Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Why is Saudi Arabia supercharging its tourism industry? Why is it suddenly becoming a must-visit destination for US and Canada tourists? The answer lies in a story of ancient wonders, bold ambitions, and immersive experiences you simply can’t miss.
Saudi Arabia is not waiting for the world to notice—it’s making sure it stands out. The Kingdom is supercharging its tourism industry with high-speed transformations, reimagining itself from a hidden gem into a global cultural powerhouse. Meanwhile, travelers from the US and Canada are taking notice. They’re not just booking flights—they’re craving something deeper, something real. And Saudi Arabia delivers.
Through immersive experiences that awaken every sense, the country reveals its soul—one carved into sandstone tombs, one echoed in bustling souqs, and one alive in the rhythm of Bedouin drums. It’s a place where history breathes and the future races forward. Saudi Arabia is no longer a distant dream. It’s the next must-visit destination for North American adventurers who want more than beaches and landmarks—they want meaning.
However, this is not just a travel story. It’s a cultural turning point. It’s about why now, why here, and why you shouldn’t wait. From redesigned airports and new flight paths to luxury hotels rising beside ancient ruins, the stage is set.
What’s driving this shift? How are US and Canada tourists responding? And what immersive experiences make it all unforgettable? The answers are waiting. Keep reading—Saudi Arabia is about to surprise you.
Discover Saudi Arabia: The Cultural Awakening You Didn’t Know You Needed
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a mystery behind closed borders. It’s now one of the world’s most compelling destinations—unfolding a stunning canvas of culture, history, and tradition. And North American travelers are taking notice.
From the timeless desert echoes of Bedouin life to the UNESCO-protected ruins of ancient cities, Saudi Arabia offers a rare blend of old-world charm and new-world accessibility. As travelers from the U.S. and Canada seek more authentic, meaningful, and off-the-grid experiences, Saudi Arabia rises to the top of the bucket list.
This isn’t tourism as usual. This is a cultural revelation.
Ancient Wonders Waiting to Be Explored
At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s cultural appeal is AlUla, home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kingdom. Here, sandstone tombs carved 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans stand preserved in eerie silence—an open-air museum of timeless beauty.
Meanwhile, in Diriyah, mudbrick walls rise from the sands, telling stories of the First Saudi State. Restored with care and purpose, this birthplace of the Kingdom offers a visceral journey through Arabian history.
These aren’t just tourist stops. They are emotional experiences—raw, real, and unforgettable.
Saudi Trips: Curating Cultural Immersion at Its Finest
Saudi Trips, part of the Almatar Group, is crafting bespoke itineraries that go far beyond typical sightseeing. The company focuses on immersive, curated experiences that pull travelers into the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
Think beyond monuments. Think tea with tribal leaders, cooking traditional kabsa with local families, or witnessing centuries-old poetry recitals under starlit skies.
For U.S. and Canadian travelers tired of over-commercialized tourism, Saudi Trips offers a deep dive into authenticity—rooted in respect, discovery, and real human connection.
Surge in North American Curiosity—and Bookings
According to recent travel industry insights, bookings from North America to Saudi Arabia have surged by over 80% since 2023. Several factors fuel this spike:
- Streamlined visa processes via eVisas for U.S. and Canadian citizens
- New direct flight routes from major hubs like New York, Toronto, and Washington
- Social media-fueled curiosity about “undiscovered” destinations
- And the global shift toward slow, culture-rich travel
Saudi Arabia is no longer perceived as inaccessible. It’s now recognized as a rising star on the global stage—and North Americans want in.
Local Flavor, Global Allure: Saudi’s Culinary Culture
Food is culture. And in Saudi Arabia, every bite tells a story.
From smoky camel meat cooked in underground pits to rich, spiced rice dishes served on enormous communal platters, Saudi cuisine invites travelers to eat with their hands and their hearts.
Street vendors in bustling souqs offer dates stuffed with nuts and honey, while high-end restaurants reinterpret tribal recipes with modern flair. For North American foodies, the experience is bold, exotic, and deeply satisfying.
