saudi arabia travel solo female

Traveling Without a Passport

A Female Traveler’s Guide to Saudi Arabia

In November 2021, I accepted an invitation by the Saudi Tourism Authority to visit the widely unknown Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the reactions from my colleagues and friends varied (some were skeptical whereas others were simply excited for me), we all shared one thing: none of us knew exactly what to expect. On top of this, the coronavirus pandemic was far from over. But after my third dose, and additional testing precautions, I was ready to board the plane and start this adventure. 

Although the times are changing, there are still many misunderstandings and questions about Saudi Arabia. I hope my personal travel experience will shed some light on this lesser-known Middle Eastern country and serve as a guide for female travelers wanting to visit Saudi Arabia.

Here’s everything you need to know: 

• Solo travel vs group tours

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Etiquette and customs, hotel facilities, beyond hummus: food & dining, beautiful landscapes, solo travel vs group tours .

Some people have strong opinions on whether group or solo travel is better, but there is no winner. In fact, this decision strongly depends on preference as well as the travel destination itself. 

Personally, I enjoy exploring destinations by myself and feel that solo travel is a wonderful experience full of surprises. However, I also believe that traveling to an unknown destination like Saudi Arabia can be an adventure in itself. So this time around, I was happy to get to travel as part of a group. 

For me, one of the biggest advantages was the added safety and peace of mind that came from having wonderful tour guides. Not only were they around at all times to answer questions, but they were very familiar with the places we visited and could offer expert knowledge and tips. This made me feel completely safe and relaxed. 

The second (but no less important) reason why I wanted to travel in a group was that you get to connect with new people from different backgrounds. You learn about their lives and get to experience a foreign culture and country with them. Without even talking about it, you all know that you’re on this incredible adventure, together. It’s a wonderful feeling. And in a blink of an eye, strong friendships are born. Though it may feel like you’ve known each other for years, in reality, it’s only been a few days!

See Also: Group Tours Vs Solo Travel: Which Travel Style is For You?

Saudi Arabia was formerly closed as a travel destination for foreigners and only recently launched an international tourist visa in September 2019. Although it had to stop issuing visas due to the pandemic, the KSA finally reopened again in August 2021. Tourists from 49 countries are now eligible to apply online for a tourist visa. In fact, the country is focused on growing the tourism sector and has been making major changes and investments to help reach this goal. 

One of the questions I heard a lot was whether a woman could apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia. The answer is yes. Women can even travel solo to Saudi Arabia. However, it is important to bear in mind that there is still a broad gender separation throughout the Saudi Arabian society that will influence and determine your travel. For example, there are separate lines for women and children at the airport security checkpoints, and only female security guards are allowed to check the women.

See Also: Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

Just as you would do before any international trip, check the validity of your passport and ensure you’ve obtained all the necessary tourist visas. Nowadays, it’s also important to stay informed on the current health advisories and travel warnings. However, what you may not know is that reading about cultural etiquette can be relevant as well. So, before your flight to Saudi Arabia, I recommend doing some research. This is equally important for men and women.

Because the Middle East has many rules and traditions, being aware of the cultural norms will not only protect you from awkward situations but will save you from serious trouble. For example, any violation of public decency in the KSA can result in penalties. This includes taking pictures or videos of people without their permission. Another thing to keep in mind is the traditional dress code.

I did not have to wear an abaya.

Although I read it’s no longer compulsory for women to wear an abaya (the traditional dress), I planned to buy one upon arrival. However, once in Saudi Arabia, I realized this wasn’t necessary. So instead, I wore modest clothing: long, loose skirts and tops that covered my arms and chest.

While locals stared at us (some more discreetly than others), everyone was exceptionally friendly. They were just curious about tourists since they rarely see one. So, don’t get scared by the attention. Instead, prepare yourself for people wanting to take a photo with you. With this said, if you’d prefer to be less noticed, then stick with your group or wear an abaya .

My personal advice: dress conservatively. Make sure you show as little skin as possible and don’t wear anything too tight or form-fitting. If you’d like an example, see what I’m wearing in the picture below.

Depending on the size of the hotel and its particular standards, there may be different regulations when it comes to using the gym, spa, or swimming pool. For example, some hotels have separate gyms (one for women and one for men). At other smaller hotels, there may be certain hours set aside for when women can enjoy the gym. The same goes for the pools and spas. However, some hotels may only allow men to use the swimming pools. So, if you are planning to use any of these facilities, make sure you look into all of these points before booking your accommodation.

Because gender segregation in restaurants and cafes is no longer required by law, everywhere I ate during my trip had one entrance and one dining area for both men and women. Terrific, right? Now let’s focus on the incredible cuisine! 

From your very first meal in Saudi Arabia, you’ll quickly see that food plays an important role in the culture. Traditional dishes are wholesome and hearty – often served on massive platters for the whole table to share. And the best part is that the cuisine varies from one city to another. Along the coast, you’ll get fresh seafood like shellfish and shrimp. In other parts of the country, you’ll eat piles of steaming rice crowned with roasted chicken, lamb, or even camel.

Another central part of the Saudi Arabian culture is Arabic coffee. In fact, it’s used as a sign of hospitality to welcome guests. The coffee is mixed with spices like cloves and cardamom and is often served alongside fresh dates or other sweets. No matter what time it is or where you go in the country, you’ll always find coffee.

See Also: Around The World: The Ultimate Food Bucket List

When you think of Saudi Arabia, you may picture an arid sand desert – and you would be right. However, with a size of over 2.15 million square kilometers, this vast country offers a broad variety of landscapes from deserts and mountain ranges to beautiful beaches and untouched islands. In fact, the KSA has a coastline along both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf which offers beach adventures year-round. From water activities and white sand beaches to national parks and coastal historic towns, Saudi Arabia has it all. 

Visiting Saudi Arabia in late November turned out to be the perfect time of year to experience this fascinating country. During the day, the temperatures reached up to around 85°F and the evenings were mild. If you also plan to take advantage of the KSA’s particularly pleasant weather from mid-September to mid-December, just remember to bring a sweater for the evenings (and also for all the air-conditioned buildings).

All in all, Saudi Arabia was nothing like I expected. From the most hospitable people to delicious traditional food and breathtaking landscapes, I quickly realized that this country is incredibly diverse and has plenty to offer. Just keep in mind that a trip to the KSA requires a bit more preparation and, once there, you must follow certain rules – but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Yalla!

Ready to explore the land of a thousand and one adventures? Head over to TourRadar and start planning your Saudi Arabia trip today!

This article was written by Marie Weindlmayr (based on her experiences in Saudi Arabia) and edited by Stephanie Fuchs.

Marie Weindlmayr

Based in Vienna (Austria), Marie is Digital Marketing Manager at TourRadar. When she is not travelling, you can find her cooking, gardening or exploring Vienna and its surrounding areas by bike.

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9 Misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman

By Joan Torres 28 Comments Last updated on April 8, 2024

In the last few years, I have been traveling extensively across the Middle East and other Muslim countries, so it is not surprising at all that, every week, I receive tons of requests and questions from kick-ass women who wish to travel to the same places.

Since I am a man, all my articles tend to be kind of male-oriented, not on purpose though, but it is just that, sometimes, I forget that the experience for women may be totally different.

When I was posting all the photos and videos from my visit to Saudi Arabia on my Instagram Stories , people were actually amazed at all the places I visited and the people I met, as they were so many miles away from all the stereotypes the media has been showing us during the last decade.

Those images really triggered the interest of many travelers who would have never thought of going there, and that included many women as well.

However, since Saudi is known for being an extremely patriarchal country, I received more questions than I had ever received before, some of them asking about safety, while others if it was even possible to go travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman alone.

As always, I can’t give an accurate response about solo female traveling but, luckily, during my journey, I met Nada from Nadal Al Nahdi , a 20-something-year-old backpacker who has traveled solo to some very cool destinations such as Pakistan , Afghanistan, Oman and  Sudan , and the coolest thing about her is that she is half-Yemeni, half-Indonesian.

Nada actually grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, so she knows the people and culture very well and has traveled around the country extensively, so who could be better than her to explain about solo female travel in Saudi Arabia?

In this article, Nada takes us through the 9 misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman. 

Here are some common misconceptions about solo female travel in Saudi Arabia. 

1 – As a female, I need a guardian to travel to Saudi and around Saudi.

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No. No. No.

This common misconception needs to be eradicated as soon as possible. 

Women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone. I travel around independently all the time and, definitely, without a guardian.

The ‘guardian thing’ is more of a cultural thing, not the law. What I mean is that, in general, Arabs treat females as queens, something I am not complaining about, but the concept of females being independent is not something they can comprehend.

I am not saying they are close minded but it is a scene they are not used to. However, as things are opening up and changing, this is starting to slowly wear out.

I’m going to share an incident that happened to me on 4 th January 2019.

I needed to travel from Jeddah to Riyadh . The flights were ridiculously expensive, and I missed the bus, so I went outside the bus station to hop in any of the carpooling services which are called “Kadad”. I got in one, slept comfortably throughout the journey until we reached the checkpoint to enter Riyadh .

The police asked us to pull over, took our IDs and asked standard procedure questions.

Keep in mind that I was the ONLY female in a car of 7 men; the driver and 6 male passengers.

Three policemen came to me one by one, asking where my guardian was and how could I travel without one. 

I simply answered: I do not need a guardian and I can travel around without a guardian . 

The police insisted that was an issue, so they wanted to hand me in and report me.

I said: What are you going to report me for? I did not do anything .

He was stunned and said that they would explain the procedure at the station.

I was NOT ONE BIT scared because I knew my rights and that that was not the law. This is just the culture he has in his house.

Long story short, the higher rank guy came out and instructed the policemen who were questioning us to let us go as long as our documents were legal.

There you have it, a proven and real-life situation with the man of the law that females do not need a guardian.

You may also be interested in: Is it ethical to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

2 – I need to get a burqa aka ninja cover and a headscarf

I’m going to let photos speak for me.

Here’s a photo of me in Jeddah:

This is me in Al Ula:

And when traveling to remote areas and going for activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping, abayas are not needed at all.

Here’s a photo of me hiking at Wabah Crater :

And don’t forget to pack your bikinis! Yes, females can wear bikinis in Saudi when you are on a boat trip or at any of the private beaches. Private beaches can be accessed at a certain fee.

While in the city, all you need is decent and long outerwear. It can be of any color and pattern. We love colors, patterns and unique styles!

Don’t be surprised when strangers come up to you and ask “Where did you get the abaya from?!” I get that a lot too.

As for scarves and burqa, they are absolutely not required.

During the questioning I mentioned in point 1, the policemen asked me to cover my hair and, of course, I did not cover my hair because, one, it’s not the law, and two, I didn’t have a scarf anyway.

Sometimes, this happens on the streets when random religious men yell out at you and ask you to cover. The best thing to do is to just ignore them and continue doing your thing.

Again, this is a culture, not the law. Please don’t take it that if we don’t wear a scarf is disrespecting the culture. It’s a personal choice.

Read more stories from kick ass solo female women in offbeat destinations!

3 – I need to be covered to avoid harassment

Harassment is an unfortunate worldwide issue that is specific to the person, not the country or culture.

6 years ago, I faced harassments here and there. In recent years, I have not experienced any harassment.

The worst one I get these days is someone coming up to me and slowly whispering “Mumken Snapchat?” which means “Can I have your Snapchat?”

Simply say no and walk away and that’s the end of it.

Read: Places to visit in Saudi Arabia, a 15-day itinerary

4 – As a female, I cannot hang out or be seen with unrelated men.

