Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

The fountain was donated to the city of Jeddah by King Fahd and hence the name. It is a Guiness Book of World Records holder as the largest fountain in the world and is visible throughout the vicinity of Jeddah. The fountain is of significance in the Arabic world as it is built in the shape of a makhbara or an incense burner which hold special importance in the religious world of Islam. The fountain is lit by 500 high light LEDs.

The Kingdom Centre in Riyadh is the fifth largest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia. It was developed as a combined project between a US based architecture firm and a Riyadh based architecture firm. The centre was developed by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal and houses some important financial buildings as well as shopping centres. The centre has an all women area and consists of fashion and furnishing stores especially appealing to the youth.

It holds a historical significance in Saudi Arabia and is considered to be a symbol of unification of Saudi Arabia. The building is an integral part of Saudi heritage which has been converted into a museum which holds displays of antique guns, costumes and agricultural equipment. It is essentially also showcasing landmarks of Saudi heritage and has six distinct parts including the gate, the mosque, the courtyard, the majlis, the towers and the well.

It is the largest park in the city and used to be a former racecourse for horses where several horse racing events used to take place. It also holds public events such as the Saudi National Day celebration when fireworks are held before midnight. The park boasts of a giant dancing water fountain, an artificial lake and gets flooded by pedestrians during the festivals of eid. It also includes a wide pedestrian aisle and there are a lot of paths encircling the fountain.

Located in the vicinity of Mount Al Jubayl, Heet Cave is a natural formation with a small lake inside it. The lake within this cake is famed for its dark green colour which is due to several natural minerals inside it like limestone or anhydrite. The cave has become one of the famous attractions due to its photogenic structure and the beautiful backdrop of Wadi Al Sulay valley.

The Dammam Corniche is well-known for its distinctive attractions, such as a stunning boardwalk and a lovely park with well-kept grass. The Dammam Corniche will keep the nature lover in you fascinated. Take a leisurely walk along the beach and admire the stunning blue waters of the Persian Gulf. Enjoy a cup of coffee from one of the cafes by the corniche and witness one of the most amazing picturesque sunsets.

Al- Balad is the historical area of Jeddah and is one of the largest cities of Saudi Arabia. It has historical importance as it was found in the 7th century and served as the centre of the city of Jeddah. It also houses a Christian cemetery and several other places of interest consisting of some of the oldest houses likeAl Nassif House and Al Jamjoom House. Some of these houses are up for restoration to preserve the old Saudi Heritage.

The Red Sea Mall in Riyadh is the largest shopping mall in the Middle East. The mall is located in the northeastern part of the city on King Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and it is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The mall has almost two million square meters of gross leasable area including over 100 shops and restaurants, as well as an eleven-screen cinema complex with 3D movies available.

The Kaaba is one of Saudi Arabia's most beautiful and revered sites, and it is also known as the House of Allah since it is the first Qibla for Muslims. Muslims from all over the world visit the Kaaba during the Hajj pilgrimage because it houses a black stone that Muslims believe was once white but has since turned black after absorbing the sins of millions of pilgrims who have visited it over the years.

The world-famous Corniche is a promenade with stores, restaurants, and cafes that is one of the most popular sites to visit in Jeddah, in addition to being one of the nicest spots in Saudi Arabia. Locals, tourists, and expats flock to this location for its spectacular views of the Red Sea, and with so many things to do around the Corniche, it's easy to lose track of time attempting new things.

Al-Rashid Mall is one of Saudi Arabia's major shopping malls, having over 140 stores for visitors to select from. The mall has been a favorite among tourists and locals alike due to its abundance of great eating restaurants, movies with their perfect ambiance, adorable cafes to spend quality time with friends and family, and retail stores with lovely products to select from at moderate costs.

Al Shallal Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Middle East, is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. The park is located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, near Al-Khobar city. It has a total area of 54000 square meters and houses more than 40 attractions, including roller coasters and water rides. In addition to tourists from across the globe, it also attracts many Saudis for a day out.

The Edge of the world in Riyadh Is located on Al-Khobar road with a cliff that overlooks an open valley. It's one of those things to do in Riyadh that is difficult to duplicate elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. The Edge of the World is a location for meditation, breathing in calm, and clearing your mind of any thoughts you don't want to bring on your journey. This location provides a stunning perspective of Riyadh.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, located in Riyadh, is Saudi Arabia's national cultural center. The Center is made up of numerous venues that hold a variety of events ranging from art exhibitions to conferences. The King Abdulaziz Facility for World Culture in Saudi Arabia's only center dedicated to contemporary Arab culture, and it has hosted significant international art and design exhibitions, as well as other cultural events showcasing the latest in literature, drama, music.

