{"id":903,"date":"2024-09-11T22:48:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T20:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/blog\/saudi-arabia-first-travel-impressions\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T16:56:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:56:17","slug":"saudi-arabia-first-travel-impressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/saudi-arabia-first-travel-impressions\/","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Arabia Guide \u2013 First-Hand Travel Tips &amp; Insights"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"903\" class=\"elementor elementor-903 elementor-763\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4bf5c8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d4bf5c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b794256 elementor-toc--minimized-on-desktop elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-10937 elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"b794256\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;h5&quot;,&quot;h6&quot;],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of contents\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b794256\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b794256\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__b794256\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06a2f61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"06a2f61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Hello! \ud83d\udc4b<\/h2><p>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.<\/p><p>We\u2019d like to offer some practical advice to help you plan a similar journey. We&#8217;ll walk you through how we prepared, the flights we took, and how we navigated the country. Along the way, we\u2019ll also share recommendations on must-see spots and local cuisine. We won\u2019t focus on paperwork or regulations that could change, but instead, we\u2019ll share personal experiences. This should give you a clearer picture of what to expect. You&#8217;ll also find links to detailed posts about places that left the biggest impression on us.<\/p><p>We haven&#8217;t had time to see everything &#8211; 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a09d8ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a09d8ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>How did we get to Saudi Arabia?<\/h2><p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28c0e3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28c0e3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Low-cost<\/h3><p>This was my first Wizz Air flight, so I had some concerns about the \u201cconvenience\u201d 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 &#8211; quite a few seats were free, so we easily changed to sit together, and without paying extra for the seats.<\/p><p>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 &#8211; it was issued free of charge at the airport counter.<\/p><p>As an aside, by the time of this writing, we had been to Saudi Arabia twice. The second time we went for New Year&#8217;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&#8217;s low-cost, so don&#8217;t expect Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines standards. Wizz Air simply takes you from point A to point B, and that&#8217;s it.<\/p><p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39ebba2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"39ebba2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Para pasa\u017cerska w Saudi Arabia podczas podr\u00f3\u017cy do How we get there\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Airport baggage trolley with a red duffel bag in Saudi Arabia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-004-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Passengers boarding a Wizz Air plane on the tarmac in Saudi Arabia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-005-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-002-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Inside an airplane cabin in Saudi Arabia, passengers seated during boarding.\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Wizz Air plane on the tarmac under dark storm clouds in Saudi Arabia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-003-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f31a40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f31a40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Visas and documents<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">For many travelers, the easiest way to enter Saudi Arabia is through the tourist eVisa. In most cases it\u2019s a straightforward online application via the official portal, and once approved it\u2019s 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 \u2014 so if your trip is still far away, it may be worth waiting before you apply.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/guides\/tourist-visa-to-saudi-arabia\/\">We\u2019ve put all the up-to-date details, current pricing and a step-by-step walkthrough in our dedicated guide<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you prefer, some nationalities can also use visa-on-arrival options at the airport (often via self-service kiosks), so it\u2019s worth checking what applies to your passport before you fly. In our case, passport control in Dammam was smooth and didn\u2019t involve long waiting times.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re planning to return to Saudi Arabia more than once within the visa\u2019s validity period, the cost becomes much easier to justify. If it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4bcd4d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d4bcd4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Avoid brokers in arranging documents<\/h3><p>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&#8217;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.<\/p><p>You will arrange all the paperwork on the official website: <a href=\"https:\/\/visa.visitsaudi.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">eVisa Saudi Arabia<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-892f891 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"892f891\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Airport corridor in Saudi Arabia with travelers walking toward baggage claim and transfer flights signs.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-032-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-031-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-031-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Visa and document check area at Saudi Arabia airport with baggage carousels and travelers\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c5d849e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c5d849e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Car rental<\/h2><p>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 \u2014 a car. For nearly four years, I\u2019ve been booking cars through <strong>Economy Car Rentals<\/strong>, and before that, I used <strong>Rental Cars<\/strong> in the United States.<\/p><p>This time, I rented a very basic car for getting around Arabia. It was literally the simplest model you can imagine \ud83d\ude04. If anyone asks what \u201cminimal equipment\u201d in a car looks like, that Kia would be the perfect example. It was fun in its own way, making for an unforgettable experience! \ud83d\ude97<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/saudi-arabia-how-to-rent-a-car\/\">More detailed advice on renting a car and traveling in Saudi Arabia is in a separate article.<\/a><\/p><p>To rent a car, you need an <strong>international driver&#8217;s license<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c158454 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery\" data-id=\"c158454\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-columns qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-966\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"White rented car parked on a sunny street in Saudi Arabia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-024-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-966\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"White rented car on a desert road in Saudi Arabia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-033-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-966\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"White rental car on a dusty road in Saudi Arabia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-034-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-903a190 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"903a190\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Public transport<\/h2><p>As for other transportation options in Saudi Arabia, buses operated by the national carrier <a href=\"https:\/\/saptco.com.sa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>SAPTCO<\/strong><\/a> (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.