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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

  • Riyadh
  • Jeddah
  • Medina
  • Mecca
  • Taif

Best Cities to Visit

  • Abha
  • Al-Abwa
  • Ad-Dilam
  • Bisha
  • Dammam

Size

215,000 KM2

Population

3

GDP

$23,140

Spending Budget

$1,500 - $2,200

Famous For

  • Saudi Arabia is the founding place of Islam, one of the world’s largest religions.

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

The history of Saudi Arabia as a state began in 1744. The place claims global attention for two aspects. It turned out to be the birthplace of Islam. The discovery of vast oil wealth elevated them to an economic and geo-political contributor and influencer. The region was in isolation, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina raised their popularity as Mecca become an obligatory destination in a believer’s life. The region’s history is dotted with patchworks of tribal rulers and between 1902 and 1927. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in about 570 A.D and first began preaching in the city in 610, later migrated to Medina. He and His companions united the tribes of Arabia under the label of Islamism and created a single Arab Muslim religious polity in Arabian Peninsula.

Present Day

Kilometres of kaleidoscopic desert date palms bathing in the golden sun. turquoise waters lapping at golden sands. Home to the holiest cities, Medina and Mecca, Saudi Arabia is the founding place of Islam, one of the world’s largest religions. It has an intriguing, complex yet fascinating culture unlike any other in the world. It is the main destinations of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages that millions of Muslims from around the world undertake every year. Saudi culture is heavily influenced by Islam as its historic role as a major trade centre, and nomadic desert tribes. Generally. Rooted in religious beliefs, and traditionally conservative values, people are mostly family-oriented. Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourists, not just Muslims on pilgrimage in the year 2019. more than 49 nationalities can now visit this land of golden sand as a tourist. Saudi is not only dunes! Its landscape is dotted with lush green oases and date palms spreading shade craggy rock ravine. Layered with mountains and peppered clouded-southern-Saudi skies. and the clear water brimming with colourful corals.

Future

Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. Top global oil exporter Saudi Arabia has unveiled its plans to build a zero-carbon city as part of its futuristic Neom mega development project.
Must Visit Places ------------

Riyadh

The capital city is a magnificent mixture of old and new. It proudly holds the reminiscences of its past glittered with development as well. Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge is open from midday until night for an ideal for sunset chilling away from the crowd. The national museum is the best place to dwell in the oriental flavoured history of the Arabian Peninsula.

Najran

Wanna take a break from Saudi to Yemen? Well, it is possible if you take a 10-hour ride from Riyadh to Najran. The beautiful city offers a look into the traditional Yemeni culture and architecture. The place is studded with palaces and museums with Hima wells and Bar Hima petroglyphs nearby.

Fayfa

Done with the dunes? Escape into the clouds. Mountainous Fayfa extends to khat, hills of coffee. It’s the best place to escape the Arabian sun.

Dhee Ayn

The “Marble Village” is a partially restored village with a bunch of houses on a marble outcrop. You are free to enter any houses and take views of the mountains. Windup the sightseeing with the spring below the village.

Jeddah

Jeddah is significant as the starting point for Hajj pilgrims. It has a history of welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. Jeddah possesses a coalition of ideologies which makes it more liberal than other cities in Saudi. One should never miss a sunset at the Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque- “floating mosque”. Also, get intrigued by the tangled maze of Hejazi houses with intricate woodwork.

Mecca and Medina

Both Mecca and Medina are the holiest cities in the country. And yes, they are sort of off-limits to non-Muslims. It officially started non-Muslims can’t enter Medina and in the Haram complex at the centre.

Wadi Disah

Time to go back to nature! Go fall in love with the lush greenery and surreal rocks. The area is protected in the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve. The place requires a 4×4 to drive its length. Enjoy nature and the valley is perfect for hiking— if you prefer. If you are still in a mood to chase history, Disah is a lovely oasis holding the ruins of the village dating back to the Nabatean era.

Mall of Arabia, Jeddah

One of the most preferred shopping destinations offers a lot of variety luxurious brands and have some of the best cafes.

Kingdom Centre Tower

In addition to a world-class shopping experience, the place offers a bird view of Riyadh city, especially in cool weather.

Marjan Island

Nice place to visit for the weekend with family and friends, we can have a boat ride also along the sea and during the night the lights of the city give a wonderful lighting shadow in the water.

The Madinah Museum

Madinah Museum has exhibits from the time of the prophet and conveys all the historic information related to the Prophet. The museum also showcases the model of the Prophet’s mosque, the various stages of its progress and also the interior and layout of the sealed tomb which is inside the mosque. Besides this, there are other rich artefacts in the museum and the main amongst them all is the ottoman called “mahamal” which dates back to 1792.

Al-Madina Souq

Al- Madina Souq is one of the oldest markets in Madina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This is one of the largest market attractions in the Middle East and other countries. Al-Madina Souq, one of the tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, is spreading to an area of 13 km where you can find vibrant shops and trading retail centres exhibiting handicrafts and handlooms.

Al Nakheel Beach

Al Nakheel Beach in Jubail is one of the finest places to visit in Jubail for a fun-filled vacation. The beach has been divided into three sections with one of the sections covered with palm trees hence the beach is also called the Palm Beach. Another section is dedicated to playing volleyball and basketball with a jogging area dotted with palm trees for shade. The last section is the main beach area with many umbrellas and palm trees for a soul-satisfying beach vacation. The views that the beach has to offer are breathtaking and Insta-worthy.

