by Robyn Abou Chedid
Published Apr 28, 2025
Visiting Saudi as a Woman
Visiting Saudi Arabia as a woman, especially for work, is now a part of a growing global trend. With its landscape, business opportunities, and deep cultural richness, the Kingdom offers something truly unique for those willing to embrace it. I took the leap myself and this is what I have learned.
The Myth vs. Reality
For many females, the idea of visiting Saudi Arabia on their own was a dream. In September 2019, Saudi Arabia launched a major shift in travel regulations allowing women from all around the world to visit them regardless of their marital status. This meant women were allowed to travel without the need of a male guardian (mahram), stay in a hotel on their own and mainly explore the country freely!
When I said I was moving to Saudi Arabia as a woman, eyebrows were raised. Questions were asked: ‘Is that even SAFE?’ ‘Can women just…go there?’ For me, it was time to forget the world’s perception of my options and safety as a woman moving to the Kingdom to work. I packed my bags and jumped headfirst into a world buzzing with change, ambition, and a whole lot of amazing coffee. Saudi Arabia in 2025 is not the place you might have seen on old news clips. This is a fast-forward country.
Vision 2030: It’s Real, and It’s Huge
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 isn’t just a slogan. It’s a full-on transformation. The place is booming with business, conferences, and mega-projects. Saudi Arabia wants you here. Especially if you’re a woman ready to make your mark. With the great transformation happening under its Vision 2030, everyone basically can visit all the different parts of Saudi Arabia and experience the culture, the history, the food, the people, the generosity, and the weather, a The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the world to come and witness and to be part of this historical growth.
Having said that, Saudi Arabia has become a major business and career opportunities hub in the region, especially for females. Major conferences, investments, and GEGA projects are attracting Western countries, Arab and Asian countries to participate.
Visas, Hotels, and Getting Around
There is now no need for special permits for females to have to travel. If it is for tourism, business or personal visits, there are 2 types of visa to choose from. It can be either via a tourist visa applied easily online through the official Saudi eVisa portal or via a business visa. A business visa is where you usually need a formal invitation from the company inviting you there to do business with them. Usually a tourist visa is instant and a business visa takes a couple of days.
Saudi Arabia has numerous international hotel chains up to 5 stars. As a traveler, when you are booking your hotel, choose the nearest area to the meetings to save time on the road as Saudi Arabia is much bigger than you think! Regarding transportation, it is very easy to rent a car if you would like to drive or use Uber and Careem or hire a private driver from the hotel.
Once you land there, you will feel their traditions, and see their history, so when visiting, showing respect for the local culture is a great way to build positive experiences.
Dress Code and Culture: Respect Goes a Long Way
For women, wearing a traditional abaya is not mandatory anymore – however you will want to dress modestly. Showing respect for the local culture is necessary and always a good move. It opens doors and wins smiles. Trust me.
Female leadership power in the Desert
When you are there you will notice that it is very common to see Saudi ladies and non-Saudi as a major working force. So it is a very reassuring environment of safety, growth, and opportunities. Having said that, this major milestone of Saudi opening its doors has increased the demand of talents inviting women from all across the globe to come and be part of the vision 2030 and work towards developing the country while leading by example.
Would I recommend moving to Saudi Arabia as a woman in 2025 ? A thousand times yes. You must be prepared to abandon any preconceptions, be respectful, and be ready for an adventure. You’ll find warmth, ambition, and hospitality like you’ve never seen. Saudi Arabia might just surprise you – in the best way possible.
