Preferred Destination Saudi

Saudi is the largest country in the Middle East, and fourth most populous in the MENA region with its 2020 population estimated at approximately 35 million people.

80 % of Saudis live in ten major urban centers – Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Medina, Hofuf, Taif, Khobar, Yanbu, Dhahran, Dammam. The country is also home to a large community of expatriate residents, including those from Western markets, India and Asia who live in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu and Dhahran.

Saudi is divided into 13 administrative regions, or provinces, each characterised by their own unique traditions and cultures. Saudi is home to the Makkah Region, Riyadh Region, Eastern Province, Asir Region, Jizan Region, Medina Region, Qasim Region, Tabuk Region, Hail Region, Najran Region, Al Jouf Region, Al Baha Region, and the Northern Borders Region.

Islam is the state religion in Saudi and the country is home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Makkah and Medina. Each year, the country attracts millions of Muslims who perform the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the cities of Makkah and Medina.

In September 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to leisure tourists from around the world. This historic milestone is a key step in the implementation of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification program, aiming to connect Saudi to the world, build bridges between cultures and create prosperity for the future.