# Saudi Arabia Guide – First-Hand Travel Tips & Insights

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/saudi-arabia-first-travel-impressions/
- Published: 2024-09-11T22:48:40+02:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/azja/arabia-saudyjska-pierwsze-wrazenia-z-podrozy/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

A trip to Saudi Arabia was an amazing experience for us, full of contrasts, fascinating
history and a different culture. This is a country that has relatively recently 
opened up to tourists. Our visit was a unique opportunity to see places that until
recently were inaccessible to most travelers.

We’d like to offer some practical advice to help you plan a similar journey. We’ll
walk you through how we prepared, the flights we took, and how we navigated the 
country. Along the way, we’ll also share recommendations on must-see spots and local
cuisine. We won’t focus on paperwork or regulations that could change, but instead,
we’ll share personal experiences. This should give you a clearer picture of what
to expect. You’ll also find links to detailed posts about places that left the biggest
impression on us.

We haven’t had time to see everything – our journey through this fascinating country
is just beginning. Saudi Arabia is so diverse that one visit is not enough to discover
all its secrets. During your travels, you may come across many surprises, such as
different attitudes toward women or conservative social principles. These contrasts
enhance the beauty of the place and are worth exploring. They help in understanding
how tradition and modernity blend in daily life.

## How did we get to Saudi Arabia?

Our trip took place in June 2023, right in the middle, or even the peak, of the 
Saudi heat. We started our journey in Warsaw, from where we took an early morning
Wizz Air flight to Budapest. In the afternoon, another flight awaited us, this time
to Dammam. In 2023, WizzAir launched flights to three Saudi cities: Jeddah, Riyadh
and Dammam. We chose the budget connection to Dammam because we wanted to see the
Persian Gulf.

### Low-cost

This was my first Wizz Air flight, so I had some concerns about the “convenience”
of low-cost carriers. Jadzia, on the other hand, already had experience with low-
cost airlines, so she knew exactly what to expect. She also knew all the tricks 
on how to pack so as not to run into extra fees. The first segment, the flight to
Budapest, passed without any major adventures, although the plane was filled to 
the brim. On the Budapest-Dammam route, the situation was different – quite a few
seats were free, so we easily changed to sit together, and without paying extra 
for the seats.

In terms of paperwork, passport check-in is done in Budapest, as each leg of the
flight had a separate reservation. We had to leave the airport, go through passport
control and check in again. Although online check-in was possible, we did not receive
a boarding pass right away – it was issued free of charge at the airport counter.

As an aside, by the time of this writing, we had been to Saudi Arabia twice. The
second time we went for New Year’s Eve, combining it with a car ride to Bahrain.
As for comfort, a five-hour flight is the absolute maximum you can stand on those
seats. For the untrained traveler: it’s low-cost, so don’t expect Qatar Airways 
or Turkish Airlines standards. Wizz Air simply takes you from point A to point B,
and that’s it.

Fortunately, we were able to pack only in carry-on luggage, so we avoided additional
fees for checked baggage. We only had backpacks, which made all the logistics much
easier.

 [ ⌊Para pasażerska w Saudi Arabia podczas podróży do How we get there⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Airport baggage trolley with a red duffel bag in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Passengers boarding a Wizz Air plane on the tarmac in Saudi Arabia.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Inside an airplane cabin in Saudi Arabia, passengers seated during boarding.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Wizz Air plane on the tarmac under dark storm clouds in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Visas and documents

For many travelers, the easiest way to enter Saudi Arabia is through the tourist
eVisa. In most cases it’s a straightforward online application via the official 
portal, and once approved it’s typically valid for one year with multiple entries
allowed (with a total stay limit of up to 90 days). A practical tip: the validity
usually starts from the date the visa is issued, not from your arrival date — so
if your trip is still far away, it may be worth waiting before you apply.

Fees and conditions can change over time and also vary depending on your nationality.
As an example, when we applied, the tourist eVisa fee was listed at 395 SAR including
mandatory insurance, plus a small payment processing fee (the final amount is shown
in the checkout summary before you confirm). That visa-linked insurance is issued
automatically, but we still recommend having an additional private travel insurance
policy, because the included coverage may be limited depending on what happens and
where you need help. [We’ve put all the up-to-date details, current pricing and a step-by-step walkthrough in our dedicated guide](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/guides/tourist-visa-to-saudi-arabia/).

If you prefer, some nationalities can also use visa-on-arrival options at the airport(
often via self-service kiosks), so it’s worth checking what applies to your passport
before you fly. In our case, passport control in Dammam was smooth and didn’t involve
long waiting times.

If you’re planning to return to Saudi Arabia more than once within the visa’s validity
period, the cost becomes much easier to justify. If it’s a one-off trip, the visa
fee may end up being one of the larger single expenses of the journey. When we applied
online, the visa was issued almost immediately after the payment was confirmed in
the system.

