Saudi Arabia Travel News

Delta Air Lines begins nonstop Atlanta to Riyadh flights on 23 October 2026, the first scheduled nonstop service by a US airline to Saudi Arabia.

KLM resumes Amsterdam to Riyadh and Dammam flights from 25 October 2026, ending a suspension since March. Air France has already returned to Riyadh.

NEOM moves to a phased development model in 2026. Sindalah island is operational for early visitors while The Line and Trojena target post-2030 delivery.

Saudia's new A321XLR aircraft begins scheduled service to Geneva, Madrid, Paris, and Barcelona from Jeddah and Riyadh from 25 October 2026.

Jeddah Season 2027 returns in summer with concerts, themed zones and Corniche waterfront events — what to expect from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city.

Riyadh Season 2026 opens on 21 October with concerts, theme parks, and cultural events running into early 2027. Here's what visitors can expect this year.

Saudi Arabia's AI-driven tourism vision: Nusuk's 180-language pilgrim assistant and smart destination tech reshape visits across the Kingdom.

The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia 2026 ran in Riyadh on 15-17 September, showcasing the rapid growth of the kingdom's accommodation and F&B sector.

US Embassy warns of Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports. Taif and Yanbu added to restricted zones on 20 September. Check flights before you travel.

Houthi attack near Riyadh's King Khalid Airport on 19 September disrupted flights. US Embassy security alert issued. Airport recovering.

Saudi Arabia's Tourism Authority has issued new rules covering licensed guides, travel agencies, and hospitality providers, effective from October 2026.

US State Dept renewed Saudi Arabia Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory on 15 September 2026, citing a Houthi drone near Mecca and ongoing regional tensions.

AlUla is building a Centre Pompidou museum alongside the Wadi AlFann outdoor sculpture valley. Here's what both mean for visitors planning a cultural trip.

Saudi Arabia's 96th National Day falls on 23 September 2026. Celebrations fill Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha - here's what tourists need to know before they go.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh, the first World Travel Market event in Saudi Arabia, runs 8–10 September 2026 at Riyadh Front - a Vision 2030 tourism milestone.

A Houthi drone struck Abha International Airport on 25 August 2026, grounding flights. Flydubai, Saudia and Air Cairo cancelled Abha services.

Saudi Arabia's new Package Visa pilot bundles the tourist eVisa with flights and licensed accommodation into one booking, starting in India first.

Riyadh Air begins daily Riyadh–Islamabad service on 14 August 2026, with Lahore and Manila routes following before end of September.

Saudia and Saudi Arabian Railways now offer combined air-plus-rail tickets in a single booking. The integrated fare is available until 29 August 2026.

The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert on 1 August 2026 citing elevated risk at gatherings. Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3 Reconsider Travel.

AMAALA, Saudi Arabia's ultra-luxury Red Sea resort, opens its first hotels in 2026 - Six Senses and Four Seasons properties on Triple Bay.

KLM has suspended all Riyadh and Dammam flights until 6 September 2026. Air France has also paused Saudi routes. Here's what to do if you're affected.

Saudia will operate three weekly non-stop flights between Riyadh and Tokyo Narita from 17 November 2026, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

EASA has advised airlines to avoid Gulf airspace until 29 July. Here is how the notice affects flights to and from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Package Visa pilot launched July 6, 2026, bundling flight, hotel, and visa approval into one booking for leisure travellers.

A Houthi missile and drone strike hit Abha Airport on 13 July, forcing flydubai, Saudia, and flynas to cancel all flights to and from the city.

While coastal cities hit 43°C+, Abha in the Asir highlands stays at 15 to 22°C all summer. Why Saudi families and visitors choose it in 2026.

UK FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Saudi to Yemen border. Riyadh, Jeddah and major tourist areas are not affected by the warning.

Saudi Arabia rolled out an Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK passport holders from July 2026. Who qualifies and how to apply before you fly.

Saudi Arabia posted SAR 82.7 billion in Q1 2026 tourism spending - the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh confirmed strong Vision 2030 progress.

Saudi Arabia's Visa by Profile system lets eligible Visa cardholders obtain a tourist eVisa in minutes, removing the need for paperwork or embassy visits.

The UK FCDO on 18 June 2026 removed its advisory against all but essential travel to Riyadh Province and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air begins daily 787-9 Dreamliner service between Riyadh and Dubai from 18 June 2026, adding a four-cabin premium option to the Gulf corridor.

Hajj departure flights continued through 30 June 2026 at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport - extra transit time was essential for non-pilgrim visitors.

Miraval The Red Sea has opened on Shura Island as the renowned wellness brand's first international property, offering an adults-only Red Sea retreat.

Saudi Summer 2026 runs June to September across five regions - Aseer, Jeddah, Taif, the Red Sea and Al-Baha - with 550+ tourism products.

Saudi Arabia marked Islamic New Year on 16 June 2026 as a public holiday - offices and banks closed, but tourist sites in Riyadh and Jeddah stayed open.

Saudia took delivery of the first Airbus A321XLR in the MENA region on 25 May 2026, expanding its international reach on a next-generation narrowbody.