10 Misconceptions About Saudi Arabia and the Real Stories Behind Them

Perfect—let’s bring these misconceptions to life with real stories, cultural texture, and human moments to create a rich, immersive article.

10 Misconceptions About Saudi Arabia—And the Real Stories Behind Them

What most people think… and what’s actually happening inside the Kingdom.

1. “Saudi Arabia is just an endless desert.”

The Truth: Yes, the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) is one of the largest sand deserts in the world—but Saudi Arabia is full of natural surprises.

Example: Hike the misty peaks of Abha, where homes are made of stone and valleys are blanketed with clouds. Or snorkel in the Red Sea coral reefs near Yanbu, where you’ll find sea turtles, colorful fish, and divers from all over the world.
A tourist from Italy recently said:

“We thought we were flying into a desert—we ended up watching the sunset on a mountain above the clouds in Rijal Almaa.”

2. “Women can’t drive or have careers.”

The Truth: Women in Saudi Arabia are leading ministries, launching startups, and dominating entire industries.

Example: Sarah Al-Suhaimi became the first woman to chair the Saudi stock exchange. Loujain, a young Saudi pilot, now flies domestic and international routes for Saudia Airlines.
I once interviewed a female Uber driver in Riyadh—she told me she drives to support her university tuition and dreams of starting her own logistics company.

“The car gave me freedom,” she said. “But the ambition? That’s always been there.”

3. “It’s not safe to visit Saudi Arabia.”

The Truth: Saudi Arabia is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the region, with low crime and strict security.

Example: A group of backpackers from Germany recently completed a road trip from Tabuk to Najran—camping in the wild, stopping in small towns, and never once feeling unsafe.
They were repeatedly offered tea, food, and directions by strangers. One of them posted:

“We came for the adventure, but the hospitality was the real discovery.”

4. “Everyone in Saudi Arabia is extremely conservative.”

The Truth: While tradition is respected, Saudi society is in flux—with youth leading a cultural reawakening.

Example: Go to JAX District in Riyadh or Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, and you’ll find photographers, filmmakers, fashion designers, and hip-hop dancers sharing space in edgy art hubs.
During the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival, thousands of Saudis danced, created, and celebrated in a way the world wouldn’t have imagined 10 years ago.

“Being Saudi today means I can be proud of my roots and still be a filmmaker,” says Nourah, a director from Al Khobar.

5. “Non-Muslims aren’t welcome.”

The Truth: Since the 2019 launch of the e-visa, Saudi has welcomed millions of visitors from across the globe.

Example: Tourists from over 60 countries have visited AlUla, where ancient Nabatean tombs rival Petra. An American couple told me:

“We were nervous at first, but then we were greeted with coffee, dates, and ‘Ahlan wa Sahlan’ everywhere we went.”

Their guide in AlUla? A young woman who studied archaeology in the UK—and returned to show the world Saudi’s hidden history.

6. “There’s no entertainment or fun.”

The Truth: Saudi is now one of the region’s fastest-growing entertainment hubs.

Example: Imagine hearing Bruno Mars perform in the middle of the Riyadh desert. Or attending the Red Sea Film Festival with stars like Michelle Rodriguez and Will Smith.
Families go to cinemas, theatre plays, and even anime expos in cities across the Kingdom.

“Fun used to be something we had to travel abroad for,” says Hassan, a young dad in Jeddah. “Now we make those memories right here.”

7. “It’s too hot to live here.”

The Truth: Summers are hot, yes. But Saudi Arabia has cool highlands, modern cooling infrastructure, and indoor life thrives.

Example: In Al Baha, you can walk through cedar forests in 18°C weather even in June. And in cities like Riyadh, you’ll find shaded walkways, underground malls, and vibrant nighttime street life after Iftar during Ramadan.

“We go out after 9 PM, when the city comes alive,” says Noor, a college student. “Summer isn’t a season we hide from—it’s a time we adapt and celebrate.”

8. “All Saudis are the same.”

The Truth: The Kingdom is a rich mix of tribes, regions, and heritage—each with its own food, fashion, and dialect.

Example: Visit Qassim, and you’ll taste spiced dates and hear Najdi poetry. Head to Asir, and you'll see men in flower crowns and women in colorful traditional dress dancing in al-Ardha.
Even within one city like Jeddah, you’ll find Sudanese, Yemeni, Hijazi, and Makkawi influences in its street food and architecture.

“We’re not just one story,” says Huda, an artist from Abha. “We’re a mosaic of cultures—and that’s our strength.”

9. “Saudi Arabia is only for religious tourism.”

The Truth: While Makkah and Madinah are sacred, Saudi is also full of UNESCO heritage sites, modern cities, and natural wonders.

Example: Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, is now a stunning cultural destination with museums, cafes, and concerts. NEOM is building the city of the future. The Red Sea Project will be home to eco-luxury resorts and marine conservation zones.

“I came for Umrah, and stayed to explore AlUla and the Edge of the World,” said a British traveler. “It’s like two worlds in one.”

10. “Saudis don’t want outsiders.”

The Truth: Hospitality is the heart of Saudi culture—and it’s never fake.

Example: Sit in a small town in Al Ahsa, and within five minutes someone will offer you qahwa (coffee), dates, and stories. One Japanese traveler wrote:

“In other countries, I paid for a tour. In Saudi, a stranger became my guide.”

Hospitality here isn’t just a gesture—it’s a sacred duty.

Saudi Arabia is changing, fast—but its essence remains: proud, welcoming, rich in history, and rooted in connection. Don’t let old stereotypes limit your view. The real Saudi Arabia? It's waiting for you to experience it with open eyes—and open arms.