Opened to the public in 2008, Al Baqi is a 9-square-kilometer park located on the outskirts of Riyadh. The land belonged to the ancestors, but it was stolen from them by force 700 years ago by one of Muhammad's caliphs. The enormous çamyab trees, which are over two centuries old, are one of the most popular attractions. Al Baqi also has numerous retail malls, lush parks, and leisure places.

As its name suggests, Fakieh Aquarium in Saudi Arabia is a stunning aquarium that is often visited by children and families. This Caribbean-themed family entertainment complex is home to a plethora of bewildering marine creatures, such as jellyfish, dolphins, sharks, stonefish, and giant turtles. While you are here, you can enjoy the fascinating dolphin show. You can also shop souvenirs from the gift store and relish delicious food from the cafe.

Marjan Island is a small beautiful island, flaunting dense mangroves, mudflats, and palm trees. It is located on the Persian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia, about 30 km southeast of the city of Dammam. Marjan Island is composed chiefly of limestone that was evidently laid down under shallow seas in Paleozoic times. The terrain on the island largely repeats itself with a succession of high cliffs overlooking narrow beaches backed by sand dunes.

This was the second mosque built by Muhammad and is also the second most holy place in Islam with a rich political and religious history. Originally designed as an open space for the community with school for children, the modern mosque is a two story building with an ottoman prayer hall. It is a resting place for Muhammad and the first two Rashidin Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar and is generally open to visitors regardless of the day or time.

The Great Mosque of Mecca surrounds the Kaaba and is a site of main pilgrimage amongst the Islamic world and houses some important structural elements of religious importance such as the Black Stone, the Zamzam well, Maqam Ibrahim and the hills of Safa and Marwa. This mosque also holds the title of being the largest mosque in the world as well as the title of being the eighth largest building in the world.

A prominent historical attraction in the city, Royal Saudi Air Force Museum preserves the country’s aeronautical history within its walls. One of the largest museums in Riyadh, it presents the history of the Air Force from its inception in the 1920s to the present day. The Museum features an outdoor park as well as an indoor exhibition centre. Exhibits on display include airline fighters, helicopters, military insignia and several different models of fighter planes.

Tahlia Street, also known as Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, is one of Jeddah's most recognizable and upscale avenues. It is renowned for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and vibrant atmosphere, and it represents Saudi Arabia's modern elegance. The street is lined with high-end international brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, making it a popular destination for fashionistas and luxury shoppers.

The largest zoo in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Zoo is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. Initially established in 1957, the Zoo started off as a small-scale affair, housing only the few animals that were gifted to the first three Kings of the Kingdom. Today, the Riyadh Zoo has expanded into an explosive affair. It is home to more than 40 species of animals, each one housed in exhibits that reflect their natural habitats.

Located in the north-eastern part of the city of Taif, is the verdant Saiysad National Park, which is characterised by tall and dense trees, lush greenery and a tranquil ambience. Surrounded by numerous gates, the park is a great place for fun-filled picnics with your near and dear ones, or a relaxing day out with your significant other. The Park also features numerous slides and other recreational activities, especially for children.

The Seven Mosques, located in Madina, Saudi Arabia, are a collection of historic Islamic places of worship near Mount Uhud. These simple structures commemorate significant sites from early Islamic history, including where the Prophet Muhammad and his companions prayed. Though modest in appearance, they hold profound religious significance for Muslims who visit during pilgrimages to Madina, serving as important landmarks connecting visitors to Islam's formative period.

The Quba Mosque, located on the outskirts of Medina, Saudi Arabia, holds the distinction of being the first mosque established in Islamic history. Its foundation dates back to 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad, upon migrating from Mecca to Medina, personally laid its initial stones. The mosque was subsequently completed by his companions.

Architecturally, the mosque has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The current structure, resulting from a comprehensive reconstruction in the 1980s, features a rectangular prayer hall elevated on a second-story platform. This hall is complemented by residential areas, offices, ablution facilities, shops, and a library. Four minarets, positioned at each corner of the prayer hall, rise from square bases, transitioning from octagonal shafts to circular forms at their peaks. The mosque's courtyard is adorned with black, red, and white marble, and its design reflects the simplicity characteristic of Medina's traditional architecture.

Religiously, the Quba Mosque holds significant merit. Islamic tradition asserts that performing ablution at home and then offering two units of voluntary prayer at this mosque yields a reward equivalent to that of performing an Umrah (minor pilgrimage). The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have visited the mosque every Saturday, encouraging others to do the same, underscoring its spiritual importance.

