Traveling solo is an exhilarating adventure, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace, try new things, while creating (and capturing) unforgettable memories. For solo female travelers, a rapidly growing segment, Saudi—the heart of Arabia—beckons with wonder at every turn.
Ranked as one of the best places to travel alone as a woman*, Saudi is not only a secure destination but also one brimming with awe-inspiring sights and exciting activities. Whether you’re eager to immerse yourself in history, dive into pristine waters, or explore lively markets, Saudi has something for everyone. What does one bring to a place like Saudi as a woman? Climate appropriate clothing, a camera to capture the moments that will imprint in your mind for an age, and above all, a sense of discovery.
Now is the time to start your solo adventure, follow in the footsteps of a heroine who answers the call for Saudi, and discover the expansive geography, diverse terrain, and human and natural wonders of the country. Step into 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history in AlUla, behold the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Historic Jeddah and Hegra, and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of the Saudi Red Sea.
This Land is Calling, when was the last time you did something for the first time?
- Historic Jeddah – a walk through history
Saudi, with its ancient wonders and vibrant cultures, has far more to offer than meets the eye. One of its hidden gems is Historic Jeddah, the cultural heart of the coastal city of Jeddah, where the past and present beautifully intertwine. In 2014, Historic Jeddah was recognized as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi. Its maze-like, bustling streets and narrow alleyways are lined with stunning coral-stone buildings, many of which have been carefully restored to preserve their intricate wooden balconies, known as Rawasheen.
Historic Jeddah is more than just a neighborhood, it is a living, breathing historical site; where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. Here, you’ll find ancient homes transformed into art galleries and specialty cafes, and if you listen, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, you’ll hear the echoes of history.
Where to Stay in Historic Jeddah
Round out the immersive experience with a stay at Beit Jokhdar, a boutique hotel in Historic Jeddah that only opened its doors this year. Spread over a number of one-time family residences, each house has been meticulously restored by a team of historians, local artists, carpenters, and architects for a stay that is truly novel. Guests can enjoy authentic Saudi cuisine at the on-site restaurant and relax on the rooftop terrace while enjoying Saudi coffee. Book here: https://albaladhospitality.com/
- Hegra – a city carved from stone
Venture into the ancient city of Hegra, built by the Nabateans, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the starkly beautiful desert in AlUla, it contains 111 intricately carved tombs and towering rock formations, a humbling walk through history. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, these tombs stand as reminders of a civilization’s genius, with each tomb telling tales through the inscriptions and carvings within – offering tantalizing glimpses into the lives and beliefs of their time.
Soak up the solitude, and ponder the mysteries these rocks hold, and for an extra dash of adventure, book the Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour or join the Hegra Day Tour where Rawis or local storytellers, will bring the Nabateans briefly to life once again.
You can also book a tour of the AlUla Old Town and stroll among the ruins of mudbrick buildings dating back almost a millennium.
Where to Stay in AlUla
Stay at Dar Tantora, a hotel featured in TIME Magazine 2024’s travel list of World’s Greatest Places. Located in a refurbished area of Old Town, Dar Tantora embodies AlUla’s dedication to sustainably preserving heritage while providing modern comforts, ensuring visitors a unique blend of history and luxury. The traditional mudbrick structures have been carefully transformed into boutique-style accommodations, providing guests with a distinctive fusion of historical charm and contemporary luxury.
- The Red Sea – an underwater wonderland
The Saudi Red Sea is home to one of the world’s most intriguing and resilient marine ecosystems, a perfect complement to the solo traveller. Spanning 28,000 square kilometers, it is an underwater paradise with a sprawling archipelago of over 90 islands, pristine beaches, and expansive desert dunes. The whole region harbors remarkable natural wonders, including one of the world’s rare thriving reefs, dormant volcanoes, ancient heritage sites, and majestic mountain canyons.
The Red Sea offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation – take a refreshing dip in your own private pool or dive into a range of thrilling water activities like sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. For a more tranquil experience, unwind with a soothing massage or a personalized spa treatment while overlooking the glass-like waters – an ideal way to indulge in the serenity of this coastal paradise before returning to real life, refreshed.
