Saudi Arabia🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the east, Yemen to the south and it also shares maritime borders with Iran, Eritrea, and Somalia. A central powerhouse of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is known for its rich Islamic heritage with the country hosting the two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina. The country is known for its vast deserts like the 'Empty Quarter', beautiful coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, and its modern and sophisticated cities such as the capital, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Saudi Arabia is also known for its sacred traditions linked to the Islamic faith and is home to the largest annual religious pilgrimage, the Hajj. As the world's leading oil exporter, its economy heavily leans on this resource. The country is undergoing a transformation as part of the 'Vision 2030' initiative which strives for diversification from oil and development in various sectors.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid disrespecting Islamic customs and laws, as this can lead to severe punishment.
- Avoid taking photographs without permission, particularly of government buildings, military installations, and even locals in some cases.
- Avoid criticising the royal family or local customs and traditions, as it could result in punishment.
- Avoid getting involved in political discussions, especially those criticism the government.
- Avoid offensive language or gestures as they could be misinterpreted or cause offense.
- Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
- Avoid public displays of affection. It is also illegal for unmarried men and women to interact in public.
- Avoid driving without a license. Women were only recently allowed to drive, and it is still considered a sensitive topic.
- Avoid carrying alcohol into the country as it is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid engaging in homosexual activity as it is illegal and can lead to severe punishment.
Overall
6
Crime 🔫
7
Saudi Arabia generally enjoys a low crime rate due to its strict legal system. Though crime does occur, it's generally in the form of petty theft or fraud. Violent crimes are relatively rare. The majority of crimes are committed in more populated and urban areas such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Terrorism 💣
6
Saudi Arabia has been a target for terrorism. Notably, the country experienced several Al-Qaeda-linked attacks in the early and mid-2000s. While the security situation has significantly improved over the years, there are still occasional incidents, primarily related to regional conflicts. The Saudi Arabian government has made considerable efforts in combating terrorism and extremism.
War ⚔️
6
Saudi Arabia is not at war internally, but it has been involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen since 2015. This conflict has sometimes escalated into exchange of missile and drone attacks between the two countries. As a result, some border areas, in particular, the southwestern region of Najran, have become risky.
Natural Disasters 🌊
9
Natural disasters are relatively rare in Saudi Arabia. Occasional sandstorms and flash floods are the most common types of natural hazards. In 2009, a severe flood affected the city of Jeddah, but such incidents are uncommon. The country doesn't experience earthquakes or severe tropical storms due to its geographical location.
Medical Care 🏥
8
Saudi Arabia has a robust healthcare system with well-equipped hospitals and clinics, having both government-run and private medical facilities. As host to millions of pilgrims each year, the country has experience dealing with mass medical emergencies. However, healthcare services could vary in quality and accessibility, especially in remote areas.
Tap Water Quality 💧
6
Tap water in Saudi Arabia is generally safe to drink as it undergoes purification processes, with many urban areas relying on desalinated water. However, most residents and visitors prefer to drink bottled water due to the taste of the tap water and varying quality across the country.
Disease Burden 🤒
7
Common diseases in Saudi Arabia include those related to high temperatures such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. The country has managed to control the spread of communicable diseases significantly. However, the annual Hajj pilgrimage presents health challenges due to mass gatherings, but authorities have strict procedures to handle it.
Corruption 💸
6
Saudi Arabia's corruption scenario is said to be improving, aligning with the country's vision 2030 reform plan. Several high-profile arrests related to corruption have been made in recent years under this initiative. Despite this, it remains a concern, with a persisting perception of corruption particularly in procurement and contracts.
Safety for Women ♀️
6
Saudi Arabia historically has had various restrictions on women. However, with ongoing reforms, the situation is changing, with women now able to drive and attend public events. Despite these changes, it remains a strongly conservative society, particularly outside of main urban areas, and solo female travel may still pose some challenges.
Safety for Queer People 👬
2
Being LGBTQ+ is criminalized in Saudi Arabia with severe penalties. Homosexuality, transgenderism and cross-dressing are not socially accepted, and it is advised for queer individuals to exercise caution while in the country.
Censorship 📺
3
Saudi Arabia is known for its strict control over media. The government heavily regulates public discourse and expression. Criticism of the government, royal family, and the interpretation of Islam by the state is not tolerated. Internet censorship is also prevalent with many websites and content blocked.
Public Transportation 🚌
8
Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to improve its public transportation system, particularly in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah with investments in metro systems. While it is generally safe to use, female passengers may experience restrictions and designated 'family sections'. Road safety remains a concern due to high rates of traffic accidents.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Saudi Arabia is generally safe for travel with a low crime rate and strong police presence. Nonetheless, the country has a strict legal system and social norms that are important to respect. Due to its geographic location, Saudi Arabia might be susceptible to political tensions and conflict spillovers. Therefore, it is advised to stay informed about current affairs and avoid certain areas, particularly near the border with Yemen.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Saudi Arabia hosts a number of foreign embassies and consulates, mainly located in the capital city of Riyadh, including but not limited to the United States Embassy, British Embassy, Canadian Embassy, Australian Embassy and German Embassy.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, certain vaccinations are recommended. They include routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also advised. During annual Hajj, meningitis vaccine is mandatory.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Saudi Arabia is home to some dangerous animals including venomous snakes like the Arabian cobra and vipers, desert scorpions, and spiders. To a lesser extent, there are also dangerous predator animals such as wolves and leopards in certain remote areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most visitors to Saudi Arabia need a visa to enter the country. In recent years, the country started issuing tourist visas to attract visitors. Depending on your nationality, you can apply either online or at one of the Saudi diplomatic missions before travel. An exception is made for Muslim pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Money can be exchanged at banks, and currency exchange counters at shopping malls, hotels, and airports.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia, especially in cities and touristic locations. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or outside major cities.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While Saudi Arabia mainly attracts expat workers in sectors like oil, engineering, and healthcare, it's exploring tourism as part of its Vision 2030. However, work and travel opportunities are limited due to its strict immigration rules.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Saudi Arabia can vary. The cost of living in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah is comparable to that of major global cities. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment can range from reasonably priced to quite expensive depending on the lifestyle you choose. Public transportation is quite affordable, but most people prefer to use private transport.