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Solo female travel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Middle East, is a land of desert sands, vast stony plains, and rugged mountains. Known for its historical significance and religious importance, it is home to some of the world's oldest cities like Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest Islamic sites. As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia enthralls visitors with its rich Islamic architecture, picturesque landscapes, Arabic cuisine, and ancient trade route traces. It hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage that attracts millions of Muslims worldwide, showcasing the country's deep-rooted culture and tradition. The country's capital, Riyadh, is a metropolis showcasing modern architecture, while Jeddah offers charming old-world alleys in Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its intriguing blend of old and new, Saudi Arabia presents a unique travel experience for those intrigued by culture, history, and spiritual exploration.

Saudi Arabia is currently ranked #77 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

Travel rating

3.9 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research

3.9 /5

Based on safety reports

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Is Saudi Arabia good for solo travel?

Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

Saudi Arabia has a well-developed transport infrastructure, making it generally manageable to navigate through. However, it can be culturally challenging as women are often expected to travel with male companions. You will need to be strategic and assertive in navigating cultural norms and securing safe, reliable transport. Additionally, English is not widely spoken across all areas, and Arabic signage can pose communication issues.

Things to do:Interesting

Saudi Arabia is filled with diverse experiences stepping way beyond the well-known religious aspects that it is traditionally recognized for. Its rich history is evident through numerous historical sites and stunning architecture. The country has been progressively opening up, bringing to light various attractions, such as the empty quarter which is the largest sand desert in the world, the picturesque Farasan Islands, and the archaeological site Al Khobar. Saudi Arabia also offers captivating landscapes, from mountains to beaches. Shopping lovers can indulge in both traditional souks and modern malls, and foodies can explore Saudi Arabian cuisine, which is a reflection of the country's history and geography. Despite cultural restrictions, the country is making strides in becoming more traveler-friendly, especially for solo women.

Food:Above average

Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a variety of dishes that reflect the country's rich history and culture. You will find an array of meat-based dishes, grains and delicious sweets that cater to different taste buds. However, being a traditional society, the local cuisine isn't hugely diverse and its strict cultural norms can influence dining experiences.

Budget:Moderate

Saudi Arabia can be seen as moderately budget-friendly. Some cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have an array of luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants which can be expensive. However, there are plenty of budget options too like affordable food, public transportation, and accommodations, especially in smaller towns and suburbs.

Is Saudi Arabia worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

I spent a month in Saudi Arabia and visited Mecca, Medina, Al Ula, Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. It was one of the best months of my life. Observing the stars and flying a helicopter in Al Ula were also among the best things to do.

Posted: September 25, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Couple travel experience

Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country. We recently spent a week there, exploring. The people are extremely friendly and kind, the food and coffee are delicious, and there is truly a lot to see. The country is changing rapidly. Before our trip, I spoke with many people who had lived there, both in the past and recently, as I had many concerns. Everyone claimed that it's a normal country in terms of everyday life, there's no need to cover up, it's very safe, and the prices are affordable. And that's exactly how it turned out. The country remains untouched by mass tourism, and people are genuinely interested in getting to know foreigners and their cultures. I wear an abaya, which I bought in Jordan, and a headscarf, which earned me compliments every day. I often saw Saudi women with uncovered heads or in western dress (especially in Riyadh). I also met several same-sex couples who were holding hands.

Posted: August 20, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Is Saudi Arabia safe for women?

Saudi Arabia specially major cities are pretty safe for female solo travelers, crime rate is pretty low. However catcalling in pretty common specially in male dominated areas such as malls, concerts etc.. Downtown of riyadh is pretty safe to walk in alone, you might get a little bit of unwanted stares, dressing modest is highly recommend (not necessarily abaya and hijab, a long dress or baggy pants would be more than enough) English is pretty common so you will not find any difficulty communicating with locals

Posted: March 26, 2024

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Meet locals in Saudi Arabia

Meet local women in Saudi Arabia who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Riham

About Me

Hi! My name is Riham, I love traveling especially solo, I love exploring new cities, learning about different cultures and meeting new people!

Speaking

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Reem

About Me

I’m a saudi lady, love to travel and explore. I’m interesting to learn more about other’s cultures, meet different people, share my experience and give advices.

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Stay with locals in Saudi Arabia

Stay with local women in Saudi Arabia who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.