7 popular museums of Saudi Arabia

1. Dar Al Madinah Museum, Madinah

Privately owned by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdul-Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaki, the Dar Al Madinah museum admirably showcases the historical past of the holy city. The museum provides working and still models of the old machines, locations, and more. The museum has exhibits displaying the history of the Prophet’s mosque, Masjid An Nabawi, a model of Haram al-Sharif, with Al Aqsa and Dome of Rock models as well. Additionally, there are around 2000 exhibits in the museum preserving many ancient and historical items, photographs, and relics. One of which is the bow of Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Madinah

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 11 am – 7 pm. Closed on Friday

Entry fee: SR 25

2. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia houses one of the most extensive collections on the evolution of life in the Arabian peninsula. The museum boasts four main sections among many, including the Man and Universe Hall, Pre Islamic Era Hall, Prophet’s Mission Hall, and Hall on Saudi Arabia foundation. These halls display amazing exhibits with fossils of animals, antiques of old tribes, relics from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) era, and weapons and maps of the region.

Location: King Faisal Road, King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, Riyadh

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm

Entry fee: SR 10 for adults

Suggested Read: 7 Museums in Riyadh That Every Tourist Should Visit

3. Museum of Happiness, Riyadh

Inviting people of all ages, the Museum of Happiness creates a destressing environment with vibrant colors. Unlike other museums, visitors are meant to interact with the exhibits. The museum maintains a fun theme around its 1300 square meters of area. The 10 display halls have a teddy room, gumball machine, retro games, rubber duck, etc. The museum also has an on-site restaurant named the Happiness cafe. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs relating to the museum from the gift shop.

Location: Front, Riyadh

Timings: 4 pm – 12 am, every day

Entry fee: SR 160 for adults and SR 60 for children below 12 years of age.

4. Tayebat Museum, Jeddah

Tayebat Museum is an outstanding display of Hijazi architecture. The museum houses old manuscripts, items on Arabian heritage, and Arab historical recreations. It is elegantly furnished and spans 10,000 sq m, with 12 structures and approximately 300 chambers. It is also a Saudi Arabia art museum with numerous artworks from renowned artists adorning the walls of the museum. Further, it has items entailing the noteworthy history of Saudi Arabia.

Location: Rayhanat Al Jazirah, Al Faisaliyah District, Jeddah

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 12 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm, closed on Friday

5. Scitech Technology Center, Al Khobar

Sultan bin Abdulaziz Scientific & Technology Center (SciTech), one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known science museums, is the best to enjoy a day exploring interactive scientific and technological displays. Visitors can experience the best of the ocean life in the depths of the sea, along with the astronomical observatory that rises high up in the sky. Further, one can understand about natural occurrences like the moon’s waning and waxing phases, as well as many other fascinating scientific processes. Tourists can attend technology exhibitions for a more insightful visit.

Location: Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8 am – 3 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday – From 4 pm to 10 pm

6. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for world culture, or Ithra, is well-known for its extensive collection of Arabic art. The museum is an 18-story masterpiece of a progressive design that includes exhibition halls and a reading room with a massive collection of literature. Further, the unique architecture of the museum and cultural center has made it a landmark in the region. Tourists can attend scientific workshops and discussion programs to learn more about Saudi Arabian culture. The place is ideal for youngsters since it allows them to learn while having fun.

Location: Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm, on Friday, 4 pm – 10 pm

7. Tabuk Castle And Museum, Tabuk

Tabuk Castle, which dates back to 35 BC, is another tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia. It is an iconic landmark that depicts the life and the times when it was built. The castle’s name is taken directly from the Holy Quran. In the category of finest museums in Saudi Arabia, the castle was named the best for its amazing design and architecture. The complex comprises two mosques, an open square, watchtowers, and a freshwater cistern. The fortress has been transformed into a museum housing a vast collection of historic papers dating back to the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Uthman Ibn Affan Road, Tabuk

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 7 am – 1: 45 pm, & 4 pm – 8 pm, closed on Friday

Saudi Arabia has a diverse culture, influenced by its Islamic background, historical significance as an old trading hub, and Bedouin customs. Over the last several centuries, Saudi society has advanced dramatically, still preserving the heritage in its extensive museums. The museums of Saudi Arabia are a must-visit to learn about the historic past of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism 2022: Top Cities, Itinerary, Do’s and Don’ts

Museums of Saudi Arabia FAQs

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Top places to visit in Dhahran

1. Half Moon Beach – Enchanting sunsets and sunrises

Dhahran’s Half Moon Beach is one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest and the most beautiful beaches. Because of its striking moon-like shape, this beach is often called Crescent Beach. The beach is also a popular picnic spot for many families and is equipped with showers, toilets and locker-room options nearby. It offers access to numerous recreational facilities such as swimming, beach ball and horse riding on the shore. Also, visitors can watch beautiful sunset and sunrises on the beach or take a stroll down the pathway amongst the cool sea breeze.

