Famous for oil, Saudi Arabia is a big nation. There are many things to do in Saudi Arabia to make your vacation a placid and cool-headed one. It is the origin of Islam, and with Arabian horses, the world's largest sand desert (Rub' Al Khali), the world's largest oasis (Al-Ahsa), Arabian coffee, countless palaces, veiled women, countless mosques, Bedouins on horses, Bedouins on camels, and Bedouins with falcons, there are a lot more things that make this country special.
Here is a list of things to do in the country that you can enjoy for an amusing vacation.
Top 12 Things To Do In Saudi Arabia For A High Spirited Holiday
Saudi Arabia is the second largest country in the world of Arabs, and that too without a river. Ninety-five percent of the country is considered a desert or semidesert.
1. Find Your Adventure in Al- Ahsa Oasis
One of the oldest settlements on the Arabian Peninsula, and it has numerous things hidden in its treasure, just waiting for you to discover them. Al Ahsa Oasis is settled between Midway Riyadh and Dammam, it is an area, spanning cities, souks, springs, mountains, and three million date palms. Al Ahsa Oasis is special because it consists of 150 natural springs, while 95% of the nation is covered in sand. It is a beautiful and serene location offering several fun activities in Saudi Arabia. Al Ahsa is a place that you should not miss out on.
Location: Al Hasa Oasis, Alghawbia, Al Hofuf 36388, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Visitors are advised to consult the local authorities
Entry Fee: No entrance fee
2. Tale A Walk To Literally The Edge Of The World
Saudi Arabia gives you a dramatic chance to literally walk up to the edge of the world. It is an unexpected and dramatic geological wonder, found in the rocky desert of northwestern Riyadh and definitely an adventure in Saudi Arabia. The Edge of the world is basically cliffs that rise high, dramatically, and gloriously from the desert, stretching towards the sky like a great natural wall. Also known as Jebel Fihrayn among the locals, strolling up to these cliffs is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing things to do in Riyadh. If you are planning your trip to Saudi Arabia then you should definitely try walking up the cliffs.
Location: Saudi Arabia
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee, you only have to pay for the conveyance
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3. Explore The City Of Jeddah
Jeddah is caught between two worlds in many ways, plus the two are not mutually exclusive, this makes it even more fascinating. Exploring the city of Jeddah is among fun things to do in Saudi Arabia, discover the new and old parts of the city. It truly is a fascinating experience. With hand carved teak balconies, jut from ice-white facades, and Soul Al Alwai, is a whirlwind of scent, sound, and color, Jeddah is absolutely splendid. It is a promising city that will definitely give you a vacation of a lifetime. There are also many beaches in Jeddah that are very pleasant and serene and will add a spice of calmness to it your vacation.
Location: Jeddah, the city in Saudi Arabia
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Entrance is free as it is a city
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4. Take A Glimpse Of Carving At Jubbah Rock Carvings
Situated at the northwestern side of the city of Jubbah, the Rock Carvings are arguably a premier pre-Islamic site. If you are seeking history related things to do in Saudi Arabia, then you must explore this place. Spanning over an area of 39 square feet, are a plethora of most impressive rock carvings or often known as petroglyphs. It is one of the most amusing activities in Saudi Arabia. The finest of the carvings here go back to the time when much of the area was an inland lake and the people who lived here carved game animals that came to the waters. These carvings go back to the year 5500 BC, with elegant rock-cut ibex, significant Thamudic inscriptions, and oryx and camels abound.
Location: Unnamed Road, Jubbah 55679, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Opens at 8 AM and closes at 3 PM, Sunday-Thursday; Friday- Saturday, 3 - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Entrance is free
5. Stride In The Tent With Tuwaiq Palace
Formerly known as the Diplomatic Club, Tuwaiq palace is a spectacular place, which must be discovered by everyone who has an eye on hypnotic things to do in Saudi Arabia. Reach this place and delve in the serenity and get hypnotized by it charisma. Besides that, it also caters to a splendid view of the city of Riyadh. There is much more to this palace than just alluring views. Tuwaiq Palace is home to the Heart Tent.
