As the Eid Al Adha holidays approach, the search for the perfect getaway begins.
This year's Eid Al Adha vacation makes for nine days off work, why not tack on a few days of annual leave and make the most of it, with friends or family. For those looking to swap the familiar short haul destinations for the extraordinary without the hassle of embassy appointments, endless paperwork and waiting times, we've curated a list of global gems have opened their doors to Saudi passport holders.
Forget visas, this curated selection of exciting international destinations requires nothing more than your passport, your luggage, and a ticket.
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China
Visa free until December 2026, for tourist stays up to 30 days
As part of a unilateral agreement, China is visa free for Saudi Arabian passport holders - originally this was agreed only until June 8, 2026, but was recently extended until December 31, 2026. With direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to major hubs via Saudia and China Eastern, there has never been a better time to walk the Great Wall or explore the futuristic skyline of Shanghai. China offers a travel experience of staggering scale, where you can walk the ancient stones of the Great Wall one day and navigate the neon-lit, fast-paced metropolis of Shanghai the next. The country is a living museum of human history, housing breathtaking sites like the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City that tell a story spanning thousands of years.
Places to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake or Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai
Hong Kong
Visa free for tourist stays up to 90 days
Hong Kong is a captivating destination where ultra-modern skyscrapers meet lush, emerald mountains, offering travellers the rare ability to move between world-class shopping malls to scenic hiking trails in minutes. The city serves as a global culinary capital, where you can indulge in everything from affordable, Michelin-starred dim sum in bustling markets to sophisticated fine dining overlooking the iconic Victoria Harbour. Its seamless blend of deep-rooted Cantonese traditions and a high-energy, cosmopolitan lifestyle ensures that every street corner reveals a unique story, making it an endlessly fascinating place to explore. So, why not spend your Eid vacation wandering through bustling night markets or taking the Peak Tram for an iconic view of Victoria Harbour?
Places to Stay: Island Shangri-La Hong Kong or Upper House Hong Kong
Malaysia
Visa-free for tourist stays up to 90 days
For the Saudi traveller seeking a destination that offers genuine cultural alongside world-class luxury, Kuala Lumpur delivers both with confidence — from its dramatic architecture, street-level Michelin-recommended hawker stalls to the refined tasting menus and an unhurried pace of life. Its a city that is both generous and unhurried, and feels instinctively welcoming. Beyond the capital, Langkawi offers an entirely different register, a jungle-esque beachside destination with a handful of exceptional resort properties and a UNESCO-listed geo-park on the edge of the Andaman Sea. Add direct flights from both Riyadh and Jeddah, and a visa-free entry agreement, Malaysia makes a compelling case for being one of the most underrated luxury escapes available to the Saudi traveller.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur or Ritz Carlton Langkawi
Maldives
Visa on arrival for tourist stays up to 30 days
The quintessential exotic island retreat, the Maldives are just a short flight away, meaning you can transition from the terminal to a private overwater villa in record breaking time. The archipelago remains the gold standard for those seeking world-class privacy, ultra luxury stays, and internationally renowned diving. The Maldives offers the ultimate "barefoot luxury" experience, where private overwater villas sit perched above some of the clearest turquoise lagoons on the planet. With its secluded "one island, one resort" concept, it remains the world’s most iconic destination for those seeking total privacy and a serene escape from the pace of modern life.
Where to Stay: Huvafen Fushi, OZEN Reserve Bolifushi or Noku Maldives
Morocco
Visa free for tourist stays up to 90 days
Morocco sensory masterpiece where you can lose yourself in the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech, filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the vibrant colours of hand-woven textiles. The country’s landscape is incredibly diverse, offering everything from the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert to the breezy, blue-washed coastal town of Essaouira. Beyond the scenery, the deep-rooted tradition of hospitality ensures every traveler feels welcome, whether you are sharing mint tea with locals or staying in a beautifully restored traditional riad.
Where to Stay: La Mamounia or Royal Mansour Tamuda
Singapore
Visa free tourist stays up to 30 days
Clean, green, and incredibly efficient, Singapore is a top-tier choice for Saudi travellers, and especially for multi-generational families. Explore the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, luxury shopping on Orchard Road, and a world-renowned (and even MICHELIN recommended) street food culture. It is widely considered the world’s cleanest and safest city, making it an stress-free destination for families who want to explore world-class attractions like Sentosa Island and Universal Studios. Beyond the sights, its legendary hawker centres offer a masterclass in culinary diversity, serving up iconic dishes that blend Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavours for just a few dollars.
Where to Stay: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree or Raffles Singapore
South Africa
Visa free for tourist stays up to 90 days
South Africa is the destination for the bold traveller, and most importantly the lover of world class fine dining and high-end service. Whether you’re summiting Table Mountain in Cape Town for sunrise or tracking the "Big Five" in the Kruger National Park, the country offers visitors a dramatic change of scenery for vacation. The coastal city of Cape Town serves as a stunning cultural hub, where you can take a cable car up Table Mountain in the morning and visit a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach by the afternoon, whilst the vineyards lying just outside the centre are home to some of the best views (and restaurants) in the region.
Where to Stay: Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch or Ellerman House, Capetown
Thailand
Visa free for tourist visits up to 60 days, which can be extended by an additional 30 days
Now open following an almost 30-year exclusion for Saudi travellers, Thailand is quickly rising as a go-to destination for all types of travellers. Thailand is affectionately known as the "Land of Smiles" because of its legendary hospitality and a culture that prioritises sanuk, or the pursuit of joy. From the high-energy streets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Chiang Mai and the island vibes of Krabi, it offers incredible value and hospitality: the country offers a landscape for every type of adventurer.
Where to Stay: Aman Nai Lert Bangkok or ÀNI Thailand Private Resort
Turkey
Visa free for tourist stays up to 90 days within a 180 day period
Few destinations on earth can match Turkey for sheer, breathtaking variety. Istanbul alone — straddling two continents across the Bosphorus, its skyline punctuated by the minarets of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia — is one of the great cities of the world, a place where Byzantine grandeur, Ottoman magnificence, and a thoroughly modern energy exist in extraordinary proximity. Beyond it, the country unfolds in every direction: the surreal limestone terraces of Pamukkale, the hot-air balloon-dotted valleys of Cappadocia, the turquoise coves of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and a culinary culture that ranks among the finest in the region. With direct flights operating from both Riyadh and Jeddah, and a culture that shares deep historical and spiritual ties with the Kingdom, Turkey remains one of the most naturally compelling destinations available to the Saudi traveller.
Where to Stay: Maxx Royal Bodrum or Six Senses Kaplankaya
