{"id":2330,"date":"2025-01-06T15:19:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T15:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/15-years-in-saudi-arabia-essential-etiquette-tips-and-tourist-misconceptions-revealed\/"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:19:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T15:19:52","slug":"15-years-in-saudi-arabia-essential-etiquette-tips-and-tourist-misconceptions-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/15-years-in-saudi-arabia-essential-etiquette-tips-and-tourist-misconceptions-revealed\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Years in Saudi Arabia: Essential Etiquette Tips and Tourist Misconceptions Revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">\n<strong><br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\n    Inayah Sadiq shares her reasons for suggesting Saudi Arabia as an ideal destination for vacations.<br \/>\n   <\/strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">\n<strong><br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\n    The content creator offers a travel schedule to discover the nation&#8217;s key attractions.<br \/>\n   <\/strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">\n<strong><br \/>\n   READ MORE:<br \/>\n   I sold my home to travel non-stop \u2014 these are the places I\u2019ve adored.<br \/>\n  <\/strong>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Saudi Arabia<br \/>\n was once one of the world&#8217;s least-visited tourist destinations.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n However, it\u2019s now welcoming international tourists \u2013 with visitor numbers expected to surge for the 2034 World Cup.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Considering making a move since it\u2019s become trendy, yet unsure if it suits you\u2014or concerned about receiving a chilly welcome?\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n TikTok<br \/>\n traveller Inayah Sadiq (<br \/>\n @inayahtravels<br \/>\n It might just spark your desire to explore the nation.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n The 27-year-old travel content creator resided in Saudi Arabia for 15 years and strongly wishes for people around the globe to experience a nation she endorses wholeheartedly as an ideal vacation spot.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She posted a<br \/>\n Video explaining six manners guidelines<br \/>\n You must consistently adhere to those guidelines while there, and disclosed additional insights about the nation to MailOnline Travel. This included highlighting the top destinations to explore, dispelling prevalent misunderstandings, along with suggesting an optimal travel schedule.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n To start with, we asked her what message she&#8217;d convey to individuals who were anxious about paying a visit.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She responded: &#8220;Saudi Arabia is remarkably secure, and I&#8217;d advise individuals not to take everything at face value from what they encounter in the press. The citizens here are among the friendliest and most accommodating you could come across.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3a16\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3a16.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x35Ct\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x35Ct.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x32Xl\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x32Xl.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n I strongly suggest it as an ideal vacation spot. Similar to most Gulf nations, incidents of street aggression and offenses such as robberies are exceedingly uncommon, with robust police visibility in key urban areas.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n &#8216;I suggest going with an open mind, understanding the local customs and manners prior, and fully immersing yourself in the encounter.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah pointed out that several misunderstandings exist regarding Saudi Arabia.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She shared that even though &#8216;drinking alcohol isn\u2019t an option, it doesn\u2019t lessen the enjoyment&#8217; of going there.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x37FS\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x37FS.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3eSL\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3eSL.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x37FV\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x37FV.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3hfS\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3hfS.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x32Xx\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x32Xx.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3a1h\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3a1h.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n The experienced traveler mentioned that women aren&#8217;t required to wear a hijab during their visits.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She stated: &#8216;While modesty is promoted, women are not required to cover their hair or wear an abaya [a full-length garment] nowadays.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She stated that even though some believe &#8216;women lack rights&#8217; and &#8216;freedom of speech does not exist&#8217;, Saudi women are &#8216;highly educated&#8217; and becoming more prominent in leadership positions. Additionally, the nation boasts a &#8216;dynamic exchange of ideas,&#8217; particularly amongst younger individuals.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Concerned about potentially extreme heat? Inayah mentioned that this isn\u2019t necessarily so, stating to MailOnline: \u201cAlthough summers can be scorching, the winter period between November and February tends to have agreeably moderate temperatures, which makes it a great time for visits.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n What then is the travel guru&#8217;s favorite aspect of Saudi Arabia?