Saudi Arabia

Introducing Saudi Arabia

There are not many of us that thought that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would, in our lifetimes, be a leading country for tourism. However, their vision by 2030 is to connect with the world, build bridges between cultures and create prosperity for the future. With the money at their disposal not to mention the incredibly beautiful natural resources they have to share, you would be a fool to argue!

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and is home to 13 regions and provinces all offering something different to the curious and adventurous tourist.

These regions are Al Baha, Al Jouf, Asir, Eastern Province, Hail, Jizan, Najran, Northern Borders, Makkah, Medina, Qasim, Riyadh, and Tabuk.

Tourists can expect to enjoy a unique destination with a warm welcome along with stunning natural landscapes, rich heritage, and a fascinating culture.

Key Information

Getting Around

Public transport in Saudi Arabia is improving all the time and is generally well priced.

Bus
There is a well-established and wide-ranging bus network called Saptco. Buses offer a good varied network to some of the more remote parts of the country however services can be slow.

Air
Regional Airports mean this is the easiest and quickest way to cover large distances.

Train
There are currently just three train lines available and all are well priced, safe, and reliable. Riyadh–Dammam, Riyadh–Jauf and Mecca–Medina via Jeddah.

Car
With petrol cheap, car hire is very popular and available in all the major towns and cities.

Taxis
As with many places in the world obtain a fare first before departing as this could save you a fortune versus the meter. Taxis are found in the bigger towns and can be hailed down.

Top Things To See & Do

Al Ahsa Oasis
A lush desert oasis is the largest self-contained oasis in the world with wonderful views, hot and cold springs, and stunning mosques.

Al Turaif, Diriyah
Diriyah is home to Al Turaif which is the Al Saud families original seat and was founded in the 15th century. There are Mudbrick houses in the Najdi style and a wealth of ancient history to discover.

Empty Quarter
The Empty Quarter or Rub al Khali desert. borders, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. For those who are familiar with holidays in Dubai, there are for those seeking adventure, excursions such as dune bashing and sand boarding and camel riding to camping out in the desert Arabian style!

Hiking
Saudi Arabian has some awesome trekking including its most famous hikes at the Edge of the World, Al Ahsa Oasis & Jabal Abyad.

Hima Cultural Area
In the mountainous southwest of the Kingdom is Hima, one of the largest rock art complexes in the world. Hima has 34 archaeological sites featuring inscriptions carved into the rock face and depicting hunting, fauna, and fauna scenes.

Hegra, Al-Ula
Ancient tombs of the lost civilization of the Nabatean tribes

Jeddah
Located on the Red Sea is the city of Jeddah. Its most famous attraction along with its fascinating streets is its “Coral Houses,” built out of blocks of coral harvested from the sea. They are said to be over 500 years old. In today’s world, I guess many would frown upon the destruction of coral especially given the country’s Red Sea Development plans which are focused on eco-tourism and sustainability.

Lost City of Mada’in Saleh
Very much like the Lost City Of Petra the Saudi Arabian lost city of Mada’in Saleh dates back to the Nabatean Kingdom of the 1st century.

Mecca
The annual pilgrimage known as the “Hajj” takes place at Mecca which is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. However, it is worth noting non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city of Mecca as well as the area around the iconic Kaaba stone.

Prophet’s Mosque in Medina
The Prophet Muhammad taught and lived part of his life in Mecca. The mosque of Al-Masjid an-Nabawī, whose origins date back to the year 622 is considered the top sight and attraction here.

Red Sea Scuba Diving
The coast on the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea is home to some of the very best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world with the most famous sights at Allah’s Reef and Boiler Wreck.

Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre Tower       
The Kingdom Centre is a shopping mall and residential complex and also an observation deck for some of the very best views of the city of Riyadh

Rock Art in Al Hail
In the northern Hail region of Saudi Arabia, there is rock art in the desert dating back up to 9,000 years.

Saudi Arabia’s Six Unesco World Heritage Sites
The Kingdom is home to six natural wonders of the world all of which are recognized by UNESCO.

Pre-Bookable Excursions in Saudi Arabia

More Information

Saudi Tourism provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.