### Avoid brokers in arranging documents

It is also worth mentioning that there are quite a few visa intermediary companies
offering their services on the market. Our advice: avoid them. It’s not worth handing
over data such as passport scans and other information to third parties, especially
since the process of obtaining an eVisa is really simple and secure. The system 
is very transparent, and you can easily pay the visa fee by credit card directly
on the official website. There is no point in overpaying at intermediaries.

You will arrange all the paperwork on the official website: [eVisa Saudi Arabia](https://visa.visitsaudi.com).

 [ ⌊Airport corridor in Saudi Arabia with travelers walking toward baggage claim and transfer flights signs.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-032-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Visa and document check area at Saudi Arabia airport with baggage carousels and travelers⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-031-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Car rental

In almost every country outside of Europe that we visit, we rent a car or another
mode of transport. In Vietnam or Thailand, we usually opt for a scooter for shorter
distances. However, in Saudi Arabia, we stuck with our usual choice — a car. For
nearly four years, I’ve been booking cars through **Economy Car Rentals**, and before
that, I used **Rental Cars** in the United States.

This time, I rented a very basic car for getting around Arabia. It was literally
the simplest model you can imagine 😄. If anyone asks what “minimal equipment” in
a car looks like, that Kia would be the perfect example. It was fun in its own way,
making for an unforgettable experience! 🚗

[More detailed advice on renting a car and traveling in Saudi Arabia is in a separate article.](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/saudi-arabia-how-to-rent-a-car/)

To rent a car, you need an **international driver’s license** and your original 
plastic license from your home country. Our first rental was through Sixt, and the
second through Budget. In GCC countries, you can also drive to other countries like
Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates. However, not every rental company allows the
car to be entered into the border guard system. Be sure to ask about this before
booking.

 [ ⌊White rented car parked on a sunny street in Saudi Arabia.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊White rented car on a desert road in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-033-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊White rental car on a dusty road in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-034-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Public transport

As for other transportation options in Saudi Arabia, buses operated by the national
carrier [**SAPTCO**](https://saptco.com.sa) (Saudi Public Transport Company) are
available. SAPTCO offers connections between major cities, and the buses are modern
and air-conditioned. They can be used to reach places such as Riyadh, Jeddah and
Dammam, as well as neighboring countries such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, Arabia has a rail network operated by the [**Saudi Railway Company (SAR)**](https://www.sar.com.sa),
which offers connections on routes between major cities, such as from Riyadh to 
Al-Qassim and further north. The railroad offers fast and comfortable travel, so
it’s worth considering this option, especially if you plan to move between cities.

Riyadh is also in the process of building a **subway**, which is expected to become
one of the most modern in the world. When completed, it will be a great option for
getting around the capital.[ You can read more about it here.](https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/riyadh-metro-saudi-arabia/)
Nonetheless, for the time being, I recommend renting a car the most, as it gives
you the most flexibility to explore the less accessible parts of the country.

 [ ⌊Modern public transport terminal in Saudi Arabia with a spacious glass-and-steel interior.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) station interior with a large globe sculpture and metal truss ceiling⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Riyadh Station, Saudi Arabia public transport terminal with a ramp and palm trees at sunset⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Accommodation

We usually book all our accommodations through either **Agoda** or **Booking.com**–
we simply choose the platform that offers the best prices. This is no portal sponsorship,
just a practical approach to finding the best deal. It’s always worth comparing 
the two services before booking. When it comes to payment, I always recommend paying
by** credit card **– it’s an extra protection if the accommodation turns out to 
be a scam, because in case of problems you can more easily recover your money through
chargeback.

In **Ad ****Dammam** we slept at the** Suite Blue** hotel, which was very comfortable
for us and had a great location: [Suite Blue on Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/Share-oyFv7H).

In **Riyadh**, we stayed at the **Hayat Alriyadh Washem** Hotel – a comfortable 
hotel with well-rated service: [Hayat Alriyadh Washem on Agoda](https://www.agoda.com/pl-pl/hayat-alriyadh-washem-hotel/hotel/riyadh-sa.html?ds=ZVDAqJtpf84K5iCH).

The rooms in both places were fine, but as is often the case in regions with such
a hot climate, the air conditioning in the general parts was running at full capacity.
It’s worth watching out for this, as you can easily catch a cold from excessive 
cold. It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight sweatshirt for the night, even with
the high temperatures outside.

Also, be sure to check hotel reviews and read the cancellation terms carefully before
booking. Especially in places like this, it’s a good idea to make sure that the 
hotel has good ratings and that there is an option to cancel without charge in case
of a sudden change of plans.