Al Fanateer Seafront and Marina

Another mesmerizing attraction in Jubail is the Al Fanateer Seafront and Marina which offers a tranquil environment with stunning views if the sea and the sunset. The area is coveted with loads of trees adding to the beauty of the place. Also, one can enjoy various thrilling adventures and activities here like diving, fishing and water skiing. There is also a dedicated area for children to play and a jogging pathway.

Aseer Regional Museum

One of the best places to know about the history of Abha and Aseer Province is the Asser Regional Museum which focuses on promoting the culture and heritage of the region. The museum shows the development of the region in various stages, the history and everything in detail to the tourists. Various handicraft items along with the vintage ones and antiques can be seen at this museum which shows the lifestyle of the people from the pre-historic times to the modern one.

The Heritage Village

The Heritage Village is a great place to visit in the city of Dammam as this place will enrich your knowledge about the history and culture of the city. The vintage vibes of the place with displays of artefacts and other things from the historic times is a great way to peek into the rich history of Dammam. Apart from the historical tour, one can also enjoy an ultimate dining experience here which has something on the table for everyone.

Dammam Corniche

This is one of the best places to visit in Dammam that also offers a panoramic view of the sea and the cultural and historical attractions nearby. The Corniche starts from Aziziah Beach till Tarot Island and is surrounded by attractive green spaces. It is a great place to spend some time gazing at the beauty of the sea and the picturesque views of the sunset. There are separate playing areas for children and kiosks present near the corniche to buy snacks and other refreshments making this an ideal picnic spot in the city.

Al Rahma Mosque

Al Rahma Mosque is a spiritual site that invites thousands of devotees from every corner of the globe. The Mosque is built close to the shores of the Red Sea with white stone and some traditional art and architecture. While the mosque allows every visitor to discover its beauty and charm, a certain section is just reserved for the Muslims for prayers. Visiting the mosque in high tide is really an unforgettable experience as this magnificent mosque appears as magical and floating on those high tide's days. Apart from being one of the famous places in Saudi Arabia, the mosque is large enough to accommodate 21,000 worshipers at a time.

Al Shallal Theme Park

For a fun-filled day one must head to Al Shallal Theme Park which has some stunning rides to give you high adrenaline rush. The park also has simple rides for kids and also a skating rink. It is a great place to explore if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia with your friends or family. The whole aesthetic of this park is happening. There are also artificial lakes and waterfalls which makes it intriguing. The restaurants and the two-storey mall here come as another delight for the tourists.

Athr Gallery

For all the art lovers out there, this is the place for you to explore in Jeddah. Boasting off fine and intrinsic art pieces, Athr Gallery give a new frame to art in the country. It hosts exhibitions and events on a regular basis with a display of great works like photographs, sculptures, sceneries and other pieces of art from all over the world. Opened in the year 2009, the Athr Gallery has been focusing on promoting contemporary art in the Arab nations.

Jeddah

The second largest city in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is rich in cultural and historical delights depicting a lot about the country but it also boasts off myriad attractions which makes it an uber modern city in Saudi Arabia. A blend of historic and modern attractions in Jedda makes it a beguiling city. There are so many amazing places to visit in Jeddah like art galleries, cafes, museums, tranquil beaches and picture-perfect coastlines. Away from the strictness, Jeddah offers a liberal experience to the tourists as has so much to offer at its discretion.

Deerah Souq

The Deera Souq is also known as Al-Thumairi Souq, where you can find vibrant retail shops all lined up in a narrow path. You can find the best collection of carpets and silver jewellery, antiques, traditional clothing, and more as a souvenir from your holiday. Explore the market to find a vast collection of art and handicrafts made by local craftsmen. Deerah Souq is famous for its gold section, where you can find every intricate piece of jewel.

Al Faisaliah Center

Another iconic place to visit on your trip to Riyadh is the Al Faisaliah Center which marks the modernization of the city as it is an architectural wonder. The center houses a tower with a glass ball suspended on the pointed top of this 247 meters high tower which makes it the fourth tallest building in Saudi Arabia. The tower also features a dine-in restaurant called the Globe that offers a delectable European savoury experience with a 360-degree view of the city which is visible through its glass panels. This eccentric skyscraper also has a mall in its basement from where shopping can be enjoyed.

King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum), Riyadh

Full of rich artefacts and displays of sculptures, antiques and other ornaments that define the culture and traditions of the people of Saudi Arabia, the National Museum of Riyadh will give you deep knowledge about this country. From video-audio tours to mini-theatres, this place is great to spend a whole day in. The museum has 8 main galleries, a park and a mosque.

Al Masmak Fort

Al Masmak Fort or Fortress is a remarkable site to visit in Riyadh that dates back to 1865 and is made from clay and mud bricks. The fort has great importance in Saudi Arabia as it tells about the history and kingdom that ruled the country. The fort features a rich collection of artefacts that give insight into the history of the rulers and their lifestyle. There is a mosque inside the fort and a luxurious room called diwan that features luxurious interiors and a throne. One should definitely plan a visit to Al Masmak fort in Riyadh for a truly enriching experience.