Water sports are popular, and the Red Sea is an active leisure location. Some thought is needed regarding the public activities and profile of women, who are expected to dress conservatively when out and about. However, there are private beaches where families can relax. Inland is the range of hills known as the Hejaz, beyond which the desert stretches eastward to the Empty Quarter. The city of Jeddah has an abundance of very good restaurants and shopping centres to visit, including the souq, or market, in the old city.
Most products are available in the Kingdom, and supermarkets are open seven days a week.
No alcoholic or pork products are sold. Obviously all imported products will be expensive compared to local market items, particularly fruit and vegetables, and it is worth the effort to be adventurous and try some of the local produce. Unlike the UK the price is always higher with credit cards. An ATM card is recommended. The sterling rate is around SR6.3 to the pound, but changes from day to day, whereas the Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar at around SR3.754.