This is again not true.

Whether it’s in the city or remote areas, unrelated men and women, basically, a group of mixed gender, can mingle and hang out whenever, and wherever.

Here’s a photo of my friends and me in Jeddah, along with a tourist/travel blogger @ morinasworld

and here in Jizan, mingling with locals while exploring the area.

5 – The Religious Police are everywhere and monitoring women

The religious police do not have any authority, hence they cannot act on anything without being accompanied by the officials. Moreover, I have not seen religious police in the last 2 years.

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6 – Women cannot rent a car

Yes, we can. I’ve rented cars in different cities in Saudi with absolutely no issues, as long as you have a valid driving license for those issued in Saudi/GCC and international driving license for others.

7 – It’s not safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a solo female

In the first point, I mentioned that females are seen as queens and, therefore, must be protected and looked after.

The only thing you need to worry about is being fed way too much food and being introduced to all the family members, relatives, and neighbors, who will keep you for a never-ending conversation because they want to make sure you get the best hospitality. 

Another potential danger might be being offered some camel milk. 

8 – Saudi is not for everyone.

Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Saudi IS for EVERYONE.

Have you seen Saudi on the map?

It’s HUGE! It’s actually the fifth largest country in Asia.

From those who love to lounge by the sea to those looking for adventures, Saudi is for any kind of female traveler, really. Moreover, the culture in Saudi is so diverse that only 1:10 of my friends are purebred.

The traditions and cultures within the region itself are also very diverse. The northernmost part of the country has similarities to the Levant Arab countries, like Palestine and Jordan , while the southernmost part of the country resembles Yemen so much that it makes me feel like home!

Saudi Arabia has amazing historical sites such as Madinah Saleh, Rijal Almaa and many others.

Saudi Arabia is surrounded by the Red Sea, hence a perfect diving spot for divers, snorkelers or simply lounge by the beach or on a boat!

And, of course, the great desert landscape! Saudi Arabia got you covered with black, brown and red sand dunes! And there are much more than just the desert and the sea. There are many unexplored caves, unclimbed mountains, and stunning valleys!

9 – This is an exaggerated post and it’s not what it’s like in reality

Please have a look into these Instagram accounts based in Saudi that will also show you the reality of Saudi Arabia as a Saudi woman and a non-Saudi woman. 

@ nadaalnahdi – Yemeni/Indonesian living in Saudi @ blueabaya – Finnish married to a Saudi and living in Saudi @ esraarayes – Saudi @ mearch_ – Saudi @ nirvana.abdul – Yemeni married to a Saudi @ saraomar_travels – Saudi @ mykindoffridays – Saudi @ redseacitizen – Saudi

If you have any more questions about traveling to Saudi as a woman, don’t hesitate to contact Nada  through her blog .

You can also follow and contact her on Instagram and Facebook .

I also recommend reading these 2 articles from her:

What you didn’t know about Pakistan

An impulsive visit to Afghanistan

More information for solo female travel in Saudi Arabia

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

More solo female travel guides

• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Jordan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Oman
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a  Solo Female Traveling  section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell! 

More guides to Saudi Arabia

• Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Where to Stay in Riyadh
• Is it Ethical to Visit Saudi Arabia as a Tourist
• Hitchhiking and Backpacking in Saudi Arabia
• VPN for Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Itinerary

28 comments

Good to know that it’s normal to travel alone in Saudi Arabia. The place looks so fascinating! I have been to Jordan, and I found it quite normal, too.

Hi, I’m an expat here in riyadh and I have an aunt working in jeddah, she’s inviting me to visit her in jeddah. I’ll be alone for sure, do I need anything to present at the airport? , aside the ticket and iqama. Your answer will be highly appreciated.

Hi, I don’t think you need to present anything

That’s good news indeed! Thanks! I’ll be going there for sure

“Saudi Arabia is EVERYONE”… Well, except if you are a gay person since any minimal display of affection in public to another person of your same sex (even just holding hands) can be punished with the DEATH penalty.

Displays of affection are not allowed, regardless of your gender.

If the police see a man and a woman kissing, they would also get arrested and yes, you are right that homosexuality can be punished with death penalty but controversially, you can’t imagine the massive gay scene you can find in Riyadh. You wouldn’t believe it.

In any case, if you wanna go to Saudi, you will have to subject to their rules. If subjecting to their rules is an issue for you, then don’t go. It’s that simple.

It’s fair enough to say that if you don’t like the rules, then you shouldn’t go. But you can’t say in good faith that Saudi Arabia is for EVERYONE when you can literally get the death penalty for being gay.

actually. holding hands with a person of the same sex would not be considered “gay” in most Asian countries. thats a very western perception of homosexuality. im not saying that saudi does not persecute gays its just that ‘holding hands’ is an indicator of homosexuality amongst Saudi men (or even South Asian men).

Now, if they see two White men holding hands in the city where a few Saudis know and are fully aware of western culture and how western culture views holding hands as ‘gay’, then it could raise some eyebrows. but amongst arabs itself its very common and its not viewed as sexual.

holding hands between a female and a male is also fine in all the negbouring gulf countries at least – it would be assumed that you are related or married and its not like theres any religious police there to appoarch you. kissing on the lips is a no-no – both between gays and straights.

I am considering a visit to see an old friend and his wife who currently lives in Saudi. Would it be appropriate to exchange hugs at the airport, or would this be considered a display of affection in public?

Hey Karen, I guess it depends on which kind of hug 🙂 But I don’t really know what would be the limits here. Maybe your friends know?

Hello,I am from India I ‘m planning to go to the bts concert in Riyadh this October.Anything I need to know?

I am not sure about specific-visa requirements for Indians, but just follow the tips from the visa section

Hii I m Hindu female I need to go to Riyadh Dammam for business purpose and I m unmarried will I get the visa…like I have heard u need to be married to get a visa

Hi No you don’t have to be married to get a visa don’t worry

Without sounding too disrespectful to the author of this article travelling solo to any country is not 100 percent safe for any woman. The author was obviously brave to have got into a vehicle with 7 Male men but for your own protection this is not something to be advised. Women must take caution so please don’t feel that just because this author has said this that’s it’s okay. I say this from having lived in Saudi myself not as someone from outside the country.

I traveled to Medina about 10 years ago with two men (one husband) and a little boy. We were never questioned about anything untoward and were treated beautifully (Egyptian men and my American self). The only stupid thing that I experienced was that after buying a coffee in a local cafe, we were not allowed to sit because they didn’t have a family section there and I was a female. I thought that the whole thing was ridiculous for if it was too risque for me to drink a coffee in an empty restaurant, then how risque was it for me to drink it walking down the street during Ramadan? However, we were treated to so many kindnesses as guests (when goodness knows they were overrun with guests!) Our cab driver wouldn’t less us pay-after he took us on an extended mosque tour in Medina. A stationer in Mecca wouldn’t let me pay for my purchases. I was a middle aged american woman but traveling with Arab speaking men, so I didn’t expect poor treatment or special treatment. Not being allowed in the cafe was the only thing that happened to me that was negative in a week in Saudi. Well, that and the bathrooms on the road between Riyaad and Mecca. They really need a Buccees over there!

This summer, I am planning to take my 17 year old daughter on a trip to Saudi Arabia. I have been to Egypt in 1989 and traveled with my son and daughter to Morocco in the summer of 2018. (I have traveled extensively around the world, but for the purposes of this e-mail, only my trips to Moslem countries is important.) Because we have been to Israel, it was impossible for us to travel to Saudi Arabia until now. I want to take my daughter now in case G forbid things change and we are unable to go. I plan to fly into Jetta, rent a car, and drive to Riydah, sightsee around there and then drive back to Jetta and do the same before flying back to the US. I plan to stay with my daughter at an apartment hotel in Ridyah and Jetta so we can do our own cooking and ask for the hotel to arrange for day guides for us. I have a teacher colleague that has lived in Saudi Arabia so she is going to help to let us know what to do around Jetta and Riydah. I also plan to see what Lonely Planet recommends to see in Saudi Arabia as it has helped us to plan trips to Brazil, Belieze, China, Peru, Equador, Mexico, Guatamala, Morocco, and Europe. With all of the conflicting information, I need to know if I am able to rent a car and drive between the two cities? Do I need a special driver’s license to drive in Saudi Arabia? As it is a Moslem country how easy can credit cards be used? We found in Morocco that credit cards were difficult and we needed cash. Do we need to wear an abya? I have heard in Ridayh yes and no. Jetta is supposed to be more open. Can I travel with my daughter alone in Saudi Arabia? Are we allowed to go to the Riyadh zoo by ourselves? Are banking hours restricted for women?

Hi there, all your questions and more are answered in this guide: https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-to-saudi-arabia/

The only thing I don’t know is very specific questions such as the zoo and the banking hours.

You will be fine,

Been living in Saudi many years. While things are changing in the big cities in provincial areas it’s another matter. Currently based in Buraydah, and as a woman you would be crazy to walk around showing your hair. To avoid unwanted attention it’s best to go with the flow and do the same as everyone else. My wife was actually physically attacked in a supermarket in Buraydah for not wearing a niqab. What works in Riyadh or Jeddah won’t work everywhere. I do agree that Saudis are great hosts though. But even then my wife had just had enough after 6 years. It’s just too restrictive at the end of the day. I’m sure they’ll get there in the end, but they’ve got a long way to go.

In the end you’re living in Buraydah. It’s a common stereotype between Saudis that Qassim region is the most conservative with the most religious fanatics . You’re speaking of the Alabama of Saudi Arabia.

Everything in article true. Im a California all American women and doctorbeen working in Saudi for 20 years. Years ago things were VERY different but life here over past 2-3 years has changed 500%! Its truly westernized now. I drive by myself and move freely in city, airports and stayed in hotels in Jeddah, Taif and Dammam alone with no issues. I used to need escort, had to cover hair and wear abaya before with threat of arrest. Today i go to resturants and stores without headcover and many times with pants and my clinic jacket. No issues at all. Life is easy here now and Saudis are very friendly and as article no religious police harrassing you as seen in okd days. Women are working everywhere from store sales to managers, they are active in Saudi workforce and im so happy see all the changes. They do however hold on to their culture and foreigners should always respect local county culture. Theres so much for them to share here for tourism so I highly recommend visit here… its safe, comfirtable and fun. Winter usually amazing weather and a vast array of entertainment from Circus de soleil to concerts to resturants from around the world. When visiting I only recommend show them respect and dress “modestly” which means its not South Beach Florida haha but casual attire of pants, skirts, dresses doesnt insult or embarrass anyone . Dont miss Saudi if you visit the region !

Hi, I found your blog interesting & fun, but I have a little comment, hope you take it in more constructive way, The misconception of the idea of being Tourist & a Local is different. Don’t engaged both, otherwise your are putting others in compromise, yet 100% is true that everything is changed, but I don’t think the culture & rules adjust too, particularly in local woman travelling, as you trying to point in you blog. Maybe I’m wrong but take it a consideration to allow yourself to explore more deep in your content. I came out with this reply because your subject, Nada is not a local, she’s a half Yemeni half Indonesian, even though she was born here she’s still consider an expat. In short she was raised by Parents with different view, maybe similar but not totally. I suggest you better interview a pure local but you need a permission to there Guardian if they will allowed you. Hope so.

Thanks for sharing this information. As a women or a solo traveller i also had these misconceptions, usually people think a lot before travelling to Muslim countries but now i am ready to explore Saudi Arabia very soon.

