If the travel enthusiast in you is willing to explore untouched destinations in the Middle East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia‘s rich cultural identity lies beyond its deserts and offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that captivate the senses and stir the soul from ultra-luxe glamping scenes under the AlUla sky to magnificent palaces nestled in the lanes of Diriyah. It is a land where history, tradition and natural beauty converge in a tapestry of unforgettable experiences so, to help you sample traditional Saudi dishes at bustling souks, attend live performances of traditional music and dance and explore contemporary art galleries that showcase the Kingdom’s thriving artistic scene, we sorted out the travel details in this guide.
Here are top 5 Saudi Arabia destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list –
- Private Tour on a Horse Carriage Followed by Dinner Under the Night Sky
Saudi’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is an ideal destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Covering 52 hectares, the destination features 131 breathtaking tombs and countless rock formations.
Visitors looking for an exclusive experience can hop on a horse carriage and witness the picturesque evening skies of Hegra as part of a private tour. Here, local Rawis or storytellers will guide tourists through and provide in-depth knowledge of Hegra’s fascinating history. From the monolithic tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza to ancient banquet halls, one can immerse themselves into the architecture of this great Nabataean civilization.
What’s even better is that the evening comes to a close with a private dinner under the Hegra sky, with a never-seen-before starry landscape.
2. An Arabian Winter Like No Other
Winter in Saudi? Yes, but with snow! The northern region in Saudi allows visitors to enjoy views of frosted shrubs and blanketed mountain peaks as they watch camels shuffling through winter’s magical flurries. Celebrate a seasonal dusting like a local by going on a mountain drive northwest of Tabuk or saddle up an Arabian camel for a winter weather experience you won’t forget. Then, choose from a wide variety of other seasonal activities, including hiking, camping, and sledding.
While there are a wide range of mountain experiences to witness in the region, snow seekers should lace up their boots and venture to Jabal Al Lawz, which means “Almond Mountain” in Arabic. Measuring 2,549 meters, it’s the tallest mountain in the Tabuk Province and the only place in Saudi where it snows almost every year — making it perfect for a winter hike.
3. Scale Al Qarah Mountain
Located just a 25-minute drive east from Al Hofuf towards Al Ahsa National Park is the village of Al Qarah along with its mountain. At the awe-inspiring peak of Al Qarah Mountain, the Arabic interpretations of nearby place names take on a profound significance. Al Ahsa, the designation for the governorate, signifies ‘murmuring streams,’ while Hofuf, the principal city, conveys the meaning of ‘whistling wind.’ The summit elevates 75 meters from street level and 205 meters above sea level, yet reaching the top doesn’t demand significant effort, offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of Al Ahsa.
What leaves visitors in awe is not just the view from the top of the mountain, but also its mystical caves. The caves are a result of the Al Qarah Mountain sitting at the eastern border of the Shadqam plateau, connecting to Kuwait and Iraq in the north and the Rub Al Khali desert in the south. Sub-aerial weathering, shaped by rain and rivers instead of groundwater, has led to its distinctive curves, caves, and mushroom-like shapes. This process has also created narrow canyons and tall interior passages within the mountain that are a must-see.
4. Exploring Saudi’s History in Diriyah
Located in the historical district of Diriyah is Bujairi Terrace, a premium luxury dining destination with a curation of 20 exquisite restaurants and cafes that overlook the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Turaif – the birthplace of Saudi.
5. By the Red Sea
The Red Sea is known for its pristine landscape with the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, 90 untouched islands, mountains, and mangroves – all in one place. It is a one-stop destination for adventure, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind enriching experiences. And that’s not all! One also gets a chance to spot turtles, octopuses, and rare fish and enjoy water activities including snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, and yachting.
The Red Sea is indeed a perfect spot for scuba diving expeditions to explore nearby wrecks and discovery sites. Adults can also flyboard against the beautiful Red Sea sunset.
