Najd, also known as the Nejd, is the geographical core of Saudi Arabia. It is home to roughly a third of the nation’s urban population. Riyadh, the capital of the Nejd area, is located in the Arabian desert, surrounded by steep mountains and a large expanse of arid deserts. The region of Najd Saudi Arabia is a great tourist attraction inspiring tourists with its beauty and cultural heritage. The region has a lot of attractive open areas, parks, and gardens. Additionally, it is a major hub for oil and gas production, refinement, and the petroleum industry.
Best tourist spots in Najd, Saudi Arabia
1. Al Nafud Desert – Ideal for desert adventures
Al Nafud, also known as Al-Nefud is a large desert in the northern Arabian Peninsula. It stretches for 290 kilometers (180 miles) and is 225 kilometers (140 miles) broad, covering 104,000 sq. km. Tourists can indulge in dune bashing, an outdoor activity where tourists ride strong electric or motorized buggies and SUVs over the wide and rugged desert. Setting up a camp at night in the expanding desert is the best way to appreciate the magical appeal of the Arabian desert. With a relaxing breeze blowing over the desert, the starlight gives a majestic glimpse of the expanse. Tourists visiting the Al Nafud region can also explore Jubbah, a World Heritage Site. The site has prehistoric engravings dating from 10,000 BCE.
Top attraction: Jubbah and desert activities
2. Tuwaiq escarpment – Edge of the World
Tuwaiq escarpment is a linear rift that lies between two Najd plateaus. The escarpment has some of the best destinations to camp and trek in the whole of Saudi Arabia. It is home to Acacia Valley which is a beautiful valley lined with Acacia trees. Further, the escarpment runs to a popular trekking site known as Edge of the World. Hundreds of tourists and trekkers climb the Edge of the World to experience a majestic view. The cliff provides exceptional sunsets with a memorable sights.
Location: 90 km northwest of Riyadh
Top attractions: Edge of The World and Acacia Valley
3. Shammar Mountain – Twin peaks of Aja and Salma
Shammar mountain in Hail is popular among the locals for the love story of Aja and Salma. Legends say that after the community’s disapproval for their love, Aja and Salma ran away. They were tragically killed which gave rise to twin peaks of Aja and Salma. Today, the mountain attracts tourists for activities like trekking and sightseeing. Tourists visiting the peaks can also explore the nearby region housing the home of Hatim Al Tai, Al Qishlah castle and traditional market.
Location: Hail, Najd
Top attraction: The peaks of Aja and Salma and traditional market near the mountain
4. Ad-Diriyah – Jewel of Saudi Arabia
Diriyah, dubbed as the “Jewel of Saudi Arabia” by many, is quickly becoming a popular tourist attraction in the Najd region Saudi Arabia. Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s trademark projects offering luxury hotels and global hotel chains, along with eating, retail, and entertainment facilities. It houses the famous Maskamk Castle along with other old structures. Furthermore, Diriyah has a long historical past. It was originally an ancient commerce and religious route, as well as a meeting point for people traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Museum of Al Saud House highlights the background of the royal dynasty. The Museum of the Saudi State and Arab Peninsula, and the Misk Historic Museum are well organized academic research centers. These encourage young people to engage with the country’s heritage and history.
Location: Wadi Hanifa, Ad Diriyah
Top attractions: Museums and old structures in Diriyah
Must Read: Historical Diriyah: An Ancient City With World Heritage Sites
5. Ushaiqer Heritage Village – Culture of Bedouin tribe
With a history of more than 1500 years, Ushaiqer Heritage Village offers a clear view into the heritage of Bedouin tribe. In past, travelers to Makkah stopped at the village to take rest while embarking on the pilgrimage to the holy city. The village has numerous ancient structures telling about the historical past of Ushaiqer. Tourists can also visit Al Salem museum and explore more about the tribal culture that existed in the heritage village and nearby areas. There are several restaurants and eateries offering local cuisine of the area.
