36 Unique And Unseen Tourist Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia | How To Reach | Best Time To Visit | Main Festivals
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to international tourists, changing its identity from a conservative Muslim country to one that is increasingly welcoming. Saudi Arabia is home to a rich mix of culture and modern attractions. The holiest sites for Muslims, Mecca and Medina, are also located in Saudi Arabia.
For tourists, ancient sites such as Al Ula, Diriyah and Madain Saleh are worth a visit. For those looking to explore the vibrant urban areas of the modern era, the lifestyle of Riyadh and Jeddah is a must. World class beaches, resorts and driving spots on the Red Sea coast also attract tourists. Saudi Arabia has implemented a Vision 2030 program to promote its infrastructure for tourists.
Saudi Arabia's unique festivals, hospitality and diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains, offer a thrilling and memorable experience for tourists from around the world.
Here are some of the top tourist places in Saudi Arabia along with simple guidance on how to reach them :
1. Al Ula (Hegra / Madain Saleh)
Main Attractions :
Ancient Nabatean Tombs
Stunning Rock Formations
Heritage Villages
How to Reach : Al ula has Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz airport and direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai or Dammam are available to Al-Ula. By road Al Ula is 7 to 8 hours from Madina and 10 hours from Tabuk.
2. Riyadh (Capital city)
Main Attractions :
Modern Attractions
The Edge of the World
Diriyah
How to Reach : King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is well connected to global cities. Well connected by train network to the cities like Dammam, Hail, Qassim and Jeddah by hight speed train. By road, buses from all major cities are available.
3. Jeddah
Main Attractions :
Beaches
Jeddah Corniche
Red Sea Diving
Al-Balad (UNESCO Heritage Site)
How to Reach : Flights are available from major cities in the world to king Abdul Aziz International Airport Jeddah. Well connected by high speed train from Mecca and Madina. There is good Highway connectivity from Jeddah to Mecca, Madina and Taif.
4. Mecca (Makkah) (For Muslims Only)
Main Attractions :
Masjid al-Haram
KaabaReligious Sites
How to Reach : The nearest airport in Jeddah and from there 1 hour drive by road to Mecca. The high speed train from Jeddah and Madina is available to Mecca.
5. Medina (Madinah)
Main Attractions :
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Quba MosqueUhud Mountain
How to Reach : Direct flights are available to prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz airport Madina. High speed trains are available from Jeddah and Mecca to Madina. By road buses are available from Jeddah, Riyadh and Tabuk.
6. Abha (Asir Region)
Main Attractions :
Cool Mountain Climate
Rijal Almaa Heritage VillageCable Cars
Green Landscapes
How to Reach : Abha has International Airport and flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai and kairo are available to Abha. Buses are available from khamis Mushait or Jizan which take 2 to 3 hours to reach.
7. Taif
Main Attractions :
Rose Gardens
Mountains
Cable Cars
Pleasant Weather
How to Reach : Taif has domestic airport and regional flights are available. By road it is one and half hours from Mecca and 3 hours from Jeddah. SAPTCO buses are available from major cities to.
8. Tabuk Region
Main Attractions :
Wadi Al Disah
Tabuk Castle
Tayma
NEOM Viewpoints
How to Reach : Tabuk has domestic airport and regional fights are available. By road Tabu is 2 hours from Wadi Al Disah and 3 to 4 hours from NEOM coastal areas.
9. Al Khobar & Dammam (Eastern Province)
Main Attractions :
Half Moon Bay
Beaches
Corniche
Ithra Cultural Center
Water TowerHow to Reach : Al Khobar and Dammam has King Fahd International Airport and flights are available from major cities in Saudi Arab and some of the Global Cities. It is well connected by train network from Riyadh and Hofuf. By Road it is connected to Bahrain, Jubail and Riyadh with excellent highways.
10. Red Sea Project Islands
Main Attractions :
New Luxury Resorts
Crystal Clear Waters
Coral Reefs for Diving/Snorkeling
How to Reach : Direct flights are available from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai to Red Sea International Airport. To go Red Sea Resort Islands boats are available.
November to March : The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is between November to March as the weather is pleasant, cool and comfortable for tourists to go out.The temperature then ranges from 15°C to 25°C, which is perfect for sightseeing.
During this period, tourists can visit Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, Dariyah, Madain Saleh and other desert destinations.
During this time, one can also enjoy various festivals such as the Riyadh Event, Winter in Tantora and various cultural events.
Main Festivals :
1. Saudi National Day (23 September)
Significance : This is the biggest festival in Saudi Arabia, marking the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932. On this day, fireworks, parades, cultural programs, musical performances, and green-themed decorations are everywhere.
2. Founding Day (22 February)
Significance : This is also a major festival in Saudi Arabia. On this day, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established in 1927. This day is a holiday in Saudi Arabia. This year, military parades, heritage programs, traditional dances, and cultural exhibitions are organized.
3. Eid al-Fitr
Significance : This festival is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan. During these festivals, all families come together, pray, feast, give charity (zakat), and celebrate by sharing traditional sweets. Special events are organized in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
4. Eid al-Adha
Significance : This festival is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. During these festivals, animals are sacrificed, prayers are offered, donations are made, and food is served. This festival is a holiday in almost all Saudis.
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