Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts

Discover the Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts – the reborn Kingdom of Wonders, where Nabatean tombs whisper in AlUla, futuristic Neom rises, and Riyadh's skyline rivals Dubai. Secure eVisa or visa on arrival (66+ countries), explore Madain Saleh's UNESCO tombs, Edge of the World's cliffs, Jeddah's Red Sea corniche, and the Red Sea Project's luxury islands, while tapping Vision 2030 giga-projects, tourism, and renewables amid 4.4% projected GDP growth in 2025 under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This exhaustive Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia blends ancient heritage with 2025 data—like 27 million tourists in 2024—for transformative Saudi travel and investment.

AlUla Saudi Arabia

Introduction to Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 Revolution

Vast at 2.15 million km² with 37 million people, Saudi Arabia’s deserts cradle two holy mosques and $1.1 trillion sovereign wealth. In this Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts, enjoy eVisa/visa on arrival for 66+ countries (1-year multiple, 90 days/visit), fueling 27 million tourists in 2024 (+56% YoY). Tourism now 7% GDP; $3.3 trillion economy grows 4.4% in 2025 via non-oil surge. Quantitative: 98% literacy; qualitative: Abaya optional since 2019.

Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre to AlUla’s Hegra, climate varies: 20–30°C winter, 45°C+ summer. Best timing: October–April. This guide includes 2025 updates like women driving, alcohol in Neom, and SEZs.

Saudi National Day: September 23, 1932 – Unification

King Abdulaziz proclaims the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932. Celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and green lights nationwide.

How to Apply for Saudi Visa: eVisa & Visa on Arrival

eVisa or visa on arrival for 66+ countries (EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.). SAR 535 (~$142), 1-year multiple entry, max 90 days/visit. Apply at visitsaudi.com (5 minutes).

  • Step 1: visitsaudi.com → Apply eVisa.
  • Step 2: Passport 6+ months, photo, card payment.
  • Step 3: Receive PDF + QR code.
  • Stopover visa free with Saudia/Etihad/Flynas.
  • GCC citizens visa-free indefinite.
Saudi eVisa Process

Fast Saudi eVisa – 5 Minutes Online

Top Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

AlUla (Madain Saleh – UNESCO), Edge of the World, Riyadh Season, Jeddah Historic District (UNESCO), Red Sea reefs, Neom (Sindalah open 2025), Makkah & Madinah (Muslims only for holy sites).

  • AlUla: Hegra tombs, Maraya Concert Hall.
  • Riyadh: Kingdom Centre, Boulevard World.
  • Jeddah: Corniche, Al-Balad (UNESCO).
  • Edge of the World: Dramatic cliffs.
  • Abha & Asir: Mountains, cable car.
  • Taif: Roses & summer capital.
  • Red Sea Project: Luxury islands.
  • Neom: Sindalah, The Line previews.

How to Invest in Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 Opportunities

100% foreign ownership in most sectors. No minimum capital in many cases. $1.3 trillion in giga-projects (Neom $500B+, Red Sea $23B, Qiddiya $10B). FDI hit $25B+ in 2024.

  • Tourism & Entertainment (target 150M visitors by 2030).
  • Renewables (58GW solar/wind by 2030).
  • Mining ($2.5T untapped minerals).
  • Logistics (King Salman Port expansion).
  • Tech & Fintech (Fintech Saudi).

Saudi Economic Outlook 2025

4.4% real GDP growth (non-oil 4.8%). $1.1T economy. FDI inflows $25B+. PIF assets $925B. Tourism 7% GDP, 27M visitors 2024.

How to Buy a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia

STC, Mobily, Zain at all airports (SAR 30–150, 10–100GB). Tourist packages include calls/SMS. eSIM via Airalo.

Leadership of Saudi Arabia

King Salman bin Abdulaziz (Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques). Crown Prince & Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) – architect of Vision 2030.

Safety & Travel Tips 2025

Extremely safe. Women can drive, travel alone, and choose abaya. Alcohol allowed in diplomatic quarter & planned in Neom/Red Sea. Dress modestly outside compounds.

  • Abaya optional (shoulders/knees covered recommended).
  • Alcohol: Diplomatic stores & upcoming licensed venues.
  • Ramadan 2025: Feb 28–Mar 30 (respect fasting hours).
  • Photography: No military/police sites.

Major Events & Seasons 2025

  • Riyadh Season (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026).
  • Jeddah Season (Jun–Sep).
  • AlUla Winter at Tantora (Dec–Mar).
  • Formula E, Dakar Rally, Saudi Cup.

Plan Your Saudi Journey

This Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts opens the doors to the Kingdom’s transformation. From AlUla’s ancient tombs to Neom’s future, Saudi Arabia welcomes the world.

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