A Thousand and One Dreams: Saudi Arabia’s New Tourism Experience
This year’s Riyadh Season opened in blockbuster fashion, with music from Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Missy Elliot; and a boxing match featuring Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, two of the sport’s biggest names. Within two months of opening, Riyadh Season had attracted over 10 million visitors to its variety of events and attractions.
Riyadh Season seeks to make the most of the cooler winter months in the Saudi capital to establish the city as an international leisure and entertainment destination, with big names and big attractions. This year’s highlights include a Christian Dior haute couture exhibition , a Harry Potter experience and the World Dog Festival.
The focus on leisure and entertainment is helping build Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a tourism destination in its own right, offering a dazzling variety of experiences and vistas, including some which defy all the traditional images about the Arabian landscape.
Journeying Through Time
Saudi Arabia is home to a wealth of historical and cultural sites that offer a profound exploration into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. One of the most iconic destinations is AlUla – a vast desert landscape adorned with rock formations, carvings and Nabatean tombs. Home to Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra, AlUla serves as a crown jewel in the country's tourism industry, enchanting visitors with its extraordinary blend of history, culture and natural beauty. The destination’s dramatic landscapes include the striking rock formations of the AlUla Desert, the lush oasis of AlUla Old Town, and more, presenting a captivating backdrop for exploration. With its archaeological treasures, rich heritage and breathtaking scenery, AlUla offers an unforgettable journey through time, appealing to history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. AlUla Development Company – through its wide range of hospitality, tourism, and real estate offerings – aims to preserve, respect and enhance the natural surroundings and transform AlUla into a global destination for visitors to discover and experience.
Diriyah, the City of Earth, is located on the northwest edge of Riyadh. As the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it stands as a living-symbol to Saudi’s historical and cultural heritage. The Diriyah Company, a PIF company, is a dynamic mixed-use premium developer that is redefining urban planning to transform Saudi Arabia’s historic birthplace into one of the world’s greatest gathering places, a new capital of culture, entertainment, education, and the arts, with a particular focus on At-Turaif, one of the most important Saudi UNESCO World Heritage sites. It bears witness to the beauty of the Najdi architectural style enabling visitors to explore that heritage and culture physically, and delve into the deep-rooted history of Salwa Palace, once home to kings and heroes as well as the many other landmarks available in At-Turaif.
As a PIF company, Diriyah aspires to become a premier developer of spaces that shape humanity. Ambitious development plans include iconic assets such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House and the Diriyah Arena, as well as wide range of world-class museums, vibrant cultural festivals, and traditional markets, all designed to enhance the visitor experience and capture the essence of Saudi Arabia's welcoming spirit. This unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions makes Diriyah an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the heart of Saudi Arabia.
Known for its historical port, Jeddah blends timeless tradition with modernity, featuring historical coral houses and bustling souks alongside modern malls and skyscrapers. The enchanting allure of Jeddah’s Historical AlBalad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – offers visitors a glimpse of its centuries of history as an international port and its vibrant culture. One can wander through its narrow, winding alleys and marvel at the centuries-old coral-stone buildings, each narrating tales of bygone eras. Key landmarks, such as the beautifully restored Nassif House and the ancient city walls, take one back through the ages into Jeddah's past as a crucial trading and pilgrimage hub. With its unique architectural styles, AlBalad promises a captivating journey through time, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
The Coastal Charms of the Red Sea
The Red Sea coastline is one of Saudi Arabia’s most alluring natural attractions, offering crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs and a plethora of marine life. Spanning over 28,000 square kilometers, The Red Sea tourism destination – a PIF giga-project being developed by Red Sea Global – encompasses 92 pristine islands, including volcanic landscapes and dramatic desert scenery. It is designed to offer an unparalleled ultra-luxury tourism experience while emphasizing sustainability and environmental conservation.
