Business Travel in Saudi Arabia: Turning a Work Trip into a Red Sea Adventure

Saudi Arabia is opening up like never before: smooth highways, a booming hospitality sector, and generous per-diems—so why fly home right after your meetings?

Here’s a practical 10-day itinerary (Riyadh → Jeddah → Riyadh) that blends business with exploration, showing you how to turn a work assignment into a memorable road trip.

Why Saudi Arabia for Business Travelers in 2025?

• Easy e-visa – available online in minutes for most nationalities.

• Work week Sunday–Thursday – plan meetings accordingly.

• Business-friendly policies – low taxes and major investment in technology, energy, and events.

• Affordable transport – fuel and car rentals are budget-friendly, making long drives practical.

• Safety – recent surveys show executives, including solo female travelers, feel comfortable even late at night.

The Road Trip at a Glance

• Route: Riyadh → Diriyah → Taif → Jeddah → King Abdullah Economic City → back.

• Distance: 2,200 km on modern six-lane highways.

• Duration: 10 days (or 7 if you fly part of the way).

• Best timing: Arrive Thursday night, start work Sunday with no jet lag.

Step 1: Arrival & Connectivity

• Get your e-visa online before flying.

• Car rental is straightforward, with full coverage recommended.

• Local SIM cards offer excellent 5G coverage—good enough for video calls even in the desert.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Car

SUVs are the best choice for comfort and long-distance drives. Unlimited mileage and GPS are essential for covering multiple cities efficiently.

Step 3: Riyadh – Where Business Meets Culture

Stay near the business district for easy access to ministries and conference centers.

Don’t miss:

• Sunrise at the Red Sand dunes for a fresh start before meetings.

• Lunch at a traditional Najd-style restaurant to experience authentic hospitality.

• Afternoon in Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site that also hosts modern meeting spaces.

Step 4: Riyadh → Taif → Jeddah

Breaking the drive with a night in Taif is rewarding—mild climate, rose farms, and scenic mountain views.

Highways are modern, rest stops reliable, and phone coverage remains strong throughout the journey.

Step 5: Jeddah – Work and Leisure by the Sea

For business:

• King Abdullah Economic City offers offices, co-working spaces, and excellent digital infrastructure.

• Jeddah hosts major conferences and events on the Red Sea.

For leisure:

• Explore Al Balad’s historic houses and cafés.

• Enjoy private beaches with modern facilities.

• Visit the iconic Floating Mosque at sunset.

Practical Budget (Mid-Range, 10 Days)

• Visa: ~USD 80

• SIM & Internet: ~USD 30

• Car rental: ~USD 400

• Fuel: ~USD 100

• Hotels: ~USD 1,400

• Food & extras: ~USD 400

Quick Cultural Guide

• Standard working hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with short prayer breaks.

• Women can drive freely since 2018.

• Alcohol is not available—opt for fresh juices and mocktails.

• Best months for travel: November–March, when temperatures are mild.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a dynamic destination for business travel. By blending meetings with culture, history, and Red Sea leisure, you can turn a standard work trip into an unforgettable journey.