Welcome to the land of desert and oil, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A country that is rich in culture, heritage, and history. It’s a place where you can find everything from bustling cities to serene beaches, ancient ruins to modern architecture. The Kingdom has something for everyone; whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, a foodie or a shopaholic. If you are planning your next vacation and looking for some inspiration on where to go in Saudi Arabia? We’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the best tourist places to visit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will leave you awe-inspired and longing for more!
Al-Ula
Al-Ula is a city in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the province of Madinah and is approximately 400 kilometers north of the capital, Riyadh. The city has a population of approximately 60,000 people and is home to a number of historical and archaeological sites.
The most notable site in Al-Ula is the ancient city of Hegra, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The city was founded in the 2nd century BCE and served as an important caravan stop for trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean. Hegra consists of a series of well-preserved tombs carved into the sandstone rocks.
Other notable sites in Al-Ula include the Dadan ruins, which date back to the 4th century CE, and the Al-Khuraybah archaeological site, which contains remains from the Nabataean period.
Al-Ula is also home to a number of natural attractions, such as hot springs, caves, and mountains.
The Empty Quarter
The Empty Quarter, also known as the Rub’ al Khali, is a vast stretch of desert that covers much of southern Saudi Arabia. It is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, and one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Despite its harsh conditions, the Empty Quarter is home to a number of unique plants and animals, and is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Jiddah
Jiddah is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its rich history, and its vibrant culture. There are a number of great places to visit in Jiddah, including the following:
-The Jiddah Corniche: This is a beautiful waterfront area that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening walk. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes along the Corniche, making it the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.
-The Old City: Jiddah’s Old City is full of historic landmarks and interesting architecture. The old souks (markets) are a must-see, and be sure to visit the Great Mosque of Jiddah, one of the largest mosques in the world.
-Al Balad: This is Jiddah’s traditional downtown area, and it is full of narrow streets lined with shops and stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs. Be sure to haggle with the shopkeepers – it’s all part of the fun!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and history, Jiddah is sure to have something for you.
Al-Ahsa Oasis
Al-Ahsa Oasis is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest oases in the world. The oasis is located in Al-Hasa Governorate, in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia.
The oasis has a rich history and was once an important stop on the frankincense trade route. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for Saudis and foreigners alike. Visitors can explore the many date palm plantations, villages, and gardens that make up the oasis. There are also several archaeological sites to visit, including the ruins of a 3rd-century Nestorian Christian monastery.
Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or learn about Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and history, Al-Ahsa Oasis is definitely worth a visit!
Mada’in Saleh
Mada’in Saleh is an archaeological site located in the Al-Ula governorate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The site consists of a number of rock-cut tombs and temples dating back to the 1st century CE. It is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia.
Mada’in Saleh was the capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Lihyan. The kingdom was located in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia and southwestern Jordan. The kingdom flourished from the 5th century BCE to the 1st century CE.
The Lihyanites were known for their rock-cut architecture. They carved their tombs and temples into the sandstone hills of Mada’in Saleh. The largest and most impressive tomb at Mada’in Saleh is that of King Mesha’In (ruled ca. 85-60 BCE).
Mada’in Saleh continued to be inhabited after the demise of the Lihyanite kingdom. It was an important stop on the Incense Route, which ran from southern Arabia to Syria and Egypt. The Nabataeans, who controlled this trade, built a number of structures at Mada’in Saleh, including a temple to Dushara, their chief god.
Najran
Najran is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen. It is the capital of Najran Province. The city has a population of about 200,000 people and is located in an oasis. Najran is home to the oldest mosque in Saudi Arabia, the Great Mosque of Najran. The city is also known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery and leatherwork.
Asir
Asir is a region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. It is bounded by Najran Province to the north and east, Jizan Province to the south, and Yemen to the west. Asir National Park is located in Asir.
The highest peak in Asir is Mount Sawda, which is 3133 meters high. There are many other peaks in Asir which are over 2000 meters high. The climate of Asir is cool in the summer and mild in the winter.
Asir is home to many different animals including leopards, lynxes, eagles, vultures, wolves and hyenas. The area is also home to the world’s largest population of Arabian Oryx.
Tabuk
Tabuk is a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It has a population of about 632,000 people and is the capital of the Tabuk Region. The city is located on the Tabuk Gulf, which is part of the Red Sea. It is known for its coral reefs and diving sites.
The climate in Tabuk is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in summer. The best time to visit Tabuk is between October and April, when the weather is cooler.
There are many things to see and do in Tabuk. Some of the top attractions include the Coral Beach, Al-Qasr Castle, King Fahd Park, and Wadi al-Jisr. There are also several museums worth visiting, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Antiquities.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery, Tabuk is definitely worth considering!
Conclusion
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has some truly breathtaking sights and attractions that you can experience. From its rich history to the modern marvels, this country will surely make your vacation an adventure worth remembering. We hope our recommendations have given you a few ideas on where to start exploring in KSA. So what are you waiting for? Pack up and get ready for the holiday of a lifetime!
