With Saudi Arabia only recently opening up to international visitors, its beauty spots are not yet as recognisable (or as crowded) as they perhaps deserve to be. The destination is home to Nabataean tombs that rival Petra, pristine dive sites that compare favourably with those of Egypt, and vast canyons as impressive as the most visited ones found in several US national parks.
The landscape is as diverse and layered as the country’s ancient trading culture, which can be experienced both in the souks of gleaming modern cities and around the desert homes of prophets and poets, princes and pilgrims.
The ochre deserts of the north give way to the white-sand atolls of the Red Sea coast and to the lush mountains and valleys of the south-western Asir region, home to rare Arabian leopards and members of the Qahtani tribe, who wear floral headdresses. Much of the south-eastern region is covered by the vast Rub al-Jali, the largest sand desert in the world.
With the country eager to welcome British visitors once it is safe to do so after Covid, you will find a much warmer welcome than in more saturated destinations; but more importantly, an overwhelming beauty that still feels as though you are uncovering an exciting secret. Here are eight places you should not miss.
Near Tabuk, in the north of the country, the Al Disah Valley looks like an otherworldly blend of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley: an epic collection of sandstone columns set within a vast hollow, where the dusty amber desert is broken by a valley of swaying tall grasses and palm trees. Whether you arrive on foot or by four-wheel drive, be sure to be here when the sun casts an ethereal glow over the sculptural rock formations.
There are perhaps no sights more recognisable in Saudi Arabia than the monumental rock-cut tombs suspended in the majestic desert of Hegra, near Al Ula in the heart of the kingdom. These 131 enigmatic mausoleums were built in the first century AD by the Nabataeans, the same nomadic warrior-traders responsible for the ancient city of Petra. While Petra receives more than a million visitors a year, Hegra remains relatively undiscovered and attracts more wildlife than tourists, although this may change in the coming years with the opening of eco- and heritage-sensitive camps.
It is not hard to understand why this understated coastal town and its region are known as the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. To the north of the town, more than a hundred atolls stretch across a vividly turquoise corner of the Red Sea. The quintessential experience is island-hopping, spotting dolphins, snorkelling, fishing or relaxing on white sandbanks. It is also one of the world’s best diving areas, with exceptional marine biodiversity and waters that are still largely unexplored.
Many Saudi cities have a historic district known as Al Balad, characterised by the scent of exotic spices and the sound of the call to prayer. Al Balad in Jeddah is the most evocative of all, with narrow alleyways between ancient coral-stone merchants’ houses, traditional souks, fragrant bakeries and a vibrant cultural life. Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district has been carefully restored and revitalised.
Just west of the capital, Riyadh, lies the dramatic Edge of the World, an imposing wall of sandstone that rises unexpectedly from the desert plain. From the top, there is an uninterrupted view across the arid landscape, where wild camels can still be seen roaming along ancient caravan routes.
On the outskirts of Riyadh, the ancient city of Diriyah stretches alongside the green oasis of Wadi Hanifa. It was an important cultural and commercial centre for centuries and is the historic birthplace of the Saudi royal dynasty. Today, its museums, mud-brick palaces and traditional restaurants allow visitors to explore the history and cuisine of the region.
In the east of the country, Al Qarah Mountain in the Al Ahsa region stands out for its caves and canyons sculpted by time. From its summit, spectacular panoramic views unfold, while nearby villages, palm groves and artisan markets offer a peaceful and authentic retreat.
Rijal Almaa, known as the Gingerbread Village, is characterised by its stone buildings with colourful shutters, set within a lush and verdant landscape. Most of its residents belong to the Qahtan tribe, famous for their traditional dress and floral crowns, celebrated each year at the Flowerman Festival.
As Sisotravel, we are ready to take you to these unique places in a safe and comfortable way.