Thanks for your tips would be great for my upcoming trip. do you have any suggestion for accomdation in Jeddah .I am a solo female traveller

With our groups, we used to stay at Shada Hotel Shatea. It’s a bit pricey but next to it there’s Lotaz Hotel, which is a pretty good deal

Hi there, Many thanks for publishing a blog about your travel experience in Saudi Arabia – it looks wonderful!

I’m considering traveling to the area for a few days to perform pilgrimage.

Could you please provide any insights on the current atmosphere and security situation for a solo female traveler and is the conflict in the neighboring countries having any impact on the travelers/visitors?

Any tips on how to get from Jeddah to Mecca and Mecca to Madinah would be great or any other words of wisdom you can offer. Thank you so much!

Hello! I was wondering where your photo in Jeddah was taken? Looking to visit 🙂 thank you!

“Three policemen came to me one by one, asking where my guardian was and how could I travel without one. The police insisted that was an issue, so they wanted to hand me in and report me.”

Well that wouldn’t be terrifying at all, it’s absolutely fine for female visitors!

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'Do you have to cover your face (in Saudi Arabia)?': What to know about solo female travel in the kingdom

• Saudi Arabia is extending electronic visas for visitors coming from 49 countries – including the U.S.
• While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders is recommended.
• The kingdom is just opening up to tourists and for locals in smaller towns and villages, it is still somewhat of a novelty.

As a female and second-generation expatriate who has lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly three decades, one question that I get asked often is: "Is Saudi Arabia safe for women?"

Or even: "Do you have to cover your face?"

Up until 2019, the kingdom only issued business or visitor visas for a religious pilgrimage to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. As a plan to diversify its economy through tourism and entertainment (like neighboring Dubai), the country announced an electronic visa for visitors coming from 49 countries – including the United States. 

As tourism to Saudi Arabia for either business or pleasure gains traction, we answer a few of your burning questions for solo female travel.

How can I travel through the country?

Saudi Arabia does not have a public transportation system. The easiest and safest way to get around the metropolitan cities of Riyadh and Jeddah is by using ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, Wsslini, and Bolt. Some apps have the option of choosing a female driver.

An affordable and efficient train line links Riyadh to the eastern province of the country, where smaller cities – like the UNESCO world heritage site of Al Qarah caves or the historical Qaisariah Souq of Al-Hofuf – may be of interest. On the west, a train line links Jeddah to religious sites. Separate seating areas for women in trains and transport lounges are the norm.

Sheila Russell, the British travel blogger behind Saudi Travel Notes advises on hiring a driver or opting for the " Vintage Land Rover " experience at AlUla, which will allow enough time to visit all the archeological sites.

Where can I stay?

The major metropolitan cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam have a slew of accommodation options – ranging from fully furnished rentals to high-end hotels. CouchSurfing is not a popular option and is highly discouraged. If traveling on a budget, Airbnb and OYO rooms are affordable and safer options.

In developing tourist locations like AlUla during December and the mountainous Rijal Almaa from July through September, accommodation options (particularly, budget) are limited, and prices hike up during tourist seasons.

What should I wear?

Alina Calianu, a Polish digital nomad who has visited Saudi Arabia several times over the past four years, does not wear an abaya (a full-body cloak that was until recently, mandated by the government).

"The abaya is still traditional attire, particularly, among Saudi women. But even they are starting to adopt modest clothing," she says.

As with any country, it is important to be respectful of the culture. While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. It's a good idea to keep a long, lightweight sweater or coverall handy as temperatures – contrary to popular belief that Saudi Arabia is a hot country – tend to drop drastically during the months of December through mid-February.

Story continues below. 

What is etiquette?

In general, solo female travel through Saudi Arabia is safe and you will find locals welcoming. Calianu has always found locals keen to help.

"They go out of their way to help, even if they don't know English. There is willingness from everybody to assist," she says.

Arab hospitality is famed, and it is the norm for locals to offer gifts and address women in endearing terms like "dear" or "lovely." 

The kingdom is just opening up to tourists and for locals in smaller towns and villages, it is still somewhat of a novelty. On the other hand, cultural reforms take time, so best to mirror the etiquette of your guide, host or locals.

Do not offer a handshake with the opposite gender, until they do so first. A common way of greeting men is placing a right hand on your chest and nodding with an "Ahlan" (hello).

Shaistha Khan is a travel and culture writer who has lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly three decades and traveled extensively through the Arabian Gulf. You can follow her on Twitter: @khan_shaistha .

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

Female travel in Saudi Arabia: here’s what you need to know

A guide to independent female travel in Saudi Arabia, solo or otherwise. Includes cultural tips, advice on what to wear, things to be careful of, and more!

You probably could’ve guessed that Saudi Arabia is an… interesting place for female travelers.

Heavily segregated by gender and (in)famous for its restrictions on women’s freedoms and rights, the country is not the easiest place to be a woman, let alone travel as one!

However, times are changing. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pushing for relaxed restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia. I won’t go into politics or rationale—what matters is that some changes affect foreign female tourists, too.

Figuring out what is and is not okay as a woman traveling Saudi Arabia is tricky, especially given these rapid changes. To help you, here’s my guide to female travel in Saudi Arabia, compiled after my 3+ weeks of travel in the country.

Female travel in Saudi Arabia: a guide

• Background on women in Saudi Arabia
• Is it safe for women to travel?
• What’s it like?
• Should you travel there?
• What to wear
• Things to know
• Safety tips

Solo travel vs. traveling with men

• Harassment and other female traveler’s experiences
• Resources for female travelers

My female Couchsurfing host in Riyadh dishing out karak shay at a cafe

What’s up with women in Saudi Arabia?

Where to even begin?

Saudi Arabia used to be a more relaxed and open society, until religious hardliners came to power in the 1980s . Restricting women in the name of Islam was one of the items on their agenda. Contrary to how free women were several decades ago, these days the list of restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia is immense .

Forget fixations on clothes and hijabs, as Western media tends to do—there were (and still are) far more important restrictions on women’s lives in the Kingdom.

Women could not travel internationally, conduct business, or even receive medical treatment (among other things) without a male guardian’s written permission. Now women aged 21+ can get a passport and travel without one , but many other guardianship rules are still in place.

Women weren’t allowed to drive cars until 2018 , limiting movement and forcing many to spend exorbitantly on taxis. Even now, there aren’t enough driving schools to handle the number of female applicants. Women’s rights activists who campaigned for the right to drive are still in prison .

Separation of women and men is in every aspect of society. Women are restricted to women-only educational institutions (often of lower quality), eating only in restaurants with family seating (of which there are few), and they could get in trouble for being with men whom they are not related to until very recently.

However, things are quickly changing. Many of these legal and cultural restrictions are theoretically relaxing, though women are still being punished and shamed for minor offenses in the wake of these liberal reforms.

In five years, the country might be completely different for men and women alike. Only time will tell.

Do these rules apply to foreign women?

Rules for foreign women and local women do differ at times. For example, foreign women no longer have to wear abayas , but local women do.

In general, foreign women enjoy more freedom than their Saudi counterparts. Because the Kingdom hopes to attract more foreign tourists of a diverse nature, foreign women are likely to be given more leeway if caught… but many of the rules still apply. Tread carefully.

Is it safe for women to travel in Saudi Arabia?

I’d say so. I certainly wouldn’t consider it a dangerous place for women to travel!

Exploring the “Shuaib tombs”, likely Nabatean tombs in Al Bad’

What was it like to travel as a woman in Saudi Arabia?

I’ll be honest: I found it frustrating many a time. However, it’s certainly possible, and you’re not as restricted as Saudi women.

I didn’t have to be on guard with Saudi men. Much.

Though just as conservative in many ways, Saudi Arabia is not as intense for female travel as, say, Pakistan or Afghanistan . Men don’t stare as much, and they certainly aren’t as touchy! Nor are men as aggressively forward as men in Iran .

Young men were flirty a few times, but I put on my best bitchface and ignored.

Most men were distant, and respectful—if still distant—when I spoke with them.

I straddled the line between men and women’s worlds.  

A common occurrence for foreign women in conservative countries : you benefit from weird double standards.

I went out for one-on-one dinner and coffee with a Saudi man who wouldn’t let his own brother see his wife’s face.

A friendly local guy happily showed a foreign female friend and I around his city, even though his family was so conservative that he didn’t know what his female cousins looked like.

I drove around late at night, candidly talking about everything from sex to atheism with a man who was worried about being seen shaking my hand outside of his workplace.

Sitting and having food with men I’d just met in Wadi Disah – something that used to be illegal.

Meeting women was tough.

In my experience, women were invisible outside of big cities. Many women travel only by car, not foot, and are fully covered when they do. I had to actively seek out women to interact with via Instagram and Couchsurfing; I sure wasn’t meeting many by chance!

However, there were some spaces where I learned I could see women: shopping areas and malls, women’s sections of cafes, and sometimes parks around sunset.

Two women I got chatting with in a coffee spot in Jazan

Finding cheap restaurants to eat in was difficult.

Restaurants are usually divided into “singles” men’s sections and “family” sections… if there’s a family section at all! Most cheap restaurants are singles-only. Women are allowed to go inside to get food, but they have to get it packed for takeaway (an endeavor usually involving metric tons of unnecessary plastic and packaging).

Eating in a secluded “family” cubicle

Given I was backpacking around Saudi Arabia on a budget, this was annoying. Sometimes restaurants were flexible about this rule—segregation is now no longer required by law —but for the most part, I had to eat in more expensive family restaurants because I wanted to avoid the plastic waste of takeaway food.

Enjoying the middle of nowhere, Saudi Arabia

Should you travel in Saudi Arabia?

Travel in Saudi Arabia is relatively easy—infrastructure is good, tourists are now welcome, and you don’t have to worry much about scams or dangers.

However, I would not plan to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman unless you are prepared to encounter a strictly conservative and very patriarchal Islamic society and respect their norms. Or are only visiting Jeddah.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is not like other popular Muslim-majority countries where tourists can get away with ignoring Islamic aspects of culture, ex. Morocco or Turkey. Its citizens are not yet used to tourists. It’s important that tourists respect the country’s rules and customs in this sensitive time of change. Even if you disagree.

If you aren’t comfortable respecting the local culture, don’t visit.

Rockin’ that abaya in Marid castle in Dumat Al Jandal

What should women wear when traveling to Saudi Arabia?

Remember, culture and official rules are two different things.

Officially: You can wear whatever you want in Saudi Arabia so long as it’s modest. That means long sleeves, legs fully covered, and no excessive cleavage showing. Color doesn’t matter. Covering your head is unnecessary.

Practically speaking: If you wear anything except a black abaya and hijab you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb in most of the country.

I’d say outside of Riyadh and Jeddah, 99% of the Saudi women a tourist will see will be in full niqab : an all black robe, and headscarf (hijab) with face covered except for the eyes. If you see women at all.

Inside Riyadh and Jeddah, things will only be slightly different.

Even in the capital, Riyadh, most of the women you’ll see wear niqab.

Still quite conservative. Most women wear all black, even in fancy malls. Only in more upmarket establishments will you see uncovered faces and occasionally uncovered heads.  Black abayas recommended.

A diverse crowd makes up the most liberal city in Saudi thanks to all the religious pilgrims and seaport cultures. You’ll see more women in open, colorful abayas, plus uncovered heads and faces. Abayas of any color work here.

What did I wear?

What you choose to wear depends on how comfortable you are with stares. (… and, I’d venture to say, the color of your skin.)

