Highlights of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Combining medieval sites and its new millennial skyline, Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh makes the perfect cultural union between the country’s past and present. This captivating blend allows one to trace Saudi’s roots back to its foundation while boldly projecting its future. With a labyrinth of souks, museums, and the capital’s well-preserved Al Masmak Fortress, you will be taken back in time picturing how Riyadh once was. Once back into the modern part of the metropolis, experience Riyadh’s new face by indulging in redefined luxuries. From world-class hotels and restaurants to designer brands, this city has it all.
Jeddah
The Eastern port city of Jeddah has been attracting visitors from all corners of the Earth since ancient times. From explorers and traders to pilgrims, Jeddah has welcomed through its gates all cultures and it still is the case today. This all-year-round warm city is growing as a hub for music and arts, marine activities, and now international sports and entertainment events.
While its Corniche is the highlight of modern Jeddah, take a walk through this coastal city’s UNESCO world heritage sites and let them whisper to you all the history its ruins have witnessed over the centuries. End your day by enjoying the burning colours of a sunset over the Red Sea.
AlUla
Channel your inner childhood archaeologist and journey in the desert before reaching Saudi’s hidden gem, AlUla. Few places in the world seem frozen in time, and this historical masterpiece certainly is one of these. The region holds 200,000 years of human history within it making it the perfect destination for history fanatics. Roam through the ancient city of Hegra, explore Dadan (once the most developed city of the Arabian Peninsula), and learn about the ancient beliefs, rituals, and practices in the ‘open-air library’ of Jabal Ikmah. Since the open-air museum’s official reopening in 2020, the cultural Oasis of AlUla now shares its wonders once again with the outside world, as it did with pilgrims in the 1100s.
Dammam
Famous for its lush green parks and sandy beaches, Dammam boasts stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The metropolis makes for a great winter destination with temperatures remaining in the 20s Celsius during the day. Home to King Abdulaziz’s Centre for World Culture, Dammam has a growing reputation as an art, sports, and entertainment destination. It also held Saudi’s inaugural street art exhibition.
Around Dammam, journey through Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province and enjoy the waters of Half Moon Bay or settle for a glimpse of what a simpler life in Saudi is by visiting the Heritage Village where you will taste delicious local delicacies from the comfort of your floor-cushion.
Ha'il
Located in the Northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, between Mount Shammar and Mount Salma, Ha’il is on one of the main pilgrimage routes from Iraq to Mecca and once rivaled Riyadh in size and importance. Once hailed as the capital of all desert Arabia and home to the Arabian poet, Hatim Al Tai, today, the city of Ha’il is famous for its international events. Home to the Desert Festival which celebrates areas of culture, and the International Rally where you can see rally cars, quad bikes, and motorcycles race through the Nafud desert. Ha’il is the perfect stop for those seeking history, and an action-packed adventure.
