Saudi Arabia 2025/2026 | Virgin Atlantic Holidays
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Riyadh
Riyadh

Holidays in Saudi Arabia

Souk it up in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia from £1150pp

We’re making our first footprints in Saudi Arabian sand and saying ahlan to Riyadh, the glittering capital and main financial hub of Saudi. It's a capital city in growth mode, with an expanded downtown business district, F1 circuit, and theme park complex.

Feast your senses in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh’s got the best of both worlds - thrilling sports action and a deep dive into rich Arabian culture. Catch world-class football at King Fahd Stadium, then swap the roar of the crowd for the hush of history at Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.

  1. Skyline, Riyadh

    Business travel

    Business travel to Riyadh is all about big deals and bold ambition. From cutting-edge hubs to sleek boardrooms, Saudi’s capital blends innovation with serious style - making every trip a power move.

  2. King Fahd stadium

    Riyadh’s sporting scene

    Riyadh is where the world’s biggest sport events come to life - think UFC thrillers, heart-pounding boxing matches, and the high-speed glamour of F1 racing. Whether you’re ringside for the action or revving up for a race, Riyadh’s sporting scene is as electrifying as it gets.

  3. Al Masmak Palace

    Al Masmak Palace

    Dive into history and uncover Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage at the Al Masmak Palace. In the heart of Riyadh, this 14th-century fortress once stood as a symbol of strength. Today, it’s a fascinating museum, offering six unique areas to explore, each telling its own story.

  4. The Kingdom Centre

    The Kingdom Centre

    Retail therapy with a view? Yes, please. The Kingdom Centre isn’t just home to luxury labels and chic dining spots—it’s a skyline superstar. Head up to the 300-metre-high Sky Bridge for sweeping views of Riyadh that take shopping days to dazzling new heights.

Essential information for Saudi Arabia

  1. Time Zone

    UK + 3hrs

  2. Language

    Arabic

  3. Currency

    Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR)

  4. Flight information

    7h, direct with Virgin Atlantic

  1. When is the best time to visit the Saudi Arabia?

    The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is typically during the cooler months, which run from November-March. Ideal for sightseeing, desert tours, hiking, and exploring cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and Medina.

  2. Do I need a visa?

    You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.

  3. When is Ramadan?

    Ramadan set to begin on the 17th February 2026. Visiting during this period offers a fascinating insight into Emirati culture and religious traditions.

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Need more travel tips or holiday help?

If you’re dreaming of an Arabian adventure that blends golden dunes, futuristic cities, and ancient wonders, you’re not alone. But timing your trip right is everything, we recommend visiting between November-March. Think clear skies, open roads, and all-day comfort whether you're wandering Riyadh’s cultural hotspots, diving in the Red Sea, or chasing sunsets in AlUla.

A direct flight from London to Riyadh takes around 7 hours.

Here’s your ultimate travel guide to the best destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh
Riyadh is where skyscrapers kiss the desert sky and culture pulses through the streets. Don't miss the National Museum, the edge-of-the-world vibes at Jebel Fihrayn, or a luxe dinner in the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower.

AlUla
This is the showstopper. AlUla is a jaw-dropping open-air museum, home to Hegra (Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site), mystical rock formations, and star-lit desert experiences that feel straight out of a dream. Think Petra vibes, without the crowds.

Jeddah
Welcome to the cultural soul of the west coast. Jeddah blends ancient coral-built architecture in Al-Balad with ultra-modern art, shopping, and seaside luxury. Dive into the Red Sea for some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs—or just stroll the Corniche for that perfect golden-hour snap.

The Red Sea Project
Coming soon to a bucket list near you. This luxury eco-tourism development will feature untouched islands, coral reefs, and ultra-exclusive resorts. It’s sustainable travel, Saudi style.

Respect the Culture. Saudi Arabia is steeped in tradition. Modesty in dress is encouraged 0 especially in public spaces. Men and women should aim for loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees. For women, a headscarf isn’t required, but it’s handy for entering mosques.

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal, often abbreviated as SAR but here’s the modern twist: Saudi Arabia is nearly cashless. From Riyadh’s luxury malls to roadside shawarma spots, you can tap your credit card, Apple Pay, or other contactless options almost everywhere. Still, it’s smart to carry a small amount of riyals for local markets or tips.

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