Tourism in Saudi Arabia and the 13 best cities worth visiting

Tourism in Saudi Arabia and the 13 best cities worth visiting

Some people think that Saudi Arabia has nothing more than the honorable place where pilgrims travel to the Holy House of God and the Holy Prophet's Mosque.

Saudi Arabia tourism, but if you add a few days to your Hajj or Umrah trip and wander around the Kingdom, whose borders stretch from Iraq to Yemen, you will discover that tourism in Saudi Arabia has a more than distinctive character.

For example, Saudi Arabia has a large number of coastal destinations that make it a competitor to the Maldives, and it has green spaces that cover its numerous mountains, plains and parks that may have competed with the Maghreb, in addition to a large number of heritage and archaeological sites and markets, some of which date back to pre-Islamic times.

In recent years, the governing leaders have developed the Kingdom's tourist areas and optimized their services and facilities, specific to the entity and the size of the State, in order to attract the greatest number of tourists of different races and religions.

The most important cities in Saudi Arabia

Tourism in Riyadh

The jewel of Saudi cities, and why not, when it is the capital that must witness a tourist diversity with all the events it has been through and witnessed, and this is in fact what Riyadh offers. In addition to its urban development and what distinguishes it from tall buildings and skyscrapers and huge and modern shopping centers, you must find ancient monuments and popular markets that reveal the ancient history of the city and the Kingdom.

The 3 most important landmarks of the city of Riyadh:

1- Kingdom Tower in Riyadh

One of the most prominent landmarks in modern Saudi Arabia dating back to the year 2002, the Kingdom Tower is characterized as the most luxurious shopping center in Riyadh, and its height reaches 300 meters, in addition to its distinctive architectural design that includes a large number of shops, restaurants, residential apartments, banquet halls, and also the Four Seasons Hotel, You will also find there the second highest mosque in the world, which is the "King Abdullah Mosque".

Through the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from above while taking the most amazing photographs, or go shopping in the shops at its main entrance.

2- Masmak's Castle

saudi monuments

It dates from the late 19th century and is one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent archaeological landmarks. The castle, which takes the structure of a square mud-concrete building, is located in the center of the old town, "Al-Deira". The castle has a long history, as it was given the title of the Al Saud family after having witnessed Ibn Saud's forces rally to restore the city of Riyadh in 1902.

You can join one of the organized tours of the castle accompanied by a tour guide, bearing in mind that there is a difference in visiting times between males and females, as well as family visits.

3- King Abdullah Park

One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia located in the heart of its capital, Riyadh, specifically in the Malaz region. The huge park offers its visitors a vast area of green spaces, in the middle of which there is a water lake and fountains with playgrounds, billiard rooms, and a city full of entertainment games, daily from ten in the morning to eleven of the night.

Tourism in Jeddah

Jeddah is one of the most beautiful cities in the Kingdom and the most diverse in terms of tourist catering. It is called the Bride of the Red Sea because it includes the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom, in addition to its popular markets that are in harmony and majesty among its modern shopping centers.

The 3 most important monuments in Jeddah:

1- The Floating Mosque

The "Floating Mosque of Mercy" or "Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque", as it is called by common people, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, which attracts the attention of tourists of different faiths and countries from all over the world to enjoy its unique appearance in the heart of the sea of Jeddah, a step away from the Corniche, in addition to its interior and exterior architectural design that adds night lighting units, the clarity and noise of sea water, and its height during periods of tide they are a particular splendor.

In addition to the above, the mosque derives its fame and importance from the fact that it is the oldest mosque built on the surface of sea water since the mid-1980s.

2- King Fahd Fountain

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia in the heart of Jeddah, specifically along its beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom in its western sector. The King Fahd Fountain gained its fame due to its ranking as the tallest and largest fountain in the world, its size and height range from 18 tons of sea water to 312 meters, with lighting bulbs up to 500 bulbs, and can- if you see the height of the fountain from anywhere in Jeddah.

3- Al Shallal Amusement Park

This park is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, ideal for family and children's outings, as it is a large amusement park full of services and facilities, offering games suitable for different ages and tastes of children and young and old. The park has a billiard hall, table tennis and ice skating rooms, as well as a theatre.