The Ummahat Islands host two exclusive resorts, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and thriving coral reefs, promising guests new levels of luxury. Including a water sports center offering sports like sailing, windsurfing and kayaking through mangrove forests, as well as world-class overwater restaurants. Diving is the biggest draw for guests at Nujuma, which hosts a state-of-the-art diving center, offering guests the opportunity to explore what lies beneath the waters around one of the most untouched and protected archipelagoes on the planet.
Shura is the main hub island. With a natural dolphin shape, the island is one of 92 in Al Wajh Lagoon’s archipelago and home to stunning vistas, incredible native fauna and flora, and beautiful wildlife. Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide choice of experiences and attractions, including an 18-hole championship golf course, a marina and a beach club, as well as a variety of luxury retail options.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, guests will be able enjoy water-based activities or choose to unwind on one of Sheybarah Island’s many white beaches. The island features a spectacular 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach providing the ultimate spot for exploring ocean life. The island is only a 45-minute boat ride from the Saudi mainland and Red Sea destination is in the process of opening more island resorts.
Arabia From Above the Clouds
Located in the southwestern corner of Saudi Arabia, the Aseer region captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and unique cultural heritage. Known for its verdant mountains, cool climate and picturesque villages, Aseer offers a refreshing contrast to Saudi Arabia’s desert vistas. With its winding mountain roads, the region provides thrilling drives with panoramic views at every turn, often leading you higher than the clouds. As you ascend, you will encounter playful monkeys along the way, adding a touch of wild charm to your journey. The region is also famous for the vibrant Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art style, a traditional form of wall decoration carried out by the women of the region, which adds a distinctive and colorful cultural touch to many homes and public spaces. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in local delicacies distinct to the area, while shopping for traditional goods like honey, herbs and handmade crafts in bustling souks. Tourists can explore the vibrant city of Abha, the region's capital, which boasts traditional markets, historical sites and the breathtaking AlSoudah Park, home to Saudi Arabia's highest peak. The Soudah Development Company – a PIF undertaking – is aiming to set up a new ultra-luxury resort in the area. With its unique blend of verdant natural beauty and cultural richness, Aseer invites travelers to experience a different side of Saudi Arabia, making it a must-visit destination for an unforgettable Saudi Arabian adventure. Soudah Peaks, a Soudadh Development Company undertaking, is nestled amid the mountains at 3,000 meters above sea level, and is a luxurious mountain tourism destination blending nature, culture and modern amenities, while emphasizing sustainable development with initiatives like its reforestation program enhancing its natural beauty. Its six zones each offers its own mix of unique facilities, creating a diverse and enriching experience for all who visit.
In stark contrast to the mountainous and cool climate of the Abha region, Al-Ahsa region in eastern Saudi Arabia offers a dramatic and equally enchanting experience. Known for housing the largest oasis in the world, Al-Ahsa is a lush haven amid the arid desert, with over 2.5 million palm trees creating a verdant paradise. This expansive oasis not only supports a thriving agricultural community but also invites visitors to explore its tranquil palm groves and refreshing springs. The region is also famous for its spectacular caves, particularly those at Al-Qara Hill, where visitors can wander through cool, winding passageways and marvel at the stunning rock formations. Adding to the cultural allure, the historic Souq Al-Qaisariyah provides a timeless marketplace experience, with narrow alleys brimming with stalls selling traditional goods, spices and handicrafts, offering a window into the heritage and traditions of Al-Ahsa. With its lush landscapes, fascinating geological formations, and bustling souks, Al-Ahsa presents a unique and captivating destination that contrasts dramatically with the high-altitude beauty of Abha.
More Than You Ever Imagined
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, it is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and hospitality services to cater to the growing number of visitors. New visa policies have made it easier for tourists from around the world to explore Saudi Arabia, and major international hotel chains are expanding their presence in the region. Giga-projects like NEOM, a futuristic city being built in the northwest, and Qiddiya – an entertainment city near Riyadh – are set to transform the tourism landscape further, offering unique experiences that blend innovation with sustainability. As Saudi Arabia opens its doors to the world, it invites visitors to discover the thousand and one stories, landscapes and traditions that make it a truly unique destination.