Location: On the sea side of King Faisal Ibn Abd Al Aziz near Safari Point

Timings: The most packed days at Half-moon Beach are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, so one can plan their visit accordingly. It usually takes around two hours to explore the Half-moon Beach but one can spend as much time as they like to make the whole visit a memorable experience.

Suggested Read: 8 Most Beautiful Beaches In Saudi Arabia An Unwinding Retreat

2. Dhahran Hills Park – Ideal trekking and outdoor activity spot

Dhahran Hills Park is a secluded and serene park located in Dhahran Hills division. The recently reconstructed park is ideal for an outdoor meal and trekking with the family. King Fahad Park, Prince Mohammad Bin Park Stadium, Marjan Island and The Marina Mall are located very close to the Dhahran Hills. Newly wedded couples and families visit the destination to relax and organize picnics in the natural surroundings of the park. The beautiful sunsets from the picnic sites provide a serene experience.

Location: Quirsh St, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran

Timings: The place is open all days of the week from 6 am to 10 pm

3. Ithra – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

Built in the vicinity of the site where oil was first tapped in 1983, Ithra (the Arabic word for “enrichment”) is a contemporary cultural center. It is set at 90 meters above the desert and spans in more than 80,000 square meters. The unique architecture of the building makes it a popular tourist destination. The structure hosts a vast library, museum, theater, cinema, ideas lab and knowledge tower, along with a range of beautifully displayed galleries. These facilities inspire, engage and delight the artists and tourists worldwide.

Location: Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran

Timings: The center is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 pm to 1 am

4. Alfelwah and Aljowharah Museum – House for 500 years old Quran

The Alfelwah and Aljowharah Museum houses a valuable exhibition of more than 500,000 objects packed into an opulent villa in Dammam. It is a must-visit for enthusiastic collectors of cultural and traditional artifacts. The wide ranging display of items includes a 500-year-old copy of the Quran, vintage cars, antique gramophones and some of the private possessions of Saudi Arabia’s first monarch, King Abdulaziz. Guests can also see a traditional Saudi bedroom and meeting hall setup.

Location: 35 km drive from Dhahran city center to Al Nuzha, Dammam

Timings: 9 pm to 11 pm, everyday

5. Heritage Village – Historical manuscripts and Arabian textiles

A historic town with museums, restaurants and turrets, Heritage Village in Dammam gives visitors a glimpse into simple life. The most popular five-story building in the village houses a museum displaying jewelry, manuscripts, textiles and other crafts, and a small craft market selling Arabian perfumes, incense, wicker baskets and tapestries. People can enjoy the traditional way of eating local delicacies in a restaurant located in the village by sitting on the floor with a comfortable cushion on the floor. The village is also near the ocean providing a mesmerizing view of the sun rays meeting the waves of Persian Gulf.

Location: 45 minutes drive from Dhahran located on Corniche Walk Way, Ash Shati Al Gharbi, Dammam

Timings: The village remains open on all days of the week from 12 pm to 12 am

Suggested Read: Top 10 Places To Visit In Dammam: From Heritage Village To Adventure World

6. Mall of Dhahran – Fun filled shopping experience

Mall of Dhahran is a beautiful single-story shopping mall with over 400 retail stores selling a wide range of products from popular local and international brands. The mall houses Billy Beez (a famous indoor playground in Saudi Arabia) and Sparky’s (entertainment center for all ages). The entertainment centers have ice rinks, arcade games, and more. The Dhahran mall also has numerous restaurants and outlets offering food from Arabian and international cuisine.

Location: Mall of Dhahran Blvd, Al Dawhah Al Janubiyah, Dhahran

Timings: The mall remains open from Saturday to Thursday during 9.30 am to 11 pm

Best time to visit Dhahran

The best season for Dhahran tourism is the winters. Generally, summers in Dhahran are long, warm, damp, and arid; winters are cool, dry, and pleasant. Mid-October to mid-February are the best times to visit Dhahran. The temperature in Dhahran ranges from 17°C to 28°C during this time.

Dhahran is a famous city situated in the eastern Saudi Arabia and is known as the kingdom’s oil capital. Dhahran is about 14 kilometers to the south of Dammam. It is the administrative capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Dhahran has Kingdom’s major commercial port along the Arabian Gulf. It is an important administrative center for the Saudi oil industry. Dhahran makes up part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area together with the cities of Dammam and Khobar. Most of the places to visit in Dhahran are easy to reach by taxis. The city also offers a myriad of places to stay. From economically feasible stays to luxurious retreats, there are a lot of options for all budgets.

Places To Visit In Dhahran FAQs

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