## Food

When it came to food in Saudi Arabia, we opted for local flavors and Middle Eastern
cuisine, but there were also Indian and Iraqi touches. For most of our trip, we 
ate mostly **shawarma** – the region’s classic street food, which is meat (usually
spit-roasted chicken) with vegetables and sauces. It’s fast, tasty and always available.
It’s the kind of local fast food that satiates and doesn’t strain the wallet.

**Indian cuisine** in Saudi Arabia is popular, thanks mainly to the many immigrants
from India. It is dominated by aromatic dishes full of spices, such as curries and
roti (bread cakes). The dishes are rich in flavor and usually spicy, but you can
always find something milder.

We also came across **Iraqi cuisine**, which is similar to other Middle Eastern 
cuisines. It is characterized by intense spices and roasted meats, ideal for carnivores.

### Fast food

As for a local pearl, we couldn’t help but try **Al Baik** – it’s probably the most
popular fast food chain in Arabia. Their specialty is fried chicken, similar to 
KFC and – according to some – much tastier. The portions are ample and the prices
are very affordable, making the restaurant beloved by locals. It’s a real hit if
you want to try the local version of fast food – fresh, well-prepared and full of
flavor. But be warned – the queues from the afternoon hours to get in can be very
large.

Finally, I can’t forget my daily fuel – coffee. Every day we stopped by for **coffee
at Starbucks**, which may not be the most “local” experience, but you have to admit
that the coffee there was not very expensive. And for me, as a coffee freak, it’s
a basic of existence, especially on intense days full of sightseeing.

 [ ⌊Starbucks and Raising Cane’s drive-thru in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-030-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Dwa lodowe napoje Starbucks na ladzie: karmelowe latte i brzoskwiniowa herbata.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-035-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Saudi Arabian flatbread sandwich with lettuce and fries on a table⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Busy Albaik counter in Saudi Arabia with staff handing out takeaway food bags to a crowd⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-026-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊ALBAIK food counter in Saudi Arabia, with staff handing out takeaway bags.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Fast-food meal with fries, shawarma, salad, and a drink on a tray in Saudi Arabia.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Osoba jedząca fast food z frytkami i sosami przy stole w Arabii Saudyjskiej⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-036-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Conservatism

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, it is important to remember that the country has
deep-rooted traditions and strict social rules. These can be quite challenging for
many people, especially women. Although Saudi Arabia has opened up to tourists and
changes are evident, conservatism still strongly influences daily life. It can significantly
affect the experience of travelers.

###  Social position of women

One of the more noticeable aspects that surprised us was the behavior of Saudi men
toward women, especially European women. Unfortunately, our trip did not record 
well in this regard. The men ignored my girlfriend in many cases, treating her as
if she were invisible. Any conversations, questions or negotiations took place exclusively
with me, even though we both participated in the same situations. The fact that 
she was with me didn’t matter much – the dialogue was directed to me, not to her.
This phenomenon is quite common in heavily patriarchal countries, but for female
tourists from Europe it can be a particularly frustrating and unpleasant experience.

Although the locals are generally open-minded and courteous, unfortunately, the 
position of women in society remains secondary, as is evident at every turn. This
is an important aspect to keep in mind, especially if you are traveling as a couple
or a woman alone. Even in more liberal environments, women are still often treated
with less respect and attention than men. Will this change? It’s hard to say. Saudi
Arabia has made some progress on women’s rights in recent years – such as the introduction
of the right to drive – but social change takes time. It is possible that the country
still needs some time to get used to more tourists from Europe and other regions
where the role of women is different.

### Tourist interest

Moreover, we were, in a sense, an “attraction” for the locals. Our appearance and
behavior, different from the local norms, attracted attention, and on the streets
or in public places it happened that people stared at us with curiosity, sometimes
even intensely. It wasn’t a matter of dislike, but that we represented something
new, something they didn’t interact with on a daily basis. In smaller cities or 
provinces, such reactions can be even more noticeable.

### Alignment with local norms

When traveling to countries with different cultures, it is always a good idea to
know the local norms and behavior. This makes it easier to adapt to local customs.
In Saudi Arabia, despite the challenges, we can count on the increasing openness
to tourism to bring positive changes. This may especially apply to the treatment
of women, both locals and visitors.

It is worth noting, however, that Saudi Arabia is undergoing gradual changes, including
with regard to women’s dress. Until recently, women had to cover themselves from
head to toe, but these rules have been relaxed. Today, a woman, especially a tourist,
does not have to wear an abai (long, loose robe) or cover her hair, although modest
dress is recommended. These rules are less strict in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah,
but it is worthwhile to maintain respect for local norms, especially in the more
conservative provinces. These changes are another step in opening the country to
tourism and adapting to modernity.