Location: 200 kilometer to the northwest of Riyadh
Top attractions: Ancient houses and museums
6. Aarif Fort – Castle on Jabal Irf
Built to ward off the enemies’ attacks, Aarif fort is a very old castle made from clay and mud in the 17th century. The fort is popular for cannon firing in the holy month of Ramadan marking the time for iftar. The castle is situated at the top of a hilltop named Jabal Irf. Tourists can climb up to capture a mesmerizing view of the nearby area. The castle further has watchtowers, old rooms, and a mosque for visitors to explore. Tourists can also visit the nearby farms and markets to get a complete tour of the area.
Location: Labdah, Hail
Top attraction: Old structures and hilltop view of surrounding area.
7. King Abdullah National Park – Perfect for family picnic
King Abdullah Park is a popular urban park and historic horse racetrack near Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. The square, spanning over 31.8 hectares (almost 80 acres), was used as a horse riding field from the nation’s inception until 2002. It was restored as the Kingdom’s biggest public park in 2013. The park has a 12-meter-wide crosswalk corridor, 110-meter-long giant laser water fountain, as well as an artificial lake. Visitors come in great numbers during the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The park also organizes publicly organized events namely the Saudi National Day, in which the park showcases firework displays prior to the day.
Location: Al Nafl, Buraydah
Top attraction: Laser water fountain, and crosswalk corridors.
8. Kingdom Center Tower – Highly advanced skyscraper
The Kingdom Center Tower in Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s sixth tallest building. It is a result of a collaborative effort between a Riyadh-based design firm and an America-based architecture business. King Al Waleed bin Talal designed the center, which includes key financial structures as well as commercial malls. The complex contains fashionable furnishings and clothing retailers that cater to young people. The Kingdom Center Tower offers guests with livable space in the form of air-conditioned workplaces and flats. One may walk around the tower and visit the Islamic culture and art museums, shopping areas, eateries, and parking spaces.
Top attractions: The first four floors dedicated to shopping, with a worldwide luxury brand store specializing in clothes, jewelry, and accessories, as well as many other luxury brands
Location: King Fahd Road, Riyadh
Timings: The kingdom center tower is open to the public for free throughout the week from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm
Must Read: Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh – A Landmark Skyscraper Ft. Mall, Eateries, Entertainment
9. National Museum of Saudi Arabia – Arabian antiques and arts
The National Museum in Riyadh is among the Kingdom’s largest and most exciting museums. It covers generations of Arabian antiques, archaeology items, and cultural art pieces. The National Museum has magnificent contemporary architecture housing relics from Prehistoric rock art to reproductions of ancient Jeddah architecture. It takes tourists on a delightfully interactive trip through the years of Saudi history. By a constant rotation of events, guest exhibits and programs, the visit to the National Museum remains fresh.
Location: King Saud Rd, Riyadh
Timings: Sunday: 12 pm – 2 pm, Monday to Thursday: 12 pm – 2 pm, & 4 pm – 8 pm, on Friday: 4 pm – 8 pm
The land of Nejd is a melting pot for marvelous tourist spots rich in the heritage and culture of the Islamic world. It offers places that appeal to the adventurers and casual tourists alike. Tourists should plan a trip with an experienced tour and travel company to effectively explore the region.
Najd Saudi Arabia FAQs
What are the activities offered at Al Nafud Desert?
One can dune bash, sandboard, or camp in the Najd desert.
What are the museums in Ad-Diriyah?
The Museum of Al Saud House, the Museum of the Saudi State and Arab Peninsula, and the Misk Historic Museum represent the heritage and history of the country.
What are the timings of the National Museum in Riyadh?
The museum remains open from Sunday to Thursday, 12 pm to 2 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm, and on Friday, 4 pm to 8 pm.
How far is Ad Diriyah from Riyadh city center?
It is only 20 km from Riyadh center.
Why is Tuwaiq Escarpment famous?
Tuwaiq escarpment is popular for the trek of Edge of The World and camping in Acacia Valley.
