Will Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Investments Make It a Prime Tourist Destination?

The world of luxury travel is evolving, and Saudi Arabia is emerging as a prime destination. Just a few years ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opened the kingdom’s doors to tourists, marking a historic shift. Now, with visas available to citizens of 49 countries, including Lithuania, the exotic allure of Saudi Arabia is within reach.

A Land of Exoticism and History 

“For those seeking something truly unique, Saudi Arabia is sure to leave a lasting impression. The country combines exoticism, luxury, history, and traditions that are quite different from those in Western cultures. For history enthusiasts, sites like Hail, Al-Ula, and Al-Hasa are simply unmissable. Saudi Arabia is a treasure trove of unique experiences, blending exoticism, luxury, and rich traditions that are worlds apart from Western culture,” says Violeta Kensminaitė, a travel advisor with Glotera.

Once a crucial stop on the ancient Incense Route, Al-Ula offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Explore fossils, ancient stone inscriptions, and tombs dating back over 2,000 years. The remarkably preserved old town, with its adobe and stone buildings, feels like a living museum.

In the eastern region of Saudi Arabia lies Al-Hasa, the world’s largest oasis. Spanning 85 square kilometres, this lush paradise defies the stereotype of endless deserts. Hundreds of artesian springs nourish the land, enabling year-round fruit harvests and creating a verdant haven in the heart of the desert. Hundreds of artesian springs nourish the fertile land, empowering local farmers to harvest fruit throughout the year.

Aiming to Become One of the World’s Top Tourist Destinations

Saudi Arabia’s recent openness to tourism is a cornerstone of its ambitious economic reforms, aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues. With tourism now a national priority, the kingdom is making massive investments to transform itself into a leading global destination.

“The leaders of the Kingdom have truly ambitious plans. The kingdom’s leaders have set their sights on becoming one of the world’s top five most visited countries by 2030,” shares Kensminaitė. “They’re consulting with experienced nations, collaborating with airlines, and injecting billions into infrastructure”. A significant portion of this investment is directed toward the Red Sea megaproject, which includes plans for 50 luxury hotels and 1,000 private villas spread across 22 islands and six distinct areas by 2030. These exquisite facilities will be spread across 22 islands and six distinct land areas, offering diverse experiences for every traveller.

“For solo travellers, renting a car is a great way to explore,” advises Kensminaitė. “However, keep in mind that Saudi Arabia is still developing its tourist infrastructure. Unlike well-established European destinations, the infrastructure for petrol stations and restaurants is still evolving. To ensure a seamless experience, I recommend working with a tour operator who can navigate the nuances and avoid potential challenges.” 

NEOM: The City of the Future, Built Today

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s visionary tourism initiative lies NEOM, a futuristic city unlike anything the world has ever seen. This ground-breaking project redefines urban living, stretching 170 kilometres in a sleek, vertical design that resembles a continuous wall rather than a traditional sprawling metropolis. Rising 500 meters into the sky – taller than the Empire State Building – NEOM’s mirror-like facade is as stunning as it is innovative.

The design aims to provide residents with unparalleled access to essential services – shops, schools or offices – in just five minutes. High-speed trains will whisk you across the entire city in just 20 minutes, making it a model of efficiency and modernity.

Powered by renewable energy and water sources, NEOM is set to become a self-sustaining community that harmonises with nature. Architects envision it as the first city to truly integrate with its ecosystem, enhancing the environment rather than harming it.

No Kissing, No Alcohol

This is more than a city – it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable living. Before embarking on your journey to Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the country’s deeply conservative traditions. Tourist guides often highlight the five daily prayer times, during which shops temporarily close, and public spaces fall silent. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

What Else Should You Avoid? Visitors are kindly asked to refrain from eating or drinking in public out of respect for this sacred practice. Public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, are strongly discouraged. Dress codes are modest, particularly for women, who are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. To ensure a smooth experience, avoid ambiguous gestures, offensive language, or seeking alcohol, as it is strictly prohibited.

Until recently, Saudi Arabia primarily welcomed religious tourists, as it is home to Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Every devout Muslim is encouraged to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed. This five-day spiritual journey draws millions of Muslims from around the globe each year. While the Hajj and other religious festivals are profound experiences, they are reserved exclusively for Muslims visiting the holy sites.