Heart Tent is a stunning structure that looks like a giant tent, but instead of cloth is made of beautiful and finely cut stained glass. When you enter the tent you will definitely get a feeling as same as when you see an oasis. Apart from that, there are several events that are held for visitors, which you can indulge yourself in. The event area is very comfortable, set in an outdoor environment with Arab-style couches and tables.
Location: 2664 Alhattan St, Al Safarat, Riyadh, 12513 8318, Saudi Arabia
Best time to Visit: November to early March
Entry Fee: Not Applicable
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6. Cherish The Modern Architecture With National Museum
National Museum of Saudi Arabia is one of the finest museums in the Middle East. It contains two floors and eight well designed and very informative galleries. These galleries cover Arabian Prehistory and history, culture, and art. And they beautifully display engaging rocks, evocative rock carvings, and even a full-scale reconstruction of the Nabataean tomb. The National Museum is encased within modernist architecture. This is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East, special for history and cultural buffs.
Location: Historical Center, King Abdul Aziz, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Opens at noon and closes at 8 PM, Monday to Thursday; 4 to 8 PM Friday; 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday; noon to 2 PM, Sunday
Entry Fee: For adults SR 10 - SR 40 and free for kids
7. Unfold The Petra Of Saudi Arabia At Mada’in Saleh
When we plan a vacation we seek everything that gets us excited, one of the impressive things to do in Saudi Arabia is visiting The Petra Of Saudi Arabia At Mada’in Saleh. Although Petra, Jordan's rock carved city. You might have heard of Mada'in Saleh, this city is no less dramatic than Petra, high in Saudi Arabia. For many reasons, it is similar to Petra, and one such reason is that, same as Petra even Mada'in Saleh was absorbed by the Romans in 106 AD, and yet the story didn't end here. To date it has survived, let me rephrase that, it survived still stands tall with retaining all its glory, till date. Amongst the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia, Mada'in Sahel is a spectacular and unforgettable sight. Largely made up of 131 rock craved tombs covered on Aramaic script.
Location: Al Madinah Region, Al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Not Applicable
Entry Fee: No entrance fee
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8. Pay A Visit To The Gigantic Mosque- Prophet’s Mosque
Prophet's Mosque holds utmost significance for Muslims all over the world. It's one of the only two mosques which can accommodate bout a million people. Just like the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Prophets Mosque is also open for 24 hours and every day of the year. It houses many religious spaces and relics including rawdah area, which is close to the Prophet’s tomb and is regarded as the garden of heaven by Muslims. The mosque is a two-tiered structure and was built by Ottoman, with 27 domes and an open-air courtyard. There are a few hotels near the mosque which caters to view of beaches in Saudi Arabia. One of the most intriguing feature of this majestic structure is in the paved area, outside the main building, these are a series of retractable canopies that fan out like umbrellas.
Location: Al Haram, Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entrance fee
9. Enjoy Dune Bashing in the Desert
One of the finest activities that travelers can try when on a holiday in Saudi Arabia is Dune Bashing. This is an activity that is not just famous here but is popular all across the world. Travelers love coming to the Middle East and trying the activity.
In fact, there's no better feeling than rushing through the sand dunes at high speed in a 4x4 vehicle.
Well, that's what dune bashing is all about. So, as far as adventure activities in Saudi Arabia are concerned, travelers can expect to get to so much more in this part of the world, and with dune bashing, you're just getting started.
Best Time to Enjoy - In the winter months
Location - Riyadh Desert
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10. Indulge in the Thrill of Sandboarding
Familiar with the fun involved with snowboarding, right? Well, how about enjoying the same kind of adventurous things do in Saudi Arabia, but this time in a desert? Well, yes that's what sandboarding is all about. It is a sport that involves the use of a similar kind of board and can be enjoyed by all kinds of travelers.
Although it can be a little tough for beginners and children trying, specialized training is indeed given for the same and travelers can learn sandboarding very quickly. So, what's the delay? Try this activity in the mesmerizing Riyadh desert. Book a whole tour and experience a number of other attractions alongside sandboarding.
Best Time to Enjoy - In the winter months
Location - Riyadh Desert
11. Explore the Underwater World by Scuba Diving
Scuba diving may not be one of the most loved thing to do in Saudi Arabia but every traveler must look forward to try it at least once in their lifetime. Exploring the underwater world remains a dream for many adventure seekers and the Middle East offers just that. In fact, the weather condition in Saudi Arabia is stable almost throughout the year which means that travelers can enjoy scuba diving at any time of the year.
