The mere mention of Saudi often conjures images of endless desert expanses—sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Yet, while the country’s magnificent deserts indeed capture our imagination, the country’s varied terrain offers adventurous travellers a multitude of remarkable experiences beyond the usual tourist sites.
The vast appeal of Saudi’s immense and luxurious allure cannot be overlooked. This nation boasts vast stretches of rolling sand dunes alongside UNESCO World Heritage sites with their ancient, winding streets. The awe-inspiring Edge of the World, a striking cliff formation near Riyadh, provides sweeping vistas of the boundless desert below. From the Red Sea coast to hidden treasures like the verdant Asir mountains, the historic maritime city of Jeddah, and the enigmatic archaeological wonders of Hegra, Saudi is a land of constant wonder. The addition of high-end beach resorts with all the luxurious trimmings completes the picture, solidifying Saudi as a destination of endless surprises.
In this narrative, we spotlight three of Saudi’s most iconic destinations to explore and add to your travel bucket list. Each location promises a distinctive adventure—from the captivating historical old town of AlUla to the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea coast to the storied city of Jeddah. The rich diversity of Saudi’s landscapes, history, and culture is finely woven into the grand tapestry of this oil-rich nation.
By venturing off the well-trodden paths in Saudi, you unlock doors to authentic experiences and unanticipated discoveries. Every step of the unbeaten track you take leads to a new adventure, allowing you to weave your own unique narrative into the fabric of this enchanting kingdom.
DARE TO WANDER
1. AlUla OLD TOWN
A Mesmerising Journey Through Time
AlUla Old Town, located in the heart of the Hijaz region, is a 12th-century settlement and a captivating testament to human civilization. A mesmerising journey through time with strong incense trading routes and a never-seen-before maze of historic alleyways and mudbrick houses. The bazaars are unique, with residents selling elegant antiques and souvenirs. Qurmoz, a luxury store steeped in Saudi heritage and culture, showcases authentic, handwoven designs crafted by Saudi artisans. Guided tours provide immersive experiences, allowing visitors to step back in time and witness the rich tapestry of AlUla’s heritage.
Experiences
AlUla Old Town is the charming little town where it all began. AlUla’s beauty is visible throughout—from the breathtaking sunsets at Maraya Concert Hall to wellness retreats at Habitas AlUla and hot air ballooning over Hegra, stargazing opportunities in the clear desert night sky, and AlUla’s very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are numerous experiences that have made their way onto people’s travel bucket lists.
During your time in AlUla Old Town, a Rawi (guide) will lead you through AlUla’s Old Town, where pilgrims, travelers, and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Explore the remnants of a town dating back to the 10th century with 900 houses, 500 shops, and 5 town squares, stepping back in time to marvel at the original stone and mud-brick structures, offering a glimpse into the lives of the settlers and pilgrims who once inhabited AlUla Old Town.
2. THE RED SEA
An Underwater Wonderland
The Red Sea, which borders Saudi’s west coast, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and exhilarating experiences. This 28,000-square-kilometre oasis is home to more than 90 islands, stunning beaches, rich marine life, sweeping desert dunes, and natural wonders, including one of the world’s few thriving reefs, dormant volcanoes, ancient heritage sites, and mountain canyons. The waters around Yanbu and Farasan islands offer some of the most spectacular dive sites, featuring colourful reef views. It is also home to 175 species of coral reefs and 195 species of fish, including critically endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle. For those who prefer to stay dry, the Red Sea coastline features exquisite beaches with fluffy white sand and turquoise waters.
Stay Options
The hospitality landscape is rapidly evolving, marked by the recent debuts of prominent luxury resorts, including Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and the Middle East’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma. Furthermore, the pipeline includes the anticipated openings of Shebara Resort’s futuristic overwater orbs and the highly anticipated Desert Rock resort before the year’s end to welcome their first guests.
3. HISTORIC JEDDAH
A Piece of History
Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands out in the bustling coastal city of Jeddah for its rich history and distinctive Hijazi architecture. This old town, with its characteristic towers, houses, and dynamic atmosphere, was built by the city’s elite merchants in the late 19th century and provides an intriguing peek into Saudi’s past. The neighbourhood is known for its unique multi-story houses made of coral stone and wood, with roshan box balconies (mashrabiya) and intricately carved doors. These finely designed structures, some dating back to the seventh century AD, served as the primary port for trade routes coming from the Indian Ocean.
Things To Do
Wandering through Historic Jeddah’s twisting lanes, visitors in the city can soak up the evening Jeddah skyline. The busy souks of Al-Balad offer a sensory experience, with scented spices and traditional and antique crafts on display at the local favourite Historic Nights rooftop café. There are seven souks in the old town alone, including Souk Al Alawi, the city’s oldest. Leather goods, Arabic perfumes, jewellery, clothing, and other items are available here. To make the most of your time, take a guided tour for local insights.
The Road Ahead
Saudi is at the forefront of the Arabian Peninsula’s rapid rise in tourism. Massive investments in infrastructure development and digital transformation plans, strategically aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, support the Red Sea Project and the NEOM initiatives, expected to attract millions of tourists. Furthermore, relaxed visa restrictions and simple entry have already led to an influx of leisure travellers, making Saudi Arabia a promising destination with exceptional experiences. TheGlitz truly believes now is the perfect time to explore this hidden gem and be part of its evolving story, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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