When you think of Saudi Arabia, the first thing that often comes to mind is the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, kan? No doubt the country is a spiritual centre for Muslims worldwide, but what many Malaysians don’t know is that Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a top travel destination, offering a mix of history, culture, natural beauty and modern attractions.
To dispel this misconception (among several others) of the Middle Eastern country, let’s go through some of the most common myths and show you why Saudi Arabia should be on your travel bucket list!
MYTH #1: “It’s only a religious travel destination.”
NEOM
FACT: While Saudi Arabia is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the government has also been investing heavily in the tourism sector. For instance, they’ve introduced Vision 2030, an ambitious development plan that has led to the creation of world-class attractions like NEOM, a futuristic smart city, and the Red Sea Global project, a luxury tourism destination featuring pristine beaches and coral reefs.
Ushaiqer Heritage Village
Plus, history buffs would love their historical landmarks and attractions, including Al-Ula, a cultural and trading point for the past 7,000 years, and Ushaiqer Heritage Village, one of the oldest settlements in the Arabian Peninsula dating back over 1,500 years!
MYTH #2: “It’s just a desert — can only see sand!”
Aseer Natural Park
FACT: Yes, Saudi Arabia does have vast deserts, but what a lot of people don’t talk about is its diverse geography!
Red Sea
Saudi Arabia is home to mesmerising mountain ranges, lush valleys and breathtaking coastlines. From the greenery and terraced farms of the Aseer Natural Park to the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, you’ll find that Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are as varied as they are beautiful! Even the aforementioned deserts are diverse too, as one would notice when they visit the cliffs of the Edge of the World and the golden dunes of the Empty Quarter.
MYTH #3: “The culture is unwelcoming, especially for women.”
FACT: Thanks to rapid modernisation, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent years, especially regarding inclusivity and safety. Women are now allowed to travel solo, and the country has introduced tourist police to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.
Plus, the culture is rich and hospitable, with locals often going out of their way to make travellers feel at home in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re exploring bustling souks or dining at a local restaurant, expect warmth and generosity everywhere you go!
MYTH #4: “Gonna be so boring there — no entertainment!”
FACT: Think Saudi Arabia is “all pray, no play”? Think again! In addition to its rapidly rising tourism sector, the country also has a bustling entertainment scene encompassing international concerts, festivals, sporting events and more.
Whether you want family-friendly theme park fun at Alshallal or festivals like Winter at Tantora for your inner culture vulture, there’s always something exciting happening. With amazing events to celebrate music, sports, or family-friendly fun all year round, there’s never any room for boredom at Saudi Arabia!
MYTH #5: “Need to be filthy rich to holiday in Saudi Arabia.”
FACT: Don’t be fooled by TV and social media! Sure, Saudi Arabia has its fair share of luxury experiences for tourists, but now there’s an abundance of options for budget-conscious travellers too!
From affordable accommodations and public transportation to free or low-cost attractions, it’s now easier than ever to explore the country without breaking the bank. With the right planning, you can enjoy a memorable trip that fits your budget.
Looking to save up and get the best out of your trip to Saudi Arabia?
Plan and pull off your Saudi Arabia trip with CIT, and get 30% off the second pax on selected packages for bookings made before 30 September 2025!
Take your trip out of your group chats and experience your own “1,001 Arabian Nights” with this limited-time offer by CIT! Thanks to this offer, you’ll get the chance to bring your partner, family, or best friend along for an unforgettable Middle Eastern adventure, all while saving big on this trip!
Stand a chance to win a trip to Saudi Arabia worth RM9,000!
To add to the exciting promo, CIT is holding a travel giveaway where two winners each stand a chance to go on a trip to Saudi Arabia worth RM9,000*! Here’s how you can join:
- Follow CIT on Instagram and Facebook, and like their Instagram and Facebook post.
- Write a comment with a sentence starting with: “What surprised me most about Saudi Arabia is……”
- Share the post on your social media story and tag @cit.travel (set your profile to public!).
Contest ends on 31 May 2025, so make sure to follow, like, comment and share to take part by then! Join on both platforms to increase your chances. Winners will be announced on 5 June 2025.
What else to expect from CIT:
To help cater to your travelling plans in Saudi Arabia, CIT has these services prepared for you to peruse:
- Expert advice: A team of travel advisors ready to help you plan your dream itinerary.
- Personalised services: A selection of packages that can be customised to your budgets and interests.
- Unlock Saudi Arabian secrets: Get tips and recommendations for must-visit destinations in Saudi Arabia you won’t find anywhere else.
Experience your 1,001 Arabian Nights with CIT!
Don’t miss the chance to have your unforgettable Middle Eastern adventure with CIT’s exclusive deals. Get expert tips and unbeatable offers that will make your Saudi Arabia trip as stress-free as it is unforgettable!
For more info on all things related to CIT, visit their website and follow them on social media:
*Terms and conditions apply.
