9 Beautiful places to visit in Saudi Arabia

1. Empty Quarters, Near Riyadh

The Empty Quarters or the Rubʿ al Khali, is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, covering 650,000 square meters with its fringes spilling into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. The desert is among the aridest places on Earth. It receives less than 3 cm of rainfall annually in some parts and zeroes in other areas. The dunes have a reddish-orange hue making them highly photographic. The Empty Quarter is made up of five distinct types of dunes, offering an excellent opportunity to take part in the desert adventure.

Top attractions/activities: Desert camping is the top attraction where one can camp among the dunes and enjoy a fantastic view of the clear skies at night. The Empty Quarter is also the perfect place to test driving skills and learn how to sandboard and sand ski.

Best time to visit: The desert remains extremely hot during the summers. Hence, the best time to visit the Empty Quarter is November to February. The weather is the coolest during this time, with a pleasant breeze flowing across the vast expanse.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabian Deserts: For An Unusual Adventure In The Arid Dunes

2. Al Souda, Abha

The Al Soudah is among the top incredible places to visit in Saudi Arabia. It is a breathtaking mountain area situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters in the Asir region. The Al Soudah mesmerizes with its majestic mountain draped in juniper trees. The place’s natural beauty is overwhelming and nothing short of a paradise for those who love nature. The soothing weather is a welcome change from the arid climate of other parts of the country.

Top attractions/activities: Tourists can visit the Rijal Almaa village, which has served as a resting place for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. The village also has many ancient forts and museums. The Asir National Park is another key attraction. It’s a huge park that stretches all the way to the Red Sea coast. One can indulge in adventure-filled activities such as riding a cable car from steep mountain slopes. There are several hiking trails that can be explored.

How to reach: One can conveniently reach Al Soudah from Abha International Airport, located less than 50 km.

Best time to visit: From November to February, the winter months are the best months to visit Al Soudah in terms of climatic convenience and see the stunning sights of the snow-capped mountain. Many tourists visit the mountain in August to enjoy the Flowerman Festival celebrations.

3. Wadi Al Disah, Tabuk

Wadi Al Disah is a beautiful mountainous valley in the northwestern area of Saudi Arabia of Tabuk province. It translates as ‘The valley of palm trees,’ and it’s aptly named because the valley floor presents a delightful piece of nature. The massive sandstone cliffs and pillars further add to the beauty of the place. Tourists come here to explore and experience this marvel of nature. Wadi Al Disah is characterized by gigantic mountain forms, rocky columns, and freshwater springs.

Top attractions/activities: Wadi Al Disah is the perfect place in Saudi Arabia to get away from the crowd and have a nice time relaxing in the calm and soothing nature. One can indulge in hiking or join the locals in picnicking at the valley entrance while enjoying the locally flavored tea.

How to reach: Wadi Al Disah (main entrance) is about 260 km from the city of Tabuk. A drive from Tabuk to Wadi Al Disah can take around two hours. Tabuk is accessible from anywhere in Saudi Arabia, but it’s better to take a flight to Tabuk.

Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to visit Wadi Al Disah, as the climate is cool. Further, the area has a majestic charm to its beautiful environment in winter.

4. Wadi Lajab, Jizan

Wadi Lajab is a famous valley in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. Located between two high mountains, it is a canyon that is 30 km wide and 5 km long. Wadi Lajab is called ‘Heaven in the Desert’ because of the fantastic beauty of the place. The sides are steep and covered in thick moss, making it appear like an incredible hanging garden. The valley has a constant supply of fresh water.

Top attractions/activities: Wadi Lajab is one of the top places for hiking and trekking. It is also a site approved for rock climbing by the Jizan Tourism Development Council.

How to reach: Wadi Lajab is located some 125 km from Jizan. It takes around two hours to reach Wadi Lajab from Jizan by road. To get to the valley, one must hire a 4X4 vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain and the rough trails of the place.

Best time to visit: From November to March, the winter months are the best time to visit the Wadi Lajab. The weather remains pleasant, making it convenient for one to explore the region without suffering the summer heat and associated inconveniences.

5. Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh

Wadi Hanifa is a classic example of how human efforts can dramatically transform the surroundings. Hanifa Valley, a waste disposal site, is now a picture of natural abundance as the beautiful valley stretches across 120 km from northwest to southwest of the Saudi capital. It is now the largest natural reserve in Saudi Arabia. Migratory birds visit this wetland during winter. It is also one of the most popular recreational spots in the country. People love to camp in Wadi Hanifa among the mountains and the lakes.

Top attractions/activities: Hanifa Valley is a global destination for bikers and cyclists. Amateur botanists can have a wonderful time exploring the various trees, shrubs, and flowers that abound the place.

How to reach: Tourists can reach Hanifa from Riyadh, as it is located in the Najd region of Riyadh Province. It runs for around 120 km from northwest to southeast in Najd.