While traveling around Saudi, I wore a black abaya every day, and rarely took it off in public. When I did go without abaya, men actually did get more flirty. I covered my head about half of the time… and had stuffy old men shout at me to cover up once when I didn’t .

When in remote areas with few to no people, I took the abaya off. Hell, I even went swimming in my bathing suit on a few different beaches! (After a liberal local woman told me I could.) The coast guard eventually spotted me; they were surprised, but didn’t say anything. However, I wouldn’t swim anywhere in Saudi where strangers were present unless I was fully clothed. If I swam at all.

My friend and I walking with a Couchsurfing host in Ushaiger village near Riyadh

More things to know about female travel in Saudi Arabia

Let’s clear up some misconceptions and confusion about traveling as a woman in Saudi, shall we?

Women can book hotels on their own. No need for a male guardian.

Women can be hosted by men. Couchsurfing as a woman in Saudi Arabia IS legal, if not common. Male Couchsurfers can host women. However, many might choose not to as it’s still scandalous to do so. I recommend solo women only stay with families, women, or men with hosting references from women.

Women can rent cars and drive on their own. So long as you have a Saudi license or an international driver’s permit (IDP), that is!

Women can’t really sit in men’s sections of restaurants. Restaurants are no longer required to be segregated , but that doesn’t mean everything has changed. Sometimes restaurants will be flexible—the nicer the restaurant, the more likely this is—but for the most part it’s family sections or takeaway to eat at home/hotel. To find family sections, look for family icons or opaque side doors to restaurants.

A family section sign at a restaurant

Women’s restrooms are usually hidden. Many mosques have restrooms for men and women, but the women’s stalls will be in the back.

Women  don’t  shake hands with men.  Simply say  salaam   aleikum , nod, or put your hand over your heart.

Checking out dem viewz in Wadi Disah

Safety tips for female travelers in Saudi Arabia

• If a man asks for your Snapchat, be wary. It’s basically the Saudi equivalent of asking for your private phone number.
• If a man is harassing you, take a photo of him or his car’s license plate (or pretend to). It’s possible to report men for harassment if you have evidence, and this will scare many men off.
• Be cautious with very talkative or forward men. Unless you initiated contact, it’s not normal for men to be particularly chatty with women: they’re probably flirting with you.

During my 3+ weeks in Saudi Arabia, I traveled solo, with a man, and with a small group of people. Responses to me were quite different depending on who I was with.

Watching the sun rise over mountains near Najran

Solo female travel in Saudi Arabia

People were mostly amazed that I was doing things alone as a woman… as they are in most parts of the world! I got a lot of curious stares when walking around alone—especially when wearing full hijab—and twice as many looks when driving around alone.

Most men I met gave me as wide a berth as possible. Conversations were short; many were clearly uncomfortable speaking with me. I received no invitations for tea, conversation, or anything along those lines. There were a few instances of verbal harassment, men catcalling, etc., but nothing serious by my standards.

Women, when I did see them, were predictably more forward and curious when I was alone. However, outside of major cities I didn’t meet—or even see—many women.

It is possible to Couchsurf as a solo female traveler with male hosts. As always you should use your discretion with male hosts.

Camping out in Wadi Disah

Traveling with a man in Saudi Arabia

Would you believe that this was actually more frustrating, if easier?

When traveling with a man, I essentially stopped existing. Men would not make eye contact with me. They’d only talk to the man. When I spoke to men, they would respond to the man. They were shocked when they saw I was driving a man around. When I paid in cash, change was returned to the man.

On the bright side, we didn’t encounter any issues traveling together despite being unmarried. Sharing hotel rooms wasn’t an issue. Occasionally we said we were married to make things easier, but even when we admitted we’re friends we didn’t get much more than surprised (or judgmental) looks.

Which did I prefer?

Personally, as a stubborn headstrong woman, I preferred traveling alone. I hate not existing.

However, if you’re looking for an easy travel experience and as much welcome as possible, traveling with a man in Saudi Arabia makes things 10000x easier and more straightforward.

Checking out a camel market outside Riyadh

Harassment in Saudi Arabia and other female travelers’ experiences

I didn’t experience much harassment in Saudi Arabia. Men whistled and catcalled several times. Two men outside of Riyadh filmed me when driving by. Boys were flirty and tried to snap selfies with me at one point. But, generally speaking, men were usually too distant to do more than offer suggestive comments or stares.

However, every traveler’s experience is different. Here are stories I heard from other women to better prepare you for what could happen. Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with anything of the sort!

• A female traveler from Canada encountered a man masturbating to her in one of the Wadis in the south.
• A solo female traveler from Switzerland had a man proposition her for sex using pornographic imagery on his phone after he asked her to stay in a restaurant that was closed for prayer time.
• A solo traveler from China was assaulted by an Indian taxi driver in the south. He invited her into his home to “use the washroom” after other passengers were dropped off, and was forceful inside.

I share these stories not to scare you off, but to show that despite gender segregation, harassment is still a very real possibility.

Remember, men in Saudi Arabia are not used to women traveling alone or otherwise. They may interpret your foreign openness as a sign that you’re available. If anything happens, be firm. Make a scene. Don’t hesitate to be rude or run away. Or kick them in the balls.

Phone time in the women’s section of Specialty Coffee

Resources for female travel in Saudi Arabia

• Nada al Nahdi – a Yemeni/Indonesian female traveler and blogger who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia
• Esraa Rayes – Saudi woman and Instagrammer who quit her job to travel
• Blue Abaya – Travel blog of a Finnish woman married to a Saudi and living in the country for years
• Qairawan – Travel company run by Esraa and Nada offering women-friendly, affordable trips all over the country
• Couchsurfing – The best way to meet other travelers and locals in Saudi Arabia
• Girls LOVE Travel – A women-only travel Facebook group, some members live/work in Saudi Arabia

More posts on Saudi Arabia

• What it was like to travel in Saudi Arabia
• A road map to road tripping Saudi Arabia
• How much it costs to travel in Saudi Arabia
• A detailed one-month itinerary for Saudi Arabia

Helpful? Pin it!

Alex Reynolds

19 thoughts on “ female travel in saudi arabia: here’s what you need to know ”.

Yes. That’s totally normal.

Thank you for this wonderful review. I’m a Saudi world traveler as well and I was astonished by the accuracy of your guide. Especially the cultural and traditional details that are common knowledge between Saudis only and most foreigners don’t know about. One thing I wanted to clarify is that abayas are no longer required even for locals. The Crown Prince have even said that women don’t need to wear abayas. I’m from Jeddah, and I see more and more women are letting loose to walk abaya-free with casual jeans and T-shirt. Speaking of the harassments you received, which includes the verbal harassments, it’s very easy to report them in Saudi Arabia. All you need is an application called كلنا أمن (Kollona Amn) which is a responsive app that enables all citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia to play the role of a police officer, the user interface is similar to that of Uber but for police services, and with a simple click you can report the incident.

Here is the link for the app in the appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/%D9%83%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%86/id1085635249

For the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sa.gov.moi.securityinform&hl=en_US&gl=US

Overall, it’s a very safe country, but I thought it would be useful for all travelers, especially female travelers, to know before visiting the country. I hope you can mention that in your article.

Great information, Alex. I’ve only briefly visited for a couple of weeks during the winter holiday in Dec 2019. I’m being recruited to work there long term and due to the nature of the job, I expect to travel for work but will also do family travel since we are all planning the big move. I’ll check out your links previously mentioned… what a treasure trove of information!

As a single American woman in my home country who is provided taxi service by a Saudi Arabian owned and staffed company, I am often taken aback by drivers’ comments and questions. Thanks for the insights.

So – you have some factually incorrect info you might want to clear up – #1 being that even local women do not have to wear abayas – they can wear whatever they want as long as it’s respectful (cover knees and shoulders) and a lot of women do make that choice. Also – in general, men aren’t “surprised” to see women doing things on their own now. Things have changed in the last years and it has become normalized for women to be more independent. I feel like bits of this article were frankly sexist and come from a place of prejudice and islamaphobia that is so ingrained in most of us Westerners. LOL at saying tHiS iS WhAt CoUlD hApPEn – in any country on earth bad things COULD happen – really seems like a bit of unnecessary fear-mongering unless you talk about horrific one off events that happen in every country’s blog post? Do you mention in your USA guide that you CoUlD mAyBe PoSsiBlY get shot up in the grocery store?! A place like Saudi is way safer than most Western countries due to their strict laws and when visiting the country women don’t need to constantly be in fear of men. Also, sorry but “Kick them in the balls”?? A bit childish, no??

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Specialty tours & events, a guide to female solo travel in saudi arabia.

by Aoife O’Riordan

© Saudi Tourism Authority

Traveling alone as a woman can be daunting no matter where in the world. Keeping certain tips and information in mind at all times is essential, but it shouldn’t detract from you having a good time. Saudi Arabia might not come to mind as one of the first countries safe for female travelers, but the country continues to rise in popularity for solo travel among women.

In fact, Saudi Arabia ranked as the safest country to visit among G20 nations and, with women front and center in Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation and Vision 2030 , it’s never been a better time to go.

Saudi Arabia has ranked as the safest among G20 nations according to international indicators for the third time in a row. The historic and holy city of Medina was awarded the highest safety rating for female solo travel worldwide by InsureMyTrip.

The country continues to grow as a wellness capital thanks to bespoke wellness experiences year-round. Whether it’s relaxing by the Red Sea, taking in the lush mountains in Aseer, traversing Riyadh’s rolling desert dunes or embarking in some outdoor activities in AlUla, female travelers have no shortage of fun experiences awaiting them. In October, AlUla hosts a Wellness Festival .

Hospitality

Hospitality, or hafawah, is one of the highest values to the Saudis. Synonymous with being generous, welcoming and caring, these values extend to hotels, restaurants and other tourist-related experiences.

Cultural Transformation

Female empowerment drives the country’s cultural transformation. Women make up 45 percent of the Saudi tourism workforce, with Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud serving as Vice Minister of Tourism. Saudi Arabia’s holiday rental platform Gathern was founded by a Saudi female, and the country has a vibrant arts scene led by inspiring female artists. Through May 24, Riyadh’s Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale returns to JAX District with female Saudi artists like Safeya Binzagr and Dana Awartani participating in the exciting event.

Undiscovered Destination

With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and a rich heritage and culture, solo female travelers can spend days exploring both past and present. Destinations like Jeddah , AlUla and the all-new Red Sea project are just some of the spots waiting to be explored. The Red Sea project recently opened to guests with the launch of several top-notch hotels like Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort .

Destinations

Middle east, saudi arabia.

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I'm a female traveler who spent 3 weeks backpacking around Saudi Arabia — and discovered it's not for the casual vacationer. Here's where I went and what I experienced.

• Alex Reynolds has been traveling the world full time for the past four years.
• In November, she took a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, prompted by the newly available tourist visa and the relaxed restrictions on solo female travelers.
• Reynolds went everywhere, from the capital of Riyadh to the lesser populated Tabuk region neighboring Jordan, and experienced firsthand the country's evolving culture.
• While Reynolds said she would love to return, she advised that more casual travelers may find certain social norms difficult to adapt to.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

For me, a solo, female, non-Muslim traveler allergic to guided tours, Saudi Arabia was a non-option for years.

In recent decades, non-Muslims could enter only on business or transit visas. Muslim pilgrims could transit only through major cities to Mecca and Medina. Women had to be accompanied by male guardians.

Then everything changed in 2019.

