The Best Things to Do in Saudi Arabia

With enchanting natural wonders, world-class diving and rapidly evolving arts and food scenes, Saudi Arabia offers a diverse and action-packed trip for everyone. Staying in a vibrant city like Jeddah or Riyadh puts you close to fascinating culture old and new, while trips into the desert promise high-adrenaline attractions and archaeological treasures.

Marvel at Saudi’s traditional architectural beauty

Learning how to read the architecture of Saudi Arabia is one of the pleasures of discovering the country (Photo: Getty Images)

With ten cloud-piercing minarets and architecture spanning 1,400 years, The Prophet’s Mosque in Al Medinah offers a fascinating trip through Islamic architecture and history. Another landmark worth visiting is Jeddah’s Al-Rahmah Mosque, whose stilted design means it appears to 'float' on the Red Sea. Then there are the limestone buildings of Jeddah's historic Al-Balad Quarter, which offer a unique glimpse at the intricate balconies known as mashrabiyas.

Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh, is another wonderful stop for seeing Najdi designs, which are unique to the central region of the Arabian peninsula. Its 15th-century At-Turaif district is home to the Salwa Palace and mudbrick buildings distinguished by their triangular cut-out details and delicate crenellations.

Experience one-of-a-kind thrills and adventure

Hot-air balloon rides give a unique perspective on the otherworldly landscape of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia (Photo: Getty Images)

The desert region AlUla plays home to otherworldly rock formations, historic date palm oases and the Kingdom's most ancient archeological site. But it also provides a hive of thrilling adventure, with hikes and dune buggy rides taking you around sand-drifted canyons and the spiralling Dancing Rocks of Raggasat Valley.

While the vertiginous AlUla zipline, AlUla Stairway and Giant Swing offer the ultimate adrenaline rush, there’s plenty for climbing enthusiasts, too. Abseil your way down colossal sandstone rockfaces or circumnavigate the cliffs, 200 metres up, on the via ferrata.

For something entirely different, hot-air-balloon rides offer a mesmerising perspective on these desert sands.

Get to know Saudi's fascinating heritage

Hegra, KSA, also known as Al-Hijr, is an ancient archaeological site with Nabatean tombs and rock-cut structures, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Photo: Getty Images)

Travellers keen to understand Arabia’s intriguing heritage will be awed by Riyadh’s Saudi National Museum, an enormous cultural institution covering 8,000 years of history. In Jeddah, The Tayebat Museum offers an interactive journey through the seaport’s trading past, while Jazan Heritage Village provides a glimpse of the coast’s folkloric traditions.

You'll gain further cultural insights simply by wandering the vibrant carpet stalls of Riyadh’s Souk al-Zal. Alternatively, for a truly unique experience, frequent Riyadh’s Souq Al Jimal, which is among Saudi’s largest camel markets, with Bedouin people still selling livestock here.

Venturing into the AlUla desert, to see the mysterious necropolis of Hegra is an unforgettable experience. Once lying at the crossroads of the ancient caravan trade, its rock-hewn tombs and preserved inscriptions are a staggering relic of the Nabataean Kingdom. The petroglyphs of Jabal Ikmah, meanwhile, are must-see remains of the Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations. For a glimpse of Ottoman architecture and Islamic treasures, head to Shubra Palace, in Taif.

Be wowed by beautiful scenery, wildlife and starry skies

Lovers of wildlife will be wowed by the fauna of Saudi Arabia, with wonderful creatures like the Arabian Gazelle taking the land as its habitat (Photo: Getty Images)

Providing a habitat for the endangered Arabian Gazelle, the Farasan Islands are among Saudi’s most important wildlife reserves. Alongside the Raydah Natural Reserve, it’s one of the country’s most popular birdwatching sites, too, thanks to its breeding seabirds and gliding birds of prey.

Hikers will love the scenic Al Hada Mountains, while those seeking a desert adventure can take a guided 4x4 tour into AlUla’s Sharaan Nature Reserve to spot red-neck ostriches and the Nubian ibex. Alternatively, go on safari in the Oroug Bani M’aradh Wildlife Sanctuary in search of wild boars, hyenas and the Arabian leopard.

