9 Places in Saudi Arabia That Are Straight out of Fairy Tales!

Saudi Arabia is not all about vast expanses of ochre deserts. The varied landscape changes even with a slight shift in the region. From dunes to turquoise waters, a lush desert oasis to a scintillating floating mosque, the longest-inhabited places on the Arabian Peninsula to dive centres in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia has an innumerable range of attractions to leave you spellbound!

Explore the Culture in  Abha

Vibrant heritage, cuisine, and dramatic terrains make Abha the soul of the Asir Region. The beautifully designed city catches the attention of the tourists with colourful artworks and installations on its streets. Visit the thoroughfare in the springtime to take a selfie under the rich purple blooms of the Jacaranda trees. Another astonishing place is Al Muftaha Village, home to some of the finest traditional Asiri architecture. Drive to Jabal Sawda, one of the tallest mountains in Arabia, for breathtaking vantage points.

Explore the Largest Self-Contained Oasis in the World – Al-Ahsa

An oasis right in the middle of a desert will catch your attention and if it houses shady palm groves and crystal clear springs, the excitement to explore this region gets doubled! Al-Ahsa Oasis gives us a respite from the harsh and untamed plains of the Rub' al-Khali desert.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Province of the country, here you will feel oneness with nature in the presence of 30 million palm trees and the largest date farm in the world! This farm produces one of the sweetest dates of Saudi Arabia called Khalas, known for its sticky texture.

Dive in the Red Sea and Saudi History at Yanbu

A well-developed coast, a picturesque lake, and a historic area make Yanbu an ideal escape for a weekend break. Arrange for a visit to Radwa Mount that is popular for its curious red colour and jagged mountain tops.

You can take part in one of the many tours that are organised from Yanbu to this place of poetic beauty. For those who love literature, a visit to the home of T.E. Lawrence will be a memory worth cherishing. Since the water temperature of Yanbu never drops below 20° Celsius, you can allow yourself to enjoy the underwater escapades in Seven Sisters to catch a glimpse of a beautiful living coral reef, tiger sharks and tuna fish. For bird watching and fishing, head to Yanbu Waterfront.

Catch a Glimpse of a Floating Mosque – Al Rahma Mosque

Fascinated by the stories of Arabian Nights? Then how about a glimpse of the Al Rahma Mosque, seemingly floating on the Red Sea? The mosque stands on white stilts that suspend the structure above the edge of the water. The turquoise-domed building is built across the Red Sea and anchored to the shore by a low-walled walkway.

At high tide, glinting in the sunlight, the mosque appears to hover serenely over the waves. The architectural style of this mosque blends classical Islamic design with a touch of contemporary architecture. A glowing white minaret with a domed aquamarine roof makes it a stunning architectural splendour of Jeddah. While the mosque is open 24 hours, tourists should visit during sunrise or sunset to witness the most spectacular sights!

Indulge in Thrilling Adventure Activities in Taif

More than just exquisite mountain sceneries and idyllic weather, Taif has plenty of things to offer to thrill seekers. A trip to Taif will take you through the precarious peaks and deep valleys. For adrenaline junkies, taking part in zip lining while catching glances of the plains, thousands of feet below is an experience of a lifetime! When you are here, take the cable car ride to the base of the Al Hada mountain. Slip and slide at the family-friendly waterpark of Al Kar Tourist Village.

Capture panoramic views of the terrain from the Jabal Dakka peak. If none of these pique your interest, you can go for a drive to Ghadir Banat where you will be greeted by running water, mountain birds and rich verdure.

Welcome to the Home of Saudi Arabia’s Founding King – Al Murabba Palace

Intrigued by the royal family of Saudi Arabia? Visit this beautiful palace set in abundant green gardens, to get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family of modern Saudi Arabia. Close to the National Museum of Riyadh, this monument gives you an insight into the captivating past of the city.

Built in traditional Najdean style, the building features palm frond layered walls and ceilings. Plan a visit in spring or winter to see the rolling green lawns spread over several hectares. History lovers will love to explore the archive of the palace where they can see documents related to important points in the history of Saudi Arabia.

Marvel at the Much-Loved Landmark of Jeddah – King Fahd’s Fountain

Glancing at the tallest fountain in the world (312m precisely) that rises against the backdrop of the Red Sea, is an experience worth cherishing. And guess what? The fountain is visible from all across the city of Jeddah! The fountain looks its best after it gets dark when myriads of coloured lights illuminate the arc of the water.

When the fountain shoots water towards the sky, it becomes a sight to behold! Onlookers gather around the fountain to watch the water cascade down to the sea below. Jeddah Corniche is the ideal vantage point to watch the fountain.

Spend time in the Maldives of Saudi Arabia – Umluj

Imagine spending your holiday at a place surrounded by 100 small islands, filled with swaying palm trees, technicolour nudibranchs, and turtles? A picture perfect getaway, Umluj boasts of outstanding views and tempting seafood. Grab a boat ride to islands like Jabal Hassan or simply relax at the palm-covered beaches.

Drive to Harrat Lunayyir to see fields of black lava craters and cones. The coastal side of Umluj also offers sites for swimming and snorkelling. And you can go for birding at the pristine islands of Libana, Ataweel and Um Sahar.

Check Out the Rich Trading Legacy of Souq Al Qaisariya

If you have ever wondered about the trading scene in ancient Arab society, a visit to Souq Al Qaisariya, one of the oldest markets in Saudi Arabia, would answer a lot of questions. A 600-year-old clay-walled heritage site, Souq Al Qaisariya hosts more than 400 stalls spread across a network of maze-like rows. These stalls throng with eager buyers and old-world vendors. For those who are seeking to get an authentic feeling of shopping in a souq, this is the right place to start with. Here you can buy textiles and clothing, scented stalls, food and spices, antiques and trades to your heart’s content.

Indeed, Saudi Arabia still continues to treasure and preserve extraordinary landscapes and picture-perfect creations of art and architecture that are straight out of story books. And a vacation to this mysterious land would give you a perfect opportunity to explore these fascinating sites.

If you are lured enough to immerse yourself in the exploration of both natural and manmade wonders, be sure there will never be a dull moment during your vacation in Saudi Arabia!