\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She stated: &#8220;It\u2019s difficult to pick just one aspect, particularly for someone like me who was raised here. Observing Saudi Arabia experience this astounding change has been truly breathtaking. What used to be a relatively isolated community is now a vibrant center brimming with culture and innovation, all thanks to the forward-thinking guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Saudi Arabia seamlessly merges contemporary advancement with profound heritage.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n The warmth of the welcome here stands out uniquely, and the exceptional culinary landscape really shines. Don\u2019t miss trying kabsa \u2013 the renowned national dish featuring spiced rice combined with meat, cardamom, and cinnamon. It\u2019s one you definitely shouldn\u2019t skip. Personally, I have a special preference for it.<br \/>\n Mama Noura<br \/>\n , where I&#8217;ve always enjoyed meals, never lets me down with its tasty shawarma.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n &#8216;Epic events such as Riyadh Season have thrust Saudi Arabia onto the world stage, offering memorable concerts, exciting sporting activities, and premier entertainment.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n In 2023, I got the opportunity to go to MDL Beast Soundstorm, which is the biggest music festival in the Middle East. There, I saw amazing shows put on by musicians like David Guetta, Steve Aoki, and Amr Diab.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n As Saudi Arabia gears up to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, its international profile is poised for expansion. Given all these thrilling developments, there\u2019s no better moment than now to explore and personally experience this vibrant nation.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n What are some of the top sights to visit in the country?\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah suggested visiting historical locations in Riyadh, like Masmak Fortress, Murabba Palace, and the adobe-built town of Diriyah\u2014the cradle of the Saudi kingdom\u2014alongside contemporary spots including the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Via Riyadh shopping center, and Boulevard.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n The Kingdom Centre Skybridge, known for its &#8216;panoramic vistas&#8217;, should definitely be included in your itinerary, as well as a visit to the breathtaking Edge of the World cliff edge, located approximately 100km outside of Riyadh.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n In Jeddah, Inayah recommended wandering through Al-Balad (the historical quarter), exploring the Floating Mosque, taking a leisurely walk along the Corniche, and going snorkeling at Silver Sands Beach.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n The historic oasis town of Al-Ula and the close-by stunning tombs at Mada&#8217;in Salih \u2014 located in AlUla, which is Saudi Arabia\u2019s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site \u2014 ought to be high up on your must-see list as well.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She stated: &#8216;Discover Abha, uncover the splendor of the Asir Mountains, explore the historic village of Habala, and relish the refreshing weather and verdant scenery.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n At the same time, in the desert area, visitors have the opportunity to experience activities such as &#8216;dune surfing, camel rides, and dining beneath the stars in a traditional Bedouin setting.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah informed MailOnline that Muslim travelers ought to strive for experiencing the profound spirituality of Mecca and Medina, which are among the most sacred cities in Islam.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3hg1\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3hg1.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3eSW\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3eSW.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3cwP\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3cwP.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x3eSY\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x3eSY.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-document-id=\"cms\/api\/amp\/image\/AA1x35CF\" data-reference=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1x35CF.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n And nobody should overlook the cuisine and the market shopping.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah mentioned that visitors ought to try Kabsa (seasoned rice and meat), mandi (rice and meat prepared in an underground oven), ma\u2019moul (clarified butter cookies), maqshush (bite-sized buckwheat pancakes drizzled with honey and clarified butter), as well as muttabaq (filled crepes). She also noted that the markets offer not only spices and keepsakes but also provide a chance for guests to immerse themselves in Saudi customs and warm welcomes.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She mentioned: &#8216;Souk al Zal in Al Dirah in Riyadh is excellent for this.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Certainly, visitors should pay attention to the nation&#8217;s traditions and regulations, as Inayah emphasizes in her TikTok video.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n She told MailOnline, \u201cJust like when visiting any place, it\u2019s crucial to use good judgment and show respect towards local traditions. Refrain from criticizing Islam or the Saudi government, seek consent prior to photographing individuals, and pay attention to the dressing norms to guarantee a considerate and secure visit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n &#8216;Wear clothing that is conservative and respectful of local traditions. Drinking alcohol is not allowed, and some actions might be limited.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n &#8216;Ensure your conversations remain discreet since public displays of affection are not appreciated. Refrain from taking photographs of local people, particularly women, and avoid snapping pictures around sensitive locations such as government offices.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah advised you to plan your schedule considering prayer timings since some establishments may shut down for prayers, hence suggesting to arrange activities suitably.