Years-old rumors of tourist e-visas became reality for 49 nationalities . Traveling women no longer needed male guardians, and women could drive cars as of 2018. Suddenly, the idea of women traveling in Saudi Arabia went from laughable to very, very plausible. My time had come.

I was on the e-visa portal in a hot second and received my e-visa via WhatsApp 15 minutes later. No exaggeration.

In November, I began my three-week journey, both solo and with friends, through Saudi Arabia. Here's what it was actually like.

Why did I want to travel to Saudi Arabia in the first place, and was it ethical?

I'm a 20-something American solo traveler and blogger passionate about traveling to countries most tourists overlook. Too many people form opinions about countries and their citizens based on exaggerated news; I prefer to come to my own conclusions.

You could accuse me of supporting the Saudi government's human-rights violations , religious extremism , and restricted freedoms  by traveling to the country. I disagree.

There are ways to support people over governments. I traveled independently (not on a government-sponsored trip, like many others ), stayed with locals and at local hotels, and spent my money at small businesses. Governments and people are separate entities — especially in a totalitarian monarchy like Saudi Arabia — and I don't believe in holding an entire population accountable for the acts of a corrupt few.

Whether or not you agree, here's a glimpse of what I saw.

My journey began in Riyadh, the capital, which felt lifeless and artificial.

Riyadh felt Floridian: wide boulevards with shiny skyscrapers and palm trees, malls and luxury shopping as primary entertainment, development concerned more with image than substance. Think historical ruins being demolished to be replaced by chic cafes with faux-historic feels.

The major difference is that in Florida you see people outside walking, cycling, and running. Riyadh is not for pedestrians — cars only. As I racked up Uber bills, I noted that streets were often devoid of life.

Riyadh was the perfect introduction to Saudi Arabia now: rapid change, and a lot of confusion.

In recent years, the Saudi government made many liberal changes to the law of the land. Public concerts and cinemas became legal. Unrelated men and women can now mix in public. Rules about abayas, the long (and traditionally black) robe previously required by law, were relaxed. Female tourists don't have to wear abayas, and Saudi women can, in theory, wear colored and/or open abayas so long as they're dressed modestly underneath.

In practice, the changes were less clear. An example: Several festivals — including Riyadh Season and MDL Beast Fest — took place while I was in Saudi Arabia. They clearly were intended to present the country as liberal and tolerant to the international community. There were events and concerts all over Riyadh, including shows with Western women performing in form-fitting clothes and parties with well-known international influencers dancing seductively.

But at Riyadh Season, a young Saudi woman in a headscarf and face veil who was dancing was arrested . At MDL Beast Fest, dozens of local men and women were arrested, accused of wearing indecent clothing .

Outside of Riyadh was a different world.

Though Riyadh felt bland and confused, the area around Riyadh was far more interesting — if less polished.

The first time I drove out of the city with a CouchSurfing host — a traveler I met on the platform connecting travelers with locals who can host them in their home or show them around — and some friends, my eyes were glued to the window. Skyscrapers gave way to sand dunes. Small towns and abandoned mud villages replaced apartment complexes.

Some of the villages, such as Ushaiger and Shaqra, are being restored as "heritage villages" for tourists. Even there, it was common to see buildings consumed by time next to manicured mud facades.

It felt less contrived, more honest. This side of Saudi Arabia was more up my alley.

I rented a car with a friend and headed south from Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia is vast — road tripping is the best way to travel the country.

Driving in Saudi Arabia was relaxed at times, terrifying at others. Main roads were immaculate, perfect for cruising. But several Saudis drove at concerningly high speeds, with a healthy dose of drastic, last-minute maneuvers. (They also didn't seem to enjoy being overtaken by a woman — I was regularly playing leapfrog with fellow drivers.) Signs of car crashes were everywhere, and even the fanciest cars on the road were covered in dents and scratches.

I expected sand dunes for days, but I found quite the opposite.

Many of us associate Saudi Arabia with sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Though those do exist in Saudi Arabia, there's far more diversity to the desert. From sudden bursts of green palm trees among desert sands to rocky Martian mountain ranges, the scenery in Saudi was far less mind-numbing than I expected.

I threw all my expectations out the window when I reached the mountains of Jazan province.

Would you expect to see misty green mountains blanketed in clouds in Saudi Arabia? Yeah, me neither.

The Sarawat Mountains cut through several provinces along Saudi's Red Sea coast. Steep switchbacks took us through villages scattered across mountaintops and around terraced hills of coffee, vegetables, and khat, a plant chewed by men in the region. Despite the stimulant's illegal status, officials choose to overlook khat cultivation and consumption; it's too ingrained in the local social culture.

The one thing I didn't see much of? Women.

In most of Saudi Arabia — but particularly in the southern Jazan province — I rarely saw women outside. When I did, they were fully covered in hijabs and niqabs (face veils).

The lack of women in public made things difficult for me. Men and women are highly segregated in Saudi Arabia. Local men didn't want to speak to me (and often ignored me completely when I spoke to them, especially when I traveled with white friends). I wanted to meet women, but I didn't know where!

My luck didn't improve. During more than three weeks in Saudi Arabia, I spoke with women a total of five times.

Traveling as a woman did require extra effort.

Restaurants were one challenge. Most restaurants in Saudi Arabia are divided by gender or for men only. Family sections in restaurants are usually divided into cubicles with walls or curtains to hide women from view. Cheap restaurants are usually only for "singles" — men.

I often had to look hard to find places where I could sit and eat. If I couldn't find anything, I'd ask to sit in the men's area. Sometimes people said yes; mostly they said no.

Clothes were another concern. Though foreign women are no longer required to wear an abaya (robe) by law, I was uncomfortable not wearing one. Outside of Jeddah and diplomatic areas of Riyadh, I did not see any women without abayas. Most women also wore hijabs and niqabs. In villages and towns, despite wearing a hijab, I still stood out because I didn't fully cover my face.

As I moved north, Instagram guided me to historic Rijal Alma. Though it was pretty, it fell flat.

The soon-to-be Unesco-listed stone fortresses of Rijal Alma were once home to wealthy traders and fearsome fighters — but they felt more like an Instagrammable backdrop than a historic site. Visitors can enter only one or two of the buildings to see very modest museums. Most buildings are empty.

That's not to say the site isn't significant. Local villagers were commendably proactive about preserving the heritage of the area. People pooled family heirlooms for the museums and made efforts to restore the buildings. The government noticed and has since taken over.

Now the site embodies what I saw in many tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia: overdevelopment, a loss of atmosphere to Disney-fied luxury, and not much consideration of anything in the surrounding area.

Jeddah, the biggest city on the west coast, was another story. As Saudis say, "Jeddah ghair" — Jeddah is different.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's most liberal city, is a major seaport and gate to the holy city of Mecca, so people from all over the world have passed through Jeddah for centuries.

Unlike in other places in the country, in Jeddah I saw plenty of people enjoying themselves outside. Young men and women mixing together. Families picnicking and playing on the corniche boardwalk. Women in colorful and/or open abayas riding bicycles along pedestrian walkways.

Jeddah was different, and I liked it.

Jeddah's old city, Al Balad, had some of the most beautiful architecture in the country.

Tall mud and coral merchant houses loom over alley mazes in the Unesco-listed old city . Some of the "Roshan towers" are in dangerous states of disrepair — many have collapsed from neglect in recent years — but slowly they're being repaired.

Whereas restoration efforts felt contrived in other parts of the country, in Jeddah the splendor of restored houses added to the atmosphere. It helped that the old city streets are abuzz at all times, with chatting shop owners, roaming street vendors, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and souqs catering to international pilgrims passing through.

There are miles of white coastlines with crystal-clear water and living corals around Jeddah. But no one swims.

Though diving is somewhat popular in Saudi Arabia, most beaches are neglected. Rules about modest dress are one deterrent, and concerns about the immodesty of swimming are another. People come to the beach to picnic, and that's about it.

Drive a bit, and it's possible to have an entire beach to yourself (well, yourself and the coast guards). Local women told me you could even get away with wearing swimwear when no one is around. Not that I'd ever test that myself. Cough cough.

Beaches weren't the only empty places in the country.

Saudi Arabia felt eerily apocalyptic at times. Sprawling parks and playgrounds were devoid of playing children. Streets were empty of people, despite the cars and houses. Abandoned villages were everywhere, as though there used to be a thriving society and then everyone simply ... vanished.

Saudi Arabia's most famous historic site was ... closed?!

Despite being by far the best-known and -promoted tourist attractions in the country, the Nabatean tombs at Madain Saleh and the Al Ula area were closed to tourists so they could be "prepared for tourism." (Ironic, eh?)

The tombs are not open to the public until October. Only those with tickets to a luxury festival were allowed access to the tombs — just one of many instances showing Saudi Arabia's desire to attract luxury tourists, not budget tourists like myself.

But I found an alternative in the northern Tabuk region: the Nabatean tombs at Madyan.

In an oasis town called Al Bad — believed to be where Moses lived after fleeing Egypt — this small collection of Nabatean tombs is known by few and free to enter. Far more ideal than paying for a flashy luxury festival (in this backpacker's opinion).

The entire Tabuk region was a treat, really.

Remote in every sense, the Tabuk region bordering Jordan was my favorite in all of Saudi Arabia. Surreal rock formations blossomed from otherwise empty desert sands, craggy mountains pushed right up against turquoise Red Sea waters, and roads were devoid of cars and speed cameras. Very important.

Wadi Al Disah is the crown jewel of Tabuk. A trickling stream runs between towering pillars of red stone, nourishing tall grasses, and leafy palms. Visitors can camp anywhere and everywhere in the valley. Wadi Al Disah stretches for miles, ending at a historic village with yet more Nabatean ruins, aptly named Al Disah.

On the long drive back to Riyadh, coffee stops were a must. Some were more atmospheric than others.

While my friend and I were stopping in Jubbah to see some ancient petroglyphs, a man sitting in a courtyard saw us driving past. Noticing my friend's fair hair, he shouted hello and insisted we stop by.

Turned out he was the owner of a traditional coffee house where men (and me?) could sit and chat over Arabic coffee, tea, dates, and fresh fruits. His father started the business several decades ago, and he took up the responsibility after his father passed away. It's no mean feat — the place is open 24/7!

I wanted to do something epic on my last day in Saudi Arabia. What's more epic than the Edge of the World?

No, I'm no flat-earther, but I did visit the Edge of the World, a dramatic line of cliffs two hours from Riyadh. And not an easy two hours — half of the journey is wretched off-road track.

I went with a local male couch-surfer to watch the sunset and camp out, Saudi style. Years ago it would've been illegal for us to do so — unless we got married first — but these days it's allowed.

Or is it? Though unmarried men and women can mingle, my friend still had to be secretive. His conservative family would be furious if they knew he'd spent the evening alone with a girl in the middle of nowhere!

Overall, I enjoyed my time in Saudi Arabia. But I'm not so sure about it as a tourist destination right now.

Saudi Arabia is full of confusing contradictions and tricky restrictions. I would love to return, but that doesn't mean I'd recommend it to everyone.

Tourists have to be careful in all kinds of ways. Playing music during the call to prayer is a $250-plus offense . Speaking critically of the royal family or their ideas is dangerous . Atheism is considered an extremist idea .

Though I doubt any foreign tourist would be executed for non-religion during this tourism push — fair-skinned foreigners from developed countries enjoy a privileged position in Saudi Arabia — these rules are representative of the intensely restrictive nature of the country.

