7 Things to Do in Saudi Arabia on Your Next Adventure
Are you curious about traveling the world?
While it may not immediately pop to mind, Saudi Arabia should be on your list of places to visit.
This ancient country is rife with history and there are so many different things to do in Saudi Arabia. Let’s take a look at seven of the most interesting destinations in this amazing country.
1. Al Janadriyah
If you’re scheduling your trip for the late winter or early spring, then you won’t want to miss Al Janadriyah. This cultural festival is a celebration of all things Saudi and it’s among the top things to do in Riyadh.
Al Janadriyah was started in 1985 and gives celebrants an experience of everything Saudi Arabia has to offer. There are all sorts of activities including falconry, camel racing, and dancing – which is typically prohibited in the kingdom the rest of the year.
Visitors will get a dose of traditional arts and crafts that hail from each different region, as well as a living history and even a military air show. Then, of course, there’s the food. You’ll be able to sample the varied cuisines of the Arabian peninsula and partake in a tea service featuring Saudi cardamom “coffee” or sweet hot mint tea.
Finally, take in the fascinating scene of Arabian women wearing cowboy hats on top of their abayas, and don’t forget to pick up a silly souvenir.
This is a busy time of year in Riyadh, so don’t wait to find yourself pondering if there are hotels near me during this event. Book in advance.
2. Al Masmak Fortress
Built around 1865, the Al Masmak Fortress was the structure from which Abdulaziz Al Saud conquered and united the different kingdoms and provinces that now make up Saudi Arabia.
Upon visiting this fortress, you’ll move through 9-foot high palm tree gates, then a door that’s just large enough for one person to pass through at a time. This was for defensive purposes. Inside the fortress is a collection of historical artifacts, weapons, and a small mosque.
The fort is located among busy streets and is surrounded by a souk just buzzing with shops selling clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and a surprisingly delicious treat called Corn in a Cup – which is exactly as it sounds.
3. Al-Ahsa Oasis
In a country that’s 95% desert, Al-Ahsa oasis with its 150 natural springs is a sight to behold.
Located between Riyadh and Damman, Al-Ahsa is one of the oldest and most diverse settlements in the country. The region spans cities and mountains and is home to millions of date palms.
Be sure to visit the salt marshes of Asfar Lake that are heavily populated by native birds. You can also do a bit of spelunking at the honeycomb caves of Al-Qarah Mountain, or trek the dunes in Rub’ al Khali.
Because the date palms are plentiful, you even have the opportunity to tour date farms and learn about their centuries-old farming techniques this exotic fruit.
Finally, visit Ibrahim Palace to get a view of the historic walls built during the Ottoman rule. Then swing into Al-Qaisariya Souqa to take advantage of the market stalls.
4. Tuwaiq Palace Heart Tent
Tuwaiq Palace was once known as the Diplomatic Club and it offers stunning views of Riyadh. But this isn’t the only thing that makes it one of the best Saudi Arabia attractions.
It’s also home to a colorful tent-like structure made from stained glass. The Heart Tent feels very much like entering an oasis. The outdoor event area is furnished with couches and tables to make it all the more inviting.
5. The Edge of the World
A journey to Jebel Fihrayn brings you to the “The Edge of the World.” The majestic view from this 1,000-foot high cliff will take your breath away. Standing at the precipice, you’ll witness an endless expanse of parched and rocky plains, with an old sea bed below rich with coral fossils. The escarpment itself spreads over 600 miles across the province and marks the place where ancient caravans once trailed oils and spices.
The drive there can be a bit rough for about 10 miles, so you may want to arrange a 4WD tour from Riyadh.
6. Jeddah
If you want to experience a taste of the old and the new in one place, then be sure to visit Jeddah. On one hand, it’s the historic “gate to Mecca” for millions of pilgrims who flock there. On the other, it’s a modern and bustling city.
The more modern section of Jeddah has a revived waterfront that was once a run-down area. There’s a pier-like floating mosque, the impressive King Fahd’s Fountain, and the world’s first kilometer-high building, Jeddah Tower, currently in construction.
To contrast this, Old Jeddah is almost exactly as it was when founded in the seventh century. Hijazi-style homes made of coral stone line the ancient streets of al-Balad, while inhabitants look out onto the street from their hand-carved teak balconies. It is also home to Souk Al Alawi, the largest market in the country and just teeming with activity.
7. Mada’in Saleh
Located about halfway between Petra and Mecca in Al Ula, Mada’in Saleh is an ancient Nabatean caravan city loaded with desert tombs.
The ancient Nabateans became wealthy through the caravan trade between Southern Arabia and the Jordan Valley. They are known for their capital city, Petra, which is now in modern Jordan.
Mada’in Saleh was their second city and fell into disuse after the Roman occupation of the Nabatean Kingdom in 106 AD. It now consists of large boulders rising out of the flat desert. The majority of the structures in existence today were used for funerary purposes and there are 131 tombs cut into the surrounding rocks.
There Are So Many Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
The above seven destinations are only a sampling of the many things to do in Saudi Arabia. So, be sure to include this amazing country to your most dreamed of travel destinations. You won’t be disappointed.
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