Top 6 Saudi Arabia Tourism Places to Explore This Year

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, which is an amazing place for visitors to discover cultures, history, and natural beauty. Once famed only for its religious tourism, the Kingdom, for all its pasts, has opened up to international visitors on the full range of its softer experiences, which include breathtaking desert landscapes, ancient heritage sites, and modern entertainment-filled cities. The newest tourist visas coupled with the unlimited government support by Vision 2030 to welcome international visitors have warmly opened the country to welcome more people than ever before.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff and love nature or are just one of those millionaires seeking to spend by enjoying the best in all luxury; Saudi Arabia has something special for everybody. Most travel agencies now offer tailor-made Saudi Arabia Tour Packages to cater to different needs and budgets, so visitors can keep glued to its vibrant cities, archaeological wonders, Red Sea beaches, along with local villages. Well-crafted Saudi Arabia Holiday Packages are knocking at the door of travelers to take them to the best mix of modern charm and old-world traditions in one of the most vibrant countries in the Gulf.

Here are some of the top Saudi Arabia tourism places to explore this year

1. AlUla

Set in the northwest, AlUla is a treasure of natural beauty and historical significance. At its very heart lies Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, famous for its well-preserved Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. Beyond Hegra, AlUla features other archaeological marvels, such as Jabal Ikmah, which is often referred to as an open-air library because of the many inscriptions and petroglyphs found there, and Dadan, the ancient city that once served as the capital for both the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. The imposing landscapes of the region, with soaring rock formations and green oases, form a picturesque setting for a range of activities that include hiking, hot air ballooning, and stargazing. Nearby, eco-friendly accommodations such as Habitas and the luxurious Banyan Tree AlUla are designed to provide immersive experiences that marry comfort with the area’s natural and cultural heritage. ​

2. Jeddah

The Red Sea’s bustling port, Jeddah opens the doorway into the holy places of Mecca and Medina. The historic area of the city, Al-Balad, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow alleys populated by traditional coral stone houses that boast elaborately designed wooden balconies called “rawasheen.” The waterfront area of the city, Jeddah Corniche, runs along the sea and provides visitors with picturesque vistas along with areas for recreation and the famous King Fahd Fountain, one of the tallest in the world. Jeddah’s varied culinary offerings reflect the city’s cosmopolitan character. Restaurants serve an equal mix of traditional Saudi and international dishes. For divers, the coral reefs in the Red Sea are an underwater paradise complete with unparalleled marine life.

3. Riyadh

The capital city, Riyadh, is a dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. Dominating its skyline is the Kingdom Centre Tower, offering panoramic views from its Sky Bridge. The National Museum provides an in-depth look into the Kingdom’s rich history and cultural evolution. A visit to the historic Al-Masmak Fortress offers insights regarding the unification of Saudi Arabia. A place where local life can be experienced, the bustling Souq Al-Zal is a marketplace where handicrafts, antiques, and spices are to be found. Just outside the city lies the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), a dramatic escarpment that presents awesome views across the desert that are popular for hiking and picnicking.

4. Diriyah

On the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is the birthplace of the Saudi state. The At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features mud-brick structures that served as the seat for the Al Saud family. These very places have received heavy restoration work to turn them into a cultural and tourism location housing museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Bujairi Terrace within Diriyah has become a lifestyle destination offering a range of food from fine dining to casual dining, all in the backdrop of traditional Najdi architecture.

5. Asir Province

In the southwestern region, Asir Province provides a cool-climate contrast to the desert landscapes, flanked by verdant mountains. The provincial capital is Abha, famous for its thousands of jacaranda trees that bloom in vibrant purple in the month of May. Nearby, the village of Rijal Almaa draws fame from its unique multi-story stone houses adorned with colourful patterns in testament to its cultural heritage. The Al-Dabab Walkway offers panoramic views of the Sarawat Mountains with terraced farms and cascading waterfalls and misty-laden valleys. Asir National Park, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, provides hiking trails and opportunities for bird-watching and discovering various plant and animal species.

6. Al-Ahsa Oasis

Al-Ahsa is considered among the world’s largest natural oases, thus deserves to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Eastern Province. There are more than 2.5 million date palms here, together with the natural springs and historical sites. Tourist attractions consist of the ruins of ancient fortresses, traditional markets, and the awe-inspiring Al-Qarah Mountain sporting limestone caves granting sweeping views of the surrounding area. The oasis serves as evidence of human ingenuity in the mastering of nature for agriculture and settlement within a desert environment.

Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in infrastructure and the preservation of cultural sites, all in its efforts to diversify its economy through tourism. With the introduction of tourist visas alongside various big budget projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, the race is on to elevate the Kingdom to one of the world’s premier destinations. The projects are still undergoing preparation, while the sites mentioned above give an idea of the rich experiences the country has to offer.

Conclusion

Stepping into Saudi Arabia explores a wide world of pasts and presents that meet quite harmoniously. There are places with intriguing stories, apart from these mysterious rock-carved tombs in AlUla, Riyadh, and its skyline. It will be warm hospitality from the Saudi people to receive an experience of quite safe, warm, and memorable journey. With many undiscovered treasures, it’s time to pack your bags and unveil the beauty of this Arabian treasure.

Choosing from a variety of Saudi Arabia Tour Packages or full customization of Saudi Arabia Holiday Packages brings simplicity and deeper enrichment in travel because these packages cover everything from transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and cultural experiences. So just set out for a hassle-free travel experience. If you are longing for a new and exciting destination this year, then let Saudi Arabia mystify you with its magic, mystery, and magnificence.