Have you heard that Saudi Arabia is now open to tourists? If you’re wondering about the best places to visit in this fascinating country, let’s dive in.
Saudi Arabia is the largest and most populous country on the Arabian Peninsula, and it also holds the title of the largest country in the Middle East by land area. While most of Saudi Arabia is covered by desert, it boasts the largest oasis in the world. Despite its strict regulations and Sharia law, the country has recently opened its doors to leisure tourists. Before this change, people could only visit for work, business, or pilgrimage.
This country is rich in culture and heritage, featuring ancient towns, unique desert rock formations, rock-cut tombs with intricate facades, stunning natural wonders, and even pristine beaches. Sound exciting? Here are some top recommendations for things to do in Saudi Arabia.
Al-‘Ula is an ancient city nestled in the desert, and it’s a must-see! Make sure to explore the Old Town where you can find ancient markets, mosques, and castles dating back about seven centuries. The oldest structure in the Old Town is the Musa Bin Nusayr Castle. Also, don’t miss the fascinating rock formations like Elephant Rock, Face Rock, and Rainbow Rock, which are scattered around the desert near Al-‘Ula.
Twenty kilometers north of Al-‘Ula lies Hegra, the most renowned site in the area and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hegra showcases well-preserved remains of a Nabataean settlement, famous for its 131 monumental rock-cut tombs adorned with elaborate facades. Don’t forget to explore the Al-‘Ula Oasis by trekking along the Al-‘Ula Oasis trail, which starts near the ancient city of Dadan.
The Edge of the World, also known as Jebel Fihrayn, is another breathtaking destination. These 300-meter-high cliffs offer an incredible, unbroken view of the plains and horizon, making you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
At-Turaif, a historic district and open-air museum located about 15 kilometers from the center of Riyadh, is another great spot to visit. Founded in the 15th century, At-Turaif is known for its numerous palaces, ancient mosques, and unique clay-mud buildings with triangular openings in the facade. As the first capital of the Saudi State and the original home of the Saudi royal family, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in history.
Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, serves as the commercial hub and is home to the historic center known as Al-Balad. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with marvelous old buildings, some up to 500 years old. In Jeddah, you can visit several interesting museums set in beautiful buildings, such as the Al Tayebat City Museum and Al Nassif House. Don’t miss the famous floating Al Rahma Mosque. For sun and sea, head to one of Jeddah’s private beaches like Silver Sands, known for its white sand, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.
Wadi Tayyib Al Ism, also known as “The Valley of Moses,” is a spectacular natural wonder. This deep canyon opens to the beach on the Red Sea coast. You can hike the length of the valley, marveling at the 600-meter-high granite cliffs that descend into the Gulf of Aqaba. The valley features beautiful views of a unique oasis with crystal-clear streams and numerous palm trees.
For beach lovers, Umluj is a seaside town along the Red Sea coast, serving as a gateway to 104 surrounding islands with unspoiled beaches. Often called the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia,” Umluj is ideal for relaxation, fishing trips, boat tours, and a variety of water sports. The area is also excellent for diving and snorkeling, thanks to the beautiful coral reefs and an array of marine life including sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and colorful fish. Don’t miss Harrat al Unayyir, an impressive lava field with craters and volcanic cones.
Lastly, the Asir Mountains run parallel to the Red Sea and are part of the Sarawat Mountain range. This area is a mix of rocky mountains, plains, and valleys offering various hiking trails. The highest point in the Asir Mountains, and in Saudi Arabia, is Jabal Sawdah at 3,133 meters. Abha serves as the gateway to these mountains, offering a moderate climate at an elevation of 2,270 meters.
Now that Saudi Arabia has opened up to tourists, exploring these incredible destinations can make for an unforgettable trip.