Best time to visit: One can visit Hanifa Valley at any time of the year, but the winter season is the best time to explore the region.

6. Jabal Abayad, Madinah

Jabal Abayad is the tallest volcano in Saudi Arabia. It is also famous as the White Mountain due to the presence of a unique white ash coating. Jabal Abayad is located in Harrat Khyber in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. It stands tall at 2093 meters. A satellite image of Harrat Khyber shows marked similarity to the Moon’s cratered surface because of the Jabal Abayad volcanic debris.

Top attractions/activities: Visitors can witness the stunning evidence of the assault caused by the molten fury in the two large lava flows. Jabal Abayad is located within a short driving distance from Madinah. The most recent recorded eruption is about 80 miles north of Harrat Khaybar. To the East of Madinah, one will find the most extensive lava field in the country. It stretches 180 km in the south towards the Jeddah suburbs.

How to Reach: Jabal Abayad is easily accessible from Jeddah or Madinah. One can take a flight to Tabuk and reach Jabal Abayad by road.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year is good to visit Jabal Abayad, but winters are the best as the climate is conducive for traveling.

7. Al Ahsa oasis, Al Ahsa

The Al Ahsa Oasis is one of the most incredible places to visit in Saudi Arabia and is known for its shady palms and clear springs. The oasis offers a picturesque view of the area’s amazing greenery combined with the sand-toned hamlets. Al Ahsa is also famous for its historical sites, artesian springs, canals, and wells. It is a historic port city famous for its home-grown varieties of dates and the red-grained Hesawi rice.

Top attractions/activities: Tourists can also explore the rock-hewn caves or climb the famous Al Qarah Mountain. The more adventurous can join the locals in drifting down the dunes in a hired SUV. Evening times are best for visiting the busy Souq Al Qaisariy and shopping with street hawkers for local products.

How to reach: The Al Ahsa Oasis is located 60 km from the Persian Gulf coast. One can travel to the oasis from Al Ahsa International Airport. Train services from Riyadh and Dammam are also available.

Best time to visit: December to February are the best months to visit the Al Ahsa oasis. The weather is cool and pleasant during this time of the year.

8. Farasan Islands, Jizan

The Farasan Islands, located in the Red Sea, are famous for their marine biodiversity. The Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary has been developed to protect this valuable biodiversity. This beautiful tourist location comprises around 80 islands, but one can visit only three of them. The islands, which are now a protected area, are rich in pristine coral reefs and are home to many species of rare birds. The islands serve the needs of tourists through a string of luxury hotels and on-site restaurants.

Top attractions/activities: Some of the top attractions of the Farasan Islands include the Najdi Palace and Century Beach. The palace is known for its unique architecture from the ancient era; whereas, The beach has blue, clear water and is an unspoiled area with many marine plants. One can go swimming or soak in the sun on the beach benches. The Luqman Castle is a major tourist attraction and offers a great view of the places around. The Ghadeer Bay has a rich and diverse marine biology environment.

How to reach: The Farasan Islands are located some 50 km from Jizan. There are ferries available for transportation between the city and the islands. The ferries can accommodate hundreds of people as well as automobiles. There are two trips conducted between Jizan and Farasan daily.

Best time to visit: The winter months are best to visit the Farasan Islands, from November to February. Winter temperatures are cool and pleasant, making it comfortable for tourists to explore the various places on the islands.

9. NEOM, Tabuk

NEOM is a New Enterprise Operating Model from Saudi Arabia, which indicates a new future. It is a futuristic city that will incorporate the nation’s emerging technologies and sustainability goals. NEOM will be established in an area encompassing 26,500 square kilometers and will run along the Red Sea coast for 460 km in the Tabuk province. Among other things, NEOM will also be a self-sufficient residential place that will run entirely on renewable energy.

Top attractions/activities: NEOM will house a million residents and will also have the largest floating industrial complex in the world, named Oxagon. Trojena, the symbol of engineering innovation and architectural marvel, is where all the adventure activities will take place. It will have a ski slope, water sports, and mountain biking. Another major attraction is NEOM Lake, an artificial water body created against a beautiful mountain backdrop.

How to reach: Tourists can visit NEOM from Tabuk, which is the nearest airport. It’s a three-hour drive to NEOM from Tabuk. It will take around six hours from the Sharm el-Sheikh airport and 10 hours from the Hurghada airport.

Best time to visit: As in other places in Saudi Arabia, the winter season is the best time to visit NEOM and explore the various features and facilities.

Saudi Arabia has come a long way from allowing only business visitors and religious tourists. The Kingdom has transformed dramatically over the past few years and is now one of the world’s most desirable and exciting tourist destinations. Most of the incredible places to visit in Saudi Arabia are blessed with an abundance of nature, exotic landscapes, historical places, and welcoming people.

