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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Wadi Lajab Location

Located at a distance of 120-125 km away from the Jizan, Wadi Lajab is a beautiful canyon in Southern Saudi Arabia. The ride to the wadi takes around 2 hours from Jizan city. However, to reach the valley, one needs to take 4X4 vehicles since the road to this place consists of rough trails. Overlooking the beautiful view of the mountains, Wadi Lajab Restaurant is the nearest eatery to the valley. Here, visitors can quickly have their breakfast/ lunch. The Restaurant is mainly known for its Chicken Mandi and Lamb Roast. However, tourists can also take packed lunches to eat quick snacks while exploring the valley.

Wadi Lajab Landscape

Wadi Lajab is a valley located near Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between two high rocky mountains with steep sides. It lies in a canyon about 5 kilometers long and 3 to 30 kilometers wide. The wadi offers breathtaking landscapes due to its narrow path and high altitude, which can exceed 300-800 meters. A green covering of creepers and dense moss covers both sides of the valley, giving it the appearance of a hanging garden. At the height of around 200 meters, olive and palm trees can easily be spotted. It produces freshwater more frequently than any other wadi in Saudi Arabia. Mid-sized waterfalls and several ponds are created by the stream that passes through the canyon’s base. Visitors can spend amazing moments admiring the area’s natural beauty and stunning geology. For a comfortable visit to the beautiful valley, restrooms, guidance signs, and seating places are present around the spot.

When to visit Wadi Lajab?

The best time to visit the valley is during the winter months of November to March. During this period, the Wadi Lajab weather remains pleasant, and visitors can explore the region without any inconveniences. Also, one can find many ponds and streams during this time of the year.

Things to do at Wadi Lajab

Home to lush greenery, enchanting streams, rocky mountains, and cascading Wadi Lajab waterfalls, there are numerous activities offered by the valley. Hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and diving are among the top things to do at this mesmerizing and hidden gem in Saudi Arabia.

1. Hiking

The valley is an excellent hiking spot, surrounded by mountains and a water stream that emerges and disappears at intervals. Here, hikers will get to explore the canyon’s distinctive geological structures. Various types of rock, such as basalt, marble, and granite, can be seen when hiking down its curving course. Tourists should remember to wear comfortable clothes and carry a headlamp as well as a dry bag for the camera and other belongings.

Suggested Read: 5 Most Popular And Beautiful Trekking Trails In Saudi Arabia

2. Rock climbing

The valley has also been certified by the Jazan Tourism Development Council as a venue for rock climbing. Climbers can get an adrenaline boost by climbing up, down, or across natural rock formations. Climbers’ strength, endurance, agility, and balance, as well as mental control, are put to the test during rock climbing at the wadi. Amateur climbers should start slowly, talk to local climbers, learn about safety equipment, overcome the fear of heights, and everything will be fine.

3. Fishing

The wadi’s stream gives rise to medium-sized waterfalls and numerous deep ponds to efficiently support aquatic ecosystems with a variety of fishes. As a result, visitors can also go for recreational fishing. Fishing in the valley isn’t just about catching fish; it’s also about having a good time with friends and family. The sensation of a fish smacking the bait is thrilling and enjoyable.

4. Swimming

The valley is home to a number of natural swimming pools! Swimming in the crystal-clear streams that run down the valley’s bottom under the supervision of an expert is one of the many enjoyable activities available in the wadi. There are numerous water-accessible spots apt for swimming.

Wadi Lajab Tour

Ideal duration: It is ideally a full-day tour that takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete. Usually the tour starts early in the morning around 8 to 9 pm. However timings can be changed to suit the tourist preferences. In summers, Wadi Lajab weather is quite hot, hence it is recommended to pack and plan accordingly.

Wadi tour attractions: As mentioned above, there are plenty of things to do and see at Wadi Lajab. The tour attractions include the massif of Jebel Qahar; the scenic stream that runs in the Saudi Tihamah valleys, the Wadi Lajab canyon, small waterfalls and ponds enroute, and the sheer greenery on the way.

Tour inclusions: Most agencies include transfer from Jazan in an AC vehicle, along with a tour guide. The tour fee includes entrance fee and all other charges.

Wadi Lajab is a green oasis teeming with live monkeys climbing the surrounding trees, birds chirping, and schools of fishes playing in the streams. It takes 4-5 hours to explore the spot. Hence tourists should start early and reach this place in the morning to spend more time exploring the wadi without rushing and missing anything at the spot.

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Jizan Flaunting Stunning Nature And Rich Heritage

Wadi Lajab FAQs

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