Perhaps the most important feature of Al Shallal Park is the fact that it is located on the beach of the Jeddah Corniche, which means that you can enjoy a wonderful boat trip on the clear waters of the Red Sea.

tourism in Makkah

Makkah Al-Mukarramah is one of the most important and beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia, and perhaps its beauty lies in its great sanctity for the Muslim masses. Apart from the religious monuments, the city of Makkah has put in place many modern entertainment projects to serve the pilgrims on their Hajj journeys and to work towards their comfort in carrying out their duties. All this has led to Makkah being ranked among the most attractive cities for travelers from all over the world.

The 3 most important monuments in the Holy City of Makkah:

1- Al haram Mosque

One of the most important and famous monuments of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, and derives its importance and sanctity for Muslims from being the site of the largest pilgrimage, and its site has undergone several expansions over time and includes the Kaaba, the Sanctuary of Ibrahim and the Stone of Ismail, and in its vicinity the well of Zamzam and the company of Safa and Marwah.

As for the construction of the mosque itself, nowadays it has about 13 minarets, 5 main entrances or gates and dozens of secondary gates, a prayer square and circumambulation that rises to four stories and can accommodate two to four million worshipers in an area ranging from 400 to 800 meters.

2- Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat is also one of the most important monuments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which enjoys religious sanctity. Climbing or standing near it on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah is one of the most important Hajj rituals for Muslims. This famous mountain is situated between the cities of Makkah and Taif, 22 km from Makkah.

3- Abraj Al Bait

Among Saudi Arabia's most famous tourist attractions, it also bears the name Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, thanks to its ranking in 2011 as the second tallest skyscraper in the world after Burj Khalifa.

Abraj Al-Bait is a government building that was established near the Great Mosque of Makkah, the site of the Ottoman fortress of Ajdash, to serve pilgrims, including a hotel that is the tallest of its kind in the world, a shopping area, a museum, a conference hall and an observatory which is the largest of its kind to monitor sightings of the crescent moon on various religious occasions.

Tourism in Taif

The flower of the Kingdom's cities reeks of an ancient past, and what is surprising is that Taif is one of the most important rose and delicious fruit growing regions in the Kingdom, and includes many of the oldest and most beautiful historic, heritage sites and archaeological, making your tourism delicious in taste and delicious in smell.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Taif:

1- Al-Hada Area

This is one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Saudi Arabia, as it is distinguished by its presence at a high altitude of 2,000 meters. It is covered with vegetation all year round, with fog and hail falling in winter, and the smell of delicious fruits and the famous sectarian rose.

The Al-Hada area, located about 20 km from the city of Taif, offers tourists a large number of tourist resorts, the most important of which are Green Mountain, Water Park and Al-Hada Park, in addition to of high-level service and entertainment facilities such as cabarets, games rooms and picnic spots for young people and families, making it one of the tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, especially during the winter season.

2- Shifa Quarter

The Kingdom's second most important landmark is found in the city of Taif. It is very similar to the Al-Hada area in its natural features north of it. Both are among the most important resorts that enjoy the highest rates of tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia, to enjoy its green mountains, mild and pleasant climate, luxury resorts and picturesque parks, the most famous of which are Al-Waht, Wadi Ardah, Gravity . The tourist area also provides the best and most delicious types of fruit and pure natural mountain honey.

3- Souk Okaz

One of the most famous tourist attractions in the Kingdom dating back to the pre-Islamic era, which still attracts many people from all over the world as in the past, especially those interested in the fields of literature, culture and arts, where the heritage market launches various cultural events and presents valuable prizes for those who stand out in them, such as poetry, short stories, photography, theater and popular arts, visual arts, crafts and crafts.

Tourism in Medina

The second holiest city in Saudi Arabia after the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, as it contains a large number of mosques dating back to the time of the Prophet's mission and life, and some of them were associated with religious and historical facts. importance as it was the first capital city in Islamic history, making it the second most important tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, especially for Muslims.

The 3 most important monuments of Medina:

1- The Prophet's Mosque

This is one of the most important religious tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia as it is one of the largest mosques in the world, the second largest mosque in Medina and the second largest mosque after the Grand Mosque that pilgrims visit during their Hajj and Umrah journeys.

The Prophet's Mosque was built by the Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessings be upon him, next to his house, which is located in the southeast courtyard of the mosque, and bears witness to the burial of the Holy Prophet and two of his companions, our master Abu Bakr and Omar bin Al-Khattab.

The Prophet's Mosque, which has been expanded several times over the years, is distinguished by its green dome and its multiple entrances, of which 85, including 5 main entrances, in addition, of course, to the presence of the Prophet's tomb nearby. .

