Visit Saudi Arabia to Experience the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2025
With Riyadh set to host the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh in 2025, you must have plans to attend the same. However, you’ll need to apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa for that.
This visa is issued under the authority of the Saudi Arabian government to people who wish to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism or relaxation. Generally, you can stay for up to 90 days if you apply for a multiple-entry visa, or for up to 30 days with a single-entry visa.
You must remember that the multiple entry visa is valid for between (180-365) days, while the single entry visa is valid for up to 90 days. Furthermore, only people belonging to some nations can apply for this eVisa.
Click here to find out whether you belong to the list of these countries or not. You’ll need to have documents like your passport (that should be valid for 6 months following your arrival in Saudi Arabia), 2 recent passport photographs, etc. to apply for this visa.
If you have queries about additional documents, you can contact our online helpdesk.
Lastly, all you have to do to apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa is visit our website, fill up the online application form, pay the fee, and wait for a few days to receive it in our inbox. Let’s now talk about the Islamic Solidarity Games.
What are the Islamic Solidarity Games?
The Islamic Solidarity Games were initially created to establish a strong bond based on the Islamic identity of youths worldwide.
These games involve athletes who belong to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and are organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation.
Furthermore, the main objectives of these games were to promote the values of non-discrimination based on the values of Islam and strengthen the spirit of sportive cooperation amongst the member states and with international sports bodies.
Another major motive of these games was to promote the Olympics in the Muslim World. The Islamic Solidarity Games were first held in Saudi Arabia in 2005, the third in Indonesia in 2013, the fourth in Baku in 2017, and the fifth in Konye in 2022.
Currently, the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation has 57 member countries. Additionally, non-Muslim members can also take part in the Islamic Solidarity Games now.
For many athletes, these games act as a training ground for bigger competitions like the Olympics. That’s because the qualifications for the Olympics take part a year after these games end.
Why is Saudi Arabia the Host?
Some of the reasons that make Saudi Arabia a great place to host these games is that it has prior experience in hosting major sports competitions like the World Youth Soccer Cup Championship, World Weightlifting Championships, Men's World Open Squash Championship, etc.
Apart from that, it also hosted the inaugural edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. Furthermore, as per Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2023, that aims to make Saudi Arabia an economic force to be reckoned with.
It primarily seeks to do so by maximizing digital payments, enhancing revenue from non-oil sectors, boosting Foreign Direct Investments, attracting more tourists, and revamping the infrastructure.
For instance, you can expect projects like Jeddah Central, Saudi Downtown, etc. to come up soon. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is all set to host events like the Asia Cup in 2027, the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and so on.
What You Can Expect At These Games
When you visit Riyadh for the Islamic Solidarity Games with your Saudi tourist eVisa, you can expect a variety of clashes based across categories like boxing, karate, Muay Thai, football, horse-based or equestrian sports, basketball, swimming, etc.
You can catch sight of famous athletes like Mohammad Yahya (the Emirati UFC champ), Alireza Firouzja (Iranian Chess whizz), Yara Alhogbani (Saudi Arabian Tennis maestro), and more grace the event with their performances.
Furthermore, during the opening ceremony, you can witness performances that showcase the culture of the participating members, and stay true to Islamic traditions.
Places You Can Visit on Tournament-free Days
Now, you can also explore the rest of Riyadh with your Saudi tourist eVisa on the days your preferred events or games aren’t being held.
You could choose to visit the modern landmarks that define the essence of the city, and also explore the ancient historical sites based in Jeddah and Madinah.
Modern Landmarks
If you wish to first explore the modern landmarks, then you go to places like the Kingdom Centre Tower, Souq-al-Thumairi, Red Sand Dunes, Saqer-Aljazirah Royal Saudi Air Force Aviation Museum, etc.
The Kingdom Centre is famous for its Four Seasons. But there's more than that. The sky bridge at the top of this building is perfect for marveling at the picturesque Riyadh skyline.
People who love shopping can visit the Souq-al-Thumairi. Buy antiques, perfumes, handicrafts, and more to take back from Riyadh. The adventurous can visit the Red Dunes for hiking or quad-bike riding and falconry.
You can also visit the Saqer-Aljazirah Royal Saudi Air Force Aviation Museum to see models of airplanes from the 1920s to the present times.
Historical Wonders
If you’re visiting Jeddah, then you can visit the Floating Mosque, which is known for its architecture, and the sunsets or sunrises that you can experience when you visit during this time.
Another place that you should not miss is the Khuzam Palace and Museum, which is known for being the home of monarch King Abdulaziz till 1932, and the tulips plantation nearby. You can also see artifacts that date back to the Stone Age, and pre-Islamic Era.
Finally, another place that should be on your list in Jeddah should be the Baab Makkah, or the Gates of Makkah, that once welcomed, and still welcomes the pilgrims to the holy city. You can find a market near the gate, from where you can find traditional jewelry, clothes, etc.
If you feel hungry, then you can have traditional dishes like makadim, kibdah, raas mandi, etc.
When you visit Madinah, you should visit the Masjid-al-Nabawi, which houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, the Masjid-al-Quba, Masjid-al-Qiblatain, Jannat ul Baqi, which is a cemetery that houses the daughters of Prophet Muhammad.
Planning Your Visit to Saudi Arabia
After you apply for your Saudi tourist eVisa, you should book your flight tickets. Some popular airlines that fly to Saudi Arabia include Saudia, FlyNas, Azerbaijan Airlines, Indigo, Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, Emirates, etc.
So you should choose your airline carrier based on which country you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia from. That’s because Saudi Arabia has different major airports like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, etc.
Now, there are some things that you should be aware of, before you travel to Saudi Arabia with your Saudi tourist eVisa.
Weather
Firstly, the ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia would be between November and February, or between the Autumn and Winter Seasons. That’s because you can experience a cool climate, and enjoy outdoor activities there.
Clothing
Apart from that, you should ensure that you cover your shoulders, legs, and arms. Additionally, you should wear clothes that are loose and do not accentuate your body shape in any way.
It is advisable to completely cover your legs, arms, and shoulders. Women should wear modest clothing and avoid wearing form-fitting clothes that accentuate their shape.
Personal Health and Emergencies
Furthermore, you should also take care of your own health and hygiene, by regularly washing your hands, carrying a hand sanitizer, using cloth masks in case of dust or allergies, etc.
Apart from that you should purchase a local SIM if necessary, so that you can dial emergency numbers like 112 (general emergency), 993 (traffic accidents), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire Department), and 999 (Police).
Inter/Intra-City Navigation
You can rent cars from popular companies like Avis, Hertz, or contact rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, etc. to travel in and around the city. Furthermore, you can also opt for taxis or trains (domestic, high-speed, etc.) as per your needs. Lastly, you can choose buses as well.
Documents
Do ensure to carry documents like a scanned copy of your Saudi tourist eVisa, your passport, and other documents as applicable before you travel or during your travel. This way you can book rides and navigate easily.
Finally, do remember to dress modestly, and behave respectfully. That’s it! Have a great time at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025!
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.