Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Tourism in Saudi Arabia: You’re Journey between Rich History and a Bright Future…

Saudi Arabia boasts a diverse and unique natural beauty. The vast Empty Quarter desert showcases breathtaking views of golden sand dunes, while the long coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf highlight their natural beauty and environmental diversity. Additionally, the green mountains of Asir embrace the sky, offering stunning landscapes and varied terrains worth exploring.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical heritage also enhances its charm through historical architecture, sacred Islamic sites, and historical places that tell rich stories about its past. With this remarkable diversity in natural and historical landscapes, Saudi Arabia provides an unforgettable visual and mental experience for every visitor.

The Tourism Sector in the Kingdom

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is one of the rapidly growing emerging sectors and represents a key focus of Saudi Vision 2030. 

Besides its historical, heritage, and natural diversity, Saudi Arabia, being the birthplace of Islam, attracts millions of Muslims who visit Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and Al Masjid Al Nabawi  to perform Hajj and Umrah.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia was ranked as the top Arab destination preferred by Muslim tourists and the fourth globally among the top ten destinations visited by Muslim tourists, according to the Global Islamic Tourism Index report. So we can say that travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the first concerns of Muslims around the world.

There are ongoing efforts by the authorities and opinion leaders to enhance the tourism sector and develop many world-class tourist attractions to make Saudi Arabia the top and preferred destination for tourists worldwide.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia and the Ambitions of Vision 2030

Tourist investment in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth with the expansion of many projects under Saudi Vision 2030. Investments amounting to $810 billion have been allocated to transform Saudi Arabia into one of the world’s premier leisure travel destinations by 2030. It is anticipated that 100 million visitors will come to the Kingdom annually once these major tourism projects are completed, offering tourists everything they desire.

Furthermore to the various government efforts to develop the tourism sector in alignment with Vision 2030 and achieve its goals, positioning the Kingdom among the top 5 countries receiving local or foreign tourists.

The projects being developed by the Public Investment Fund cover an area exceeding 64,634 square kilometers, contributing to the desired outcomes in total output amid the rapid growth of the tourism sector.

 Based on these tremendous efforts, Saudi Arabia is expected to rank 24th globally in the tourism business environment, 124th in international tourism openness, and 60th in the travel and tourism competitiveness index.

Top Tourist Attractions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a wide array of tourist attractions, each with its unique charm and beauty. When you visit the Kingdom, you will find a variety of everything you need at your trip. There will be relatively cheap hotels and luxurious hotels, and relatively cheap airline tickets to travel between the cities of the Kingdom. Therefore, do not worry about your travel money. You can coordinate your trip according to the amount you have.

Here are some of the most notable:

• Kingdom Tower in Riyadh

 One of the prominent modern landmarks of Saudi Arabia dating back to 2002. The Kingdom Tower is known for being the most luxurious shopping center in Riyadh and houses the second highest mosque in the world, the King Abdullah Mosque.

• Masmak Fortress

 Dating back to the late 19th century, Masmak Fortress is one of Saudi Arabia’s significant historical landmarks. The fortress, with its square-shaped mud-brick structure, is located in the old city center “Al-Dira.” 

• Old Jeddah 

Old Jeddah is the historical district in the city of Jeddah and is considered one of the most important tourist sites in Saudi Arabia. Established in the 7th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with many historical buildings representing traditional Arab architecture.

• Floating Mosque

 The “Floating Mosque” or “Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque,” as commonly known, is one of Saudi Arabia’s famous tourist attractions, attracting visitors from various beliefs and countries to admire its unique appearance in the heart of Jeddah’s sea. In every city in the Kingdom you will find wonderful and gorgeous tourist places.

• King Fahd Fountain

 One of the most famous tourist landmarks in Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of Jeddah along its coast, which represents one of the most beautiful beaches in the western sector of the Kingdom. The King Fahd Fountain is renowned for being the tallest and largest fountain in the world.

• Al-Ula Heritage Village 

Al-Ula Heritage Village is located in the Al-Ula region of Saudi Arabia and is considered one of the most important tourist sites in the Kingdom. The village was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 due to its rich history and unique traditional architecture. Established in the 1st century BC, Al-Ula is renowned for its rich history and ancient archaeological sites.

• Elephant Rock 

Elephant Rock is a natural rock formation in Al-Ula village in Saudi Arabia. It features a unique shape resembling an elephant and stands over 50 meters above the ground. The rock is believed to have been shaped by natural factors over millions of years, particularly through wind, rain, and sandstorms, and was used by ancient inhabitants as a lookout and protective point.

• Edge of the World

 The Edge of the World is a cliff located in the Tuwaiq mountain range about 100 kilometers from Riyadh. It is a fantastic destination for enjoying stunning mountain views and hiking. This area is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s top tourist spots, offering panoramic views of Riyadh city, Tuwaiq mountain, and the surrounding desert, providing a unique experience for tourists and adventure enthusiasts.

• Hail Museum

 The Hail Heritage Museum is among the finest tourist attractions in the Hail region and throughout the Kingdom. It serves as a wonderful haven for the city’s rich culture and heritage. The museum displays over 2,000 artifacts, including old radios, food tins, and classic items, offering visitors a glimpse into the ancient past.

When you visit the Kingdom, you will find many tourist places that you will put in your travel trip, and you will have the utmost pleasure while watching the enchanting beauty of the East.

The magic of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia awaits you to discover it and enjoy what you will see. Tell us about the tourist areas that you liked and want to know more about.