Saudi Trips makes sure visitors don’t just taste the food—they live the culture through cuisine.
Hotel Boom: Where Tradition Meets Luxury
Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation includes a luxury hotel surge tailored to international standards while honoring local design and tradition.
Major hotel groups like Marriott, Accor, and Four Seasons are opening flagship properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. These hotels fuse Arabesque architecture with modern comforts, offering North American travelers a familiar base with distinct Saudi character.
Saudi Trips collaborates closely with these properties to deliver premium accommodation wrapped in cultural storytelling—from desert camps to palatial suites inspired by ancient forts.
Airline Strategies and Airport Upgrades Fuel Connectivity
Airlines are racing to capture the North American market. Saudia, Riyadh Air, and international carriers now offer increased direct and connecting services between Saudi Arabia and key U.S./Canadian cities.
Meanwhile, major airport upgrades—especially at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh—mean faster processing, better traveler services, and seamless onward journeys.
For tourists, it means easier, more comfortable access to Saudi’s treasures.
A Nation’s Soul, Shared Through Experience
Saudi Arabia’s culture is more than history—it’s alive, practiced, and proudly shared.
Visitors may walk through thousand-year-old ruins one day and attend a modern arts festival the next. They may wake up in a desert tent surrounded by camels, then end the night in a rooftop café in Riyadh’s financial district.
This blend of old and new, past and future, creates an emotional resonance few destinations offer.
Saudi Trips ensures every itinerary tells a story—your story woven into Saudi Arabia’s ancient tapestry.
Travel Policies Are Evolving—and Favoring Tourists
In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is simplifying travel policies to welcome global tourists.
Key updates include:
- Tourist eVisa approval in minutes for U.S. and Canadian citizens
- No requirement for group travel or sponsorship
- Relaxed dress code guidelines in most areas
- Growing focus on female traveler inclusivity and safety
These changes reflect a modern, open Saudi Arabia—eager to share its culture on its own terms.
Best Places in Saudi Arabia That Americans and Canadians Love to Visit
Saudi Arabia, once a land of mystery, has now emerged as one of the most exciting travel destinations for American and Canadian tourists. With relaxed visa policies, rapidly growing tourism infrastructure, and a deep cultural richness that’s hard to find elsewhere, the Kingdom is turning heads and winning hearts across North America. Whether you’re seeking adventure, heritage, luxury, or soul-stirring landscapes, Saudi Arabia delivers it all—and more.
1. AlUla – The Open-Air Museum of Ancient Civilizations
Imagine walking among 2,000-year-old tombs carved into sandstone cliffs—this is AlUla, a jewel in Saudi Arabia’s cultural crown. American and Canadian tourists are especially drawn to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country, for its eerie beauty and historical gravity.
But it’s not just about the ruins. AlUla offers hot air balloon rides, desert concerts, and luxury eco-resorts like Habitas AlUla, where you can unwind under a sky bursting with stars. It’s mysterious, peaceful, and hauntingly beautiful—perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and reflection.
2. Riyadh – The Capital of Contrasts
Riyadh is where ancient culture meets hyper-modern ambition. As the capital, it’s the gateway for most American and Canadian travelers entering the Kingdom.
Start your visit at Diriyah, the mudbrick heart of the First Saudi State, now beautifully restored. Then, swing by the National Museum for a deep dive into Arabia’s past. For a more contemporary experience, head to Kingdom Centre Tower for panoramic city views or explore Boulevard World, a theme park and cultural melting pot that’s a hit among international families.
Riyadh’s dining scene is thriving too, with everything from traditional kabsa feasts to gourmet fusion cuisine that blends East and West.
3. Jeddah – The Cultural Melting Pot on the Red Sea
Jeddah welcomes you with open arms—and the salty breeze of the Red Sea. Known for its historical districts and vibrant arts scene, this city is a favorite among North American travelers who crave coastal charm mixed with culture.