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Plus, navigating through traffic might be challenging.\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Inayah mentioned, &#8220;Should I highlight just one negative aspect of Saudi Arabia, it would be the traffic situation in Riyadh. The swift development in tourism along with an increasing populace has resulted in crowded streets, frequently causing journeys to take more time than anticipated.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n &#8216;Nevertheless, following the recent inauguration of the Riyadh Metro, this issue is expected to enhance, providing a hopeful answer for more efficient travel in the days ahead.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n Finishing up her tips on etiquette for a visit to Saudi Arabia, Inayah suggested: &#8220;Interact with the local people. The Saudis are friendly and keen to showcase their traditions.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n<span><br \/>\n  Looking for more insights from Inayah? Check out her TikTok for travel advice and motivation.<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  @inayahtravels<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  &#8211; and Instagram,<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  @inayahtravels<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  For additional information about Saudi Arabia, please visit<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  www.visitsaudi.com\/en<br \/>\n <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n  .<br \/>\n <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"art-ins mol-factbox travel\">\n<h3 class=\"mol-factbox-title\">\n  INAYAH&#8217;S PERFECT SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL PLAN<br \/>\n <\/h3>\n<div class=\"ins cleared mol-factbox-body\">\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   &#8216;Visiting Saudi Arabia for a week provides ample opportunity to truly understand the essence of the nation,&#8217; stated Inayah, &#8216;with an array of historical sites, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and contemporary attractions. The planned schedule ensures that newcomers receive a thorough taste of the kingdom\u2019s deep-rooted traditions, breathtaking vistas, and bustling urban centers.&#8217;\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   The ideal period to visit would be from October to March, when the climate is more pleasant.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 1-2:<br \/>\n   <strong><br \/>\n    Riyadh<br \/>\n   <\/strong><br \/>\n   .\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 1: Visit Masmak Fort, Diriyah (UNESCO site), and take in the expansive vistas from the Skybridge of the Kingdom Centre.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 2: Embark on a one-day journey to the Edge of the World to admire stunning desert vistas. Later, unwind at Riyadh Boulevard as dusk falls.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 3-4:<br \/>\n   <strong><br \/>\n    Jeddah<br \/>\n   <\/strong><br \/>\n   .\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 3: Take a flight to Jeddah, explore the historical area of Al-Balad, and enjoy a walk at the picturesque Jeddah Corniche.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 4: Explore the famous Floating Mosque, unwind or go snorkeling at Silversands Beach, and savor freshly caught seafood by the Red Sea.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 5-6:<br \/>\n   <strong><br \/>\n    Abha<br \/>\n   <\/strong><br \/>\n   .\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 5: Take a flight to Abha, visit the breathtaking Habala Village, and shop at the nearby souq.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   On Day 6, explore the historically significant Rijal Almaa Village with its distinctive architectural style, followed by a trek through the picturesque landscapes of Asir National Park where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Day 7: Return.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Return to Riyadh or Jeddah for your departure flight.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Optional Add-Ons:\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   In the AlUla area (spanning 2-3 days), you can visit Mada&#8217;in Saleh (also known as Hegra), marvel at the Elephant Rock formation, and explore Dadan, all while residing in desert lodges for a truly authentic encounter with nature.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca and Masjid Al Nabawi in Medina for a spiritual experience (for Muslims).\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Explore Red Sea Wonders: Diving, Snorkeling, or Island-Hopping in Yanbu or Umluj (the &#8216;Saudi Maldives&#8217;).\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Explore the Volcanic Al Wahba Crater near Taif for stunning vistas.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Visit Taif: Discover its rose plantations and relish the refreshing highland weather.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n   Explore Jizan for its verdant scenery, coastal areas, and the breathtaking Farasan Islands.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\n<span><br \/>\n    Source: Inayah Sadiq (<br \/>\n    @inayahtravels<br \/>\n    )<br \/>\n   <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Read more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inayah Sadiq shares her reasons for suggesting Saudi Arabia as an ideal destination for vacations. The content creator offers a travel schedule to discover the nation&#8217;s key attractions. READ MORE: I sold my home to travel non-stop \u2014 these are the places I\u2019ve adored. Saudi Arabia was once one of the world&#8217;s least-visited tourist destinations. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[288,827,187,764,278],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-saudi-arabia","category-travel","category-travel-advice","category-travel-destinations"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AA1x3hfH-1.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2330"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2330\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}