Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Saudi Arabia has made many strides in the past few years to improve women's rights and safety, which extends to solo female travelers as well. The country has a high security presence and violent crime is quite low. However, do keep in mind that it's still a very conservative country with strict laws around modesty which may feel restrictive. Understanding local customs and rules is crucial. Also, street harassment can happen, although it's not tolerated by authorities. Always make sure to arrange trustworthy or public transportation as navigating alone can be challenging.

Safety rating

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How safe is Saudi Arabia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Saudi Arabia's safety measures and police presence can be highly reassuring, especially in the major cities. However, it's still advisable to exercise reasonable precautions, especially at night. As a female solo traveler, you might attract unwanted attention, especially in less cosmopolitan areas. While crime rates are fairly low and violent crime towards travelers is rare, it’s always best to be vigilant. Avoid secluded areas and always dress in line with the local customs.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Saudi Arabia is generally quite safe, despite being relatively infrequent. Most public transit in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are equipped with CCTV and segregated sections for women, providing an added layer of safety. However, knowing the local language, Arabic, does help to navigate and understand public transport routes better.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

Though Saudi Arabia has undergone significant social reform in recent years, it is still a conservative country. As a woman, especially a foreigner, you may experience attention in the form of stares or whispered comments when you are solo on the streets. However, physical harassment is not common due to religious and legal restrictions. It's important to dress modestly, covering your hair, arms, and legs, to respect local customs and reduce unwanted attention. Use of public transportation can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations; therefore, using taxi services or hiring private transportation is advisable. Being aware of local customs and laws, as well as your surroundings, can help mitigate potential harassment.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Saudi Arabia generally enjoys a low crime rate, including petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. The societal values and strict legal system act as a strong deterrent for such behaviors. However, as with any destination, it's always wise to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Saudi Arabia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 8 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Riyadh governorate, Solo travel

Lots of things to do if you research what’s on, People are generally nice. It helps to learn some basic Arabic to make it easier to get around as English is not widely spoken. Wearing an abaya is not necessary, any fairly modest clothing is fine. Really expensive, especially for accommodation.

Posted: May 25, 2025
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Hadiqa

Hadiqa

Pakistan

Saudi Arabia, Family travel

It is the safest country i have ever been. As it is a holy place for muslims i loved the place , the people in madina were very nice, you can interact to thousands of new people from different areas. The historic places are quite far but was worth visiting. Loved the food specially al baik. Overall very good experience

Posted: May 25, 2025
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Sana

Sana

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia, Solo travel

My first solo trip was to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. I’ve traveled quite a bit, but never alone before. Saudi is changing drastically, and even though I stayed for just a few days, I managed to visit many historical places. Walking around in the evening felt just as safe as Dubai. The best part? The locals. Everywhere I went—from taxi drivers to shopkeepers—Saudis were working, and they were incredibly respectful and proud of their country. I’ll probably go solo there again!

Posted: March 4, 2025
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Jeddah, Solo travel

I did a 4 day stopover in Jeddah and I had a blast. The old town was gorgeous. People were mostly active at night and it was just such a different experience. Very few tourists and I felt safe as a solo female traveler.

Posted: April 7, 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Solo travel

Wish I could share the pictures of my time in KSA, but they are on my previous phone which I do not have on me. With that being said — smooth entry. People were nice and welcoming. Stayed with a young lady that I met on HelloTalk and her family. It was an enjoyable experience as I was able to walk away with many sisters. I plan on returning which should say enough about my time in KSA. Def recommend!

Posted: April 1, 2024
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Is Saudi Arabia safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Riyadh governorate

Fairly safe, however theft and harassment do happen. I had my phone stolen the first time I came to Saudi. I have been harassed by male taxi drivers. There are female drivers available on some apps but at a higher rate and as there are fewer female drivers available they require a longer wait time, so I advise leaving plenty of time to plan trips. In public places and central areas I’ve experienced very little harassment, however I wouldn’t recommend walking around suburban areas late at night.

Posted: May 25, 2025
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Meet locals in Saudi Arabia

ranim

ranim

About Me

Hi my name is Rae,I'm 22 years old traveler, currently studying software engineering, interested in history, books and art 🤗 If you happen to come to my house, all I need you to do is to be eco-friendly and try to put trash in its place, use sustainable lighting and make sure not to waste water. The house is well organized and tied up, you will get your own room with white goods already prepared, and you can enjoy the breakfast with me in the balcony, I have a nice view where you can see all riyadh's skybuildings! NB: I live near the airport so gotta bring your earplugs with u, because the sounds of the planes gets really loud sometimes especially in the balcony and the yard parts.

Speaking

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Jasmine

Jasmine

About Me

Hello, I am Jasmine, an infp, quit introvert, I live in Jeddah and I am interested in many cultures and languages, I love anime and movies, books, games, open minded, and if you are interested in Arabic language or Islam please feel free to reach me.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Saudi Arabia

Samar

Samar

Jeddah

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Samar and I live in Jeddah

Speaking

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Nadine

Nadine

Jeddah

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi ! My name is Nadine . I’m into reading and writing, hiking , video games . I can talk a lot about my culture as well , seriously for hours , I know a lot of good places , I don’t know what to say else but nice to meet you looking forward for your friendship.

Speaking

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Safety in Saudi Arabia