Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Saudi Arabia
When most people think of Saudi Arabia, they likely imagine sprawling sand dunes, ancient ruins, and ornate mosques. And while it does have its fair share of all of those things, there’s much more to this fascinating Middle Eastern country than meets the eye.
Picturesque white sand beaches, bustling cosmopolitan cities, and sprawling mountain ranges are also part of the unique landscape. With such a diverse range of sights and attractions, it's no wonder why more and more tourists are adding Saudi Arabia to their travel itinerary.
If you’d like to visit the beautiful Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you might need a visa, such as the Saudi Business Visa or a pilgrim visa, although you can check the exact type you need with the Saudi Embassy London. So whether you’re planning a trip to the Middle East or simply looking for wanderlust inspiration, check out the following top 10 destinations to visit in Saudi Arabia.
1. Jeddah
Situated on the coast overlooking the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city is a delightful mix of new and old. Not only does it have a beautiful historic town center (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), but it is also famous for its towering commercial skyrises, colorful seaside promenade and floating mosque.
While most people visit Jeddah for a taste of urban life, it also happens to be a great destination for beachgoers. Enjoy a day of swimming in the ocean or dining at one of the many waterfront seafood restaurants along the coast. And relatively speaking, Jeddah is also one of the more progressive cities in Saudi Arabia. You’ll find plenty of colorful cafes, western fashion brands and even mixed gendered beaches where bikinis are acceptable.
2. AlUla
Step back over 2,000 years in history when you visit the ancient walled city of AlUla. Located in the middle of a dry, barren desert, AlUla is a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers alike. At its heart is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site called Hegra, a carved sandstone rock with over 100 decorated tombs from the Nabatean Kingdom. If it looks familiar, it’s because it was built in the same era as Petra in Jordan, which was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom during this time.
Besides marveling at this magnificent rock formation, it’s also worth spending time in the old town. This labyrinth of winding alleys, shops, and homes is unique because it’s set in the middle of a lush, green oasis.
3. Umluj
If you’re in need of a little rest and relaxation, then there is no better place to spend the weekend than in Umluj, or as the locals call it, the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. This charming coastal town is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the 100 or so islands that sit right offshore, although you’re more than welcome just to kick back and enjoy the white sand beaches and swaying palm trees from the mainland as well.
The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, and more adventurous travelers can enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving in the county. Besides the 1,200 different types of tropical fish, it's also possible to see nudibranchs, dolphins, turtles, and dugongs playing in the water.
4. Jebel Fihrayn
One visit to Jebel Fihrayn and you'll see why this spectacular landscape literally translates to "the edge of the world." Peering over the side of these massive 1,000-foot cliffs, you’ll have nothing but miles of dried-up desert, valleys, and sea beds laid out in front of you.
It's not the most accessible place to reach as it requires driving down rough terrain and a 30-minute hike. But those magnificent views from atop the bluff are well worth the time and extra effort. This landscape is a remarkable 150 million years old, which only adds to the majestic beauty of one of Saudi Arabia’s least explored sites.
5. Al Ahsa Oasis
As the largest self-contained oasis in the world, Al Ahsa is truly a marvelous site to visit during your trip to Saudi Arabia. There are over 2.5 million palm trees (specifically date palms) and 280 freshwater springs, making this a picturesque town in the middle of an otherwise dry and dusty desert. In fact, this region has been an agricultural hub for centuries due to its irrigated landscape and large oil fields.
While the lush surroundings alone are enough reason to visit, Al Ahsa has several other fascinating sites to see, including the 7th-century Jawatha Mosque, the Souq Al Qaisariya market and the limestone Al Qarah mountain range.
6. Al Habala
One of the most challenging places in Saudi Arabia to visit, as this "hanging village" is perched on the edge of a cliff in the Sarwat Mountains. When it was constructed nearly 400 years ago by villagers fleeing Ottoman rule, the only way to reach the town was by rope ladder. However, a cable car was recently installed in the 1990s in order to increase tourism and provide easier access to visitors.
While the village of roughly 150 stone and plaster builders is now largely abandoned, there are restaurants, shops, and cafes catering to tourists. You'll also find a small amusement park and a Ferris wheel as well. The natural landscape of red rock cliffs and cascading waterfalls also make this a scenic place to see from afar.
7. Farasan Islands
Home to crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and lush, tropical foliage, the Farasan Islands (Farasan Island, Sajid Island, and Zufaf Island) are some of Saudi Arabia’s most exotic wildlife. The vibrant coral reefs offshore are home to numerous marine creatures like whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and parrot fish, making this a popular destination for snorkelers and divers.
The wildlife on land is equally as diverse, with ospreys, gulls, terns and plovers nesting in the mangrove forests. If you’re lucky, you also might spot the elusive Arabian Gazelle, which mostly resides on the main island. Even if you’re not into wildlife watching or water sports, you can still relax on the beaches or spend the day exploring the island.
If you are staying for an extended period, consider taking a Saudi driving test to ensure proper safety on the road.
8. Asir National Park
The country’s first national park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It encompasses a variety of different landscapes, including mountains, valleys, plains, deserts and coastal shores. While most people come for the hiking trails and spectacular vista views, others can choose to spend the night at one of the campgrounds inside the park (where they’ll be treated to excellent stargazing opportunities.)
Besides hiking and camping, other popular activities include horseback riding, cycling and even paragliding. It’s possible to visit the park by yourself, most guests choose to hire an experienced guide to make the most of their visit to this sprawling national park.
9. Dammam
Although it’s not the largest city in the country, Dammam has made a name for itself as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia. This booming metropolis has amusement parks, theaters, museums, libraries, cinemas and a sports arena for the Saudi Professional League Football Club (although cricket, basketball and camel racing are also popular sports in Dammam).
It has also been the administrative center of Saudi Arabia's oil industry ever since Aramco found oil in the Dammam Well No. 7 – which is generally referred to as the "prosperity well." However, the landscape of the city does not reflect its industrial heritage. Dammam has lush gardens, sandy beaches and a thriving waterfront area filled with water fountain features, trendy cafes and upscale restaurants.
10. Riyadh
No trip to Saudi Arabia would be complete without a visit to the capital – Riyadh. As the largest city in the country, Riyadh is a bustling hub that attracts over 5 million tourists a year (after all, it's the main political, financial, and commercial hub in all of Saudi Arabia).
While the skyline is dotted with modern skyscrapers and towering high rises, there are also plenty of historical sights to check out as well, including the Masmak Fortress, Murabba Palace and National Museum. The main roads are also lined with shopping malls and department stores, although it's also worth checking out the legendary Souq al-Thumairi market for authentic goods, décor and handicrafts.
Key Takeaways
As you can see, Saudi Arabia is a diverse country bursting with unique sights, attractions and landscapes.
From the glittering high-rises in the city to the unexplored valleys and mountain ranges near the Red Sea, there’s someone to delight every type of traveler who wishes to visit this fascinating country.
Make sure to understand the visa requirements before booking your trip. But don’t worry, visas are easy to obtain online and you will be off exploring before you know it!