Saudi Arabia has opened the doors of travel for women
September 27, 20243 Mins Read

Travel Desk: Saudi Arabia is famous not only as the cradle of Islamic culture, but also for its ancient traditions, rich culture and rugged beauty of the desert, the roar of the sea or the silence of the Banani. The country aims to become the world's leading travel destination by 2030. According to various international media, there is no longer any barrier for women to travel alone in Saudi Arabia.

Welding

Saudi Arabia has become women-friendly by reforming certain strict regulations for women. About 64 percent of the world's tourists are women. By allowing this large segment of tourists to travel solo, the country took a step towards becoming the world's premier travel destination.

A popular destination in Saudi Arabia,
Saudi Arabia has deserts as well as dense forests, low mountains and various archeological monuments reminiscent of a long ancient tradition. There is the hustle and bustle of the city, the solitude of the beach or the silence of the forest. Popular travel destinations in Saudi Arabia include:

Riyadh
is a mix of modernity and tradition, the capital of Saudi Arabia and a busy metropolis. Women travelers can visit important sites including the Kingdom Center Tower. Here is Diriyah. It is called the 'Birthplace of the Saudi State'. It is rich in cultural heritage.

Jeddah
Jeddah is a coastal city known as the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It has the sea and beautiful scenery. The historical or old part of this city is called Al-Balad. Here you can find the past history of Saudi Arabia.

Al Oula
is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra. Alula is an ancient desert city. Here are the desert wonders Elephant Rock and Rainbow Rock. The distance from Medina to Alula is about 400 km. Elephant Rock is only 12 km from Alula old town. And the distance to Rainbow Rock is 50 km.

Rub Al Khali
For desert thrill seekers, the Rub Al Khali or Empty Desert is the ideal destination. Tourists have the opportunity to travel the vast area of ​​this desert in a four-wheeler vehicle with the help of a guide.

Rules and Considerations for Female Travelers Solo female travelers have certain rules and cultural considerations to keep in mind.

Dress code
Abaya for women is now not mandatory. However, it is recommended to wear loose modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Hijab is not compulsory for foreign women. But it is better to carry one for visiting religious places.

Social Etiquette
Women no longer have to be accompanied by a male guardian in all activities. However, it is said to be respectful of the conservative traditions of rural areas.

Safety for women
Traveling solo for women in Saudi Arabia is safe. The country has a low crime rate and strict law enforcement. Various accommodation options including hotels-resorts ensure safety for solo female travelers. While there are no problems in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, caution is advised especially when traveling to remote areas or lesser-known destinations.

Transportation
Public transportation and ride-sharing services like Uber are well developed and safe for women. In some cases public buses have separate sections for women or special transport services for women.

Travel Costs
Resort accommodation in Saudi Arabia depends on location and services. Budget-friendly resorts generally cost between $100 and $200 per night. And staying at a luxury resort will cost 300 to 1 thousand dollars per night. A typical meal in the country costs between $10 and $30. However, fine dining will cost $50 to $100 or more per person.

Tips

Many shops in Saudi Arabia are closed on Friday mornings. It is traditionally recognized as Friday. So other than shopping should be planned on this day. Saudis are friendly with foreigners. The common people of the country appreciate the respectful behavior towards their culture. So it is important to show respect to the local culture.

Improved infrastructure and increased security will give women a great experience traveling to Saudi Arabia. By following local guidelines and being aware of cultural norms, women can explore the beauty and rich history of Saudi Arabia once in a while.

Source: visitsaudi.com