Combine the conservatism with the many tourist sights that are either poorly overdeveloped or under-maintained, a serious plastic-waste problem in natural places, and landscapes that, though beautiful, can be found in more tourist-friendly neighboring countries, and you can see why I'd hesitate to recommend Saudi Arabia to the casual holidaygoer.

However, if you're interested in visiting a country few tourists have been to, or want to learn firsthand some of the nuances of the unique and complex Saudi culture, I think you'll find what you're looking for.

Alex Reynolds is a solo backpacker who documents her travels and shares her experiences from around the world. Connect with her on her blog and on Instagram .

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Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman

Saudi Arabia remained closed to most tourism for years. In the past, the only way of traveling to Saudi Arabia was by a special business visa or by family invitation.

In 2019 Saudi Arabia finally opened for tourism and visiting KSA couldn’t be easier. The process is easy and everyone is extremely welcoming. Plus, the country has a lot of natural beauty that rivals Iran’s when it comes to tourism.

Visiting Saudi Arabia was surely an eye-opening experience, mostly because most things you hear about KSA are that people are unfriendly and there’s nothing to do there.

Believe me when I tell you that whoever says there’s nothing to do in Saudi Arabia is simply ignorant because not many other countries have such diverse landscapes and amazing hospitality.

I even met a few businessmen in Saudi and none of them could grasp the fact that I was visiting as a tourist. In their mind there was nothing to do in Saudi, but when I started to ask them questions about what they’d seen I discovered all they did on their numerous visits was come to Riyadh, get picked up by a driver, stay at a hotel, go to another business building and sometimes go for dinner.

They didn’t even bother to go to the observation deck, take a day trip, or even take a stroll around the old town of Riyadh or Jeddah. They saw basically nothing.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman in 2022

Recent Changes in Saudi Arabia

I specifically pointed out when I wrote this paragraph as things have changed quite significantly and most blog posts and opinions online are outdated.

Many people might not think that visiting Saudi Arabia would be for them due to the things they heard. The most common question I received before and during my visit was how was I even allowed to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone as a woman.

Let me explain. Even a year ago things have been slightly different in Saudi then they are now. Strict Islamic laws have been softened. Segregation isn’t a major issue anymore and as you probably heard – women can drive now.

Not so long ago women and men had to use separate entrances and weren’t allowed to hang out or dine together. Even standing in line together in a food court.

This is no longer the case in most places, which made things easier for work events, mothers with older sons and simply friends.

What surprised me, however, is that many women told me that they still prefer to go to places exclusively for women, so they can relax and remove their headscarves.

While women are not legally obliged to wear an abaya and hijab anymore, they wear them for religious reasons. The fact that it’s not compulsory by law anymore isn’t changing anything for many of them.

It isn’t like in Iran where most women dislike wearing headscarves and lonely fit overcoats. In Iran women wear them on the very edge of the head and the minute they can they remove it all and underneath there’s a tight and short dress. This doesn’t happen in Saudi.

Many women chose to wear nib which covers the whole face without the eyes. It’s not sexist and against their rights as many Westerners tend to say. If you talk to many Saudi women you’ll understand that most don’t feel restricted – it gives them a sense of privacy.

You’ll naturally find some liberal Saudis who will willingly wander around in jeans, but it’s not a regular appearance.

Common Misconceptions:

It’s worth mentioning that women were never technically forbidden to travel around the country and abroad, they just needed permission from their guardian (father, brother, husband, uncle or any men from the family).

It was more of a cultural norm, but many families have always allowed women to travel and actually encouraged them to do so.

Is It Ethical to Travel to Saudi Arabia?

I don’t think I need to tell anyone about human rights violations happening in the country – it’s all over the news and naturally many of you asked about it straight away.

What I personally find difficult with traveling to countries like Saudi, Iran, Eritrea, or some I haven’t been to like North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, Nauru; is that many would like to boycott traveling there because of it. I highly disagree.

Simply because if we take what we see on the news and what governments do we’d be boycotting almost whole world – USA, Australia, Poland, Mexico, Ethiopia included, just to name a few.

I’m saying this from a perspective that I definitely don’t agree with the politics of my home country and my adopted country as well – what doesn’t mean that you cannot mean awesome people in both and discover the beauty of the place as a visitor.

My experience as a visitor to Saudi Arabia was obviously limited because I haven’t spent months exploring it, plus I’m aware that visitors’ experience is usually different than the life of locals.

I’m well aware that Saudi now isn’t what it used to be even a year ago, but let’s talk about now, as that’s what matters.

That said I think it’s surely worth going to Saudi Arabia. There’s so much almost untouched natural beauty of the country that you can easily spend a month there.

How to Behave in Saudi Arabia

Tourists aren’t a usual appearance in Saudi, so be prepared for questions ‘who do you work for’ or ‘how long you’ve been living in Riyadh for’.

Riyadh does have a big expat community, so while it’s no unusual to spot a foreigner, no one will assume you’re just a tourist. Including foreigners who travel to Saudi for business.

I had the privilege of spending a day with local girls and guys and learning a lot about their culture and how their lives truly look like – and let me tell you this: Saudi people are extremely welcoming and intelligent.

Most of the locals and expats whom I spoke to enjoy living in KSA and they do travel a lot and many of them lived elsewhere. In fact, I had a long chat with the girls on pros and cons of many things.

Before you travel to Saudi keep one thing in mind: Saudi Arabia is very religious and therefore most people you’ll meet will be religious. Be respectful of their religion and culture.

Solo Female Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

1000 times yes. Everywhere I went I felt extremely safe. In fact, Saudi girls I met were telling me that one of the reasons they wouldn’t want to live elsewhere was because in Saudi they can go on the street in the middle of the night and feel safe, which isn’t a norm in other spots, US included.

Many of you messaged me regarding the abaya and were stunned to see that I didn’t wear a headscarf in my photos . Wearing an abaya and headscarf isn’t compulsory by law, it’s more of a cultural thing.

The only thing asked from visitors is to dress modestly, but if you don’t want to feel out of place buy an abaya before your visit. I got mine on Amazon.

If anyone feels offended by this and dare to say that no one should tell me what to wear, think of it logically: you wouldn’t wear what you wore to Burning Man at the Vatican.

You wouldn’t wear a bikini to parade it in a European city (you’d actually get fined for it in Venice), so simply be respectful to local women. Not all of them want to remove their headscarves – I met many who wouldn’t do it for religious reasons.

You don’t have to worry about stares and catcalling in Saudi Arabia, unlike in some other Muslim countries I’ve visited. Men are very respectful and polite to women.

Extra Tips for Visiting Saudi Arabia

1) Saudia Arabia never sleeps

Saudis are definitely night owls. It’s perfectly normal to go shopping at 11 pm and parties tend to start after midnight.

It’s super safe to wander around at night, even as a woman, and that’s not just my opinion but what was I told by local women.

2) There’s Prayer Time a few times a day

When planning your time exploring keep in mind that things will suddenly close for prayer. Shops and restaurants included.

In Riyadh, most malls are opened at 9 am-12 pm and 4 pm-11 pm, but when I went around 5 pm most shops were closed. They opened about half an hour later after the prayer time ended.

3) Saudi is a Muslim country, so rules apply

Naturally, as it’s a religious Muslim country drinking alcohol is forbidden. Drugs are a death sentence, so don’t try to do anything stupid.

PDA is also not allowed, similar to Dubai, Qatar, Iran and many other places.

4) Weekend is Friday and Saturday

Remember that just like in any other Muslim country, Friday and Saturdays are weekends. Everything is usually closed on Fridays.

How to Get a Visa to Saudi Arabia

E-visa is finally available through their official website . You can apply for a visa by filling your passport information, uploading regular (2×2) passport photos.

While you don’t need to provide your flight information apart from the port of entry, the system asks you which hotel you’ll be staying in first and when will you travel. In my case, I actually put a different hotel as I wasn’t sure where will I stay and it was never an issue.

You’re also required to pay for the visa online. E-visa to Saudi Arabia costs 440 Saudi Riyals (about $120).

You need to print this visa before boarding your flight, as both airlines and immigration officers upon arrival will ask you to present it to them.

MORE ON: How to Get an eVisa to Saudi Arabia

How to Get to Saudi Arabia

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is very easy as there are many airports around the country, all operated by major and respected airlines.

Your best bet would be getting a flight to either Riyadh (the capital) or Jeddah. I flew in with FlyDubai and left with Saudia Airlines.

While the first one was a typical budget airline, Saudia was great and affordable, so I would recommend it.

One tip: I was going to revisit Lebanon after my Saudi trip and fly back to Europe with Qatar Airlines from Beirut. As I opted against it due to the situation in Lebanon at the time, I was unable to change this flight from within Saudi as any Qatar-based websites are blocked. That said, I had to call my husband to do it for me from Europe. Just something to keep in mind.

Cost and Money in Saudi Arabia

Exchanging money and taking more cash from the ATM isn’t a problem in Saudi Arabia. All of my cards from various countries worked just fine.

Saudi Arabia isn’t as expensive as many think it might be. A standard hotel is usually $100 for a regular double room. You should expect to pay about $5 for lunch and $10 for dinner at the restaurant.

Keep in mind you’ll be using Uber and Taxis a lot because Saudi Arabia isn’t designed for pedestrians. Especially in Riyadh, you cannot just walk around anywhere apart from Embassy district.

Internet and SIM cards in Saudi Arabia

I didn’t need to purchase a SIM card for Saudi Arabia, because my T-Mobile International plan worked great. It was actually faster in Saudi Arabia than in some parts of the US, and definitely way faster than in Europe.

If you don’t have an international plan you could get Mobily SIM with 10 GB internet for about 150 SR ($40).

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia

You can travel and book hotel rooms as an unmarried couple these days. The only issue is when you’re a gay couple who wants to stay together because homosexualism is illegal in Saudi.

As a woman, don’t get too excited about a hotel pool. Pools are exclusively for men, even in most luxury hotels. While you can go see the pool, you cannot get in.

I can recommend a few places to stay, but it’s really tough to find a bad hotel to stay in Saudi Arabia.

In Riyadh, Ritz Carlton is “the” hotel to visit as it’s simply incredible inside. Even if you’re not staying there, take a look inside and come for some tea.

For those not willing to pay so much, Centro Olaya by Roatana is a good alternative. It’s a luxury hotel with a good restaurant and rooftop.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman? Or maybe you’re interested in reading my tips for visiting other places in the Middle East like Jordan , UAE or Lebanon ?

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Sunday 18th of September 2022

How long does it take to get an e-visum? Are there organized trips for sightseeing in Riyadh?

Friday 24th of June 2022

Thank you for this quite informative and reassuring article. On my first trip to Jeddah now and reading this made me feel very confident I will have a good time.

Khurram Raja

Tuesday 18th of February 2020

It means all hotel accommodation seems like luxury. Wow!

Tuesday 10th of December 2019

This is really useful! I've always been unsure about visiting countries like this but it actually looks like it could be a lot of fun now! I've definitely always wanted to visit the Middle East and would love to see places like Oman and Qatar as well :)

Interesting; I will probably go in June. I read that in conjunction with the e-visa introduction, foreign women were merely allowed to wear a looser, Persian-style hijab. But you're saying there is no hijab law for local women as well anymore? Did you see any with Persian-style or without one entirely?

Anna Karsten

Hijabs are not legally required - neither for foreign visitors, not for local women. I've never worn one. I've seen many women without one, but also women who wore a full-on burqa especially in malls. In small towns you might feel more comfortable covering your head not to stand out too much, but in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula there's really no need for it.

