Pilgrimage to the Holy City, Exploring the Oasis - 10 Experiences to Encounter Saudi Arabia

Translating to English, the translated content is: From 2019, Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas to foreign tourists. The mysterious veil of this oil-rich country is gradually being lifted, awaiting exploration by travelers. Saudi Arabia has rich cultural and tourism resources, from the holy sites of Islam to the ancient ruins of Madain Saleh, from the tales of Jeddah's ancient city to the coral world of the turquoise seas... Saudi Arabia awaits your exploration. In this guide, we will introduce the top ten must-visit tourism experiences in Saudi Arabia. Here are suggested routes for a classic tour: Day 1: Arrive at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, visit the Kingdom Centre and the Saudi National Museum in the city center. Day 2: Drive to the outskirts of Riyadh and explore the stunning scenery on the edge of the world. Day 3: Head to Jeddah and experience the charm of the city at Balad Old Town, the Floating Mosque, and the Corniche. Day 4: Visit Al Ula and explore the ancient sites of Hegra and Dadan Kingdom on a self-driving tour, discovering this historically significant oasis. Day 5: Drive to Taif and experience the Hada Cable Car, appreciating the breathtaking natural landscapes.

Elora

AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is a place full of historical and cultural relics, once the center of the spice trade. It holds numerous ancient sites, like a vivid history book. The most famous site is Hegra, also known as Madain Salih. It is the first Saudi site to be listed on the World Heritage List, with its main attraction being the beautifully carved rock tombs. Here, you can spend a whole day wandering between the rocks, observing inscriptions from over two thousand years ago, and learning about the culture and traditions of the Nabateans. Also located in AlUla, the site of Dadan dates back to the 7th century BCE. The main highlights are the rectangular tombs and carved inscriptions in the mountains, where you can catch a glimpse of the former prosperity of the Arabian Peninsula from the famous Lion Tombs.

Old Town of Ballard

Jeddah

The Treasure in the Desert - Hassa Oasis

Al Ahsa Oasis

Modern landscape in the oasis - Riyadh

Riyadh

Encounter the future city on the shore of the Red Sea

King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is a modern city in Saudi Arabia, initially proposed by King Abdullah as a future city concept. The city is located on the coast of the Red Sea, making it an ideal tourist destination due to its unique geographical location. In addition to the modern atmosphere of the city itself, KAEC also offers many recreational activities, making it a great place for families to vacation together.

Yam Beach

Yum Beach is a natural waterfront area 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 such as mini golf and mazes, and Juman Karting in the park has a 700-meter go-kart track, allowing visitors to experience speed and excitement. It is an entertainment option suitable for the whole family to travel.

Island hopping in the blue sea and white sand

Umluj (Umluj) is a beautiful scenic island in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, with azure waters and soft white sandy beaches, where you can also enjoy more than 300 types of coral and over 1200 species of fish, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. In addition, visitors can easily visit the surrounding hundreds of islands for activities such as fishing, sunbathing, and bird watching. Furthermore, when exploring the inland, you can visit the Harrat Lunayyir volcano, getting close to the volcanic cone for an exhilarating experience. The stunning beauty of this dormant volcano will also leave you in awe.

Embracing the mountain city scenery - Taif

Located near Mecca, at an altitude of about two thousand meters, Taif is designated as the summer capital by the royal family due to its mild climate and wonderful mountain scenery. Visitors can take the longest cable car in Saudi Arabia, which is 4.5 kilometers long, to get a panoramic view of the Hada mountain range. Upon reaching the mountaintop, you can taste local specialties such as figs, peaches, and pomegranates at the famous fruit market. After descending the mountain, visitors can also relax at the Al Kar water park at the foot of the mountain. Many tourists enjoy driving here to challenge the famous mountain road - Hada Road, which is 21 kilometers long with 93 bends and is a must-pass road connecting Taif and the surrounding areas, as well as the essential route for pilgrims to Mecca.

Stop to see the world at the edge.

To visit the edge of the world, you can choose to drive or join a day tour. Along the way, there will be climbing and hiking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Harlin Mountains and observe the remnants and fossils of the Harlin Riverbed up close.

Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca

One of the famous cities in Saudi Arabia is Mecca, which is also a holy city of Islam. This is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the centers of global Muslim pilgrimage. The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the largest mosque in the world and is also known as the 'Forbidden Mosque' because according to the Quran, any violent behavior is prohibited here. The mosque, made of marble, has 25 gates and 9 nearly hundred-meter-high minarets, and is magnificent. The central building, the Kaaba, is said to have been built by the Prophet Abraham and his son, and is the core of the sanctuary. Muslims from around the world come here to worship every day. The eastern corner of the Kaaba is pyramidal and embedded with a black stone, around which worshippers walk counterclockwise seven times. The city has expanded around the mosque and can accommodate up to millions of people during the pilgrimage. Modern buildings have also sprung up, such as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower Hotel, which is just a few streets away from the entrance to the Masjid al-Haram. The hotel is 600 meters high and is one of the tallest buildings in the world, offering a spectacular view of the pilgrimage procession from its top floors.

Strolling on the Water Mosque

The Al Rahma Mosque in the northern Red Sea of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has a unique design. The mosque is supported by pillars on the sea and rises and falls with the tides. The combination of the Red Sea, the white minaret, and the blue dome creates a stunning visual effect. The mosque is equipped with advanced screens and sound systems. Additionally, the mosque features floor-to-ceiling arched windows, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view of the sea and beach. The water mosque is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction for non-Muslims. However, visitors should avoid peak prayer times and consider visiting at sunrise or sunset.