Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of fascinating destinations for first-time visitors, blending rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. From the ancient tombs of Hegra, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the breathtaking views atop Al Qarah Mountain, visitors are treated to a diverse array of attractions. The historical district of Diriyah, the pristine Red Sea coast, the snowy peaks of Jabal Al Lawz, and the traditional cuisine at Al-Najdiyah Village all provide unforgettable experiences. Iconic landmarks like Elephant Rock further showcase Saudi Arabia’s unique and enchanting scenery.
Saudi’s most fascinating destinations for first-time visitors:
- Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site- HegraHegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ideal destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Covering 52 hectares, the destination boasts 131 breathtaking tombs and countless rock formations. Visitors looking for an exclusive experience can hop on a horse carriage and witness the picturesque evening skies of Hegra as part of a private tour. From the monolithic tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza to ancient banquet halls, local Rawis or storytellers will take tourists on a fascinating history tour and allow them to immerse themselves in the architecture of this great Nabataean civilisation.What’s even better is that the evening ends with a private dinner under the Hegra sky, with a never-seen-before starry landscape.
- Scale Al Qarah MountainLocated just a 25-minute drive east from Al Hofuf towards Al Ahsa National Park is the village of Al Qarah along with its mountain. This natural marvel offers breathtaking views and embodies the essence of Arabic interpretations of nearby place names. Al Ahsa, the designation for the governorate, signifies ‘murmuring streams,’ while Hofuf, the main city, conveys the meaning of ‘whistling wind.’ The summit elevates 75 meters from street level and 205 meters above sea level, yet reaching the top doesn’t demand significant effort, offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of Al Ahsa.
What leaves visitors in awe is not just the view from the top of the mountain, but also its mystical caves. The caves are a result of the Al Qarah Mountain sitting at the eastern border of the Shadqam plateau, connecting to Kuwait and Iraq in the north and the Rub Al Khali desert in the south.
- Exploring Saudi’s History in DiriyahLocated in the historical district of Diriyah is Bujairi Terrace, a premium luxury dining destination with a curation of 20 exquisite restaurants and cafes that overlook the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Turaif – the birthplace of Saudi.
- The Red SeaThe Red Sea is known for its pristine landscape with the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, 90 untouched islands, mountains, and mangroves – all in one place. It is a one-stop destination for adventure, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind enriching experiences. And that’s not all! One also gets a chance to spot turtles, octopuses, and rare fish and enjoy water activities including snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, and yachting.
The Red Sea is indeed a perfect spot for scuba diving expeditions to explore nearby wrecks and discovery sites. Adults can also flyboard against the beautiful Red Sea sunset.
- An Arabian Winter Like No OtherWinter in Saudi? Yes, but with snow! The northern region in Saudi allows visitors to enjoy views of frosted shrubs and blanketed mountain peaks as they watch camels shuffling through winter’s magical flurries. Celebrate a seasonal dusting like a local by going on a mountain drive northwest of Tabuk or saddle up an Arabian camel for a winter weather experience you won’t forget. Then, choose from a wide variety of other seasonal activities, including hiking, camping and sledding.
While there are a wide range of mountain experiences to witness in the region, snow seekers should lace up their boots and venture to Jabal Al Lawz, which means “Almond Mountain” in Arabic. Measuring 2,549 meters, it’s the tallest mountain in the Tabuk Province and the only place in Saudi where it snows almost every year — making it perfect for a winter hike.
- Al-Najdiyah VillageLocated in Riyadh, Al-Najdiyah Village is known for its traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine. The restaurant provides an authentic cultural experience, offering traditional seating arrangements and serving local dishes such as Mandi and Kabsa.
- Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)An iconic landmark in Al-Ula, this natural rock formation resembles an elephant and stretches up 52 metres into the sky. Known in Arabic as Jabal Al-Fil, the site is popular for photography, especially during sunset when the colours of the rock change dramatically when the fading sun casts a bewitching deep crimson light over the trunk and body.