2- Quba Mosque

One of the most important religious monuments in Saudi Arabia, as it is the first mosque built by the Prophet Mohammed during his migration from Mecca to Medina, and so it is the first mosque in Medina, and has great merit and sanctity among all Muslims. The Quba Mosque is located in the southwest of the city in an area of 13,500 square meters, 3.5 km from the Prophet's Mosque.

3- Qiblatain Mosque

It is also one of the important monuments of the Kingdom, which enjoys a high sanctity not inferior to the sanctity of the Prophet's Mosque or the Grand Mosque. This was the reason for the return of the prayer qiblah to the Grand Mosque instead of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the mosque is also famous for its bright white paintwork.

Tourism in Abha

The jewel of cities in southern Saudi Arabia, specifically the Asir region, whose commercial capital is Abha. City.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Abha:

1- Abu Khayal Park

One of the most beautiful leisure spots in Saudi Arabia, which boasts vast green spaces, as the park, open 24 hours a day, offers a magnificent view of Abha, in addition to an unprecedented opportunity for climbers with a corner special for children's games, which makes it an ideal place for family picnics.

Abu Khayal is located at the western end of Abha, between Abha to the east and the slopes of Aqaba Dhala to the west. It can be reached from the new town or from Jabal Zarrah via cable car, which also adds to its recreational heritage, especially for children.

2- Andalusian Park

Or Jardim da Montanha, Andalucia is the name of the district in which it is located, and Jardim da Montanha or Andalucia is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thanks to its green spaces and all kinds of flowers that encourage calm and relaxation, and is an ideal destination for those who enjoy walking or cycling. This is in addition to Abha's climate, which is characterized by the accumulation of fog and clouds that give the place its own charm.

3- Jabal Al-Souda

One of the greatest natural sites that one can see during tourism in Saudi Arabia, as Al-Souda is the highest mountain peak in the Kingdom, with a height of over 3,000 meters, and in addition to its high height, the mountain in the middle from the village of Souda, 20 km from Abha, it is distinguished by the dense green juniper forests that cover it.

As for the village overlooking the Tihama plain, it is one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Saudi Arabia, which attracts the attention of tourists thanks to its green nature and the large number of its parks, some of which include waterfalls and lakes. of great beauty, in addition to the availability of the cable car as a means of recreational transport between its parts.

Tourism in Dammam

The city of Dammam is one of the most beautiful cities that can be visited during tourism in Saudi Arabia, thanks to its magnificent view over the Persian Gulf and the fact that it enjoys the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the Kingdom, in addition to the archaeological areas that dating back to antiquity, where the oldest human settlements that inhabited this city were found.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Dammam:

1- Dammam waterfront

Or "King Abdullah Park" by other names, and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia for family outings and for children. The park is located on the Dammam Corniche, with an area of 4 km and a length of 8 km.

The park is characterized by the variety of activities that can be enjoyed. There are rooms to play billiards and table tennis, and opportunities for beach sports such as tennis, football or fishing, with a special area for children's games, and a large chain of restaurants, cafes, squares and shopping centers located just a few meters away. .

In addition to the green spaces, palm trees and clear waters of the sea that offer a wonderful opportunity to walk outdoors among the beauty of nature, the place offers you a historical visit through its museum, which quickly reviews the history of the city and the kingdom as a whole.

2- Coral Island

This is a man-made island located on the Dammam Corniche near King Abdullah Park and is one of the tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, especially for family tourism. The island offers its visitors the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque waters of the sea in a calm and relaxing way, with the possibility of fishing or going aboard boats, but you have to buy all your necessary food and drink, as this its only drawback is the lack of adequate service facilities.

3- Dolphin Village

A resort overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom near the Corniche Island and Al Marjan, making the whole area one of the most important tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. The Dolphin Resort is a popular place for families and children due to its entertainment services, including a free amusement park, circus and dolphin shows, with the opportunity to enjoy peace and relaxation in front of the sea water while fishing or sailing. from yacht.

Tourism in Yanbu

The city of Yanbu is one of the most beautiful cities in the Kingdom because of its waterfront and distinctive activities, where the clean, high-end beaches that take the form of islands, luxury tourist resorts, marine museums, ship anchorages and yachts that can be rented and sailed in the heart of the clear waters, and do not think that the life of Yanbu revolves only around the sea and what Related to it, it has one of the largest equestrian clubs and many picturesque flowering gardens.

