Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Colombo, Sri Lanka; address No:86, Galle Road, Colombo; phone +94112682087. Head of mission: Mr. Khalid Hamoud Nasser.
Head of mission: Mr. Khalid Hamoud Nasser, Ambassador (as of 2022)
Saudi Arabia offers a compelling destination for some Sri Lankan visitors, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and important religious sites. The country is actively enhancing its tourism infrastructure as part of a strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. With around 300,000 Sri Lankans traveling abroad annually, a portion may find Saudi Arabia an appealing choice for their travels.
Saudi Arabia is generally considered safe for tourists, including those from Sri Lanka. According to the Global Peace Index, Saudi Arabia is ranked 100th out of 160 countries, while Sri Lanka is ranked 99th, indicating similar safety levels. In terms of crime statistics, Saudi Arabia has a lower murder rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people compared to Sri Lanka's 3.5. Additionally, female murder rates are also lower in Saudi Arabia (0.3) than in Sri Lanka (2.2). However, when examining organized crime, Saudi Arabia scores higher in certain areas, such as state crime and human trafficking, suggesting some challenges in these aspects. Overall, while both countries have their safety concerns, the lower violent crime rates in Saudi Arabia may offer a sense of security for tourists.