AlUla
Located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place rich in historical and cultural heritage, once a center of the spice trade. It hides numerous ancient sites, like a vivid history book. The most famous site is Hegra, also known as Mada'in Saleh. It is the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the main attractions being the exquisitely carved rock tombs. Here, you can spend an entire day wandering among the rocks, viewing inscriptions from over two thousand years ago, and learning about the culture and traditions of the Nabataeans. Also located in AlUla, the ruins of the Dadan Kingdom date back to the 7th century BC, with the main highlights being the square tombs carved into the mountains and the engraved inscriptions. You can get a glimpse of the former prosperity of the Arabian Peninsula from the famous Lion Tombs.
Al Balad Old Town
Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, located at the gateway of the pilgrimage route. Over a thousand years ago, it became a bustling port city. In the center of Jeddah, the Al Balad Old Town, built in the 7th century, is preserved. The city gates stand tall, guiding visitors into a world reminiscent of One Thousand and One Nights. The winding alleys are flanked by coral stone houses, where the dilapidated walls contrast beautifully with the bright and vivid colors painted by the residents. At sunset, vendors gather to form an open-air market, breathing new life into the old town.
The Jewel in the Desert - Al Ahsa Oasis
Al Ahsa Oasis, located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest oases in the world, boasting dense palm groves and pleasant springs. For thousands of years, it has served as an important rest and supply station for merchants and pilgrims crossing the desert, with historical relics dating back to the Neolithic era. One of the best ways to explore the oasis is to visit the Jawatha Mosque, the first mosque in eastern Arabia, recently restored while retaining its ancient traditional architectural style. You can also stroll through the Al Qaisariya market to find some handcrafted items with Arabian characteristics, or explore the magnificent natural environment and overlook the entire oasis from Al Qarah Mountain. Additionally, don't miss the local cuisine. The Al Ahsa Oasis is home to 2.5 million date palm trees, and the locally recommended Khalasah dates are worth a try.
Modern Oasis in the Desert - Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and serves as the starting point of your journey. Here, you can explore numerous ancient sites that preserve Arab history and witness the modern development of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom Centre is one of Riyadh's iconic buildings, most notable for its inverted arch at the top, designed to withstand sandstorms. Above the arch is a sky bridge, an ideal spot for sightseeing. This 99-story building also features a hotel and a shopping mall. Another distinctive building, the Al Faisaliyah Center, stands opposite the Kingdom Centre and is inspired by a ballpoint pen. Its top features a conical structure with a large sphere embedded inside, and below the sphere is the Al Faisaliyah observation deck, offering a panoramic view of Riyadh. Although it has only 30-plus floors, the open-air observation platform allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the city.
Encounter the Future City by the Red Sea
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is a modern city in Saudi Arabia, initially proposed as a future city concept by King Abdul Aziz. Located on the coast of the Red Sea, its advantageous geographical position makes it an ideal tourist destination. In addition to the modern atmosphere of the city itself, KAEC also offers many recreational activities, making it a perfect vacation spot for the whole family.
Yum Beach
Yum Beach is a natural waterfront location where you can enjoy various water activities such as surfing and diving. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Juman Park in Dubai is a great place for both adults and children to relax. It offers activities like mini-golf and mazes, and the Juman Karting within the park features a 700-meter-long go-kart track, allowing visitors to experience speed and excitement. It is an entertainment option suitable for the whole family.
Island Hopping in Azure Waters and White Sands
Umluj is a picturesque island in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, featuring azure waters and soft white sandy beaches. It is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, with over 300 species of coral and more than 1,200 species of fish. Additionally, visitors can easily access hundreds of nearby islands for activities such as fishing, sunbathing, and bird watching. Furthermore, when exploring inland, you can visit the Harrat Lunayyir volcano and experience the thrill of getting close to the volcanic cones. The breathtaking beauty of this dormant volcano will leave you mesmerized.
Embrace the Mountain City Scenery from Above - Taif
Located near Mecca, Taif, at an altitude of around 2000 meters, is designated as the summer capital by the royal family due to its mild climate and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can take Saudi Arabia's longest cable car, which spans 4.5 kilometers, offering a panoramic view of the Hada Mountains. Upon reaching the summit, one can taste local specialties such as figs, peaches, and pomegranates at the famous fruit market. After descending, visitors can relax at the Al Kar Water Park at the foot of the mountain. Many tourists enjoy driving here to challenge the famous winding Hada Road, which is 21 kilometers long with 93 bends. This road is a crucial route connecting Taif with surrounding areas and is also a necessary path for pilgrims heading to Mecca.
Stand at the Edge of the World and Take in the View
To visit the Edge of the World, you can choose to drive yourself or join a day tour. There will be climbing and hiking along the way, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tuwaiq Mountains along the route and observe the remnants and fossils of the Tuwaiq riverbed up close.
The Holy City of Mecca
One of the famous cities within Saudi Arabia is Mecca, which is also a holy site for Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the centers for global Muslim pilgrimage. The Great Mosque of Mecca (Masjid al-Haram) is the largest mosque in the world and is considered a 'Sacred Mosque' because, according to the Quran, any act of violence is prohibited within its premises. This grand mosque, paved with marble, has 25 gates and 9 minarets nearly 100 meters high, presenting a magnificent sight. The central structure, the Kaaba, is said to have been built by the Prophet Abraham and his son, and it is the core of the sanctuary. Muslims around the world face this direction in their daily prayers. The eastern corner of the Kaaba is pyramid-shaped and embedded with a black stone, around which pilgrims walk counterclockwise seven times. The city has expanded around the mosque, accommodating up to millions of pilgrims during the Hajj season. Modern buildings have also risen, such as the Abraj Al Bait, a hotel located just a few streets away from the entrance of the Great Mosque of Mecca. This hotel stands at 600 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world, offering a panoramic view of the pilgrimage procession from its upper floors.
Strolling on the Water Mosque
Located on the shores of the Red Sea in the northern part of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, there is a unique mosque called Al Rahma Mosque. This mosque is supported by pillars and stands on the sea, rising and falling with the tides. The Red Sea, along with the mosque's white minaret and sea-blue dome, creates a stunning visual effect. The mosque is also equipped with advanced screens and a sound and light system. Additionally, the mosque features floor-to-ceiling arched windows, allowing for a 360-degree close-up view of the sea and beach scenery. The Water Mosque is not only a place of worship but also attracts many non-Muslim tourists due to its unique design. However, visitors should avoid peak prayer times and it is best to visit at sunrise or sunset.
