For decades, Saudi Arabia was a nation synonymous with business travel, religious pilgrimages, and serving as the world’s largest oil exporter. But over recent years, the Kingdom has become one of the most thrilling and surprising holiday destinations in the Middle East. With the ease of an eVisa, growing tourism infrastructure, and a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, 2025 is the perfect year to add Saudi Arabia to your travel list.

Whether you’re drawn by its stunning desert landscapes, modern cities, rich heritage, or thriving adventure scene, Saudi Arabia has something for every traveler. Let’s explore why it deserves a spot on your Middle East itinerary in 2025.

Convenient Entry with the Saudi eVisa

One of the largest motivators to visit Saudi Arabia today is how easy it is to enter the country. The Saudi eVisa, which debuted in 2019, has made the gates wide open for global travelers.

• Fast and Easy: The application process only takes a matter of minutes, and the majority of applications are processed in under 24 hours.
• Multiple Entry: The visa has a validity of one year, with multiple entries and up to 90 days on each visit. 
• Open to Most Countries: More than 50 countries are eligible for the application, making it easier than ever to travel to Saudi Arabia. 

This opening up eliminates restrictions that previously considered the Kingdom a more difficult destination, placing it on the same level as other tourist destinations in the region.

A Combination of Modernity and Tradition

Saudi Arabia is an intriguing combination of tradition and modernity. In Riyadh, there are futuristic towers such as the Kingdom Centre Tower set beside traditional souks with aromatic spices, perfumes, and handcrafted goods. In Jeddah, the centuries-old coral-stone buildings of Al-Balad speak of centuries of trade, and the Corniche of the city features modern art statues and seafront promenades.

This balance of modernity and tradition offers visitors a special insight: you may take a cup of Arabic coffee with locals in a mud-brick village one day and visit an international music festival the next. There are few places that provide so rich a duality.

World-Class Heritage Sites

For history buffs, Saudi Arabia is a treasure waiting to be unearthed.

• Al-Ula and Hegra: Frequently likened to Petra in Jordan, Hegra (Madain Saleh) is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting more than 100 tombs cut into sandstone mountains. Al-Ula is itself an open-air museum, featuring ancient remains and landscapes of cinematic scale.
• Diriyah: Just outside Riyadh, this ancient town is where the Saudi state came into being. Its mud-brick structures and cultural displays make it a must-see.
• Rock Art of Hail: UNESCO preserves thousands of years of human creativity in the form of rock carvings and petroglyphs.

These locations provide an opportunity to travel back in time and observe how civilizations thrived in the Arabian Peninsula centuries before cities emerged from the desert sands.

Natural Beauty Beyond Expectations

When most people envision Saudi Arabia, they see endless sand dunes. True, deserts such as the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) are awe-inspiring, yet the Kingdom’s landscapes are much more varied.

• Asir Mountains: In the southwest, green valleys and mist-shrouded peaks provide hiking, camping, and cooler climates.
• Red Sea Coast: Coral reefs, turquoise waters, and sea creatures make the Red Sea a rival of the best diving spots in the world.
• The Edge of the World: Just outside Riyadh, breathtaking cliffs plunge into seemingly endless plains, and the landscape resembles the end of the world itself.
• Taif’s Rose Fields: During spring, this mountain town is filled with sweet Damask roses, which yield rose water prized throughout the area.

This diversification renders Saudi Arabia a wonderland for adventure travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Hub for Adventure Tourism

If you’re looking for adrenaline, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming an adventure hotspot.

• Hiking and Climbing: The mountains of Abha and Tanomah provide rugged trails and climbing routes.
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The untouched reefs of Jeddah and the Farasan Islands are perfect for divers.
• Desert Safaris: Sandboarding, camel treks, and 4×4 dune bashing bring the desert to life.
• Paragliding: The highlands in Asir offer ideal conditions for gliding above scenic landscapes.

In 2025, with increasing infrastructure and guided tours, Saudi Arabia will compete with classic adventure countries in the Middle East such as Jordan and Oman.

A Cultural Scene in Bloom

Saudi Arabia is moving quickly to invest in culture experiences, events, and festivals to host international travelers.

• Winter at Tantora: Organized in Al-Ula, this festival intertwines heritage, music, art, food, and culture in a setting that will be remembered forever.
• Riyadh Season: Mega event with concerts, exhibitions, sports, and entertainment in the capital.
• Jeddah Season: Summer festival with cultural shows, beach activities, and global shows.

For visitors who love art, music, and cuisine as much as they love landscapes and history, Saudi Arabia in 2025 has a thriving events calendar.

Authentic Arabian Hospitality

One of the Kingdom’s biggest strengths is its people. Saudis are famous for being warm and hospitable, and they proudly treat their guests to a warm welcome. Whether it’s being presented with Arabic coffee and dates in a traditional majlis or being shown around a local souk by a congenial shopkeeper, visitors never fail to comment that the hospitality is as special as the sights themselves.

Traveling here offers not just breathtaking images but also sincere human encounters that make the journey richer.

Safety and Modern Infrastructure

Safety and ease of access are priorities for many travelers. Saudi Arabia has developed significantly in terms of infrastructure, such as modern highways, airports, hotels, and public transit. The country is also one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East, with strict laws providing stability and security to tourists.

By 2025, luxury resorts, ecolodges, and affordable lodgings will be readily available, offering something for all travelers.

A Destination on the Rise

There’s something special about visiting a place before it becomes mainstream. Saudi Arabia is still relatively new to tourism, meaning fewer crowds and more authentic experiences. But with projects like NEOM (a futuristic mega-city) and the Red Sea Project (a luxury tourism development), the country is quickly gaining global attention.

Visiting in 2025 means you’ll be ahead of the curve — experiencing the Kingdom’s treasures while they still feel undiscovered.

How to apply Saudi Arabia eVisa for Middle East Travel

• Apply Online – Visit the official portal and fill in the online Saudi Arabia eVisa Application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
• Photograph – A recent, clear passport-sized photo (digital format) is required to upload during the application.
• Payment Fees – Pay the eVisa fee online using a credit/debit card. The cost usually includes medical insurance for your stay.
• Approval & Time Duration – Most eVisas are approved quickly, often within 24–72 hours, and sent to your email.
• Travel & Entry – Print a copy or keep a digital version of your approved eVisa, which you will need to show upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Travel Advice for 2025 Tourists

• Ideal Time to Visit: Go between October and March for milder temperatures, perfect for venturing outdoors.
• Fashion Etiquette: Being modest is essential, particularly in smaller towns. Women do not need to don abayas anymore but should be appropriately dressed.
• Network Accessibility: SIM cards are readily obtainable, but coverage in remote locations might be poor.
• Guided Tours: For desert safaris or mountain hiking, guided tours provide added security and local information.
• Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful to local customs — from greetings to taking photos, always request permission before taking photos of people. 

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia in 2025 presents the unique opportunity to visit a place that combines ancient heritage, natural splendor, cutting-edge innovation, and genuine hospitality. It’s a nation changing for the future, blending tradition with advancement, and inviting visitors to be part of its history.

Whatever you’ve dreamed of seeing, whether it’s walking through the old tombs in Al-Ula, diving into the crystal waters of the Red Sea, trekking along fresh mountain paths, or drinking coffee with locals in a desert camp, Saudi Arabia stands ready to amaze and inspire.

So, when planning your Middle East trip for 2025, don’t merely include Dubai or Cairo — give Saudi Arabia some space too. It’s no longer a stopover destination; it’s one that should be right at the top of your must-visit list.