Travel in 2026 is shaping up to be exciting for Saudi travelers. More people are searching for places that bring together culture, beauty, and a sense of discovery. The world feels closer now. With visa-free entry expanding and new routes opening, travelers from the Kingdom are setting their sights on destinations that feel refreshing and full of story. Here’s your guide to the Top 10 destinations for Saudi travelers in 2026, inspired by real trends and experiences waiting to be lived.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai has quickly become one of the most searched travel destinations for 2026, seeing a huge rise in interest from Saudi travelers. The appeal lies in its balance between tradition and progress. Think of walking along The Bund in the evening when the skyline lights up like a dream. You look one way and see colonial buildings, then turn your head and face the futuristic towers of Pudong.
The Oriental Pearl Tower remains a must-see, offering sky-high views and even a revolving restaurant. And then there’s Yu Garden, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city with carved stone bridges and pavilions from another time. For shopping, Nanjing Road buzzes from morning to midnight. Shanghai feels alive in every corner, and it’s easy to see why it tops the top 10 destinations for Saudi travelers in 2026.
Visa requirement: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days (valid until June 2026)
Danang, Vietnam
A beach city with soul. That’s how Danang feels. The coastline stretches wide with golden sand and calm blue waves, while marble mountains rise in the background. It’s no surprise Saudi searches for Danang have doubled this year.
Couples love it for its romantic vibe, while families enjoy how close everything is. The best time to visit is between February and May when the skies stay clear and the sea feels just right. My Khe Beach, once named among the world’s most beautiful, is perfect for long walks and quiet mornings.
Luxury resorts like the InterContinental and Hyatt Regency line the shore, offering villas with private pools and sea views. And when night comes, the Dragon Bridge breathes fire over the river. A sight that leaves every visitor still for a moment.
Visa requirement: eVisa required (apply online before travel)
Rize, Turkey
When the summer sun gets too strong, Saudi travelers look for mountain escapes. Rize in northern Turkey has become the answer. It’s green, calm, and rich in air that smells of tea and rain. Sitting by the Black Sea, Rize feels worlds away from the city rush.
The Ayder Plateau is the crown jewel here, a place of meadows, waterfalls, and wooden chalets surrounded by mist. Locals call it “the honey forest,” and it fits. Hot springs bubble nearby, known for their healing warmth, while adventure seekers can raft through the Fırtına Valley or try zip-lining above the river. You can reach Rize through Trabzon Airport and take a scenic drive through mountain roads that feel almost unreal.
Visa requirement: Visa-free entry (90 days within 180-day period)
Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan glows pink at sunset, thanks to the volcanic stone used in its buildings. It’s one of the world’s oldest cities, but feels surprisingly young in spirit. With visa-free access for Saudi citizens starting in mid-2025, the capital has quickly turned into one of the top travel destinations for 2026.
Republic Square is where you start with music, fountains, and people everywhere. Then you climb the Cascade Complex, a staircase that doubles as an art museum filled with modern sculptures and city views. Up top, you reach Victory Park and meet the towering statue of Mother Armenia. The cool weather, halal-friendly dining, and the snow-capped Mount Ararat visible in the distance make Yerevan peaceful and full of heart.
Visa requirement: Visa-free entry for Saudi citizens and GCC residents (90 days)
Jaipur, India
There’s a reason Jaipur is called the Pink City. Every wall in its old town glows warm and welcoming. For Saudi travelers, Jaipur brings a mix of royal history, street color, and friendly chaos that feels deeply human.
The Hawa Mahal is unforgettable. It’s a honeycomb of windows made for royal women to watch the world without being seen. Then there’s Amber Fort, a massive hillside palace with mirrors that shimmer in the sunlight. Markets overflow with handmade jewelry and bright textiles, while rooftop cafes overlook streets filled with rickshaws and laughter.
The best months to visit are from November to February, when the weather stays mild. Jaipur feels alive, and every turn offers a new photograph waiting to happen.
Visa requirement: eVisa required (apply online in advance)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has found its place among the top 10 destinations for Saudi travelers in 2026 because it understands what comfort means for everyone. The city has invested in Muslim-friendly travel, now home to almost 200 halal restaurants and dozens of accredited hotels. It also ranked as one of the world’s top non-OIC Muslim destinations in 2025.
Take the tram to Victoria Peak for the best view of the skyline and harbor, or ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to see the Tian Tan Buddha from above the clouds. The city’s energy is addictive, with luxury shopping one minute, night markets the next.
