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Before 2017 all international travellers around the world were always in awe of the largest peninsula in the world, Saudi Arabia. Travellers who were non-muslims could not enter the country as it is the birthplace of Islam. This kept the gems of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hidden from the world. But in 2017, the government of Saudi Arabia came up with a wonderful surprise for the world. When they opened their borders to international travel, permitting non-Muslims to visit the country. Post Pandemic we took the opportunity to book ourselves some flight tickets to travel to the country and explore some of its hidden gems. Below is an interesting read on some of the top tourist attractions and the best time to visit Saudi Arabia.
Best Time To Visit The Top Tourist Attractions In Saudi Arabia
1. Al Ula
The first location that should be on your itinerary when visiting Saudi Arabia is the province of Al Ula. The region is one of the most beautiful locations in a country that is mainly sand and stones. The region of Al Ula is one of the important pieces of the puzzle for historians and archaeologists, who are trying to solve the jigsaw puzzle of ancient Arab history. According to the recent findings, Saudi Arabia was home to several ancient kingdoms that called the Arabian peninsula their home. The region of Al Ula alone is home to a massive collection of Nabatean tombs. With each tomb hiding several stories and secrets within its tombs.
Best time to visit: October to April
2. ‘Asir
Another beautiful region in Saudi Arabia is the province of ‘Asir. At least during the summer rainstorm months. The province of ‘Asir comes alive during and post the rainstorms that hit the province in the months of March and April. It is one of the most unique regions in the world with temperatures often reaching extremes. Early mornings can be frosty with fog cutting down visibility to almost a meter. And the temperature in the afternoons can go up to 30℃, which is one of the coolest daytime temperatures in the rainy months. Making the province of ‘Asir one of the lushest provinces in the country of Saudi Arabia. The province provides views of landscapes capable of taking one’s breath away.
Best time to visit: March to May
3. Jeddah
The next location to go exploring in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the capital city of the Hejaz region, Jeddah. The city of Jeddah is also one of the main cities that leads the way to the two holiest cities in the religion of Islam, Medina and Mecca. Jeddah over the years has been growing and budding into an upcoming metropolitan of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is also one of the cities where old school markets and architecture still survives to this day. The government of Jeddah has taken measures to ensure no major changes happen to these historic treasures. The majority of these wonders still exist in Jeddah at the Al Balad market.
Best time to visit: November to February
4. Hegra
The next destination in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia that one can go exploring is the region of Hegra. Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Because the region is home to the largest location of the Nabataean civilization to the South of Petra. The region of Hegra is home to over 100+ sites that include tombs made out of giant rock formations. Making it a location open to visitors to come and learn about the regions history, culture and traditions.
Best time to visit: October to February
5. Edge of the World
On the outskirts of the city of Riyadh lies a marvel of desert and time that has left every visitor of the location in awe. The destination in discussion is the tourist attraction of Saudi, the Edge of the World. The destination is not just an excellent hiking location but serves as a wonderful spot for a bird’s eye view of the plains below. The location gives its visitors a panoramic view of the horizon along with the plains. From the top of the location, one can see the ancient river beds of the small rivers that once flowed in the region. Which are similar to the veins of a body making a visit to the location a must.
Best time to visit: October to February
6. Tabuk
To the northwest of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia lies a province known as Tabuk. The province is popular for its mountainous area which it shares with the country of Jordan and a part of it with the coastline of the Red Sea. Tabuk is home to the biggest flying corps base in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Most recently the region came into the limelight after the crown Prince of Saudi Arabia announced the country’s new plans of making a sustainable city. The country is also working on the largest manmade city project, NEOM that is to come up in the region of Tabouk. It is most probably the first of its kind project on the entire planet.
Best time to visit: November to June
7. Riyadh
Right in the centre of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia lies the second largest province and the capital of the country, Riyadh. Riyadh is popular for its harmonious blend of historical and contemporary architecture. Making the city a perfect spot for exploring Saudi’s ancient markets and the modern architectural marvels that have come up in the city. Riyadh is popular for its Riyadh Season festival that witnesses travellers gathering from around the globe. The 2021 event itself promises to attract over 5 million visitors alone. While exploring the city make sure to catch a meal at ‘The Globe’, which gives beautiful views of the city at night. And also visit the Skybridge at the Kingdom Centre, most probably at night too.
Best time to visit: November to March
8. Red Sea Project
The Red Sea Project is an ambitious move by Saudi Prince Mohammad Bin Salman back in 2017. The aim of the project aims at the coastal region of the area between the cities of Al-Wajh and Umluj. The area is home to some beautiful turquoise shades of ocean and coral reefs that bring out the natural beauty of the Red Sea. The idea behind the project is to market Saudi tourism to the world. The project aims at achieving 100% carbon neutrality. It does seem like a far fetched ambition, but the Saudi Prince seems to have made a commitment to the world. Until then one can visit the coast of the city of Al-Wajh and Umluj to enjoy the beautiful coastline that the country has taken care of for so long.
Best time to visit: November to March
9. The Eastern Oasis
The next destination on the list of top tourist attractions and the best time to visit Saudi Arabia is in the region of Al Ahsa. Al Ahsa is one of the most popular regions in the Eastern Province of the country of Saudi Arabia. And this is one location that one must visit no matter what when touring the country of Saudi Arabia. The region is popular for the several oases that exist in the region and has been the backbone of several civilizations over the years. The numerous oases of the Al Ahsa region also gave support to modern farming techniques in regions that suffer from water scarcity. Also one should not skip a visit to the Al Qarrah caves which offer massive respite from the heat during the summer months.
Best time to visit: November to March
10. Wadi Al Disah
The last location on our trip to explore the top tourist attractions when visiting Saudi Arabia brings us to a location known as Wadi Al Disah. The term ‘Wadi Al Disah’ literally translates to ‘Oasis all around’. Which kind of fits the apt description of the location. As the spot is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Saudi. The Wadi lies in the Southwestern province of Tabouk. The region is home to some mesmerizing canyons that have come alive after years of erosion. The date and palm trees that line the valley floor enhance the natural beauty of the Wadi making it a must-visit place for all visitors.
Best time to visit: November to March
