Positioned as a country of history and culture, Saudi Arabia is fast becoming one of the most enticing travel destinations in the Middle East. Indeed, the Arabian kingdom has always been famous for its role in religious pilgrimages, but today, it welcomes tourists from all over the world.
The Kingdom offers historical ruins, sandy-shaped deserts, beautiful beaches, and any other experience. Perhaps you are interested in historic architecture, are more daring, or plan on experiencing ethical traditions. All of this can be found in Saudi Arabia.
Here, we reveal the most exciting places you should consider visiting in Saudi Arabia.
1. Makkah (Mecca)
No tour to Saudi Arabia will be complete without including the sacred city of Makkah, which Muslims hold in high esteem. Every year, millions of Muslims from different parts of the globe visit it to perform the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage. In contrast, many others visit this holy city yearly to perform Umrah, another pilgrimage.
The most important facility in Makkah is the Masjid al-Haram, well known as the grand mosque. Located in the middle of this mosque is the Kaaba, the holy of holies in the Islamic world. Tawaf is a religious practice whereby pilgrims circle the Kaaba counterclockwise. Architecturally, the mosque is a masterpiece. It has a very well-designed marble floor, and the interior is also exquisite.
Makkah is generally a place of pilgrimage; however, other people can understand its importance and history and respect its significance. It should also be pointed out that only Muslims are allowed in the city.
2. Madinah (Medina)
Madinah is also said to be another famous and religious city. It’s also a house of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad and is of sacrosanct importance to the Islamic community.
In addition to its religious attributes, Madinah is very calm and beautiful. The city is as contemporary as it is but claims a commendable link with religious history. Some places of interest are Mount Uhud, where the battle of Uhud was fought, and the Quba Mosque, the oldest mosque in Islam. As a Muslim, you can have an Umrah journey to explore more about it. And if you are busy for now, you can book September Umrah packages with the customised option to get this ritual done on time and explore other places. You just need to find an excellent travel agency for booking.
3. Riyadh
As Saudi Arabia’s political and economic centre and capital city, Riyadh is an unusual mix of the contemporary and the old. It has grown into an industrialised city with business buildings, trade centres, and hotels with tall, striking ratings. However, the contemporary outlook hides relatively well the cultural and historical background.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia has a rich collection of various artefacts that show the history of KSA. The park educates visitors about the history of the ancient civilisation that inhabited the area, Islamic history, and Modern Saudi Arabia. The Masmak Fortress is another attraction, a historical site that was involved in the nation’s unification process.
For those who want to see Riyadh’s modern side, the Kingdom Centre Tower must be visited. The tall building is one of the highest in the city, and there is an observation deck on the roof from which you can see all of Riyadh.
4. Jeddah
Jeddah claims to be the entrance to Makkah and has one of the best historic-modern mixes. Some of the most famous cities within the Kingdom include Jeddah, which is found on the Red Sea. It is a bustling business city and one of the most exciting cultural centres within the Kingdom.
Jeddah’s pulse in the sense of cultural endowment can readily be detected in the Al-Balad district. This is one of the finest examples of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts beautiful coral stone houses, small alleyways, and colourful souvenir shops or souks. AL-Balad is culturally rich and beautifully constructed, and while enjoying a walk in the area, each corner has a different feeling.
It also has a significant shoreline; indeed, Jeddah’s coastline is one of the most stunning in the region. Jeddah Corniche is one of the favourite places for people residing in the city and visiting it for a purpose or simply a tourist attraction as they are beautiful sea shores, specifically the Red Sea shore. There are sculptures, parks and areas where you can sit and enjoy the buildings along the Cornish. Other tourist activities include Scuba diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea since the waters harbour colourful corals and aquatic life.
To get an executive feel, go to the largest fountain in the world, King Fahd Fountain, which sprays water into the air from the Red Sea.
5. Al-Ula
Al-Ula is one of the most popular places in Saudi Arabia. It is an ancient city in the country’s northwestern region. Al-Ula contains some of the most beauteous archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. The most popular site is Madain Saleh, it’s also an ancient Nabatean city. While visiting these places, one can see rock-cut tombs like those in Petra, Jordan, and learn more about the Nabatean culture.
Yet, that is not all Al-Ula is about; the historical facts tell only half the story. The geographical features of the terrain are also as beautiful as the area’s natural scenery. Al-Ula has gigantic rocks, expansive deserts, and beautiful vegetation or oases, making it ideal for people who love nature and adventure.
Currently, the government is determined to market Al-Ula as one of the leading tourist attraction sites. Cultural troupes and festivals are conducted at Al-Ula, including the Winter at Tantora Festival.
6. Taif
Taif, famously known as the city of roses, is located in the mountain region of KSA and is more relaxed than other Saudi Arabian cities, particularly in summer. It is well known for the beautiful roses grown there and for the farms producing rose water and rose perfumes.
Taif is also a city of historical & the cultural importance. During the summer, it was home to Saudi kings, and many historical palaces, such as Shubra Palace, are present in the city, which is now a museum.
For car lovers and thrill seekers, Al Hada Mountain has twisty roads, breathtaking views, and a cable car that ferries you down the valley. Other family-friendly activities include visiting the Taif Zoo & Al Rudaf Park.
The Rose Festival is held every summer in the Taif. Visitors can witness the process of rose picking & distillation. It is an energetic event that functions like a fair to promote the city’s leading export.
7. Abha
For travellers who want to move to more excellent areas of the kingdom, Abha is the right place to be. The city of Abha is situated in the Asir Mountains, which means travellers can expect to find beautiful greenery, valleys, and, of course, mountains. The region is amazingly suited for trekking and many other outdoor activities.
Asir National Park is one of the most visited sites in the Abha. This park is one of the few venues where wildlife can be witnessed, and there are several trekking trails. The Dhofar mountain range and Jebel Al Soudah, the highest peak of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are also near Abha. Some major attractions include taking a cable car to the top of the mountain, where one can look out for spectacular views of the region.
It also has a very deep cultural and historical background. Some of the Mud and stone structures in villages like Rijal Almaa depict traditional Asiri architecture.
8. Edge of the World
Various enthusiasts can consider the Edge of the World a place to visit since it offers an extraordinary feeling. This cliff is just two hours from Riyadh and gives visitors breath-taking views across the sweeping sands. It is one of the cliffs from Tuwaiq District, and the name al jaw is due to the feeling one gets upon standing in front of the cliff, peering down on what seems to be the edge of the world.
Going to the Edge of the World is a proper drive, as part of it runs through a rocky desert, where one has to be very careful when driving. People can trek along the escarpment in the area and see some fantastic views. It is ideal for a day tour from Riyadh or for persons who like hiking and nature lovers.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a tourist-friendly country with historical and cultural sites and beautiful natural scenery. For all travel lovers, there are Utah’s ancient tombs of Al-Ula, the busy streets of Riyadh, and the tranquil beach city of Jeddah. It would seem that the country is starting to invite tourists, and more and more people are discovering this Middle Eastern pearl.
Attractions range from religious importance and historical sites to natural attractions, and Saudi Arabia will make you anticipate exciting memories. The Bambanak has immense prospects as the Kingdom gradually diversifies its tourism industry in every way possible.
