The unexpected beauty of Saudi Arabia off the tourist trail
Saudi Arabia has always been known for its religious significance and the fact that it is the pivot for the pilgrimages of Umrah and Hajj. However, since several years, Saudi Arabia has rapidly been emerging as the top-tier destination that offers far more than its reputation as a vast and arid desert. The kingdom boasts a diverse and breathtaking landscapes including lush, mist-covered mountains, ancient volcanic craters and pristine turquoise coastal waters. Some of the Most spectacular “off-the-beaten-path” and hidden gems in Saudi Arabia are mentioned in the guide below. If you are looking forward to explore the hidden gems along with performing Umrah then you must opt for the comfortable Umrah packages so that you can customize the itinerary according to your own liking and avail the guided tours as well. Some of the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia that you must visit in order to explore the kingdom.
Climb the Edge of the World
The Edge of the world is located in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. Some of the attributes that make this region irresistible are mentioned as follows,
- AlUla is home of beautiful landscapes and rugged rocks.
- They are a dramatic geological wonder that attracts hikers, climbers and travel enthusiasts to explore the Tuwaiq Mountains in Saudi Arabia.
- Edge of the World is a cliff that is 1.131m high and sits 100km from Riyadh.
- It is advisable to climb the cliff with the hiking gear and suitable hiking shoes for a spectacular adventure in the Tuwaiq Mountains.
Climbing the cliff and reaching its top in order to enjoy the breathtaking views will be a worthwhile adventure.
Sandfalls in the Saudi Deserts
You may have heard or seen the waterfall, but sandfall is a totally new entity for most people. It is a rare natural phenomenon which is reported in Saudi Arabia after a sandstorm and heavy rain. This phenomenon has been reported in the Aflaj and outside of Riyadh. During the start of the sandstorm and after heavy rain, sand can be seen cascading down from the hill, looking similar to a waterfall.
Jeddah Outdoor Sculpture Park
Every one looks forward to explore the amazing art and sped their time outside. Saudi Arabia offers more than just rich historical landmarks, adventure and outdoor activities. The kingdom offers a wide variety of captivating art. There is a stunning outdoor sculpture in Jeddah Park that visitors can explore along with the open museum on Corniche which is close to the famous King Fahad’s Foundation. The art fans must include visiting Jeddah in their travel itinerary whether with Umrah packages or exclusive Hajj packages so that they can make the most out of their trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The travelers can enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the Red Sea while leisurely walking a 7 square kilometer park. In this vast landscape, you will be able to find beautiful art pieces including oval with points, Victor Vasarely and many more sculptures by the famous artists.
Coastal Horseback Riding
You can enjoy the peaceful horseback ride along the breathtaking beach in King Abdullah Economic City. In 2020, KAEC started hosting the annual World of Moments Festival, offering a wide range of activities in an integrated modern environment. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding or camping along the seashore, live performances, musical concerts, and desert buggy adventures are some of the activities that aim to promote quality of life.
Camel Riding Outside Riyadh
Saudi Arabia warmly welcomes visitors to explore its vast lands and immerse themselves in various activities. You can enjoy riding a camel if you decide to travel today to Saudi Arabia. Throughout the history of the Arabian Peninsula, camel have been historically important due to their role in transporting goods. To experience the camel caravan adventure, ride 70 kilometers to the west of Riyadh, book a camel caravan tour there and experience living in a camp among Bedouins. The best time to visit Riyadh is the winter season and visitors should avoid traveling to Riyadh from May to September due to high temperatures.
Giant Mirrored Cube in the Desert of AlUla
This is an unbelievable glimmering mirrored building that disappears into the desert. It is one of the iconic attractions in the Saudi Arabian desert. Maraya is the name of the largest mirrored cube in the desert of AlUla. The building houses a 500-seat concert hall, community center, and event space. The Maraya is a land-art architecture with over 6500 square meters of indoor space and 9740 square meters of mirrors on its external cladding. Another stunning attraction is Maraya’s restaurant, which sits on the rooftop and provides majestic desert views. Visitors who are exploring the Mirrored Cube building also love to walk two kilometers across the valley to explore the closest hotel, Banyan Tree Resort, which is inspired by the Bedouin culture.
Snow Fall in the Tabuk’s Mountains
If you are someone who is planning to explore Saudi Arabia in the winter season, don’t forget to see snowfall in the Tabuk mountains. Snowfall in Tabuk is a winter event, attracting many citizens and foreigners to witness the rare phenomena in the desert. Jabal Al Lawz, meaning the ‘almond mountain’ in Arabic, is the tallest mountain in the Tabuk and the only place that gets covered with snow every year. Jabal Al-Lawz’s height is 2580m above the sea level and visitors and hikers climb the mountain to enjoy the pleasant weather in the winter season. This change in weather has led Saudi Arabia to grow a sufficient amount of wheat.
With its hidden treasures, Saudi Arabia invites the world to witness the blend of ancient history and modern wonders. As travelers embark on the journey through these eight captivating gems, they uncover a kingdom that surprises and leaves an unforgettable mark on the mind. One can discover the magic, mystery and unparalleled beauty that make Saudi Arabia a destination unlike any other.
