FROM JEDDAH TO RIYADH, we travel the 500-mile stretch on a spotless highway that runs inland from the Red Sea, skirts Mecca, climbs the Rift Valley escarpment and then crosses the pale, unbroken plain of the Arabian Desert. The road’s purpose is obvious: it connects Saudi Arabia’s two largest cities. Less obvious are the bridges that span the highway at regular intervals. They carry no cars or trains. They are bridges from nowhere to nowhere.
The mystery is solved when we see them in use. The silhouettes moving across are unmistakable: camels. The desert is their territory, and the highway divided their range. High fences prevent animals from straying into traffic, so the sandy, stone-surfaced overpasses allow camels to move freely between grazing areas without disrupting the vehicles below.
At first glance, Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization appears indifferent to environmental concerns: sprawling oil fields, refineries, multilane highways and soaring skyscrapers. Look closer, however, and environmental protection is gaining prominence. In March 2014 the Presidency of Meteorology and Environmental Protection issued a decree requiring companies to meet new air, water and noise pollution standards by 2019, signaling an institutional shift toward greater ecological responsibility.
As the world’s largest oil producer, the kingdom long relied on fossil-fuel wealth to shape its infrastructure with little regard for sustainability. With oil revenues reduced and reserves under pressure, Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy and planning a future less dependent on hydrocarbons.
Sustainability is now a priority for many projects, with the Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) advising on green standards. The SGBF includes major construction players such as the Binladin Group and Saudi Aramco and plays a key role in guiding environment-focused development.
One flagship initiative is King Abdullah Economic City, a $93 billion new city under construction on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah. Designed with sustainability at its core, the plan emphasizes walkability, cycling and public transit while discouraging reliance on private cars. Renewable energy, especially solar power, is central to the city’s energy strategy, capitalizing on abundant sunlight. At the same time, planners are addressing acute water scarcity through conservation measures during construction and in ongoing operations.
Major urban transport upgrades are underway elsewhere in the kingdom. Riyadh is building a metro with 85 stations, a project scheduled for completion in 2018 with an estimated cost of $22 billion. Jeddah’s metro, with 17 stations and an estimated cost of $8.5 billion, is due to start service in 2020. The ambitious Saudi Landbridge rail project aims to modernize the national rail network and connect the Red Sea with the Arabian Gulf, moving up to 8 million tons of freight annually and cutting sea transit times from days to under a day.
Among the high-profile developments, Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower stands out. At 3,260 feet, it is set to become the world’s tallest building when completed, and its construction emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability, incorporating low-conductivity glass and other measures to reduce cooling loads in the intense summer heat.
Travelers should be aware that Saudi Arabia enforces strict social rules. Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ visitors must be discreet. Women typically need a male sponsor or relative to enter and are expected to follow conservative dress codes. Alcohol is banned nationwide. Notably, Kingdom Tower is planned to be one of the few major public spaces without gender segregation, a sign of potential social change, though its broader cultural impact remains to be seen.
Things to do in Saudi Arabia
On a misty morning, bundled against the chill, we follow a trail through green hills. As the fog lifts, a dramatic panorama of rugged peaks appears. Where are we? Unexpectedly, we are in Saudi Arabia, near Abha in Asir National Park.
Asir National Park, perched on the Rift Valley escarpment, covers more than 600 square miles and shelters over 300 bird species, hamadryas baboons and the elusive Arabian leopard. Reaching elevations up to 9,000 feet, the park offers a cool, verdant contrast to the searing heat of the desert and supports diverse vegetation uncommon in the region.
Not far from Jeddah, the Red Sea reveals another side of the kingdom. Diving or snorkeling off the coast opens a world of coral reefs alive with marine life, an aquatic counterpoint to the inland mountains and desert.
South of the Jeddah–Riyadh highway, Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area presents the familiar arid landscape: flat desert, scattered shrubs and thorn trees. There we encounter vultures, gazelles, ostriches and the Arabian oryx. The oryx was hunted to extinction in the wild in the 1960s and later reintroduced through captive breeding programs coordinated by international partners. Today’s herds are a conservation success story and a hopeful sign for Saudi wildlife protection.
Tourist infrastructure remains limited in parts of the kingdom. Asir is best reached from Abha on day trips; Mahazat as-Sayd requires a permit from the Saudi Wildlife Authority. Red Sea diving is well developed, with dive operators based in Jeddah and Yanbu offering access to reefs and marine biodiversity. These varied landscapes reveal a surprisingly diverse country beyond common preconceptions.
CHECKING IN WITH PAUL PAPANICOLAOU
General Manager, Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah
How important are environmental considerations in daily operations?
They are central to our operations, especially given our island location. We track and sort waste, monitor energy and water consumption, and recycle around 2,000 kilograms of waste each month. As a Green Globe-certified resort, staff are engaged in achieving sustainability targets and participate in community volunteer programs.
Is Saudi Arabia becoming more environmentally conscious?
Yes. Environmental protection is increasingly embedded in national planning. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes renewable resources and sustainable development, and environmental concerns now shape industrial, agricultural and architectural projects across the kingdom.
What cultural differences should Americans be aware of?
Saudis are very hospitable. Learning basic Arabic greetings helps open doors. Women should respect local dress codes by wearing conservative, loose-fitting clothing and carrying a scarf to cover their hair when required.
What developments should visitors watch for?
Major projects include the Jeddah Corniche redevelopment, a new airport and high-speed rail to Mecca and Medina, Kingdom Tower and the continued growth of King Abdullah Economic City. These initiatives signal large-scale urban and transport transformation.
Which attractions do you recommend?
Jeddah offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea. Fakieh Aquarium is family friendly. Balad, Jeddah’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full of traditional souks and architectural treasures.
Saudi Arabia Info to Go
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is the kingdom’s busiest international gateway and an important hub for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The airport is expanding to raise annual capacity from 13 million to 80 million passengers. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is one of the world’s largest by area and connects to many international destinations. Abha International Airport receives flights via Jeddah or Riyadh and has some direct connections to regional centers.
Saudi Arabia: Just the Facts
Time zone: GMT +3
Phone code: Country code 966; Riyadh 11, Jeddah 12, Abha 17
Key industries: Oil and gas, mining, construction, telecommunications
Currency: Saudi riyal
Official language
Arabic is the official language; English is widely used in business.
Coming and going
U.S. citizens must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival and a confirmed return ticket. A visa is required and should be obtained several weeks before travel. Passports showing travel to Israel or family links to Israel may result in visa denial. Female travelers usually require a sponsor or male relative to accompany them for entry.
Where to Stay in Saudi Arabia
ABHA PALACE HOTEL Luxury hotel on Abha’s western side, convenient for visits to Asir National Park. Nahran Road, Abha $$$
INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH Centrally located 5-star hotel using IHG’s Green Engage system to monitor environmental impact. King Saud Road, Riyadh $$$$
MÖVENPICK RESORT AL NAWRAS JEDDAH Green Globe-certified resort with private villas facing the Red Sea on an island near downtown. Prince Naif Road, Corniche Street, Jeddah $$$$
Restaurants in Saudi Arabia
19TH CENTURY BURGER A straightforward international burger chain. Ameer Sultan Street, Al Mohmmediah, Jeddah $$
ASSALAM PALACE REVOLVING RESTAURANT Located on the 10th floor with panoramic views; best for lunch rather than dinner. Assalam Palace Hotel, Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Street, Abha $$$
NAJD VILLAGE, RIYADH Traditional Arabian dining in a historic setting; meals are often enjoyed seated cross-legged on the floor. Al Takhassusi Street, Riyadh $$$