One may not only get to see the usual marine life but may even feel the thrills of shark diving which is something unmissable for travelers by all means.
Best Time To Enjoy - Throughout the year
Location - Riyadh
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12. Snorkeling in the Blue Waters
Snorkeling is a popular attraction in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia is no exception in this case. The region houses some of the most popular snorkeling sites in the world and with gorgeous blue waters to add to your joy, this is something you should definitely try when in Saudi Arabia.
In fact, in the south of Saudi Arabia lies the Al Lith Islands in Saudi Arabia (Jabal Al Lith) which is known to be the hotspot for those who love to snorkel. This is a tiny island bordered by blue water all around. Travelers can come and enjoy the snorkeling experience at its best.
Location - Al Lith Island (Jabal Al Lith)
Saudi Arabia is a country with a lot of attractions that are so alluring and placid. There are many adventurous things to do in Saudi Arabia which adds on a pinch of fun and light-headedness to your vacation. It is a country with traditions and cultures and almost 95% of the nation is deserted or semi-deserted. With wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, and dates as the staple food, Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest and absolutely gorgeous country in the Middle East. What are you waiting for then? Book your plane tickets to Saudi Arabia today!
FAQs
Although there are numerous adventure activities that travelers can try in Saudi Arabia, Dune Bashing still has to be one of the finest activities that travelers can try when on a holiday in Saudi Arabia. This is an activity that is not just famous here but is popular all across the world. Travelers love coming to the Middle East and trying the activity. In fact, there's no better feeling than rushing through the sand dunes at high speed in a 4x4 vehicle.
Saudi Arabia gives you a dramatic chance to literally walk up to the edge of the world. It is an unexpected and dramatic geological wonder, found in the rocky desert of northwestern Riyadh and definitely an adventure in Saudi Arabia. The Edge of the world is basically cliffs that rise high, dramatically, and gloriously from the desert, stretching towards the sky like a great natural wall. Is it also known as Jebel Fihrayn among the locals in the area.
Yes, scuba diving may not be an activity that every traveler would prefer to try but this is certainly something to look forward to in Saudi Arabia. Exploring the underwater world remains a dream for many adventure seekers and the Middle East offers just that. In fact, the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia are stable almost throughout the year which means that travelers can enjoy scuba diving at any time of the year.
Sandboarding is one of the most famous sports apart from dune bashing that travelers love to try when in the Riyadh desert. It is a sport that involves the use of a similar kind of board and can be enjoyed by all kinds of travelers. Although it can be a little tough for beginners and children trying, specialized training is indeed given for the same and travelers can learn sandboarding very quickly.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia is one of the finest museums in the Middle East and probably the best in Saudi Arabia. It contains two floors and eight well-designed and very informative galleries. These galleries cover Arabian Prehistory and history, culture, and art. They beautifully display engaging rocks, evocative rock carvings, and even a full-scale reconstruction of the Nabataean tomb. The National Museum is encased within modernist architecture.
Tuwaiq Palace caters to a splendid view of the city of Riyadh. There is much more to this palace than just alluring views. Tuwaiq Palace is home to the Heart Tent. Heart Tent is a stunning structure that looks like a giant tent, but instead of cloth is made of beautiful and finely cut stained glass. When you enter the tent you will definitely get a feeling as same as when you see an oasis. Apart from that, there are several events that are held for visitors, which you can indulge yourself in.
Yes, Jeddah is caught between two worlds in many ways, plus the two are not mutually exclusive, this makes it even more fascinating. Exploring the city of Jeddah is among fun things to do in Saudi Arabia, discover the new and old parts of the city. It truly is a fascinating experience. With hand-carved teak balconies, jut from ice-white facades, and Soul Al Alwai, is a whirlwind of scent, sound, and color, Jeddah is absolutely splendid.
Snorkeling is a popular attraction in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia is no exception in this case. The region houses some of the most popular snorkeling sites in the world. One such location is in the south of Saudi Arabia on Al Lith Island (Jabal Al Lith) which is known to be the hotspot for those who love to snorkel. This is a tiny island bordered by blue water all around. Travelers can come and enjoy the snorkeling experience at its best.
