Where Do Saudis Travel in Summer? Top 15 Destinations for 2026

Every year, as the summer heat begins to rise across Saudi Arabia, the conversation shifts from “when are you going?” to “where are you going this time?” I’ve been traveling every summer for the past several years, and I’ve noticed how our travel habits as Saudis have evolved. We’re bolder, more curious, and more willing to explore beyond the familiar. We used to stick to the usual circuit. Today, we chase experiences.

If you’re still figuring out your summer 2026 plans, I hope this list helps. These are 15 destinations that genuinely resonated with me and with fellow Saudi travelers I’ve spoken to, from cool mountain retreats at home to buzzing European capitals far away.

Also read: What Is the Best eSIM for International Travel in 2026?

Starting at Home: Saudi Arabia’s Best Summer Escapes

Before thinking about a passport, it’s worth remembering that Saudi Arabia itself has some incredibly refreshing summer options. These domestic destinations have seen massive growth in visitor numbers, and for good reason.

1. Abha & Aseer Region

Abha is where I always recommend Saudis go first if they haven’t been. Nestled in the mountains at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it’s genuinely cool in summer, sometimes misty and green, which feels almost unreal after the lowland heat. The Aseer Region recorded a 49% rise in GCC tourist arrivals in summer 2025, according to a report by The Arabian Mirror, and that momentum is carrying into 2026. The terraced farms, the cable car over the valley, and the food, it’s all deeply worth it.

2. Taif

Taif sits about 1,800 metres above sea level and earns its reputation as the “City of Roses.” It’s a short drive from Makkah and a beloved escape for families. The weather is mild, the souqs are lively, and it’s a comfortable trip even for those who prefer not to fly.

3. AlUla

This one surprised me the first time I went. AlUla isn’t just an archaeological site; it’s a full sensory experience. The ancient Nabataean tombs, the Hegra site, and the dramatic rock formations make it unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom. Visit Saudi has been actively promoting it, and rightly so.

4. Jeddah

Jeddah is a year-round destination, but in summer it picks up beautifully along the corniche and in the historic Al-Balad district. It’s also a gateway city for international flights, which makes it easy to start your summer here before heading abroad.

Regional Favourites: The Gulf & MENA

5. Dubai, UAE

Dubai remains a perennial Saudi favourite. It’s familiar, polished, and endlessly entertaining for families. Manama in Bahrain actually topped outbound destination lists for Saudi travelers in recent Visa data, according to TECHx, with a 20% traveler share, but Dubai closely follows at 13%. The shopping, the theme parks, and the sheer variety of restaurants keep people coming back every single summer.

6. Cairo, Egypt

Egypt has consistently ranked among the top choices for Saudi travelers according to Almosafer, historically and right now. Cairo offers that rare mix of history, warmth, and affordable luxury. The pyramids never get old, the Nile cruises are dreamy, and the Egyptian food culture is something you simply can’t replicate.

7. Doha, Qatar

Post the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Doha has genuinely come into its own as a destination. World-class museums, quiet beaches, and excellent dining make it a strong short-break option, particularly for travelers who want something nearby but polished.

The Big International Leagues

8. Istanbul & Türkiye

Türkiye is one of the most preferred international destinations for Saudi summer travel, according to Almosafer. Istanbul is magnetic: the Bosphorus, the Grand Bazaar, the rooftop restaurants with views of the Blue Mosque. But Saudi travelers are also venturing beyond Istanbul to the coastal resorts of Bodrum and Trabzon, especially with local airlines launching new seasonal direct flights for summer.

9. London, United Kingdom

London has been a Saudi summer staple for decades, and it shows no sign of slipping, according to Almosafer. It’s the city where you can do everything: West End shows, Harrods, Hyde Park picnics, and day trips to the countryside. What I personally love is that London in July and August is genuinely cool compared to Riyadh.

10. Paris, France

Paris is a consistent top choice for Saudi long-haul travelers, according to a report published by Almosafer. The croissants, the museums, the Seine, it’s everything people say it is. Luxury-minded Saudi travelers particularly gravitate toward Paris for shopping along the Champs-Élysées and the palace hotels near the Tuileries.

11. Switzerland

Switzerland is another top destination that Saudis prefer according to Business Traveller. The Alps, the lakes, the precision, everything about Switzerland feels like the antidote to a hot Saudi summer. Geneva and Zurich are the entry points, but Interlaken and Lucerne are where families tend to linger.

The Rising Stars of 2026

12. Phuket & Bangkok, Thailand

Southeast Asia is having a real moment with Saudi travelers. Phuket has long been popular, but Bangkok is growing fast, according to Almosafer. The combination of beach resorts, halal-friendly restaurants, and excellent shopping makes Thailand a strong summer pick for families.

13. Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia is one of those destinations that keep appearing in everyone’s summer search data. Tbilisi has a charming old town, pleasant summer temperatures, and an increasingly Saudi-friendly hospitality scene.

14. Sarajevo & Bosnia-Herzegovina

This one is close to my heart. Sarajevo offers something deeply emotional and beautiful for travelers: history, mountains, stunning mosques, and a European city vibe that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded. It remains a trending pick for those seeking something different.

15. Vietnam

Vietnam might be the biggest surprise on this list, but Saudis like visiting this natural wonder. Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi are all drawing Saudi travelers looking for something exotic, affordable, and visually stunning.

Streamlining Your Summer Travel Bookings

Last summer, a sudden flight change left me stuck in an airport lounge at 3 a.m., trying to figure out my next move. Instead of frantically searching for an airline help desk, I opened the Almosafer app and immediately connected with their 24/7 Arabic-speaking support team. Within minutes, my new itinerary was sorted. That single experience highlighted the value of having a reliable, award-winning travel partner, and it is exactly why I exclusively use the Middle East’s leading travel brand to anchor my summer plans.

When you are piecing together a multi-city itinerary, whether escaping to the misty mountains of Abha or exploring the historic streets of Sarajevo, having everything consolidated is invaluable. The platform grants you access to over 1.5 million hotels and 600 airlines globally. It is easy to see why the app maintains a 4.8-star rating backed by over 5 million satisfied travelers; bookings are confirmed in seconds, and the built-in real-time flight tracking ensures you always know exactly where your journey stands.

Beyond its massive inventory, what keeps me loyal is how perfectly the platform caters to the Saudi and Gulf traveler’s mindset. The checkout process is completely frictionless. You can securely pay using local options like Mada and KNET, or via Apple Pay. If you prefer to manage your holiday budget over a few months, their “Book Now, Pay Later” integrations with Tabby and Tamara are seamless. Best of all, there are no hidden fees or surprises at checkout, the price you see is exactly what you pay.

Travel will always have its unpredictable moments, but features like built-in flight delay protection and crystal-clear refund policies remove the guesswork from your holiday. For anyone mapping out their summer 2026 escapes, starting your planning with a platform that actively protects your itinerary takes the stress out of the equation. Wherever your passport takes you this season, the booking process should be just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Disclaimer: Data validated in June 2026. All values are subject to real-time changes.

Where Do Saudis Travel in Summer? Top 15 Destinations for 2026