Popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia

Today, in this modern era, tourism is a big industry. Every country spends most of its GDP (Gross domestic product) growing tourism. Every country has many tourist spots to attract tourists to travel and visit them. In this way, Saudi Arabia has several tourist places to attract visitors. Read this topic for more information, “Popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia.” This article will help you know the authentic information about the above-mentioned title.

This Kingdom is in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula, the only country along the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Most areas of Saudi Arabia have deserts, plains, and mountains (hot and dry). The holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina are also in this Kingdom.

Although religious pilgrimages still represent most of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, the leisure industry is expanding. According to a 2018 report by BMI Research, there is considerable room for expansion in religious and non-religious tourism. Tourism is an essential component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Now, a traveller can explore the Kingdom after getting Umrah Packages because a special Umrah visa requirement is not needed.

Most popular tourist places to visit in Saudi Arabia

Today, most European and Asian travellers are choosing Saudi Arabia to experience their diverse geography, rich history, delicious food, numerous events and vast deserts. Undoubtedly, it is a centre of various famous tourist destinations that combines old and new culture.

We discuss the Saudi Arabia’s most popular tourist destinations below:

Two Holy Mosques, Makkah and Madina

Taking one step towards the mosque al-Haram and the mosque al-Nabawi allows one to earn a reward according to the hadeeth. And for the general mosque vs, these two mosques are not the same regarding reward. The Al-Haram mosque is located in Mecca, where Kaaba, Safa and Marwa hills, Maqam e-Ibrahim, and Zamzam well are.

It fills with almost all Muslims during Ramadan and Hajj. Masjid al Nabawi has its own place in Islam because many important decisions were made in history through our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in this mosque. Today, Muslim tourists try to offer prayers in Riyadh-ul-Jinnah. There is also the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), where two companions rest with the Prophet of Islam.

Al Balad, Jeddah

It’s an ancient area of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah City; tourists can experience traditional markets, old houses, narrow streets, and mosques. Al Balad is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Masmak Fortress, Riyadh

The Masmak Fortress is in Riyadh, which played an essential role in the history of Saudi Arabia. Please do not leave this tourist destination because every visitor is surprised at its architectural structure. The primary materials used for this fort include clay and mud bricks.

National Museum, Riyadh

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh’s most popular tourist spot. The museum has eight halls and presents early human life, pre-Islamic Arab kingdoms, the family and lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the birth of Islam, the importance of Hajj and two holy mosques.

Al Baqi Cemetery, Madina

The most critical and historic Islamic cemetery in Madina is Al Baqi. It is in Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region and is very significant to Muslims because it is the resting place of many of the relatives and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Elephant Rock, Mada’in Saleh

Elephant Rock is one of the many tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most impressive geological wonders in the world and is located in the Al Ula area of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Edge of the World, Riyadh

Edge of the World is a geological wonder in a rocky golden desert northwest of Riyadh and one of the top tourist attractions in the country. This spectacular location offers a beautiful view of the landscape below, and from the top of this escarpment offers uninterrupted, stunning views of the endless horizon.

Riyadh Zoo, Riyadh

Riyadh Zoo is a popular place to visit with family in Riyadh. The area is spread over 55 acres with more than 1600 animals and more than 45 species of animals. The Zoological Park can be visited on a train ride. Plenty of fun places for kids amidst the natural environment where the animals roam.

Umluj

Umluj is a small coastal town on the archipelago, often called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. North of the town of Umluj, travellers can travel to more than 100 small islands known for their white sand and ancient palm trees.

King Abdullah Economic City

King Abdullah Economic City is a mega project announced in 2005 by the former King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz. It is the most popular tourist destination in Saudi Arabia.

Red Sea Mall, Jeddah

It is possible to find everything in Jeddah if, being a tourist, you have added Red Sea Mall to your travel bucket list. It is located in the northern suburbs of Jeddah. You will find this mall on the west side of the Shah Abdul Aziz Road, whether you are coming from the coast of the Red Sea or King Abdul Aziz International Airport. Its construction surrounds an area of 242,200 square meters.

Diriyah, Riyadh

In the suburbs of Riyadh is the lovely town of Diriyah. It has become a popular tourist destination in Saudi Arabia over time. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif District, known as the stronghold of the Al Saud royal family. The narrow lanes and mud-brick homes of Diriyah are well known.

Tabuk Castle, Tabuk

The Tabuk Castle is a historic fortress built in 1559 and located in Tabuk, the regional capital of northwest Saudi Arabia. The castle has been renovated and transformed into an open-to-the-public museum.

Yanbu lake park, Yanbu

Lake Park stands out as one of the unique tourist spots where vacations can spend quality time on its banks in the historical city of Yanbu, surrounded by its natural beauty. The lake was opened to the public in 2014 by the Royal Commission of Yanbu.

Rijal Almaa village, Al Asir

A village in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, Rijal Almaa was once considered a natural route connecting Mecca, Medina, Yemen, and the Levant, thus becoming a regional trading centre. The village has about 60 multi-storied buildings constructed using wood, mud, and stone.

Neom City – Saudi Arabia’s future tourist plan

Neom is an under-construction city in Tabuk province, Saudi Arabia. The main reason behind this construction is to introduce such a smart city as a tourist destination. According to Saudi 2030, the vision plan is to extend this city for 170 km along the Red Sea. 

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Things to do in Saudi Arabia

A short discussion about things to do in Saudi Arabia is below:

Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are two main reasons why Millions of Muslims worldwide have come to the Kingdom. For the Hajj, Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia during the last month of the lunar calendar. They don’t need to wait any particular time for Umrah. So, several travel agencies are running their business in terms of selling Umrah Packages to aspirants. 

Trekking

Towering mountain ranges are just one of the breathtaking natural features across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh and Al Kharj region offers tourists hiking and mountain climbing opportunities. 

Water sports opportunities

Saudi Arabia shares the costs of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Because Saudi Arabia is a coastal nation, there are numerous alternatives for water activities for tourists. Swimming and fishing are safe sports to undertake anywhere, even in the Saudi Kingdom.

Eating authentic Arabian food

Most travellers try to check the taste of their destination food, whether from the city to the city or the country. If you select Saudi Arabia as your tourist destination, you must visit the traditional streets and markets where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert are offered; of course, you will have a chance to enjoy your destination meal here. 

Due to many popular tourist destinations, Saudi Arabia is becoming popular day by day among travellers worldwide. In addition, it has several places that are directly related to Islam. Along with Islamic history, tourists can also find signs of nations living here before Islam, which was present many years before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Therefore, the Saudi government has recently taken several steps, allowing foreigners to find all the hidden gems of Saudi history.

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