5 Unique Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Until a short while ago, Saudi Arabia has remained something of a mystery to even the most intrepid of tourists who may possibly have normally explored the Middle East. Tiny had been recognized or heard about it other than the holy metropolis of Mecca, considered to be the birthplace of Islam, the place Muslim pilgrims go to to fulfill their lifelong dream of pilgrimage.
But the state opened to visitors from all-around the environment in September 2019, inviting them to examine its astonishing prosperity of historic web-sites, find out about its abundant and historic society, knowledge its unique landscapes, see present-day life in its towns, and get to know its people.
Currently, going to Saudi Arabia as a vacationer is reasonably uncomplicated. Quite a few nationalities can get a a number of-entry Saudi vacationer e-visa that is legitimate for a yr and permits a continue to be of up to 90 days in the place for the reason of tourism.
Prepared to stop by? In this article are some lovely, exciting and unique sites to pay a visit to in Saudi Arabia.
See Historic Rock-minimize Tombs in Al Ula
In the country’s northwest is Al Ula—home to the country’s initial UNESCO Environment Heritage Website, it’s a treasure trove of prolonged misplaced tales about human civilization and in excess of 7000 several years of heritage in the area. This landscape of barren desert, oasis, red sandstone cliffs, rock-cut tombs, rock formations and ruined towns is among the the best locations to stop by in Saudi Arabia for just how astounding it is.
The highlight here is the rock-cut city of Mada’in Salih, also acknowledged as Hegra, that was the moment the southern cash of the Nabataean people, to whom the existence of the ancient town of Petra in Jordan is credited. In Hegra, elaborate carvings and inscriptions adorn the facades of enormous rock-slice tombs.

Al Ula
A small generate away is Dadan, the cash of the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan. Of note in this article are the rock-slash Lion Tombs and the temple at Dadan, wherever discovered artifacts level to the presence of critical and regionally nicely-related civilizations.
Close by, wandering in the previous town of Al Ula, with its labyrinth alleys and previous ruins, is like strolling amid the webpages of heritage. There is a tiny museum and a clifftop fort that provides amazing sights of the rose-colored valley, along with quite a few other viewpoints alongside the way.
Visit the Greatest Oasis in the Environment
To working experience gradual rural lifestyle, head to Al Ahsa—the most significant self-contained oasis in the entire world, and a UNESCO Entire world Heritage Internet site. Right here, almost 2.5 million date palms deal with an area of more than 85.4 square kilometers. This lush landscape is dotted with archaeological sites from the Neolithic interval that communicate of the oasis’ 6000 decades of background.
Moreover sampling nearby date varieties, which includes the beloved khalasah day at day farms, it is value going to the warm springs (of which there are virtually a hundred) which are a special natural aspect of the landscape. Um Sabah, Al Jawhariah and Al Khodoud are the most famed.

Sample dates in the oasis
For a swift historical past lesson, take a look at the village of Al Qarah to wander narrow canyons and ancient limestone cave tunnels. A museum gives insight into the heritage and ecosystem of the oasis and caves. Climbing the mountain that overlooks the village rewards with breathtaking sights of the spot.
Later on, cease at Dougha Handmade Pottery Manufacturing facility to observe craftsmen at do the job developing attractive pieces. Really don’t go away without visiting the atmospheric Souq Al Qaisariya, between the oldest regular markets in the location, to pick up a exceptional memento. Pick from spices, abayas (regular gown for gals), mabkhara (incense burners) , handicrafts, antiques and much more, uncovered in approximately 400 shops.
Al Ahsa is a UNESCO Artistic Metropolis, recognized for its prosperous heritage of handicrafts that include textiles and pottery, among other people, so you can be absolutely sure any regionally-manufactured handicrafts you acquire listed here are certainly just one-of-a-variety.
Breathe in the Sweet-Scented Air in the Metropolis of Roses
Situated at 6165 ft previously mentioned sea stage, the town of Taif stands on a plateau in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It features cooler climes—probably why it is well known with summer season tourists—and a lovely surroundings of dramatic mountains, sweeping valleys and rose farms.
The region’s coveted lively pink roses bloom in April, and their freshness and distinctive fragrance tends to make them useful not only to local perfumers but also worldwide brands like Guerlain.
Rosewater and rose oil are also manufactured from these roses.The rosewater from Taifi roses also makes its way into the Saudi kitchen via its use in nearby desserts. It’s possible to check out the rose gardens and purchase products built locally at these farms.
Want to study how rosewater is produced? It’s achievable to do so from March to April at Al Gadhi Rose Manufacturing facility the place rosewater is distilled applying standard copper pots.
Other factors to do in Taif contain browsing museums about the town which include the one housed in the amazing Shubra Castle, or getting advantage of the mountainous terrain as a result of routines like ziplining.
Go scuba diving in the Red Sea
In historic occasions, the small port town of Yanbu was an significant prevent on the Purple Sea spice trade route. Though right now, substantially of the action is centered about the harbor region with its previous town, lighthouse and night time market, the true appeal of Yanbu is identified (virtually) under the surface. Fondly termed the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’, Yanbu is starting to be ever more well-liked with scuba divers searching to examine the depths of the Red Sea.

Go diving in the Red Sea
There’s a selection of dive spots to be located here from WWII shipwrecks to rich coral reef systems. Most of these are fairly unexplored vs . other people in the area and are thriving with varied marine lifestyle like barracuda, squirrelfish and sharks. It is most effective to go with just one of lots of local operators giving excursions.
There are loads of seashores in Yanbu, whether or not you’re soon after a additional relatives vibe or a far more lively working experience. Check out Yanbu Al Bahr Beach to check out sailing, horse using and watersports like jet-ski. Go fishing at AlNawras Seaside. Or shell out some time birdwatching at Yanbu Lake where the verdant environment of the lake draws in herons and ducks. Thanks to the risk of being served the refreshing capture of the working day, the city’s restaurants are an fantastic area to try some authentic fish dishes.
Come across culture in a quaint art-stuffed village
There are numerous factors to stop by the city of Abha: a museum housed in a historic palace created in the 1820s, historical caves, sublime sights from mountains like Jabal Thera and Jabal Sawda, but potentially most unusual are the society-prosperous villages in its proximity.
Of these, Rijal Almaa is distinctive for its architecture of multi-storied hillside fortresses—exceptional for the area, thinking about its 350-year-old background. What will possibly catch your eye other than the properties is the standard attire of the ‘Flower Men’ who don skirts and floral wreaths. Regional to the village of Habala, an hour’s drive from Abha, these males belong to the Qahtani tribe. Since 2019, the Flower Male Competition provides vacationers the opportunity to knowledge their culture.
You’ll also appreciate going for walks all over the village of Al Muftaha with vibrant murals and calligraphy on village walls that draw from its artistic heritage. Artwork galleries and museums in the village present far more details.
Have you visited Saudi Arabia? What would you increase to this listing?