King Abdullah Economic City is a cultural melting pot and an epitome of invention and human brilliance. The city is 100 km north of Jeddah along the Red Sea. For people who want to get away from the stresses of everyday life, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is an excellent refuge.There are numerous things to do in KAEC for everyone from go-karting at Juman Karting to swan paddling on the Marina Canal. KAEC is the ideal hideaway for tourists looking for a well-balanced vacation. It offers a plethora of supplementary recreational activities and leisure zones both indoors and outdoors. Tourists fly to this exciting destination to see a parallel side of Saudi Arabia. Here is a quick look about what you should know about the progressive city.
Best time to visit KAEC: Surrounded by desert, the climate of KAEC is relatively hot and dry. Therefore, the winter season is the ideal time to visit the city. The best months to plan a visit to KAEC are January, February, March, November, and December when the average maximum temperature is around 30°C (approx.) and minimum temperature around 19°C (approx.).
Ideal trip duration: KAEC is a privately funded city with several tourist attractions worth visiting. One can plan a trip of 1 to 3 days depending upon the individual preferences.
How to reach KAEC: The city doesn’t have an airport of its own and is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport. From the airport, tourists can hire a cab and reach KAEC in around 1 hour. The city has well-connected roads between various tourist attractions.
Fun things to do in KAEC, Saudi Arabia
Suited for corporate and leisure travelers, there is no shortage of King Abdullah Economic City activities. Here is a list of 7 popular KAEC activities:
1. Take a day-tour to Juman Park
With a mini-golf course, natural surroundings, swimming pool, a children’s playground, volleyball court, amphitheater and cycling track, a day excursion to Juman Park is one of the fun-filled things in KAEC. In addition, Juman Park is close to the city’s beachside hangouts, Marina Promenade and Juman Karting.
Address: Bayla Sun, KAEC
Timings: Open 24 Hours
2. Go karting at Juman Park
Another key attraction at this park is Karting. It is the perfect way for a fun day out with friends and family. Juman Karting houses a 700-meter karting track loaded with high-speed curves and exhilarating bends. Beginners and experts both can indulge in karting here. At Juman Karting, safety is a key focus. The circuit has been outfitted with world-class safety obstacles and tire walls to prevent drivers from going off track or losing their balance throughout the course. To enhance the driving experience, night lighting, starting lights, marshal towers and guiding signs have been added across the track. To take part in this fascinating sport, one must be at least 130 cm tall.
Address: Juman Karting, KAEC
Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 4 pm – 11 pm
2. Dine at Seasons Restaurant, Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina
A tempting array of culinary delights is available at Seasons Restaurant at Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina. With custom-made menus, tourists can get a taste of international cuisines from worldwide and indulge in a food delight. People can choose among à la carte or buffet style menu, to satisfy and match their expectations.
Address: Hijaz Boulevard Bay La Sun District, KAEC
Timings: Breakfast from 6:30 am – 10:30 am, Lunch from 12 pm – 4:30 pm, and Dinner from 6:30 pm – 11 pm
3. Visit the Museum of Science and Technology
Paying a visit to the Museum of Science and Technology is one of the best things in King Abdullah Economic City. Dedicated to the Golden Age of Islam, it is a vast museum including contributions from Muslim scientists, inventors, engineers and mathematicians. The KAEC Museum of Science and Technology houses replicas of al- Jazari’s massive Elephant Water Clock and Castle Clock. Additionally, animated scale models of a vintage WindMill and a Wind Tower are put on exhibit to demonstrate new ways to harness the power of nature. Trade, commodities, and currencies are among the other displays detailing the history of industry in the Islamic world.
Address: Engineering and Science Hall, Building 19 Academic Campus, Thuwal
Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm
4. Watch 4D movies at K-Max
In KAEC, watching 4D movies at K-Max is a fantastic experience. 4D movies combine a 3D film with physical effects utilizing cutting-edge technology and immersive audiovisual effects to provide the ultimate entertainment experience. For example, snow, wind, strobe lighting, bubbles and fragrance, and seat effects like movement, vibration, water spray and seat poke are replicated in a 4D film. Both children and adults enjoy the 4D movies at K-Max.
Address: K-Max, KAEC
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 3 pm – 11 pm
5. Snorkel at the Yam Beach
Snorkeling at Yam Beach is one of the exciting outdoor activities in KAEC. Yam Beach’s blue waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to see marine life in their native habitat. Swimming on water while wearing a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube and swim fins is known as snorkeling. Swimming, kayaking, renting a paddle boat or floating water bikes, diving and beach volleyball are other beachfront activities. Visitors who do not wish to swim or snorkel can relax and rejuvenate on the nearest sunbed.
Address: Yasmine Street, King Abdullah Economic City
Timings: Monday to Sunday 8 am – 6 pm
Suggested Read: 8 Most Beautiful Beaches In Saudi Arabia An Unwinding Retreat
6. Enjoy Swan Paddling Boat Ride in Marina Canal
No trip to KAEC is complete without partaking in Swan Paddling Boat Ride in the Marina Canal. Tourists can glide gracefully through the water as the rejuvenating breeze hits against the face with the backdrop of the surrounding environment.
Address: Marina Canal, KAEC
Timings: Monday to Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm
Ticket Price: 85 SAR for 15 minutes
With a forward-thinking attitude, KAEC allows visitors to spend time in an environment exceeding all expectations. KAEC hopes to become a tourism hub, ushering in a new era of wealth, thanks to the government’s master plan. The city shows the modern and technologically advanced side of Saudi Arabia.
Things To Do In KAEC FAQs
Does KAEC has an airport?
No, there is no airport at KAEC. Instead, King Abdulaziz International Airport serves King Abdullah Economic City in Jeddah. The distance between King Abdulaziz International Airport and KAEC is 110 km, and it takes 1 hour and 13 minutes to get there in a private car.
When is the best time to visit KAEC?
December is the best month to visit King Abdullah Economic City, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 31°C. During this time, the weather remains favorable, making it easy to visit all of the attractions in King Abdullah Economic City.
Which are the top hotels in King Abdullah Economic City?
The top hotels in King Abdullah Economic City are: Al Waha Luxury Studio, Views Hotel & Residences, Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina
Does KAEC has a beach?
Yes, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) has a sea beach - Yam Beach, which is a perfect spot for unwinding into a treat.
What is the total area of KAEC?
The total area of KAEC is 173 sq km.