Suggested Read: Mountains In Saudi Arabia Are Home To Historical Peaks And Charming Vistas

Incredible Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia FAQs

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6 World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia

1. Madain Saleh, Al Madinah

Madain Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra, was the first Saudi site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate details on the entrances and the smooth surfaces of the 111 tomb façades reflect the skill of masons at the time. The site is a great example of the Nabataeans’ prowess in architecture and understanding of hydraulics. The tomb façades are delicately carved and uniquely modeled. A pair of crowsteps ascend from a central point at the top. Tourists can access the tomb through a gate in the center of the façade. In contrast to the smooth finished façades, the interiors of the structure show uneven sculpting.

Location: The site is located in Al Ula of Al Madinah Region, Al Hejaz. Tourists can easily take a private taxi from Al Ula Airport or Madinah city to reach Hegra.

Top attractions: Nabataean inscriptions, Qasr al Bint, Qasr al Farid, Jebel Ithlib

World Heritage Site since: Hegra became the first World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia in 2008

Must Read: Al Hijr Archaeological Site, Hegira Madain Saleh: Inside, History, How To Reach, Permit

2. At-Turaif District, Near Riyadh

At-Turaif District, built in the 15th century, displays the great architectural style of Najd. The architectural style is unique to the Arabian peninsula’s central region. The district was a popular political and religious hub in the 18th and 19th centuries. At-Turaif’s citadel became the epicenter of the House of Saud’s temporal power and the spreading of Salafiyya reform within Islam. The site has an urban ensemble and the ruins of numerous palaces built on the ad-Diriyah oasis’s edge. As the place has been abandoned for a long time, it has not been subjected to modern development.

Location: At Turaif is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, northwest of Riyadh

Top attractions: Salwa palace, Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque, Saad bin Saud Palace and At-Turaif Bath House

World Heritage Site since: The ruins of At Turaif became a World Heritage Site in 2010

3. Historic Jeddah, Al Balad

Historic Jeddah in the Al Balad district was established as the primary port for trade routes from the Indian Ocean in the 7th century AD. It helped in channeling goods to Makkah from around the world. The Gate of Makkah also served as a port entry for Muslim pilgrims traveling to the holy city by sea. The town has grown into a multicultural hot spot with a distinct architectural tradition, including towers and houses built by the city’s elite merchants in the late 19th century. Sources indicate that the area started to have fences and doors during the Portuguese campaign in Jeddah. The fences were raised in the middle of the sixteenth century to protect the city from invasions.

Location: Eastern shore of Red Sea, Historic Jeddah is 10 km from Jeddah city center

Top attractions: Jeddah Roshan Tower, various souks, and old houses in the region

World Heritage Site since: Historic Jeddah found its way into World Heritage Site in 2014

4. Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al Ahsa

The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property in the eastern Arabian Peninsula. It encompasses canals, gardens, wells, springs, historical buildings, archaeological sites, and a drainage lake. Al-Ahsa Oasis symbolizes the examples of constantly increasing human settlement in the region. The development is shown by historic fortresses, mosques, wells, canals, and other water management systems. It is the world’s largest oasis, with 2.5 million date palms.

Location: The oasis is located in Hofuf of the Al Ahsa region

Top attractions: Springs, Antiquities, and 12 cultural landscapes

World Heritage Sites since: Became World Heritage Site in 2018

Suggested Read: Al Ahsa Tourism: Top Attractions, Best Stays, And How To Reach

5. Rock Art, Hail

Rock Art is the fourth Saudi heritage site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubba and the Jabal al-Major and Rat at Sunwaymas are two primary spots to see rock arts in a desert landscape. In the southern part of the Great Nafud Desert, the site also had a lake at the foot of the Umm Sinman hill range. The lake helped in the development of the nearby region in ancient times. The location has petroglyphs and inscriptions on the rocks providing insight into the past.

Location: Rock Art in the Hail region is only 124 km from Riyadh city center in the south-west direction

Top attractions: Jabal al-Major and Raat display a wide range of human and animal inscriptions spanning 10,000 years of history

World Heritage Site since: Added as World Heritage Site in 2015

6. Hima Cultural Area, Najran

Hima Cultural Area is an extensive collection of rock art denoting the flora and fauna, lifestyles, and hunting techniques from 7,000 years ago. All through the ages and until the late twentieth century, travelers and armies camping on the site left a wealth of rock inscriptions and petroglyphs. Most of these inscriptions are in pristine condition. The wells of Bi’r im date back at least 3,000 years, somehow still producing freshwater. These are situated near the oldest known toll station on a major ancient desert caravan route.

Location: It is located in a mountainous and arid area 200 km from the Najran city

Top attractions: Well of Bir im and old inscriptions and petroglyphs

World Heritage Site since: The cultural area has been World Heritage Site since 2021

Saudi Arabia’s culture is influenced by its Islamic heritage, historical role as an ancient trading center, and Bedouin traditions. The World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia offer a way to peek into the kingdom’s ancient culture and rich history.

World Heritage Sites In Saudi Arabia FAQs

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