Al-Balad, Jeddah’s old town, feels like stepping into another era. Its coral-stone buildings and bustling souqs offer photo ops at every corner. Many Canadians and Americans love wandering its alleys, stopping for local dates and Arabic coffee, and chatting with friendly locals eager to share their stories.
Afterward, cool off with a scuba dive in the Red Sea, known for its pristine coral reefs and shipwrecks.
4. Abha – The Green Escape in the Asir Mountains
When summer heat hits the desert, Americans and Canadians often escape to Abha, a cool highland retreat tucked away in the Asir Mountains. With its misty weather, terraced villages, and colorful traditional homes, Abha feels like a completely different Saudi Arabia.
Visit Rijal Alma, a stone village with honey-colored houses and UNESCO-listed heritage. Drive through the cloud-covered roads of Asir National Park or take the Habala cable car, suspended over cliffs that once protected the Flower Men tribe.
Abha’s lush landscapes and moderate climate make it a surprise favorite—especially among nature-loving North American travelers.
5. The Red Sea Project – The Future of Sustainable Luxury
Still in development but already catching eyes, the Red Sea Project is Saudi Arabia’s answer to the Maldives. North American tourists are watching this closely, and many are already booking early experiences.
With ultra-luxury resorts, untouched islands, and reef-protected marine zones, this destination offers a sneak peek into the future of eco-conscious tourism. Planned as a zero-waste, carbon-neutral paradise, it’s a magnet for environmentally conscious travelers from Canada and the U.S.
Think yachting, diving, and spa experiences wrapped in sustainability—and all without the crowds.
6. Al Hofuf – The Hidden Gem of Eastern Arabia
Want to impress your travel-savvy friends? Tell them you’ve explored Al Hofuf. Still off most tourist radars, this oasis city in the Al-Ahsa region is gaining traction among American and Canadian travelers looking for raw authenticity.
Explore the massive Qarah Caves, cool even in the midday sun, or stroll through the Al-Ahsa Oasis, another UNESCO site boasting more than 2.5 million date palms. The ancient Souq Al-Qaisariya is a labyrinth of spices, textiles, and handcrafted treasures.
Al Hofuf offers a deep dive into Arabian heritage, minus the tourist traps.
7. Neom – The Sci-Fi City of the Future
Still under construction but already sparking global curiosity, Neom is the megaproject that North American tourists can’t stop talking about. Dubbed as “the city of the future,” Neom promises flying taxis, mirrored skyscrapers, and smart cities running on clean energy.
While most of Neom is yet to open, the surrounding areas—Tabuk and the Gulf of Aqaba—are accessible and breathtaking. Early adventure-seekers are already exploring the mountain trails, coral reefs, and archaeological finds nearby.
If you want to say, “I saw it before it was cool,” Neom is the place.
Final Thoughts: Saudi Arabia is North America’s Next Big Travel Obsession
Americans and Canadians are no longer asking if they should visit Saudi Arabia—they’re asking when. With so many breathtaking places and meaningful experiences, the Kingdom offers far more than just a vacation. It’s a transformative journey through culture, history, and the unexpected.
Saudi Arabia is ready. The question is—are you?
What’s Next? A Kingdom Ready to Be Known
Saudi Arabia is not just inviting tourists—it’s welcoming explorers, storytellers, and cultural seekers. For travelers from the U.S. and Canada, this is the chance to witness a nation in renaissance.
As Saudi Trips leads the charge, it’s more than just a journey—it’s a cultural awakening. You won’t just see Saudi Arabia. You’ll feel it.
And once you do, you’ll never see the world the same way again.
Tags: AlUla, Arabian Cuisine, Bedouin Culture, canadian travelers, cultural travel, destination management, Diriyah, Global Travel Trends, Halal Travel, Heritage tourism, immersive travel, Jeddah, Middle East Tourism, Nabataean sites, north america, Riyadh, saudi arabia, Saudi Trips, U.S. Travelers, Vision 2030