The Top Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has much to offer travellers with each destination home to diverse attractions; here are some of the best places to stay and explore.
Jeddah
Located along the Red Sea, Jeddah is a port city that’s famed for being the gateway to the holy Islamic city of Mecca. The nation’s commercial capital, it also has a rich heritage which can be discovered in the historical Al Balad District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the 7th century. Shopaholics can head to the Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, while the Jeddah Corniche is a great place to unwind with areas for relaxation and recreation; you can also see King Fahd’s Fountain, the world’s highest fountain!
Al Khobar
Another key destination located along the Arabian Gulf is Al Khobar. Apartments on the Corniche Waterfront Esplanade such as Ascott Corniche Al Khobar make an ideal base for business and sightseeing. Top attractions include the Khobar Corniche with its landscaped areas, fountains, pools and nearby restaurants and malls; you can also visit the Khobar Corniche Mosque and take in the sight of the impressive Khobar Water Tower, while the market at Suwaiket Street, Half Moon Beach and Eskan Park are popular too.
Riyadh
The nation’s capital, Riyadh is a city with an ideal blend of modernity and tradition and in fact, it was selected as the heritage capital of the Arab world by UNESCO. It’s the country’s cultural capital as well, home to attractions like the National Museum also known as the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and the Al Masmak Palace Museum. Also of note is the Kingdom Centre which features 99 stories and a Sky Bridge with stunning views, the Riyadh National Zoo which is a family favourite and the Al Bujairi Heritage Park.
Abha
Known for its scenic natural beauty, Abha is the Asir province’s capital and features a pleasant climate due to its position at an elevation of about 2,200 metres above sea level. One of the best things to do here is to take a ride on the Abha Al Jadidah Cable Car that offers amazing views, while don’t miss visiting the Abha Dam that overlooks a lake and the scenic Green Mountain. Other top sites include Abu Kheyal Park, Art Street with its picturesque purple jacaranda trees and artworks and Abha High City set amidst spellbinding panoramas.