With a goal of attracting 100 million visitors a year by 2030, Saudi Arabia is working flat out to develop its tourism industry. While many of its ambitious giga-projects, including Neom and the Red Sea, are still taking shape, there are plenty of other places worth a visit. With its deserts, mountains, oases and extraordinary underwater environments, you could spend years exploring the kingdom, but if you only have a few days, here's our pick of nine of the most intriguing places in Saudi Arabia.
1. AlUla
Simply put, there’s nowhere like AlUla. From the Nabataean tombs of Hegra to the rock faces of Jabal Ikmah, which are covered in centuries’ worth of inscriptions and petroglyphs, the lion tombs of Dadan, the 900 mudbrick houses of AlUla Old Town, the two million date palms in the oasis and so much more, this small town is the crowning jewel of Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions. Summer sees quieter heritage sites, but even in winter it’s not crowded – yet. This is the time of year for pop-up restaurants, concerts at the dazzling mirrored Maraya, hot air balloon flights and hiking. Bed down at Habitas or the Banyan Tree AlUla and you’ll not only have a comfy home for the night, but access to two of the Kingdom’s most stunning swimming pools.
2. Khaybar
Along with AlUla and Tayma, Khaybar is one of a trio of oases that have recently opened up to visitors. The volcanic landscapes here are a draw in themselves, with rare geological formations that include the longest lava tubes in the kingdom. Khaybar’s ancient oasis, built around freshwater springs and wadis, supports a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as thousands of years of human life – recent archaeological discoveries of ancient funerary sites are changing previous assumptions made about the early history of the region. During the winter months, it’s possible to stay in the luxury tents of the Khaybar Volcano Camp, as well as hike through dramatic scenery, explore ruined fortresses or see it all by air, either on a helicopter tour or by tethered balloon.
3. Tayma
The third in the trio of oases along the ancient Incense Route, Tayma is still revealing its secrets to archaeologists. Finds here point to early connections with ancient Egypt, and reveal a complex society that lived and thrived thousands of years ago. Today, it’s possible to see their legacy in the 3,000-year-old Iron Age Temple of Salm, and to explore more “modern” heritage buildings dating back a modest 300 and 100 years. Rent a car in Medina or AlUla, and you can embark on a self-drive multi-day adventure to visit all three of the oases.
4. Asir
The mountainous Asir province, with its distinct culture, castles and museums, is one of the best places in the kingdom to visit in summer, when you’re more likely to encounter cool temperatures, mist and drizzle than hot sun. The provincial capital Abha is a good starting point for journeys in the region, at its most beautiful in May when the city’s thousands of jacaranda trees burst into purple blooms. Don’t miss the 700-year-old village of Rijal Almaa with its multi-storey stone houses and interiors painted in Al-Qatt Al-Asiri patterns, a tradition led by women and listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Head up higher to the Al-Dabab Walkway, a seven-kilometre trail at an altitude of 2,200 metres, to take in vistas of the Sarawat Mountains, cascading waterfalls, terraced farms and – the highlight for many visitors – swirling clouds of fog.
5. Dammam and the Eastern Province
The city of Dammam may be known as the gateway to neighbouring Bahrain, connected via the King Fahd Causeway, but it’s also the gateway to a number of worthwhile sights in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. A 90-minute drive from the city will take you to Al-Ahsa, home to the world’s largest self-contained oasis with three million palm trees, as well as natural springs and the limestone rocks and caves of Jabal Al-Qarah. Continue on to neighbouring Dhahran to visit the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, also known as Ithra, with five galleries dedicated to Middle Eastern art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula and archives, as well as a dedicated children’s museum, theatre, cinema, library, restaurants and cafes. It’s all housed within a building reminiscent of huge smooth pebbles designed by architectural firm Snøhetta, an edifice that’s worth a journey in its own right.
6. Diriyah
Diriyah is the latest mega-project to open to visitors, and one of great historical significance to the kingdom. It was here, in 1727, that the First Saudi State was established. At Diriyah’s heart is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif and the mudbrick Salwa Palace housing displays that chart its history and development. Within the next few years, Diriyah will be home to 38 hotels, many built in traditional Najdi style, as well as retail, residences and cultural attractions, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. But it’s Bujairi Terrace that is proving to be the biggest draw right now, a lifestyle destination featuring popular local and international restaurants ranging from high-end to casual, as well as a calendar of regular events.
7. Jazan and the Farasan Islands
Located in the far southwest of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea coast, Jazan is a place where mountains, beaches and historical sites meet. It’s also the starting point for adventures among the coral reefs, mangroves and clear waters of the Saudi Wildlife Authority-protected Farasan Islands, only three of which have permanent inhabitants. While the rich marine and bird life may be the key draws for those seeking nature above and below the waves, there’s also fascinating human history here, and current-day communities to visit. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have been active on these islands since the 1st millennium BC. As there still aren’t many services in Farasan, the best way to dive into the marine world here is to visit on an organised diving or snorkelling tour departing from Jazan.
8. Jeddah
The friendly Red Sea city of Jeddah is a great place for first-time travellers to the kingdom to kick off their Saudi adventures. Join the locals for a sunset stroll along the Corniche, explore the centuries-old houses in the city’s Al-Balad district, or dive into the excellent local cuisine, influenced by generations of pilgrims who arrived by sea on their way to Makkah, many of whom decided to stay and brought their own flavours and home recipes with them. There are also plenty of opportunities to get out into the Red Sea. A much-loved local diving spot is the island of Abu Tair and the wreck of The Staphonos, nicknamed the Cable Wreck for the construction materials the ship had on board when it sank in 1928. You're also likely to spot sharks and rays in the waters around here.
9. Taif
Mountainous Taif is famous for its rose harvests, with more than 700 farms growing the fragrant flowers that form the base of the region’s high-quality rosewater. During harvest season in March and April, many are open to visitors and you’ll be in for a rose-tinted treat, with pink petals piled high and the air filled with their sweet floral scent. But there’s much more than flowers here. There are some fairly touristy heritage villages which can be fun if you’re travelling with kids, but the mountain views and hiking up are the real reason to visit.