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Solo female travel in Saudi Arabia: Seven myths busted

Last year I was lucky enough to travel with one of our first Explore groups to Saudi Arabia. We walked barefoot on sandy deserts and stood on a precipice at the edge of the world; we came up close and personal to ancient cave-paintings that have only recently become public knowledge; we immersed ourselves in the smells and sounds of the world’s largest camel market, and we were welcomed with Arabic hospitality in every corner.  

Since my return, I’ve fielded many a question about my journey as a solo female traveller. How was I treated? What did I wear? Did I need to cover myself up in public? Times are changing quickly in Saudi Arabia, and figuring out how to travel as a solo woman seems like a minefield. To help with this, I’ve put together a myth-busting guide to the most common misconceptions about travelling in Saudi Arabia as a female. While laws for locals and tourists differ, all of these apply to travellers and many of them are now applicable to local Saudi women.

A male guardian is necessary

Women have to cover themselves

Unmarried couples cannot share a room

Mingling with single men is forbidden

It’s not safe to walk around solo

You’ll be subjected to unwanted attention

Swimming is only for men

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What it's really like to visit Saudi Arabia as a solo female traveller

"Why would you go to Saudi Arabia, as a woman on your own? Don’t you know it’s dangerous?"

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“Why would you go to Saudi Arabia, as a woman on your own? Don’t you know it’s dangerous? Are you naïve or crazy?” warn friends.

Surely there’s a difference between crazy and curious. I ventured there simply because I’d never been. I’d wanted to see for myself a country much maligned in the media and only recently open to tourists. And I’d always wondered how much might actually be viewed through those narrow eye slits in a burka.

Any anxiety soon morphed into amazement after landing in a modern airport with free Wi-Fi, no queues and courteous customs officials who only glanced at my visa, easily obtained online.

Speaking of customs, I arrived dressed in black with a headscarf. Although no longer required, I usually wore one, even if somewhat inelegantly. More stylishly dressed women spontaneously greeted: “Welcome to our country. Thank you for respecting our culture.”

Behind the veils, I peered into smiling, dark chocolate eyes that pierced right through any ethnic bias. An obvious curiosity, I saw only one other Westerner, apart from when golfing in an expat compound. Yet, there was little problem communicating. According to statistics, more than 97 per cent of Saudis speak English — but with varying degrees of fluency, I might add.

Riyadh, with its 7.5 million residents, offers free healthcare but little public transport, although a new metro is under construction. Few locals walk outside, which made it easy to whiz around footpaths on electric scooters in the newer neighbourhoods. Watch your step elsewhere — best to avoid eligibility for disability parking signs that display: “Handicapped Access — People of Determination.”

Meanwhile, billboards around the Jeddah Grand Prix circuit read: “Overtake the future.”

Motorists seemed determined to do so because white lines on 14-lane freeways appeared only decorative. It made me wonder if women, who became fighter pilots before they could drive legally, might question what they’d wished for. I opted for readily available and inexpensive Ubers and convinced one driver to let me do a lap around a parking lot — just because I now could.

“To make you welcome, dear lady,” he’d earlier fumbled on his phone for Spotify to play the Australian national anthem while changing lanes at 100 kilometres per hour.

That was the most dangerous incident during my entire visit.

I feasted on falafels and flat bread fresh from a street-side oven, a breakfast buffet at a five-star hotel or tacos at a mid-range Mexican eatery. Some restaurants, banks and other services still have segregated areas for men and women, but shopping centre food courts offer everyone an array of cuisine and global brand names.

These shopping precincts are an oasis to gather in 55-degree Celsius summer heat. December’s mid-twenties winter temperatures were as welcoming as the people. From modern malls to ancient souks; from Red Sea swims to desert hikes, I felt comfortable and was never harassed.

I met men practicing polygamy but most readily offered: “I only have one wife.”

Some quipped: “More is too expensive.”

Looking south from the 99th floor Kingdom Centre skybridge between Riyadh’s own Twin Towers, stands the old town of Diriyah with its Deera Square, also known as Judgement Square, where horrific public executions once took place. I fortunately only witnessed the kindness of strangers during a music festival that evening. In the adjacent Al Zal Souk, crowded shops sold gold, perfume, carpets, clothing, and knives.

It is wise to abstain from condoning or judging another country. Speaking of abstinence, not a drop of alcohol was consumed, but my thirst and curiosity quenched with Arab coffees and mint lime juices — as refreshing as the brief glimpse of Saudi itself.

A litre of drinkable water is no longer more expensive than a litre of oil. But without a single river in the nation and home to one of the largest oil reserves on the planet, the Kingdom indeed appears to be re-inventing itself to be modern — but not Western.

When the Saudis upset Argentina in the first round of the World Cup Football, a public holiday was declared. I predict that with a bit more focus on reliable information and customer service standards to match their impressive infrastructure, this country will kick more goals internationally as tourists discover an ancient land rich in both oil and culture.

So, was it crazy and naive, as friends suggested, to visit as a solo woman?

Let’s just say that I felt safer in Saudi than in Sydney on a Saturday night.

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Can Women Travel Alone In Saudi Arabia? Attitudes & Practicalities

Until 2019 and with the introduction of the Saudi Tourist eVisa, I never saw women traveling alone in Saudi Arabia. Today, thankfully, I still don’t see them much.  

It’s not that they are not allowed. In fact, the law permits them to do so. 

Generally, women don’t travel alone in KSA not because they can’t, but because it is not yet socially acceptable. 

Also, most women do not have the stamina nor the confidence to make long journeys without travel companions. 

This post will help you decide if it is a good idea for you as a single woman to travel alone in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the current practical issues, social attitudes, and difficulties facing females who choose to. 

It also offers some valuable advice for prospective female visitors wishing to go it alone as they travel inside the kingdom.

So, Can Women Travel Alone In Saudi Arabia? 

Today, Saudi law permits women to travel alone in Saudi Arabia. They can live or drive alone. They can take planes, trains, buses, taxis and sit alone in restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. However, outside the major cities, it is both unusual and socially unacceptable, so most still do not.

So women are free to travel alone in Saudi Arabia, but the majority choose not to. 

However, in recent years in the larger towns and cities, you will see a number of unaccompanied women walking about the Malls, shopping centers, restaurants, cafés, public areas, etc

Women In Saudi Arabia Prefer Not To Be Alone

The fact is that in social situations, nearly all women in Saudi prefer not to be alone in public. 

Most like to hang out with friends, in small groups, or with family members. 

Traditional Attitudes About Females Being Alone Persist

Clearly, Islamic and traditional family attitudes persist. People here belong to large tribes and rarely act outside the group. 

Additionally, unlike in other Muslim countries, previous generations of Saudi women were not permitted to leave the home alone for work or to attend social events. 

However, increasingly more women are learning to drive and are beginning to venture out of the home alone using private cars and taxis. 

Today, you will see single female drivers going back and forth to work. 

You see unaccompanied housewives driving children to and from school. 

You also see single women driving to the Malls, restaurants, and cafés.  

For the first time too, I have noticed groups of female friends driving about town together and a lot more women on their own in public areas than I ever witnessed in previous years. 

These days, women in Saudi are free to move around and are NO LONGER obliged to be accompanied by male family members or guardians, as was categorically the case in the past. 

In spite of these new freedoms, many Saudi females still prefer to be out with family, friends and not to go alone in public.

Females Are Allowed To Travel Alone In Saudi Arabia – So What Else Is Stopping Them?

The Social Obstacles

In Saudi Arabia, social attitudes are not yet in line with the new laws regulating women’s freedom of movement. 

Women too are concerned about both the practicalities and safety issues as they move from place to place. 

1. Women Are Hesitant About Sharing The Road With Aggressive And ill-Disciplined Male Drivers  

The standard of driving in KSA is poor. Women are new to driving and naturally, they fear for their safety. 

The new ‘ Sahr ’ traffic camera monitoring system has greatly improved the impoverished driving standards on Saudi roads, yet men continue to drive very badly. 

Their erratic, selfish driving habits have now exposed women to the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries.

For this reason, women oftentimes choose to take taxis or have the family driver chauffeur them when they want to go out. 

2. Moving Around- Women Dislike Travelling Alone With Unrelated Men

If a woman is living in a Saudi town or city and does not have her own car, she must rely on public transport. 

To move around, she can only get taxis. There are no bus services, no trams or trains.

Of course, the men who drive taxis are not relatives of their female passengers. 

In general and for safety’s sake, women and their close family members do not like them to be alone in cars with strange male taxi drivers. 

Traditional values concerning gender segregation and Islamic customs continue to prevail in spite of these newly found personal freedoms.

So, women are quite happy to use taxis, but ONLY if they are accompanied by family members or friends.

Today, there are 21 ride-sharing phone applications like Uber with many of them providing increasingly more female drivers. 

This is a safer option for women alone on the move than the risk of hailing a standard taxi cab with male drivers.

3. Traveling From City To City-Accidents Make Travelling Alone Imprudent 

If women wish to travel alone from one city to another, they can drive, fly by Saudi Airlines or take a bus provided by the Saudi national bus service SAPTCO. 

Other than planes, the most common form of ‘ city to city ’ transport is by car.

And, because of the huge distances between cities, it is not prudent for either men or women to drive alone. 

To cover the long distances cheaply and easily, people usually go in small convoys of two or more vehicles. 

In this way, the passengers take turns to share the arduous task of driving. 

Clearly, women are capable of driving alone for long distances, but are also fearful of having accidents and, like men, do not want to travel alone. 

More prudently, they’d rather share the ride with others, since many accidents occur due to over tiredness, poor roads, and driving conditions.  

4. The Saudi National Bus Service (SAPTCO) Is NOT For Unaccompanied Women

To get from city to city conveniently, people also use the Saudi national bus service SAPTCO . Riding in their new coaches is cheap (about 25-150 SR one way) and comfortable. 

You need only show your passport or Iqama and you can buy a ticket at the bus station to travel to almost any destination in the kingdom. 

However, only low-paid single men or frugal families use this bus service. Single women traveling alone usually do not.

When women do choose to use the bus service, drivers like to seat them at the front of the coaches behind the driver’s seat. 

It is a way to segregate and protect women from men unless of course, she is traveling with her husband and family. 

On long hauls, drivers stop every four hours at a gas station for a break. They usually rest for one hour. 

In the past, highway gas stations were filthy, sordid places. Restrooms were old, broken, and dirty and the restaurants offered only cheap sandwiches and boring chicken/ rice dishes. 

Stopping at gas stations was necessary, but no fun at all. 

Today, new high-end gas stations with fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, and mini-marts are fast appearing along the main highways. 

Now, with the improved facilities taking a deserved roadside rest is a far more appealing prospect. 

5. Women Travelling Alone In Saudi Arabia Don’t Meet Other Women Along The Way

Only single men use public transport in the kingdom. For this reason, it is almost impossible for female travelers to meet other women because so few women ride alone on coaches.  

In Saudi Arabia, although they can move freely in cars in the towns and cities when women travel on planes or buses they are almost always accompanied by their male family members.  

This means that if you are a female traveling alone, you will only get to meet and talk to women who are traveling with other men.  

For women to meet other women, they need to go to female hangouts such as Malls, cafés, and female-only recreation centers.  

6. In Saudi Arabia, Men Ignore Women Travelling Alone

When women travel alone about the kingdom, it is safe to say that men will not harass them. 

In fact, most men will politely ignore women who are alone or at the very least keep their conversations with them to a bare minimum.   They do this out of courtesy, and also it is an important Islamic norm. 

Segregation of boys and girls in schools, colleges, and in most workplaces means that even until today the sexes do not normally mix outside the home.  