A'ali West Burial Mound Field is an archaeological site located in the village of A'ali in Bahrain, renowned for its ancient burial mounds, or "barrows." These mounds, dating back to the Dilmun civilization (around 2000 BCE), form part of one of the most significant burial grounds in the Arabian Gulf. The field contains hundreds of tombs, some of which are well-preserved, offering valuable insights into the burial practices and social structures of ancient Bahrain. Excavations have revealed artifacts such as pottery, beads, and tools, helping researchers understand the daily life and cultural practices of the Dilmun people.

Masjid al-Jummah, also known as the Friday Mosque, is a significant mosque located in various regions, where it serves as a central place for the weekly Jummah (Friday) prayers. The mosque holds special importance in Islamic tradition, as it is where Muslims gather every Friday for the congregational prayer, which is more significant than the regular daily prayers. The mosque typically features beautiful Islamic architecture, with spacious prayer halls, intricate designs, and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and worship. 

Masjid al-Jummah is not only a place of prayer but also a hub for community gatherings, offering sermons that focus on spirituality, ethics, and guidance for the week ahead. Though each Masjid al-Jummah may differ in its specific architectural and cultural aspects, they all serve the same core function of providing a space for Muslims to come together in worship and connect with their faith on Fridays.

The Bahrain Post Museum is a unique cultural institution that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of postal services in Bahrain and the broader Arabian Gulf region. Located in Manama, the museum showcases an extensive collection of postal artifacts, including antique stamps, postal equipment, and historical documents. The exhibits highlight the evolution of communication, from the early days of mail delivery to modern postal technology. The museum serves as an educational resource, shedding light on the role of postal services in shaping the region's social and economic development. It is a must-visit destination for history and philately enthusiasts.

Wadi Al Disah is a stunning desert valley located in the southern part of Saudi Arabia, near the town of Tabuk. Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush greenery, and crystal-clear streams, it offers a unique blend of desert and oasis landscapes. The valley is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and off-road enthusiasts, as its natural beauty and rugged terrain attract adventurers.

Taybeen Museum, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serves as a cultural bridge connecting visitors to the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. This private museum showcases an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, historical documents, and cultural items that highlight Saudi Arabia's diverse cultural legacy. The carefully curated exhibits include ancient pottery, Bedouin jewelry, traditional clothing, historical manuscripts, and domestic tools that offer insight into daily life throughout different eras. Founded by a passionate Saudi collector, the museum aims to preserve and share local cultural knowledge with both residents and international visitors. Its intimate setting creates an immersive experience that complements Saudi Arabia's larger national museums.

The Tuwaiq Mountains, located in central Saudi Arabia, are a striking geological formation that stretches over 800 kilometers in a dramatic arc. Known for their steep cliffs and rugged terrain, these mountains are part of the Najd Plateau and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. The name "Tuwaiq" refers to their unique shape, resembling a long, narrow spine or wall.

These mountains are not only a natural wonder but also hold historical significance, as they are dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including rock carvings and inscriptions that date back thousands of years. The area is a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the unique flora and fauna of the region.

The Tuwaiq Mountains also play a vital role in Saudi Arabia's ecosystem, acting as a natural barrier and influencing weather patterns. Their majestic beauty and cultural heritage make them a must-visit for anyone exploring the Kingdom's diverse landscapes.

King Road Tower stands as a distinctive landmark on the Jeddah skyline, rising 36 floors to a height of 152 meters. Completed in 2013, this commercial skyscraper is renowned for its unique architectural design featuring a massive oval-shaped void at its center, creating a dramatic silhouette against the Saudi Arabian sky. The building's dynamic façade incorporates LED lighting systems that illuminate the structure at night with changing colors and patterns. Located on King Abdulaziz Road in the Al Shati district, the tower houses premium office spaces and retail outlets. Its innovative design by the Saudi Diyar Consultants has earned it recognition as one of Jeddah's most iconic modern structures.

The King Fahd Mosque, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest mosques in the country and a prominent architectural landmark. Completed in 1987, it is named after King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who commissioned its construction. The mosque spans over 26,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Its striking design features a blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture, with grand minarets, intricate calligraphy, and beautiful marble flooring. The mosque is also known for its stunning location along the Red Sea, offering breathtaking views. The King Fahd Mosque is open to visitors, with guided tours available to help explore its history, architecture, and religious significance. It serves as a place of worship and a symbol of Islamic heritage, welcoming people from around the world to experience its serene atmosphere. Visitors are required to dress modestly and adhere to mosque guidelines.

Take in the sights and sounds of Tiran Island's sandy beaches as you bask in the sun and feel the gentle wind. Here, you can indulge in snorkelling and diving excursions in the pristine waters to observe the rich marine life and colourful coral reefs. Moreover, you can see the island's stunning scenery and tranquil ambience from the water as you cruise around it.