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Top things to do in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s hypermodern, oil-rich cities and high-speed trains contrast with its sand-dusted archaeological treasures, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mingle with the locals, traverse vast deserts and green oases, relax on the Red Sea coast, or venture to the cool, verdant mountains and forests of the south-west.
Here are the top things to do on a Saudi Arabia holiday, as chosen by our Middle East specialists.
Explore AlUla’s archaeological treasures
AlUla was once a strategic stop along the ancient Hajj and incense trade routes. This desert-valley oasis was inhabited for millennia by different cultures who left behind a trove of archaeological treasure.
Visit AlUla to explore the ruins and rock-carved tombs of Dadan, capital of the Dadan and Lihyanite kingdoms over 2000 years ago; and Hegra, the Nabataeans’ second city after Petra and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Browse Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of rock inscription; stroll the streets of AlUla’s Old Town; journey on foot or by 4x4 through the desert and canyons, along the old Hijaz railway, and past sandstone arches and rock formations, such as the landmark 52-metre Elephant Rock.
Tour Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s buzzing modern capital mixes glittering high-rises, art galleries and fine dining with souks, palaces and historical buildings. Marvel at the gleaming modern architecture, explore the National Museum, then discover the origins of the Saudi state at Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh. Stroll through the restored Al-Turaif district, once a thriving walled mudbrick city and the original home of the Saudi royal family, then sample local cuisine in Al-Bujari Heritage Park.
Stay on the Red Sea coast in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the gateway to Mecca, Jeddah lies on the Red Sea coast and offers a cosmopolitan blend of old and new – a result of its historic role as a key Indian Ocean trading port. 500 years of Ottoman rule, ending in 1915, has given the Al Balad old town a distinctly Turkish feel, with its narrow alleys, souks, and tall Ottoman and Hijazi houses featuring colourful wooden balconies and windows. Contrast this with the modern waterfront on the Corniche, home to hotels, restaurants and cafes, as well as an outdoor art museum and the attractive Al Rahma Floating Mosque.
Stargaze at Gharameel
Easily reached on an evening excursion from AlUla, Gharameel Nature Reserve offers dark skies free from light pollution. Gaze up at countless stars peppering the heavens like a pointillist painting and framed by silhouetted pillars of rock. You won’t need a telescope to appreciate the spectacle, but a star-gazing guide can elevate your experience with insights into the constellations. After, dine under the stars around a crackling campfire.
Visit Buraydah Camel Market
From Arabian Nights to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the best tales of the desert star a camel or two. In Jubbah, you’ll find rock art depicting the iconic ungulate chipped into Jabel Umm Sinman (‘Two Camel-Hump Mountain’).
But the greatest camel spectacle in Saudi Arabia is in Buraydah, host of the world’s largest camel market. Arrive early to see thousands of camels, goats and sheep as they’re displayed and traded.
Explore hallowed Medina
Only recently have non-Muslims been allowed to visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, and a key pilgrimage site. This is where Muhammad built the Prophet’s Mosque in 622, which still stands today. Contrast the journey in from Jeddah on the high-speed Haramain railway with a visit to the Hejaz Railway Museum, the Quba Mosque, the historic battleground of Mount Uhud, and a traditional local market.
Admire desert forts & rock art in Ha’il
The agricultural oasis city of Ha’il, nestled between the Shammar mountains and red dunes of the Al Nafud desert, was once an important stop on the caravan trade routes. Explore the forts, souks and date market, before heading northwest into the desert to Jubbah, famed for its prehistoric rock art. Here, you will find thousands of carvings of animals and hunters etched into the sandstone outcrops, some dating back 10,000 years.
