As you may have heard, the Saudi Monarchy has decided to promote tourism to its kingdom so a way to diversify its income stream from just oil production. Many people, including me, have thought of Saudi Arabia as a vast barren desert. There are, however, many things to do in Saudi Arabia that range from historical visits to scuba diving. Many of the beautiful places to see in Saudi Arabia are slowly becoming known to the outside world as the Kingdom opens up to tourism. Today, thousands of tourists fly to Saudi Arabia and book their flights on Flyadeal to avail themselves of the interesting places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia expects to become a leading tourism destination by 2030 and rank high in the top five in global tourism. There is an increasing number of Jeddah to Riyadh flights or other flights from all across the world to Jeddah, Madinah and other new airports.
Covering a large geographical area, there are plenty of places to visit in Saudi Arabia that would interest a foreign visitor
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Places To Visit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has beautifully varied landscapes and carries a vibrant history and rich archaeology. There are large deserts, mountain peaks and lovely beaches to explore. Here are seven of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
The Madain Saleh
When you reach Madain Saleh, you would be left in awe of its breath-taking nature and other-worldly scenery. It is on our list of places to see in Saudi Arabia because of its rich history and the tombs of the ancient Nabatean people (the same ancient people who were at Petra in Jordan). In the surrounding areas, one can spend some interstign time exploring the oasis, museums, ruins and tombs of Khuraibah and the old mud village.
One of the most interesting places to see in Saudi Arabia is Madain Saleh has Nabatean tombs dating from the 1st century
The Grand Mosque
One of the most famous places of Saudi Arabia is the great mosque of Mecca, which is also known as the Haram Mosque. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba and offers a truly spiritual experience.
The Grand Mosque in Mecca is one of the most famous places in Saudi Arabia attracting millions of devout pilgrims.
The Grand Mosque is a pilgrimage site for the Hajj and for the Umrah. Other significant sites within the Great Mosque include the Black Stone, Maqam Ibrahim and the Zamzam Well. It is the largest mosque in the world and has undergone several renovations over the years.
Farasan Islands
Among the the things to do in Saudi Arabia is to visit the Farasan Islands which have fast become a favorite diving destination.
Diving in the Farasan Islands is one of the adventurous things to do in Saudi Arabia
The Farasan islands are a haven for bird watchers. What adds more interest to the site are the endemic Gazelle species and the mangroves as well as several historical sites on the main island. The marine sanctuary on the Farasan islands is a protected area and home to the Arabian gazelle and several migratory birds from Europe.
Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud is another one of the beautiful places in Saudi Arabia to visit. Mount Uhud is actually a mountain that lies towards the of Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Mount Uhud is one of the places to visit in Saudi Arabia if you are interested in Islamic history.
The Battle of Uhud between Muslim and Meccan forces was fought in this location in 625 CE. It was during the battle that the Prophet and his early Muslim companions were martyred and buried. This historical place is one of the famous places in Saudi Arabia that is best visited with an expert tour guide.
Wahba Crater
The Wahba Crater is located at a distance of about 700km from Riyadh and one of the most beautiful places in Saudi Arabia. Located on the edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau, there are several volcanic cones in the region. The base of the Wahba Crater is covered with sodium phosphate crystals that give it its distinctive look.
There are many beautiful places in Saudi Arabia some of which has been reclaimed by the desert.
You will love the amazing scenery around that consist of lava fields, salt pans and an oasis. It is easy to explore the crater on foot and a visit here indeed makes for an unforgettable experience.
National Museum
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia was established in 1999 and continues to be one of the most visited places to see in Saudi Arabia. Located in Riyad, the mecum consists of 10 galleries that showcase the history of Islam.
Any list of what to see in Saudi Arabia must include a visit to its capitol city, Riyadh
One can take a look at the fancy cars and other belongings of the king of Saudi Arabia. There are further plans for the expansion of the museum and new exhibition halls and services like theatre and a 4-star hotel are to be added to the National Museum.
The mountain city of Taif
Taif is a mountain city that is world famous for its roses and rosewater. It is located at an elevation of about 1600 m and is also known for grapes, pomegranate and honey.
Unlike the setting for this old abandoned city, Taif is one of the famous places in Saudi Arabia known for its great climate.
Well known as the City of Roses, Taif is ione of the best locations in Saudi Arabia to enjoy nice weather. One of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia is to go trekking and mountain climbing in Taif.
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Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists, but most people don’t know much about the country. Maybe surprisingly, but there tons of things to do in Saudi Arabia, from historical visits to scuba diving. Check out the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia. #saudiarabia #madainsaleh #farasanislands Vacation Middle East | Bucket List |Wanderlust | vacation | off the beaten path | #MiddleEast #Travel
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists. Maybe surprisingly, but there tons of things to do in Saudi Arabia, from historical visits to scuba diving. Check out the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia. #saudiarabia
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