<\/p><p>In addition, Arabia has a rail network operated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sar.com.sa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Saudi Railway Company (SAR)<\/strong><\/a>, 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&#8217;s worth considering this option, especially if you plan to move between cities.<\/p><p>Riyadh is also in the process of building a <strong>subway<\/strong>, 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.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.railway-technology.com\/projects\/riyadh-metro-saudi-arabia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> You can read more about it here.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efd8520 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery\" data-id=\"efd8520\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-columns qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-384\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Modern public transport terminal in Saudi Arabia with a spacious glass-and-steel interior.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-384\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-015-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) station interior with a large globe sculpture and metal truss ceiling\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-015-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-015-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-015-1024x768.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-384\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Riyadh Station, Saudi Arabia public transport terminal with a ramp and palm trees at sunset\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce261ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce261ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Accommodation<\/h2><p>We usually book all our accommodations through either <strong>Agoda<\/strong> or <strong>Booking.com<\/strong> &#8211; 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&#8217;s always worth comparing the two services before booking. When it comes to payment, I always recommend paying by<strong> credit card <\/strong>&#8211; it&#8217;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.<\/p><p>In <strong>Ad <\/strong><strong>Dammam<\/strong> we slept at the<strong> Suite Blue<\/strong> hotel, which was very comfortable for us and had a great location: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/Share-oyFv7H\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Suite Blue on Booking.com<\/a>.<br \/>In <strong>Riyadh<\/strong>, we stayed at the <strong>Hayat Alriyadh Washem<\/strong> Hotel &#8211; a comfortable hotel with well-rated service: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/pl-pl\/hayat-alriyadh-washem-hotel\/hotel\/riyadh-sa.html?ds=ZVDAqJtpf84K5iCH\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Hayat Alriyadh Washem on Agoda<\/a>.<\/p><p>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&#8217;s worth watching out for this, as you can easily catch a cold from excessive cold. It&#8217;s a good idea to bring a lightweight sweatshirt for the night, even with the high temperatures outside.<\/p><p>Also, be sure to check hotel reviews and read the cancellation terms carefully before booking. Especially in places like this, it&#8217;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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af299dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"af299dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Food<\/h2><p>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 <strong>shawarma<\/strong> &#8211; the region&#8217;s classic street food, which is meat (usually spit-roasted chicken) with vegetables and sauces. It&#8217;s fast, tasty and always available. It&#8217;s the kind of local fast food that satiates and doesn&#8217;t strain the wallet.<\/p><p><strong>Indian cuisine<\/strong> 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.<\/p><p>We also came across <strong>Iraqi cuisine<\/strong>, which is similar to other Middle Eastern cuisines. It is characterized by intense spices and roasted meats, ideal for carnivores.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30a3ff7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"30a3ff7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Fast food<\/h3><p>As for a local pearl, we couldn&#8217;t help but try <strong>Al Baik<\/strong> &#8211; it&#8217;s probably the most popular fast food chain in Arabia. Their specialty is fried chicken, similar to KFC and &#8211; according to some &#8211; much tastier. The portions are ample and the prices are very affordable, making the restaurant beloved by locals. It&#8217;s a real hit if you want to try the local version of fast food &#8211; fresh, well-prepared and full of flavor. But be warned &#8211; the queues from the afternoon hours to get in can be very large.<\/p><p>Finally, I can&#8217;t forget my daily fuel &#8211; coffee. Every day we stopped by for <strong>coffee at Starbucks<\/strong>, which may not be the most \u201clocal\u201d experience, but you have to admit that the coffee there was not very expensive. And for me, as a coffee freak, it&#8217;s a basic of existence, especially on intense days full of sightseeing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-577d958 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"577d958\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-030-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-030-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Starbucks and Raising Cane\u2019s drive-thru in Saudi Arabia\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Dwa lodowe napoje Starbucks na ladzie: karmelowe latte i brzoskwiniowa herbata.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-035-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Saudi Arabian flatbread sandwich with lettuce and fries on a table\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-028-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--portrait\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-026-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-026-650x1300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Busy Albaik counter in Saudi Arabia with staff handing out takeaway food bags to a crowd\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"ALBAIK food counter in Saudi Arabia, with staff handing out takeaway bags.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-800x1067.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-512x683.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-1024x1365.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-920x1227.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-025-1600x2133.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Fast-food meal with fries, shawarma, salad, and a drink on a tray in Saudi Arabia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-800x1067.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-512x683.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-1024x1365.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-920x1227.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-018-1600x2133.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Osoba jedz\u0105ca fast food z frytkami i sosami przy stole w Arabii Saudyjskiej\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-036-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b095e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b095e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Conservatism<\/h2><p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2df812e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2df812e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>\u00a0Social position of women<\/h3><p>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&#8217;t matter much &#8211; 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.<\/p><p>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&#8217;s hard to say. Saudi Arabia has made some progress on women&#8217;s rights in recent years &#8211; such as the introduction of the right to drive &#8211; 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de2af67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"de2af67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Tourist interest<\/h3><p>Moreover, we were, in a sense, an \u201cattraction\u201d 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&#8217;t a matter of dislike, but that we represented something new, something they didn&#8217;t interact with on a daily basis. In smaller cities or provinces, such reactions can be even more noticeable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2fee0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2fee0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Alignment with local norms<\/h3><p>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.