GlobalSpa
26-Nov-2025
From the futuristic skyline of Riyadh to the golden sands of AlUla and the coral depths of the Red Sea, here are 5 places in Saudi that will change the way you see the world.
There are countries you travel to — and then there are countries that travel through you. Places that shift your sense of scale, silence your screens, and remind you how much of the world you’ve yet to see. Saudi Arabia is one of them. Across its vast terrain, long golden stretches of sand, holy cities, UNESCO heritage sites like Hegra in AlUla or the old town of Jeddah and modern confluences, the country is deeply in tune with its contrasts: ancient and modern, rugged and refined, spiritual and unmistakably human.
As global travellers seek journeys that are meaningful and transformative, Saudi Arabia invites you to explore its soul. This is a journey through a place of wonder, where coral seas meet desert horizons, and cities hum with the promise of discovery.
Riyadh: The Skyscraper City
Saudi’s capital, Riyadh, will give you a glimpse of the past and future of Arabia. It is here that you will find sleek glass towers rise beside centuries-old courtyards, and heritage buildings share postcodes with design museums and open-air festivals. Explore the city's rich heritage through souks, museums, and historical architecture, and experience its modern side with high-rises, a thriving art scene, fine dining, luxury hotels, and a lot more.
If you are visiting in the next couple of months, expect to witness a cultural crescendo, as the months-long Riyadh Season will be in full swing. The season transforms the capital into a playground of concerts, art shows, food pavilions, and immersive experiences, including the dazzling energy of Boulevard City, Al Suwaidi Park, the Kingdom Arena and themed districts. And just as the season reaches its peak, the desert outskirts of the city erupt with Soundstorm, the region’s biggest music festival, featuring global headliners, next-gen regional talent, and production on a spectacular scale.
Alternatively, if you wish to explore the capital city, head to the Sky Bridge at the top of the Kingdom Centre for dramatic views and a glittering skyline. The Al Masmak Fort and the market lanes of Souk Al Zal, in the center of the city, are also popular tourist attractions.
Jeddah: The Sea, the Soul, and the Storyteller
If Riyadh is ambition, Jeddah is ease. The gateway to the Red Sea, Jeddah is where art spills onto walls and the sound of waves carries stories from every corner of the world. Go back in time and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Balad, the historic old town. Wander past Naseef House, once a family mansion and now a museum of Jeddah’s maritime past, or stop for fresh juice from a vendor in the shaded alleys. With many buildings up to 400 years old, the neighbourhood is undergoing a major restoration project to conserve the traditional architecture and the hum of trade, hospitality, and faith that has pulsed through these streets for centuries.
Indulge in world-class shopping experiences at the Mall of Arabia and the prestigious Red Sea Mall, home to international brands and vibrant local boutiques. Breathe in the refreshing sea breeze along the iconic Jeddah Corniche, or dive beneath the waves into crystal-clear waters to explore some of the Red Sea’s most vibrant coral reefs. As night falls, gaze upon the breathtaking spectacle of the King Fahd Fountain, illuminating the sky as it propels water an astonishing 312 meters upward, making it the tallest fountain in the world.
The Red Sea: Saudi’s Wild Blue Frontier
Stretching along Saudi’s western edge, the Red Sea, an archipelago of pristine beaches, dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, historical cultural sites and islands, is a destination that feels purpose-built for exploration. Today, The Red Sea International stands as one of the region’s most refined luxury destinations — designed with sustainability at its core and surrounded by nature in its purest form.
The Saudi Red Sea offers diverse experiences, from diving and snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs to exploring ancient sites and enjoying the desert landscape. If you love the waters, there are more than a handful of experiences for you to try. Go scuba diving or snorkelling and explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, including turtles, dugongs, and various fish species. You can also try windsurfing and sailing, or explore mangroves and discover hidden coves while kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For adventures on the land, you can explore the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes through various curated hikes and biking trails or enjoy the thrill of quad biking, sandboarding, or camel riding in the desert.
AlUla: The Desert’s Living Gallery
AlUla is one of those places that feels impossible to describe until you see it. Towering sandstone formations stretch across the desert, hiding tombs carved thousands of years ago by the Nabataeans at Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape feels timeless, but AlUla has a distinctly modern pulse. In the Ashar Valley, you will find plenty of luxurious hotels, and at the heart of it is the mirrored Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building, which reflects the cliffs like a mirage and hosts concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings.
Take a trip to AlUla's Old Town and explore the labyrinth of tightly packed streets lined with mudbrick houses, shops and squares. A short walk from the old town is the AlJadidah Arts District, where the streets are scattered with artworks and cafes, galleries and open-air sculptures. For adventure, try activities like rock climbing, a giant swing, or stargazing at Gharameel. Enjoy the scenery by visiting Elephant Rock, taking a hot-air balloon ride, or relaxing at the Harrat Viewpoint.
Taif: The City of Roses
High above the Hejaz mountains, Taif is a city that smells like perfume. In spring, its rose farms bloom in dizzying pink, their petals gathered at dawn to create the famed Taif rose oil that has perfumed generations. But even when the flowers fade, the scent lingers in the air- soft, floral, unforgettable. The city itself offers cool breezes and old-world charm – souks selling silver and sandalwood, mountain roads curling through mist, and cable cars gliding over terraced valleys.
In summer, when much of the country bakes under the sun, Taif stays gentle and green. Key attractions include Al Hada Mountain, with its long cable car ride, rose fields, and trails, and the Al Kar Tourist Village, featuring a water park and toboggan slide.
Saudi today isn’t racing ahead; it’s opening up, one place, one story, one welcome at a time. From a rose-coloured morning in Taif to the stillness of AlUla’s sandstone, from quiet coral reefs to evenings by the sea in Jeddah, this is a destination that asks you to slow down and look a little closer, not to see everything, but to feel something. And sometimes, that’s what travel is meant to be.
