Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s newest luxury frontier, and for good reason. Since opening its doors to leisure tourism, the Kingdom has invested heavily in world-class heritage sites, design-led hotels and cultural experiences that were simply unavailable to outside visitors a decade ago. For UK travellers seeking somewhere genuinely new, Saudi Arabia offers a rare combination: ancient history, futuristic ambition, and a still-uncrowded feel that will not last forever.
Where to Begin: Riyadh and Diriyah
Most itineraries open in Riyadh, a city of striking contrasts where glass towers rise beside centuries-old mudbrick forts. Just outside the capital lies Diriyah, the mud-walled birthplace of the first Saudi state and now a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to boutique hotels, heritage museums and some of the country’s finest restaurants housed in restored historic buildings.
AlUla: Arabia’s Answer to Petra
No luxury Saudi itinerary is complete without AlUla, home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Nabatean sister city to Jordan’s Petra. Private guided tours through the carved tombs, hot-air balloon flights over the sandstone canyons, and stays at architecturally striking eco-resorts make AlUla one of the most photographed new luxury destinations in the world.
What Surprises First-Time Visitors
- How walkable and modern central Riyadh feels, with excellent fine dining and coffee culture
- The warmth of Saudi hospitality, which places huge importance on welcoming guests
- The sheer scale of the landscapes, from the Edge of the World escarpment to the Red Sea coastline
- How uncrowded major sites still are compared with more established destinations
Planning Tips for UK Travellers
British passport holders can apply for an e-visa in minutes, and direct flights from London to Riyadh take around six and a half hours. Modest dress is appreciated for both men and women in public spaces, particularly at religious and heritage sites, though the dress code is considerably more relaxed than many visitors expect.
Explore Our Kingdom Revealed Package
Our signature Saudi Arabia: Kingdom Revealed itinerary combines Riyadh and Diriyah’s heritage sites with a private archaeological guide, luxury desert resort stays and stargazing in the Kingdom’s dark-sky reserves. As always, every trip is bespoke, ATOL protected, and designed around your interests from the moment you enquire.