Astronomy dates back millennia in Saudi and the clear skies above Al Nafud, AlUla and the Dahna Desert provide some of the best stargazing on earth. Desert trips through AlUla take in the towering rock formations known as Gharameel, which form soul-stirring silhouettes at night. An evening drive to Harrat viewpoint provides magnificent panoramas at sunset as well as magical views of the starry skies. In the Eastern Province, Judah’s Thumb is a great spot to camp under the stars.

Savour Saudi’s exciting food scene

Whether your preference is for sweet or savoury delicacies, tasty treats await in Saudi Arabia (Photo: Getty Images)

Saudi's food scene enjoys a rich medley of Bedouin, Persian and Levantine influences. Traditional restaurants like Riyadh's Najd Village introduce diners to time-honoured dishes like the meat and dough-based margoog stew and myriad rice dishes that distinguish Arabia's central Najd region.

Elsewhere, Feast at Sheraton Jeddah Hotel is a prime spot for dining on fresh seafood which abounds in this port city. And while many of Jeddah's locally loved venues are great for trying traditional favourites like lamb mandi, a fragrantly spiced meat and rice dish, innovative chefs are also introducing Mediterranean and Lebanese approaches to Saudi dining.

If you're looking for Saudi's best Friday brunch, book a table at Al Orjouan, at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, which will not disappoint. Dine in tranquillity as you enjoy a signature buffet featuring a selection of both international and traditional Middle Eastern favourites.

Explore enchanting arts and entertainment

Saudi Arabia offers a rich diversity of museums and galleries to discover (Photo: Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia is home to an emerging art scene, where you’ll find many ways to see both heritage and contemporary pieces. Inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Arabic Calligraphy is a treasured art form that you can try yourself at Jeddah’s Saudi Centre for Fine Art. In contrast, the Athr Gallery, Jeddah, takes an avant-garde approach to many of its photos, sculptures and abstract pieces.

For something quite unique, the Maraya art installation, comprising 9,740 mirrored panels in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley, is an incredible sight that attracts worldwide attention.

Enjoy world-class diving & watersports

It's not just on land that Saudi Arabia delights – wonders await beneath the surface of the Red Sea (Photo: Getty Images)

With its warm water and vivid corals, Saudi’s Red Sea attracts divers and watersports fans year-round. A stay at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort places you right by the Al Wajh Lagoon, home to the world’s fourth largest barrier reef system. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah and Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah, are great bases for discovering the stingrays and guitarfish of the famous Cable Wreck at Abu Tair. Alternatively, head north to the Ann Ann shipwreck at Abu Faramish or visit the Farasan Islands, discovering clownfish, barracudas and, perhaps, the elusive whale shark.

Glimpse into the future of Saudi

Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh presents a spectaclar display of light come nightfall (Photo: Getty Images)

Travellers keen to keep up with Saudi’s ambitious architectural projects will be fascinated by NEOM, a cutting-edge desert city that will connect visitors to previously undiscovered islands and mountains. In Dhahran, the pebble-shaped institution known as Ithra is celebrated for its cultural and art-driven attractions, while the Kingdom Centre’s SkyBridge in Riyadh affords visitors remarkable city views. In the Holy City of Makkah, you’ll find Saudi’s tallest building, the Abraj al-Bayt complex, known for its 43-metre-wide clock faces. Soon, though, it will be overtaken by the Jeddah Tower, set to be the tallest skyscraper in the world.

Making the most of Saudi Arabia

While staying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you can expect warm, attentive hospitality and a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. To make the most out of your travels, learn a few local phrases before you visit and remember to respect the local customs. Dress conservatively, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered when in public. It’s also recommended for women to wear a headscarf, especially when visiting a mosque. Entering the Holy City of Makkah is permitted to Muslims only.

Published: January 31, 2024

Last Updated: March 21, 2024