Nightlife in Saudi Arabia - Bars, Clubs, Dining, and Shopping

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula. Its petroleum and oil reserves attract businesses and Western workers to its cities, though the nightlife in Saudi Arabia may be different than what Westerners are accustomed to.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia should be aware that there are no legal nightclubs in the country. There are no bars serving alcohol or places where men and women mingle.

Although drinking and dancing aren't an option in Saudi Arabia, visitors have other ways of passing the time. There is a good variety of restaurants in the cities. On the gulf side of Saudi Arabia, around Dhahran and the surrounding area, there are American fast food restaurants, plus a variety of regional and international cuisine dining establishments. All of the shopping centers, restaurants, and bazaars are open until midnight. Some are even open around the clock.

Visitors should be aware that there are expectations for how visitors will dress. Shorts are not worn in public in the country, and women must be particularly careful about their clothing. Women's bodies must be completely covered, though Western women are not expected to cover their faces. In some areas though, women must cover their hair or wear an abaya, which is a long black robe that covers their clothes. Some hotels will even have these to loan to their guests.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about nightlife in Saudi Arabia.