The 8 most beautiful places in Arabia
With Saudi Arabia only recently opening up to international visitors, its beauty spots aren’t yet as recognisable (or overrun) as they perhaps deserve to be. The destination is home to Nabatean tombs to rival Petra, pristine dive spots that compete favourably with any of Egypt’s and great canyons that are as awe-inspiring as the well-trodden ones populating several American national parks.
The landscape is as diverse and layered as the country's ancient trading culture, which can be experienced in the souks of gleaming modern cities as well as around the desert homes of prophets and poets, princes and pilgrims. With all these amazing attractions, it's important to have a convenient and comfortable place to stay. For stellar accommodations, you can find the best hotels in Saudi Arabia at tophotels.com.
The ochre deserts of the north give way to the white-sand atolls of the Red Sea coast and lush mountains and valleys of the south-western Asir region, home to rare Arabian leopards and Qahtani tribesmen donning floral headdresses. Much of the south-eastern region is covered by the vast Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert.
With the country eager to welcome British visitors once it’s Covid-safe to do so, you’ll find a much warmer welcome than in more weary destinations – but, more to the point, staggering beauty that still feels as though you’re uncovering a thrilling secret. For the best – and most value-for-money accommodations, consider hotel deals in Saudi Arabia at hotels-saudi-arabia.com. Here are eight spots you shouldn't miss.
The Splendour of Wadi Al Disah
Hidden away in the northern vicinity of Saudi Arabia, close to Tabuk, lies the spectacular Al Disah Valley. This breathtaking destination reveals itself as an uncanny blend of two renowned American landscapes, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Like a true incredible natural gallery, it boasts a vast expanse of towering sandstone columns nestled within a gigantic basin. Embellishing this arid desert's sepia hues is an unexpected flourish of high striding grasses and sturdy palm trees, sprinkling life onto what could have been a barren vista. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to explore on foot or prefer the thrills of a four-wheel drive, but ensure you don't miss the captivating spectacle when the setting sun swaddles the artistic rock formations in a ghostly, yet incredibly enchanting luminosity.
Exploring the Enigma of Hegra
Hidden deep within the kingdom's core, in close proximity to Al Ula, the awe-inspiring architecture etched into Hegra's desert sands offers an unparalleled journey into Saudi's rich past. This collection of 131 captivating graves that inspire thoughts of the famous ruins in Petra were crafted in the 1st Century AD by the resourceful Nabataean nomads – the same relentless warrior-traders responsible for bringing Jordan's masterpiece to life. However, despite bearing some resemblance, Hegra trails behind in foot traffic, receiving more local fauna than global explorers each year. This fascinating site's relative anonymity is expected to shift in the upcoming years, with hotel groups like Aman, Banyan Tree, and the originators of Tulum's Habitas, planning to establish eco-friendly and heritage-observant camps around what could be considered a go-to destination for the next decade.
For those who would love to delve deeper into the mystique of Saudi Arabia's rich history and culture, hospitality abounds. The region is bracing up for an influx of global trekkers and has adapted accordingly. An example is the iconic Issham Hotel Jeddah. The hotel is renowned since it strategically positions visitors for easy access to stunning sites like Hegra, allowing a deeper exploration of the region's historical gems. Rest assured, a visit to this part of the world presents more than just landscapes to behold; it offers a journey into a rich tapestry of time and civilization.
Exploring Umluj
Envision an unpretentious coastal region aptly dubbed the 'Maldives of Saudi Arabia'; this is Umluj. Nestled in the northern outskirts, 104 islets are set like gems in a vast, turquoise expanse of the Red Sea. Umluj offers an experience of a lifetime; leaping from island to island and witnessing the playful antics of dolphins. These excursions often lead to destinations such as the inviting Jabal Hassan, perfect for fishing, snorkelling, or basking on undisturbed sandbars amidst the company of serene dugongs and hawksbill turtles.