 [ ⌊Nighttime shopping district in Saudi Arabia with people walking past bright LED billboards.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Tłum ludzi spaceruje nocą między neonowymi budynkami w Arabii Saudyjskiej.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Street in Saudi Arabia with people walking past road barriers and traffic signs⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Climate and weather conditions

If you’re wondering when is the best time to fly to Saudi Arabia, it’s worth avoiding
summer. We visited the country in June, and that can be summed up in one word: **
lamp**. During the day, temperatures ranged from 40 to 45 degrees. I knew what I
was in for, but Jadzia probably didn’t XDD. In such conditions, one bottle of water
is definitely not enough – it’s best to stock up on a bunch to keep in the trunk.
However, you have to reckon with the fact that at such temperatures the water quickly
becomes warm.

Air conditioning is your best friend in such conditions. Without it, it’s hard to
imagine functioning in this heat. Our phones often overheated, which made taking
nice photos a challenge at times. Therefore, if you are not a fan of extreme heat,
it is best to go to Arabia in spring or autumn, when temperatures are much milder.

 [ ⌊Le Méridien hotel tower above palm trees in Saudi Arabia under a clear blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Woman sitting on a palm-lined path in Saudi Arabia, looking up in sunny weather.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-020-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Landscape gardens with palm trees and mud-brick buildings in Saudi Arabia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Safety

Saudi Arabia can be a pleasant surprise when it comes to how safe it feels day to
day. Despite the country’s conservative rules, we often had the impression that 
tourists are generally left in peace to explore — without that constant “something
might happen” vibe you sometimes get elsewhere. That said, it’s still a place where
a few simple habits matter. Avoid photographing people without permission, and be
especially cautious around anything that could be considered sensitive: police or
military, government buildings, checkpoints, and critical infrastructure. It’s not
the kind of destination where testing boundaries is worth the risk of unnecessary
trouble.

It’s also smart to keep things low-key in public. Displays of affection aren’t generally
welcomed (even for married couples), and alcohol is effectively a non-topic: it’s
prohibited, not publicly available, and trying to “work around it” can come with
consequences that simply aren’t worth it.

### And what awaits the driver on the road?

The other side of “safety” is what happens behind the wheel — and this is where 
Saudi Arabia can feel like a different game. Local driving can be… creative, and
the overall pace and unpredictability demand a higher level of attention than many
visitors are used to. You’ll see cars with battle scars that would raise eyebrows
elsewhere, lane discipline can be flexible, and in some areas road signage may be
mostly (or only) in Arabic — which means you’re constantly splitting your focus 
between navigation and what’s happening around you.

[Instead of turning this section into an essay, we’ve put everything in a dedicated guide to driving in Saudi Arabia](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/saudi-arabia-what-to-expect-on-highways/):
what the highways are like, what to watch out for, how to handle signage, and a 
few practical rules that make road trips less stressful.

 [ ⌊Busy Saudi Arabia road with a damaged white Toyota and taxis in traffic under palm trees and city buildings⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Saudi Arabia highway with overhead road signs and traffic, including Safety and roads.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Hefy store and city traffic at a Saudi Arabia intersection⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Road sign over a Saudi Arabia street with a truck driving below it⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/saudi-arabia-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Places we visited

During our trip we had the opportunity to visit many interesting places, both in
Dammam and Riyadh. In order not to dwell on every detail here, we invite you to 
separate articles, in which we described in detail what to see in these cities. 
There you will find our recommendations, descriptions of the most interesting attractions
and practical tips.

👉 [What to see in Ad Dammam?](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/saudi-arabia-what-to-see-in-ad-dammam/)

👉 [What to see in Riyadh?](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/saudi-arabia-what-to-see-in-and-around-riyadh/)

Each of these places has something unique to offer, so take a look at our tips and
sightseeing plan!

##  Summary

Overall, our trip to Saudi Arabia was an interesting experience, full of contrasts,
challenges, and many positives. Despite opening up to tourists, the country remains
largely untouched by commercialization and sees relatively few visitors. This allowed
us to enjoy freedom of movement and discover a “wildness” that hasn’t yet been spoiled
by mass tourism. Many attractions were free, which is a big advantage for travelers
seeking a more authentic experience.

It’s important to be well-prepared for conservative social rules and harsh weather,
but that’s only part of the challenge. Not all locals speak English, and using Google
Translator for Arabic can often lead to misunderstandings. Thankfully, with AI tools
like ChatGPT, it’s easier to convey context and be understood, making communication
much simpler.

If you are planning a trip to Arabia, these aspects are worth considering. For us,
it was a valuable lesson, and thanks to the country’s unique atmosphere, we are 
open to more visits. We still have much to discover, especially in places untouched
by the tourist crowds.