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Saudi Vision 2030 Destinations You Can Visit Now

Saudi tourism under Vision 2030: AlUla, Diriyah, the Red Sea, Jeddah Al-Balad, Asir, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, plus the eVisa and the best time to visit.

By Fatimah Majed7 min read

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is developing tourism as a national sector, and many of its headline destinations are already open to visitors. Today you can tour the Nabataean tombs of Hegra in AlUla, walk At-Turaif in Diriyah, stay at resorts on the Red Sea coast, explore historic Jeddah, escape to the Asir highlands, and visit Riyadh and the Al-Ahsa oasis. International visitors from eligible countries apply for an eVisa online, and the cooler months are the most comfortable time for outdoor sightseeing.

What Vision 2030 says about tourism

Vision 2030 lists "enable the development of the tourism sector" among the objectives of its thriving economy pillar. Its Quality of Life Program, launched in 2018 and chaired by the Minister of Tourism, works to grow culture, entertainment, sports and tourism across the Kingdom.

The official Vision 2030 website reports two milestones worth knowing:

  • the number of Saudi sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List rose from 4 in 2016 to 8 in 2024;
  • the Kingdom recorded more than 100 million visits in 2023.

Tourism businesses, including travel agencies, are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. For you as a traveller, the result is simple: more places to visit, better access and a growing choice of hotels and experiences.

AlUla and Hegra

Hegra, also known as al-Hijr or Mada'in Salih, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 as Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage site. UNESCO describes it as the largest conserved site of the Nabataean civilisation south of Petra, with 111 monumental tombs, 94 of them decorated.

According to Experience AlUla, the official guide from the Royal Commission for AlUla, the best way to see Hegra is on an organised tour by coach or private 4x4. Tours run in limited numbers each day, so pre-booking is strongly recommended; tickets at the visitor centre depend on availability, and visitors must keep to the marked paths. Beyond Hegra, AlUla's Old Town and its desert landscapes deserve at least another day.

Diriyah and At-Turaif

At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, on the north-western edge of Riyadh, joined the World Heritage List in 2010. UNESCO describes it as the first capital of the Saudi dynasty, founded in the 15th century and a showcase of Najdi mud-brick architecture.

The official Diriyah website states that At-Turaif welcomes visitors every day, offers guided walking tours, and asks you to buy your access pass only through its official websites. Next to it, Bujairi Terrace offers restaurants and cafes, which makes an evening visit easy to combine with a day in Riyadh.

The Red Sea: what is open

Red Sea Global, the developer, says the destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 with Six Senses Southern Dunes. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, followed in 2024, then Shebara and Desert Rock later that year. In 2025, Shura Island opened with its first three resorts and the Shura Links golf course.

Visitors fly into Red Sea International Airport, which Red Sea Global says receives regular domestic and international flights. The developer adds that more resorts and experiences will continue to open through 2026 and beyond, so check what is operating on your dates before you plan around a specific property.

Jeddah Al-Balad

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2014. From the 7th century it was a major Red Sea port and the gateway for pilgrims arriving by sea, and its tower houses combine coral-stone building traditions with influences from along the trade routes. Vision 2030 notes that the district holds more than 600 historic buildings alongside its traditional markets. Explore it on foot in the late afternoon and evening, when the lanes are cooler and the markets are busy.

Abha and Asir

Visit Saudi, the official tourism website, describes Aseer through Abha's cool peaks, heritage villages and green valleys. The Soudah Development, launched in 2021 according to Vision 2030, aims to protect the natural terrain of Soudah and the nearby heritage village of Rijal Almaa while building a destination with year-round appeal. A practical tip: mountain roads and weather take time, so allow more than one day here.

Riyadh

The capital is the easiest starting point for many visitors. Visit Saudi presents Riyadh as a city where heritage meets modern attractions and a busy calendar of events. Pair it with an evening in Diriyah and a day for museums and markets, and you have a well-balanced short break.

The Eastern Province and Al-Ahsa

Close to our home in Al Jubail, the Al-Ahsa Oasis was added to the World Heritage List in 2018. UNESCO describes it as a cultural landscape of gardens, canals, springs, wells, historic buildings and archaeological sites, and, with its 2.5 million date palms, the largest oasis in the world. It works well as a day or weekend trip for families already living in the Eastern Province.

How international visitors get in

This is not a full visa guide, but the starting point is the official Saudi eVisa portal on Visit Saudi. At the time of writing (October 2026), the portal says citizens of 68 eligible countries can apply online in three steps: fill in the application, pay the fee and receive the visa electronically. It describes a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism-related activities, including events, visiting family and Umrah outside Hajj, but not study. If your country is not listed, the portal advises contacting the nearest Saudi embassy. Saudi citizens and residents can, of course, explore all of these destinations without a visa.

When to visit

  • Heritage sites and the desert (AlUla, Diriyah, Al-Ahsa): the cooler months, roughly October to March, are the most comfortable. Experience AlUla describes mild winter days with brisk evenings and comfortable autumn temperatures.
  • Summer: plan outdoor time for early mornings and evenings; Experience AlUla notes that summer mornings and evenings are pleasant there.
  • Asir: its higher altitude makes it a natural choice when the rest of the Kingdom is hot.
  • Holidays and weekends: book hotels and tours early, as domestic demand rises sharply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Hegra on my own?

Experience AlUla says the best way to explore Hegra is on an organised tour, and that visitors must stay on the designated paths. Because tours are limited each day, book ahead.

Is the Red Sea destination open to visitors?

Yes. Red Sea Global says it has welcomed guests since 2023, with further resorts opening in 2024 and 2025. More are planned, so confirm the specific resort before you book.

Do international visitors need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Most do. Citizens of eligible countries can apply for the tourist eVisa online through Visit Saudi; others should contact the nearest Saudi embassy.

Which destinations combine well in one trip?

Riyadh and Diriyah fit naturally together, Jeddah pairs well with a Red Sea stay, and the Eastern Province combines easily with Al-Ahsa. AlUla usually deserves its own two or three days.

How Mosook can help

Mosook Travel & Tourism is headquartered in Al Jubail, with offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, and is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. We can put together a trip that links these destinations with flights, hotels, transfers and tours. See our leisure holidays, browse current offers, or share your plans through Craft Your Package.

Sources

TagsSaudi tourismVision 2030AlUlaDiriyahRed SeaUNESCO
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About the author

Fatimah Majed

Fatimah Majed is a traveller with a keen interest in Saudi Arabia's new destinations and in how people travel for work. For the Mosook blog she writes clear, well-sourced guides on visas, corporate travel and exploring the Kingdom.

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