Travel in Saudi Arabia

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Aman, in partnership with Cruise Saudi, plans to debut an ultra-luxury motor yacht in 2027 for small-ship cruising. The luxury group said the vessel will be the world’s first convergence between an ultra-luxury ship and a private yacht.

Saudi Arabia is pushing tourism. 

Marriott International has dressed one of its top general managers as Lawrence of Arabia to promote its new resort along the Red Sea. Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is expected to be the most expensive hotel ever operated in Saudi Arabia – commanding rates of more than $3,400 a night when it opens on May 26.

Certares, a leading travel and tourism investment firm acquired FTI Group, the third-largest tour operator in Europe.

I consider myself an adventurous person. I’ve overlanded through Russia. Traveled solo in Egypt. Followed the Dakar Rally through Saudi Arabia. But it was my recent experience getting to the Dukha people, Mongolia’s reindeer-riding tribe, that I consider one of the most adventurous experiences to date. Not just because of how remote the tribe is, but because we were also contenting with -30C temperatures, unusually heavy snowfall, and incredibly hard to navigate terrain.

After a tense weekend in the Middle East, airlines are considering what, if any, changes need to be made to their networks and routes. 

Surround yourself and your family with the lush greenery, natural thermal springs and lively markets of Al Ahsa. Home to one of the biggest oases in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ahsa boasts tall, beautiful date palms. Take a break and fully immerse yourself in nature as you climb the limestone hills of Al Qarah, reaching the top to digest the spectacular view it offers before exploring the hive of caves and passageways cut into the rock.

Airlines have been changing routes and canceling flights in response to an escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran.

For airlines, timekeeping is about more than keeping passengers happy. Delays can hit the bottom line with additional fuel, labor, and operational costs. Sloppy scheduling can also have a major reputational impact.

The U.S. airline industry is asking the federal government to pause the expansion of passenger flights to China, citing “anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government.”

Every Christmas Day for the last 76 years, a priest has taken a chalice of water onto the quiet airfield at Dublin Airport and blessed the planes.

If you just saw your first total solar eclipse—or you are desperate to see another—here’s where and when to go to experience another totality:

Indian online travel agency MakeMyTrip made a push Monday to go global: It has extended its services to over 150 countries, including the UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and France.

While you are experiencing the spiritually enriching experience of Ramadan, Eid is just around the corner and now is the right time to start planning a perfect celebration with your family. A destination like no other, Saudi offers a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes, pristine well-preserved environments, and a distinct wildlife. Saudi’s stunning natural landscape spans mountains, deserts, and sea with a 1,800km coastline.

Messaging the group chat and sharing memes is not enough – bestie vacations need to happen every so often. After all, female friendships are truly special – you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. They help to get us through life, offering comfort, reassurance and so much fun along the way.

Throughout April, we're honoring the ancient Arab tradition of hakawatis, or storytellers, highlighting the writers, performers, and poets who are driving the conversation around what it means to be Arab American today—and celebrating the rich culture and histories of the diaspora.

Intrepid Travel has announced a women’s-only tour in Saudi Arabia — led by women, for women. 

It’s that time of year again – and it’s all about spending time with family and loved ones. Make the most of your Eid with a staycation to the world’s most exciting destination, and its right on your doorstep – Saudi! The best news? There are so many deals to choose from… and there’s still plenty of time to book and get your bags packed for your time off!

Saudi Arabia’s luxury Red Sea destination has been certified as disability-friendly for its two diving centers – making it the first project in the country to be recognized as such.

When John Pagano arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2018, the country subverted his expectations. "We all paint a picture in our minds of what the Middle East is about," he said. "I found a pristine environment, an archipelago of 90 beautiful islands, and turquoise-colored water. It was truly remarkable."