Where to Stay
Stay at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on a pristine private island, and indulge in their luxurious beachfront or overwater villas with direct access to some of the best diving spots in the region.
- Diriyah – where it all began
Travel back in time in Diriyah. Known as “The City of Earth,” Diriyah is the founding place of the First Saudi State in 1727. At its heart sits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, a cradle of Saudi culture where the echoes of Saudi’s past come alive. Each structure tells its own story, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of early Saudi civilization, and offering a glimpse into the way people once lived and organized their society. The modern Bujairi Terrace the thriving foodie-destination where you will be spoiled for choice with options including authentic dining experiences at Takya and Maiz, and casual spots. Immerse yourself in Saudi culture with a visit to Diriyah Gallery, where you will find local art and artefacts, and can enjoy experiences such as a Khat Ad-Diriyah lesson to learn traditional Arabic calligraphy and take your name home written in the special Diriyah font. And in the Winter months, you’re in for a treat with Diriyah Season events.
Where to Stay
Stay at Four Seasons Hotel at Kingdom Centre, Riyadh’s most recognizable landmark, for the best views across the city, and look out for the upcoming opening of Diriyah’s Bab Samhan Hotel, bookings open on 23 September, where each room invites guests to immerse themselves in the splendor of Najdi architecture and culture.
- See it all on a 12-day women-only adventure
Discover a unique perspective of Saudi with Intrepid Travel’s women’s-only expedition across the country’s dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Riyadh to Jeddah, spend 12 days travelling the country and learning about its history, sampling the local cuisine and getting to know local women. A truly extraordinary experience, tailored to women, learning the stories of local women as they offer a window into their world.
Tour a citrus farm with sisters who transformed their father’s vision into a multigenerational business, take a cooking class and pottery workshop, get to know the Holy City of Madinah with a local female guide, cruise and snorkel the Red Sea and meet Saudi’s first-ever female guide in Jeddah.
Practical advice:
- Dress code: If you think you must wear an abaya and a headscarf, think again – Saudi fashion has evolved. But note that while the abaya is no longer a requirement, women in Saudi err on the side of modesty, wearing tops with sleeves and skirt or trousers below the knee. This serves the added benefit of protecting you from the heat of the day. Pack for the weather, with long flowy dresses and skirts, cardigans, loose cotton shirts, linen trousers, sunglasses, a sun hat, suncream and lip balm.
- Planning ahead: Plan your perfect trip with minimal hassle. The Saudi Tourism Authority has covering everything from payment methods to healthcare, how to make calls and useful numbers.
- Getting around: Getting around is safe, affordable and easy, with taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem ubiquitous.
Driving around: If you’re planning on getting behind the wheel, you can easily rent a car with companies such as Hertz, Budget or Avis. Remember to have your driver’s license and credit card, and to purchase insurance.
To learn more and plan your trip, visit www.visitsaudi.com, and check online travel agents such as Almosafer, and guided tours with locals, plus Saudi’s female-founded holiday rental platform, Gathern, to browse more than 131,000 properties in 260+ cities and provinces.
Connectivity and Visa
Saudi has recently eased tourist visa requirements with immediate effect, where Pakistani applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of USD 750 or its equivalent.
The Tasheer offices across Pakistan offer a convenient and user-friendly experience, including visa application guidance, biometric enrolment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travellers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.
In addition, Saudi has introduced the transit visa which is available for travellers arriving in Saudi via Saudia and Flynas, where they can transit and explore Saudi for up to 96 hours. Visa on arrival is available for those travellers who hold a valid and used UK, US or Schengen visa.
In the past year, Saudi introduced the one-year multiple entry visa for Pakistani travellers. This is a specific visa for those coming for personal visits such as attending weddings or functions or visiting friends or family. Holders of this visa can enjoy multiple visits to Saudi within a 12-month period, allowing them to explore the country’s vibrant cities, cultural richness, and natural wonders all year round.
Pakistani travellers with the one-year multiple entry visa can also perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi’s commitment to fostering spiritual journeys and cultural exchanges.
Read More: Asia’s Energy Transition Summit Happening at LUMS