<\/p><p>It is worth noting, however, that Saudi Arabia is undergoing gradual changes, including with regard to women&#8217;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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22539ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery\" data-id=\"22539ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-columns qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-761\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-014-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nighttime shopping district in Saudi Arabia with people walking past bright LED billboards.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-014-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-014-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-014-1024x768.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-761\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"T\u0142um ludzi spaceruje noc\u0105 mi\u0119dzy neonowymi budynkami w Arabii Saudyjskiej.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-761\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-023-320x240.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Street in Saudi Arabia with people walking past road barriers and traffic signs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-023-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-023-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-023-1024x768.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a6f503 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a6f503\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Climate and weather conditions<\/h2><p>If you&#8217;re wondering when is the best time to fly to Saudi Arabia, it&#8217;s worth avoiding summer. We visited the country in June, and that can be summed up in one word: <strong>lamp<\/strong>. During the day, temperatures ranged from 40 to 45 degrees. I knew what I was in for, but Jadzia probably didn&#8217;t XDD. In such conditions, one bottle of water is definitely not enough &#8211; it&#8217;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.<\/p><p>Air conditioning is your best friend in such conditions. Without it, it&#8217;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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e3f67b elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery\" data-id=\"7e3f67b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-columns qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-155\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-021-650x1300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Le M\u00e9ridien hotel tower above palm trees in Saudi Arabia under a clear blue sky\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-020-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-155\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-020-650x1300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Woman sitting on a palm-lined path in Saudi Arabia, looking up in sunny weather.\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-155\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-019-650x1300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Landscape gardens with palm trees and mud-brick buildings in Saudi Arabia\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8326e3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8326e3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Safety<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Saudi Arabia can be a pleasant surprise when it comes to how safe it feels day to day. Despite the country\u2019s conservative rules, we often had the impression that tourists are generally left in peace to explore \u2014 without that constant \u201csomething might happen\u201d vibe you sometimes get elsewhere. That said, it\u2019s 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\u2019s not the kind of destination where testing boundaries is worth the risk of unnecessary trouble.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s also smart to keep things low-key in public. Displays of affection aren\u2019t generally welcomed (even for married couples), and alcohol is effectively a non-topic: it\u2019s prohibited, not publicly available, and trying to \u201cwork around it\u201d can come with consequences that simply aren\u2019t worth it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b6e48c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b6e48c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>And what awaits the driver on the road?<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">The other side of \u201csafety\u201d is what happens behind the wheel \u2014 and this is where Saudi Arabia can feel like a different game. Local driving can be\u2026 creative, and the overall pace and unpredictability demand a higher level of attention than many visitors are used to. You\u2019ll 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 \u2014 which means you\u2019re constantly splitting your focus between navigation and what\u2019s happening around you.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/saudi-arabia-what-to-expect-on-highways\/\">Instead of turning this section into an essay, we\u2019ve put everything in a dedicated guide to driving in Saudi Arabia<\/a>: 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f58b4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"5f58b4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Busy Saudi Arabia road with a damaged white Toyota and taxis in traffic under palm trees and city buildings\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-007-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-012-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia highway with overhead road signs and traffic, including Safety and roads.\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-011-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Hefy store and city traffic at a Saudi Arabia intersection\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Road sign over a Saudi Arabia street with a truck driving below it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/saudi-arabia-009-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a2aeab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a2aeab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Places we visited<\/h2><p>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.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/saudi-arabia-what-to-see-in-ad-dammam\/\">What to see in Ad Dammam?<\/a><\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/saudi-arabia-what-to-see-in-and-around-riyadh\/\">What to see in Riyadh?<\/a><\/p><p>Each of these places has something unique to offer, so take a look at our tips and sightseeing plan!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-621355c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"621355c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>\u00a0Summary<\/h2><p>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 &#8220;wildness&#8221; that hasn\u2019t yet been spoiled by mass tourism. Many attractions were free, which is a big advantage for travelers seeking a more authentic experience.<\/p><p>It&#8217;s important to be well-prepared for conservative social rules and harsh weather, but that\u2019s 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&#8217;s easier to convey context and be understood, making communication much simpler.<\/p><p>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&#8217;s unique atmosphere, we are open to more visits. We still have much to discover, especially in places untouched by the tourist crowds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From visas to food, our Saudi Arabia travel guide shares essential tips and first impressions for a smooth and memorable trip.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[174,178,134,175,173,171,170],"class_list":{"0":"post-903","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-asia","8":"tag-culture-and-habits","9":"tag-riyadh","10":"tag-saudi-arabia","11":"tag-travel-planning","12":"tag-travel-safety","13":"tag-urban-tourism","14":"tag-visas-and-documents","15":"cs-entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=903"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15909,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/903\/revisions\/15909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}