With visa-on-arrival access for Saudi citizens and excellent flight connections, Hong Kong has become a modern gateway for travelers seeking culture, cuisine, and convenience.
Visa requirement: Visa-on-arrival for Saudi citizens (effective 2025)
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar carries stories in its air. The scent of cloves and sea breeze mixes as you walk through Stone Town’s narrow lanes. Saudi travelers have started to rediscover this island, drawn by its tropical beauty and deep history.
Stone Town’s carved wooden doors tell tales of Indian, Arab, and Swahili influence. The beaches, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, each have a personality. Some buzz with music and diving schools, others stay quiet and clear. Spice farms across the island show how cloves and cinnamon shaped its fame as the “Spice Island.”
June to October is perfect for sunny days and calm seas. Many travelers combine Zanzibar with safaris in mainland Tanzania, ending their trip by the ocean with sunsets that stretch forever.
Visa requirement: Visa-on-arrival available; eVisa option also valid
Munich, Germany
Bavaria’s capital is elegant, warm, and full of culture. Munich’s appeal to Saudi travelers keeps growing, thanks to new direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. The city blends history and modern ease beautifully.
Oktoberfest alone brings millions each autumn, with music, food, and rides filling the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. But Munich is much more than its festivals. It has tree-lined streets, royal palaces, and museums that hold centuries of art.
From here, you can reach the Alps in just over an hour, making it ideal for both city breaks and nature getaways. With Lufthansa expanding flights and new hotels opening, Munich is set to stay high on the list of travel destinations 2026.
Visa requirement: Schengen visa required
Kathmandu, Nepal
For travelers craving mountain air and quiet discovery, Kathmandu is the perfect choice. The city sits in a valley surrounded by Himalayan peaks. It’s ancient and spiritual, filled with temples, stupas, and narrow streets that buzz with life.
Durbar Square, with its old palaces and courtyards, feels like stepping into a living museum. Festivals fill the calendar year-round, bringing color and community to every corner.
For Saudi travelers, Nepal also provides cool weather, affordable stays, and easy access to nature. You can visit Chitwan National Park to see elephants and rhinos or take a scenic flight toward Mount Everest. Flights between Riyadh, Dammam, and Kathmandu have also improved, making the journey smoother than ever.
Visa requirement: Visa-on-arrival for Saudi citizens (with valid passport and photo)
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor remains one of the most powerful travel experiences in the world. Every stone tells a story of ancient kings and gods. The city is like an open-air museum where history feels close enough to touch.
At the heart of it stands the Karnak Temple Complex, massive columns rising into the sun and carvings that have survived thousands of years. The nearby Luxor Temple lights up at night, giving the sandstone walls a golden glow. Walk the Avenue of the Sphinxes that links the two temples, and you’ll sense what ancient processions once felt like. Across the river lies the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs rest surrounded by art and color.
Luxor also offers easy access from Saudi Arabia through well-organized tour packages that include Cairo and Aswan, making it a favorite cultural escape.
Visa requirement: Visa-on-arrival or eVisa (valid for 30 days)
The World Awaits
Journeys in 2026 feel more intentional. Travelers are choosing places that speak to who they are and how they want to feel. Every trip carries meaning, comfort, and a sense of discovery.
The Top 10 destinations for Saudi travelers in 2026 capture a spirit of curiosity that blends adventure with ease. Shanghai pulses with new energy. Rize calms the mind with green hills and soft rain. Zanzibar and Luxor open doors to stories written in stone and sea.
This is the year to travel with purpose. To see places that stay with you long after you return. The flights are ready, the visas are open, and the world is waiting to welcome you.
FAQs
What are the top 10 destinations for Saudi travelers in 2026?
Shanghai, Danang, Rize, Yerevan, Jaipur, Hong Kong, Zanzibar, Munich, Kathmandu, and Luxor are the trending destinations according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report.
Why are Saudi travelers exploring new destinations in 2026?
Easier visa access, new flight routes, and a growing interest in authentic cultural and nature-based experiences are driving Saudi outbound tourism.
Which destinations offer visa-free entry for Saudi citizens?
China, Armenia, and Turkey currently allow visa-free entry for Saudi citizens, with more agreements expected by 2026.
What travel trends define Saudi outbound tourism in 2026?
Mountain escapes, beauty-focused trips, unique hotel experiences, and multi-generational family travel are among the leading trends.
When is the best time to travel to these destinations?
Spring and autumn suit most destinations for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, though it depends on where you’re heading.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom).
