SAUDI ARABIA CITIES & SIGHTSEEING

RYADH

Where Saudi’s past and future meet
Riyadh’s blend of medieval and millennial makes for a beguiling cultural union — one where Arabia’s first roots can be traced, and where its bold future can be envisioned. The city’s fascinating, centuries-old history can be found within its atmospheric souqs, compelling museums and ancient architecture, but it’s also a modern metropolis, with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene. The winter months are an ideal time to visit Riyadh. Although average high temperatures in the summer can reach 44 degrees C, the top temps in December and January are in the low 20s.

JEDDAH

Jeddah - A global art scene awaits you

The all-year-round warm city of Jeddah, the captivating hub, invites you to be part of the millions of worldwide visitors from traders and explorers since ancient times.

Jeddah is the birthplace of worldwide arts and music, and a gathering spot for multi-vibrant cultures, a unique blend that left its mark on Jeddah’s exquisite cuisine of many fine dishes with global tastes.

When you visit Jeddah, you will have the opportunity to witness a global heritage celebrated by UNESCO, from “Historical Jeddah” to exploring the antique designs of balconies, stone walkways and ancient sidewalks, as this destination unearths secrets that have inspired artists and writers.

Here, you will have a chance to see the best view out there of the colorful sunset shades shimmering off the divine Red Sea shores. Underwater, you won’t cease to be amazed by a magical diving experience that lets you gaze at the one-of-a-kind coral reefs, which have attracted journeys to discover its magnificence. With that, the vibrant city continues to grant its visitors endless memorable experiences. 

DIRIYAH

What to see, do and eat

Considered by many to be the “pearl of Saudi Arabia,” Diriyah is becoming a major tourist destination. One of Saudi’s signature projects, developed to encourage tourism to the area, Diriyah will eventually encompass luxury resorts (the first of which is set to open in late 2021), numerous international hotel brands, as well as dining, shopping and entertainment options. But don’t let the modern glitz and glam distract you from Diriyah’s deep cultural roots. Diriyah’s history goes back thousands of years: It was once an ancient trade and pilgrimage route, and a meeting spot for people traveling to or from Asia, Africa or Europe.

ALULA

There are few places in the world
where you can feel like a true explorer charting the unknown. In many historic destinations, the illusion of discovery is promptly shattered by a jungle of selfie sticks. But in AlUla, which is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country, you might still be able to play out your fantasy of being an intrepid archaeologist for a day. Despite all the makings of a bucket list-topping global destination — ancient tombs that remain as the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilization, stunning natural rock formations and canyons, a plethora of adventure sports options, and cutting-edge art installations — AlUla remains largely off the global tourism radar, giving you plenty of space and time for reflection with the silence of the vast desert and the monumentality of its natural assets.

MAKKAH

Holy site

For many Muslims around the world, an opportunity to visit Makkah is the ultimate blessing. This is the holiest city in Islam: the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the city where the Quran was first revealed to him. It’s also a fixture in observant Muslims’ daily lives, as they orient themselves toward Makkah to pray five times a day. The annual Hajj pilgrimage to the city is one of the five pillars of the faith, but millions of people journey to the city year-round to perform the shorter Umrah pilgrimage as well. 

The vast majority of the visitors are pilgrims who spend as much time as possible within the opulent complex of the Grand Mosque, which is a lively hive of activity at all hours of the day. But if you have time to spare once you’ve completed the required steps of the Umrah, the historic city has much to offer to complement your understanding of the region and the faith itself, from museums to landmarks that were backdrops to some of the most pivotal moments of Islam’s earliest days.

KAEC

King Abdullah Economic City

Luxury and leisure in Saudi’s newest city

King Abdullah Economic City, 100 kilometers north of Jeddah along the coast of the Red Sea, is a modern metropolis and booming tourist destination. Though it was conceived of in 2005 to attract international business, leisure is also a big part of KAEC’s appeal. International tournaments are played at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, one of the most renowned golf clubs in the Middle East, and a motorsports park is being built as part of the recently developed Lagoona leisure area. The expansive waterfront — which can be enjoyed year-round, as the desert climate in KAEC averages 28 degrees C — is another major draw, from the bike-friendly Beach Walk to soft-sand Yam Beach, which offers a range of watersports. 

DAMMAM

Boasting endless views of the tranquil Arabian Gulf, Dammam is a modern metropolis that thrives on its coastal location. Although it is known for its lush green parks, airy waterfronts and sandy beaches, it is highly enjoyable in the winter, too, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 20s Celsius during the day and around 10 degrees at night. The region also has a growing reputation as an arts, sports and entertainment destination. It is home to the kingdom’s first street-art exhibition, in Al Khobar’s Bayoonya district, and offers a range of cultural hubs and museums as well. Dip into science and innovation at SCITECH, or get your fill of pop culture at the quirky Taybeen and Alfelwah and Aljowharah museums. As evening falls, wander the walkways of Dammam's Share Al Hob souq, where you may encounter traders, performers and street musicians.

AL AHSA OASIS

Adventure at every turn
There’s much more to Saudi Arabia than vast ochre deserts. With more than 2.5 million date palm trees blanketing a verdant expanse just inland from Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, Al Ahsa is the archetype of a lush desert oasis. And the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized region recently added a new feather to its cap: in October, Guinness World Records declared Al Ahsa the largest self-contained oasis in the world. What that means for travelers is that there’s plenty to choose from. From hot and cold springs to historic mosques to sweeping panoramic vistas, you’ll find a lot to explore in this 6,000-year-old oasis, which has long been a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula for travelers from the East. Don’t miss a chance to sample a khalasah date before you leave —locals proudly proclaim it’s one of the world’s best. But while the date farms are an obvious stop on your Al Ahsa itinerary, here are some other sites you can’t miss.