Men are shy to speak to women and mindful that any unwanted attention might land them in trouble with Saudi authorities. 

This attitude is a hangover from the days when the religious police ( Mutawaeen ) would closely monitor interactions between men and women in public and prosecute those who socialized with non-family members in public spaces.

The liberalizing Saudi government changed all of that in 2016 when it closed down the so-called religious police or Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice ( CPVPV) for abuses of power. 

Today, no one in authority will approach men to call them out for having improper conversations with unrelated females like in the past. 

No one, even the national police, has the right anymore. 

The religious police Mutawaeen still exist but they work only to remind others to behave well and to pray on time. 

The government has stripped them of ALL of their legal powers. 

However, for 50 years the control of the Muatwaeen was so pervasive that even until today men in Saudi deliberately choose to keep their distance from women out of fear of the consequences. 

In general, men in Saudi tend to treat unrelated women very well and show them deferential courtesy in the same way they might deal with their own parents.

7. Women Are Free NOT To Wear The Saudi Cloak Abaya But Feel Out Of Place If They Do Not

Today, the law concerning proper dress states that women do not need to wear the long black cloak called the Abaya in public.

However, most women in Saudi Arabia still do. 

Women who chose not to, tend to feel very out of place, especially in regional towns and villages where just about every woman wears the traditional clock Abaya and face veil Niqaab .  

Note that today, no one will ever approach you to tell you to dress in an Abaya if you are not .  

By law, they are no longer allowed to so. 

Skimpy Or Revealing Clothes Cause Outrage 

However, if in public your clothes are overly revealing or a bit too skimpy, other women and men will speak to you to remind you that your way of dressing is inappropriate and offensive.

When visiting Saudi Arabia, I strongly advise you to come wearing loose-fitting, flowing clothes such as baggy shirts and wide dresses that completely cover your body from the neck down to your toes. 

Partial uncovering of parts of the arms, legs, chest, and other body parts is considered as nakedness or ‘ Awrah ’ in Islam.

Such nakedness is not permitted by law nor is it easily tolerated. 

For example, men wearing shorts where the two trouser legs reach above the knees thereby exposing them are no longer permitted to enter Malls and other public places. 

For women, conformity to Islamic norms concerning clothing and dress code is especially important. 

8. Women Traveling Alone In Saudi Arabia Are Very Safe But Traditional Attitudes Remain

Visitors to Saudi Arabia are very concerned about women’s safety in public. If a woman travels alone in the city or to other cities in taxis, planes or buses she will remain safe. 

There are few if any instances of pickpocketing, petty thieving, harassment, threats, intimidation, assault, violence, and rape.

Most Muslim men will never think to take advantage of the fact that a woman is alone nor use it as an invitation to molest and harm her.

However, they might well feel curious and attempt to open friendly relations with an unaccompanied woman with a view to having a romantic encounter.

I doubt though it would ever result in anything sinister.     

Women have the highest place in Islam and people understand that their treatment must always be in accordance with the highest Islamic norms.

9. Muslim or non-Muslim-The Treatment Of Lone Female Travelers Is The Same

Non-Muslim colleagues often ask me if I get preferential treatment in Saudi Arabia because I am a westerner living in Saudi and a Muslim. 

The answer is that people in Saudi Arabia respect and trust me more because I am Muslim, but treat me as they would anyone else Muslim or otherwise. 

The reality is that because I am a Muslim, people expect me to behave better and conform more readily to behavioral norms than they would expect from non-Muslims. 

For example, it would not be acceptable for me to smoke, drink alcohol, flirt with women, and treat others casually. 

However, people have much more tolerance for non-Muslims who engage in such behaviors understanding that in Western and non-Muslim societies such behaviors are perfectly normal.

10. Non-Muslim Female Travelers Can Share Hotel Rooms And Public Spaces With Non-Family Men

Many women considering a visit to Saudi Arabia have asked me whether they would be allowed to stay in hotels with unrelated men (boyfriends).   

The answer is that they can. 

A man and a woman traveling together (or in groups) in the kingdom need only show their passports and tourist/visit visas to hotel receptionists, and they can easily get rooms.

Hotel authorities may object personally to the fact that a couple appears to be unmarried, but can not use this as grounds for refusing them access to hotel accommodation or to a tourist facility.   

Unlike in the past, the law in Saudi will not tolerate this kind of discrimination of visitors. 

Acceptance of unmarried couples will become more commonplace as the new mega tourist attractions open in the next ten years and millions of tourists start arriving in the kingdom. 

However, my advice would be to err on the side of caution and not broadcast widely the fact you are unmarried and traveling with someone of the opposite sex.  

Related Questions

Can Women Below The Age Of 18 Travel Alone To Saudi Arabia On A Saudi Tourist eVisa? Yes! Women aged 18 and above can get a  Tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia. If under the age of 18, she can come must be accompanied by a guardian family member or an older person.

What Documents Do Women Need To Travel Alone In Saudi Arabia? Visitors to Saudi Arabia should have their passport, a printout of their Tourist eVisa and an address of the hotel (s) where they are staying,

As A Visiting Female How Can I Meet Other Women In Saudi Arabia?  Make friends online before you travel. Join Facebook groups, online social organizations, tourist forums, etc., and get to know women BEFORE you arrive in the kingdom. In KSA, you go to Malls, shopping centers, and social recreation centers for women. If you have foreign friends in the kingdom, they will know other women, and you meet them this way.  

What Is The Best Way To Dress For Women Traveling Alone In The Kingdom? Unless you pay for access to a private beach where you can dress in a bikini, make sure to dress conservatively. Wear very loose dresses/skirts, baggy trousers and shirts. It is better if you can wear the Saudi cloak ( Abaya ) and face veil ( Niqaab ). People will respect you more, you will gain more friends, and will fit in nicely wherever you go in the kingdom.

Are Women Travelers Safe When They Travel Alone In Saudi Arabia?  It is very safe for both men and women traveling alone in the kingdom. In fact, you will meet helpful people. Exercise caution and learn to handle any unwanted attention. On the whole, you will feel very safe and will not be in danger. 

How Should I Greet Others In Saudi Arabia?  People open with ‘ Salam Alleykum ’ (Peace be upon you) and reply with ‘ Wah Ley Kum salam ’. (And, Peace Be Upon You Too) Try it! You will delight others and make many new friends.

How Do I Book Accommodation As I Travel From Place to Place? You can use hotel booking sites such as Booking or Agoda! If you reserve a room without paying for it in advance be sure to call the hotel to tell them you are coming and make sure they have a room for you. Sometimes, hotel receptionists ignore reservations and give rooms ONLY to guests who book with prepayments. 

What Are The Main Challenges And Difficulties That Women Face Travelling Alone? 

Not speaking the Arabic language especially In small towns and villages

The oddness for others of seeing women travel alone  

Not meeting other women easily

Segregation of the sexes

Being ignored by local men

Restaurants for men only

Not wearing an Abaya & feeling out of the place

Not wearing Niqaab in regional areas so you stand out

Covering the body except at private beaches 

Men cat calling you for being uncovered

Haggling in shops and markets

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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S aida Wurie said it was her parents' lifelong dream to participate in Hajj, the religious pilgrimage that brings Muslims from around the world to Saudi Arabia each year.

They'd spent $23,000 in total for an all-inclusive travel package through a tour company registered in the state of Maryland, Wurie said, adding "They saved their whole lives for this."

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⁠She would like American diplomats to meet her and her siblings on the ground when they arrive to assist them in finding where their parents are buried and collecting their belongings since she does not know Arabic and is not familiar with the area. As of Saturday, diplomats have not committed to meeting them in person in Saudi Arabia, she said.

The U.S. State Department confirmed there had been "deaths of multiple U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia," but declined to comment on any specifics around the Wurie family.

Extreme heat has been named as a main factor behind the hundreds of deaths and injuries reported this year during the Hajj. Mecca, the holy city that is central for Hajj pilgrims, saw temperatures soar to a record-setting 125 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday.

High temperatures for this year's gathering had been expected, with the Saudi army deploying more than 1,600 personnel with medical units and 30 rapid response teams specifically for heatstroke. Another 5,000 health and first aid volunteers were also on duty.

But CNN has spoken to other Hajj pilgrims who said the preparations weren't enough, with one describing seeing fellow worshipers lose consciousness and walking past bodies covered in white cloths.

The exact death toll remains unclear and is expected to rise, as countries around the world have been independently announcing the deaths of their nationals.

Concern over improper tour groups has also grown. Egypt announced it was revoking the licenses of 16 travel agencies that organize Hajj trips on Saturday, according to the state-run news agency Ahram Online.

This isn't the first time hundreds of pilgrims have died while traveling for the Hajj, which this year attracted more than 1.8 million people. In 2015 more than 700 people were killed during a stampede in the Saudi Arabian city of Mina, just outside of Mecca. In 2006, 363 people were killed during a stampede at the site where pilgrims gathered to participate in the 'stoning of the devil' ritual in Mina. Last year, more than 200 people died.

READ MORE: 'They saved their whole lives for this': American woman's heartbreak as parents die on Hajj

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More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)

FILE - Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. More than 1,000 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

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CAIRO (AP) — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca .

Speaking with the state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims.

He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorized pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists, said most of the dead were reported at the Emergency Complex in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Saudi authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot. Unlike authorized pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement Saturday, Egypt’s government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don’t allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation.

According to the state-owned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

The AP could not independently confirm the causes of death, but some countries like Jordan and Tunisia blamed the soaring heat. AP journalists saw pilgrims fainting from the scorching heat, especially on the second and third days of the Hajj. Some vomited and collapsed.

Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. The pilgrimage’s history has also seen deadly stampedes and epidemics.

But this year’s tally was unusually high, suggesting exceptional circumstances.

In 2015 a stampede in Mina killed over 2,400 pilgrims , the deadliest incident ever to strike the pilgrimage, according to an AP count. Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. A separate crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque earlier the same year killed 111.

The second-deadliest incident at the Hajj was a 1990 stampede that killed 1,426 people.

During this year’s Hajj period, daily high temperatures ranged between 46 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) and 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Some people fainted while trying to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil .

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, and around 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes it difficult to ensure their safety.

Climate change could make the risk even greater. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052, and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj comes around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and for several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures

CAIRO (AP) — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Speaking with the state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims.

He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorized pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists, said most of the dead were reported at the Emergency Complex in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Saudi authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot. Unlike authorized pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement Saturday, Egypt’s government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don’t allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation.

According to the state-owned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

The AP could not independently confirm the causes of death, but some countries like Jordan and Tunisia blamed the soaring heat. AP journalists saw pilgrims fainting from the scorching heat, especially on the second and third days of the Hajj. Some vomited and collapsed.

Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. The pilgrimage’s history has also seen deadly stampedes and epidemics.

But this year’s tally was unusually high, suggesting exceptional circumstances.

In 2015 a stampede in Mina killed over 2,400 pilgrims, the deadliest incident ever to strike the pilgrimage, according to an AP count. Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. A separate crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque earlier the same year killed 111.

The second-deadliest incident at the Hajj was a 1990 stampede that killed 1,426 people.

During this year’s Hajj period, daily high temperatures ranged between 46 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) and 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Some people fainted while trying to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, and around 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes it difficult to ensure their safety.

Climate change could make the risk even greater. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052, and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj comes around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and for several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Solo Female Travel in Medina

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Is Medina good for solo travel?

Safety: Safe

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Is medina worth visiting, explore saudi arabia.

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