The 3 most important landmarks in Yanbu:

1- Waterfront Yanbu Industrial

It is a public beach that can be classified as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom, and a site that attracts tourism in Saudi Arabia for families, as the beach provides families with comfortable service and recreational facilities such as walkways and parks, a special corner for children’s games, seating umbrellas, green spaces, golf and handball courts, and tourist resorts for a luxurious stay. .

2- Oyster Island

One of the most important tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia in the heart of the coastal city of Yanbu. The island is located west of the Yanbu Corniche and includes two of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom, which are Sunrise and Sunset Beach, which occupy an area of more than 500 meters.

The island is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thanks to its restrooms, seating umbrellas, barbecue places, and others for roaming and hiking, in addition to the beach activities it offers such as fishing, yacht and boat riding, or surfing.

3- Morning Garden

One of the best tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia for youth and family outings, thanks to its vast areas of greenery and the opportunities it provides for roaming, hiking, cycling or boating, and enjoying the outdoor breeze, especially as it overlooks the picturesque Yanbu Beach.

Tourism in Khobar

Al-Khobar is one of the most beautiful coastal cities that you should not miss during your tourism in Saudi Arabia, as Al-Khobar offers you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of its waters and golden sand through a group of the most beautiful resorts. tourist. Al-Khobar is also home to a number of well-groomed trails for umbrella-hopping and horse-riding enthusiasts, with plenty of entertainment events and festivals to be organised.

The 3 most important monuments of Al Khobar:

1- King Fahd Causeway

This bridge is 25 km long and is surrounded by sea water from all sides to a depth of 12 meters. It was created in the mid-1980s to link the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

What distinguishes the bridge and makes it one of the most important tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia is a crowded clock-shaped island located in the middle of it and is known as the Middle Island and includes a tower where the tourist from above can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Al-Khobar and Bahrain while eating a delicious meal in its restaurant, as well as a series of gardens that separate the borders between the two countries and is also a tourist attraction.

2- Al-Khobar Waterfront

saudi cities

The waterfront in Al-Khobar

Or, as they call it, the Corniche region, which is one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Saudi Arabia for those who like to relax and enjoy the clear waters of the sea, especially in spring. As for families, Al Khobar Corniche is an ideal destination for them, thanks to the lawn sessions, the children's play area and the good service facilities it offers its visitors, at a distance of 4 km.

3- Al-Deghaither village

A tourist resort considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, in the city of Khobar, due to its magnificent view of the sea water from all sides, in addition to the international restaurant chains that cater to the different tastes of its visitors. The tourist village of Al-Deghaither, which is an artificial island, is situated on the corniche of Al-Khobar in the south of the Kingdom.

Tourism in Umluj (Saudi Maldives)

Its resemblance to the Maldives did not come out of nowhere, which is why Umluj is one of the most important and beautiful coastal destinations among the various Saudi cities to which tourists from all over the world arrive, where the picturesque beaches with crystal clear waters, which include several and rare species of sea creatures and coral reefs, and its wild markets also feature traditional city handicrafts and artifacts that you won't find anywhere else.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Umluj:

1- Duqm Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom, thanks to its clear waters and soft white sand, and the tourist activities it offers visitors, have made it one of the most important tourist sites in Saudi Arabia, where swimming, hiking and camping are practiced. practiced along paths and in tents that were adequately and fully prepared to serve and comfort the family, in addition to youth group camps. The beach, which belongs to the park with the same name, also benefits from the palm trees that decorate it and extend its length.

2- Ras Al Shaban Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom is located in Umluj and the most ideal for taking children swimming, as the beach, which looks more like a bay, is distinguished by the gradual depth of its waters. Ras Al-Shaban also offers its visitors various recreational activities, including camping on the beach, diving among the most beautiful coral reefs, and for those who enjoy peace and relaxation, they can take a walk along the coast or sit in in front of its crystalline sea.

3- The location of Al-Ghabaya

This landmark can be described as a Saudi landmark which is kept silent or unusual among tourists and visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia despite comprising the remains and ruins of ancient Umluj since it was called Al-Hawraa in the time of the ancient Arabs and Muslims, as it was an important passage through which pilgrims to Casa Santa passed in the past. And it contained monuments dating back to Roman times.

Tourism in Jubail

Prison is one of the most important and beautiful coastal cities in Saudi Arabia, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to enjoy its picturesque beaches adorned with greenery and the opportunities it offers for diving, water sports and beach activities, making it an indispensable sanctuary for any lover or seeker of fun and pleasure during their tourist visit. Saudi Arabia.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Jubail:

1- Palm Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom, located in the town of Jubail, due to its clear waters and golden sand adorned with palm trees for a distance of one and a half kilometers along the coast and the nearby service facilities that make it the best for families and children, especially as there is a playground shaded by trees nearby.

