Saudi Arabia

The Adiyogi Shiva statue is 112 feet (34 metres) tall, an allusion to the 112 chakras of the body.

Culture holidays

‘Arc de Trump’? The 20 most over-the-top buildings ever constructed

The US president’s proposed monument would join a long and rapidly growing list of structures we could probably do without.

Chris Moss

The Neom project’s car-free smart city called The Line, digitally illustrated above, has been stymied by cost overruns and delays.

Middle East

This country is spending billions to boost tourism. It’s not working out

With mega-projects falling by the wayside and visitor numbers to resorts below target, a tourism dream is slipping away.

Robert Jackman

The wraparound head rests in each suite have speakers built in so you don’t have to wear headphones.

Air travel

First look inside the new rival to Emirates, Qatar Airways

Riyadh Air wants to be the next big thing in international air travel and its first flight will take off next week, but don’t expect any champagne on board.

John Arlidge

Traveller Awards

Born again: The greatest revamps and reinventions in travel this year

These award winners show how taking something inherently beautiful or unique and adding zeitgeisty features can double the joy.

Traveller Team

Riyadh Air aims to take on award-winning rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways with its pointy-end offerings.

Air travel

New rival for Emirates and Qatar Airways unveils its luxurious cabins

Riyadh Air is set to take off at the end of this year with cabins to rival the best in the sky. Just don’t expect to be served champagne on board.

Leen Al-Rashdan

Middle East

I did a women-only trip in one of the world’s most notorious countries

It’s one of the world’s most patriarchal societies, but I had a behind-the-scenes look at the secret lives of women here.

Katrina Lobley

One reader will not be returning to Saudi Arabia.

Traveller letters

Traveller Letters: We won’t be returning to this stopover destination

“Although the people are mostly friendly, and it’s an interesting country, this is one of the few places we wouldn’t revisit.”

★★★½
Airline reviews

Airline review: Carry-on limits ignored on this Mid East airline

Passengers wedge enormous bags into the overhead lockers, then start a bunfight trying to rip their luggage out while we are still taxiing to our gate.

Belinda Jackson

Hegra is the site of more than 110 elaborate ancient graves.

Middle East

Why this hidden oasis is the coolest luxury destination right now

Pilgrims, cameleers, incense traders, empire builders, and even Lawrence of Arabia have passed through these lands. Now, it’s the turn of curious travellers.