schengen visa in their passport is now eligible to apply for a tourist visa.

The country is serviced by a wealth of airline carriers that fly to its four international airports. These include Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz

International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, and finally, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Medina. Complementing this network are 15 domestic airports which are convenient options for interconnecting the region with short-haul flights if you plan to cover much of the Kingdom.

Another popular way of covering KSA, especially for the adventurous, is via road trip. The country has a developing reputation as a road trip

destination, with a wealth of options for car hire and myriad sights and destinations to plan a rewarding itinerary whatever your interests. Car hire is generally cost-effective and efficient, with rental providers mostly found at airports and within most major cities.

For travel within cities, taxis are widely available around popular locations, for instance shopping malls and public parks. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are also increasingly popular, widely used alternatives.