And in a large area not far from the beach is the Parque das Palmeiras, which stands out for its greenery and colorful flowers, which qualifies it every year to launch the activities of the Flower Festival in the city.

2- Al-Huwailat Mall

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia for visitors to the city of Jubail, where the shopping center located in a residential area caters to all the needs and urgent needs that the city's vacationers and tourists may need, including food, electronics and smart devices . telephones, as well as including a courtyard with an array of the finest and finest restaurants and a children's playground.

3- Fanateer Beach

One of the newest, most beautiful and attractive beaches in the city, due to its clear waters, it is an exciting and fun playground for children, in addition to the opportunities it offers to practice water sports in a competitive environment such as fishing, surfing and diving, as well as beach sports such as football, handball or tennis, as well as paths for strolling and walking in peace and relaxation.

Tourism in Al Baha

The Al-Baha region is considered one of the most important and beautiful cities in southern Saudi Arabia, which is distinguished by its mountainous green nature, surrounded by fog from its peak in a strange harmony that enchants the hearts before the eyes.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Al-Baha :

1- Raghadan Forest

One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia for lovers of recreational walks, especially those accompanied by families and children, since the place is fully equipped to accommodate families, in addition to the presence of outdoor tents for youth meetings.

The forest, located on the highest peak of the mountain at the entrance to the Saudi city of Al-Baha, offers a good opportunity for a wandering safari through walking paths and other opportunities for barbecue or dinner in the middle of the dense and very green forests that cover the area, bearing in mind that the forested area does not serve any restaurants or cafes.

There is also an area in the heart of the forest that serves as a small but fun seasonal zoo for children to visit for a small fee. In summer, entertainment events like fireworks and other activities take place in the forest.

2- Khaira Forest Park

This is one of the most important and beautiful tourist attractions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thanks to its green spaces and beautiful trees that cover and surround it on all sides. The park, known by the locals, is also distinguished by the Jedr Park, which includes juniper, olive trees and charming trees.

Perhaps the second most beautiful feature of the park is the waterfall that runs down its high rocky slopes into a lake where hundreds of thousands of Saudi Arabian people flock to enjoy the view, and there are several areas near the waterfall to enjoy. children's games, umbrellas and places to sit and relax in the middle of the picturesque nature of the park.

3- Thié Ain village

It is a stone village built over a source of water on top of a mountain since the 10th century AH, that is, about 4 centuries ago, which makes it one of the archaeological monuments in Saudi Arabia that is recommended to visit due to its creative architectural and technical design for their houses and old buildings based on so-called pillars and covered with the famous Sidr wood.

There is a project to request the inclusion of the ancient village, located 24 km from Al-Baha, in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Tourism in Baljurashi

Baljurashi is one of the most important destinations that can be visited during tourism in Saudi Arabia, if you are looking for peace and relaxation in the midst of picturesque nature reflected in the heights and plains covered in green, which have made Baljurashi a city of parks with its magnificent view over Mount Athreb and the plain of Tihama.

The calm and beautiful city has not forgotten the children in its tourist tales, as it has many pleasant surprises to offer them.

The 3 most important monuments in the city of Baljurashi:

1- Al-Baha National Park in Baljurashi

This is one of the most beautiful areas that you can visit during your tourism in Saudi Arabia, thanks to its vast green spaces and trees that surround it everywhere, including palm trees and streetlights that characterize its long characteristic promenade.

The public park also includes several playgrounds, sports fields, places to sit, relax and enjoy the picturesque nature of the park.

2- Umm Ghaith Park

One of the most beautiful Saudi tourist attractions in the Belgrashi region for those who want to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the cities, as the simple and peaceful park offers umbrellas to sit, relax and enjoy its view of the famous Tihama plain, with a playground.

3- Jabal Athrib Cable Car

One of the most beautiful adventures that you can experience while touring Saudi Arabia in the Belgrashi region is a visit to Mount Athrib Cable Car Resort, which takes its name from the only means of recreational transport available to its visitors and tourists, as it the cable car transports delegations from the Sarat mountain region to the Tihama plain on a pleasant journey filled with enchanting greenery over a distance of up to 3 km.

At the end of our interesting tour of Saudi Arabia and its most important cities and main religious and tourist attractions, which city will you visit?