As fascinating as Umluj is above water, it holds an equally captivating world beneath its waves. It's a paradise for the divers who crave quietude. Unlike known Red Sea territories such as Sharm El Sheikh, Umluj offers tranquil immersion with a dazzling variety of marine life; from 1,200 species of fish to 300 distinct corals, four times the kind found in the populous Caribbean waters. Few sustainable resorts are gradually emerging on selective islands, however, majority of Umluj remains a pristine and breath-taking natural aquarium, waiting eagerly to be explored by intrepid adventurers.
Diving into the Past in Al Balad, Jeddah
In the heart of many Saudi Arabian cities, one can discover history, culture, and tradition brimming in areas often referred to as Al Balad. The enduring allure of Al Balad in Jeddah, a lively port city of Saudi Arabia, however, surpasses the charm of the others. This area is like a beautiful, captivating, and tangible memory of past times preserved within the maze of narrow lanes flanked by the time-worn coral-stone merchant dwellings. A walk through these streets presents a feast for the senses, from the intriguing melody of the call to prayer to the invigorating aroma of oud and the scent of freshly baked goods from traditional bakeries wafting from every corner.
An enchanting market known as Souq Al Alawi shines brightly here, illuminating Jeddah's old town with a vibrant glow. Characterized by antiquated but majestic residences, Al Balad has been undergoing meticulous restoration since it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. One magnificent mansion worth mentioning is the grand Nasseef House, transformed into an iconic 106-room museum and cultural hub, displaying art, hosting photography exhibits, and welcoming academic discourses.
This historical neighborhood's current revival is about more than just restoration: it's about reinvention and infusion of contemporary culture into its ancient framework. Recently, a wave of modern art galleries, exquisite mangour woodcrafting workshops, and chic cafes are renovating and reinhabiting formerly abandoned edifices. This gradual transformation does more than bring a breath of fresh air; it ensures that this district, originating from the seventh century, continues to be a vibrant and integral part of the city's cultural fabric.
Jebel Fihrayn: Saudi Arabia's Geological Masterpiece
India's Grand Canyon isn't the only place with a breathtaking view - Jebel Fihrayn, colloquially known as The Edge of the World, offers equally stunning vistas. Nestled just west of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, this natural marvel features commanding sandstone cliffs that seem incongruously plonked in the middle of a rusty-red plain, a timeless memento of a long-gone ocean. This awe-inspiring sight is easily accessible by a sturdy four-wheel drive. At the peak, you are gifted with a limitless panorama of the parched expanse where you can even spot wild camels casually striding along their ancestral pathways. Did you know? Jebel Fihrayn's walls, formed over millions of years, offer a glimpse into the geological history of Saudi Arabia. These ancient paths are still in use, serving as important trade routes connecting various settlements.
Unearthing the Splendours of Diriyah
Exceptionally captivating is the old desert metropolis of Diriyah, nestled within the verdant confines of Wadi Hanifa right outside the city of Riyadh. Historically, it bustled as a cultural epicentre and a key junction for travellers and merchants, playing host to the ancestral throne of the royal lineage. Nowadays, the footprints of history are explored in Diriyah's heritage centres, such as the awe-inspiring Salwa Palace, a journey into the city's rich history, moulded by time.
The grandeur of its sun-baked mud walls and the exotic charm of its lined boulevards shaded by date palms, are further mirrored in its array of eateries and cafes. At these local establishments, visitors can unwind with a steaming mug of Arabian coffee, or savour authentic Najdi cuisine, which includes iconic dishes like gereesh bil laban, a heart-warming preparation of yogurt-tossed cracked wheat.
The Majestic Al Qarah Mountain of Al Ahsa
Nestled at the fringes of the Shadqam plateau, the Al Qarah Mountain is a largely untapped diamond in the rough of Saudi Arabia’s picturesque panorama. Its breathtaking aesthetics highlight spectacular sand-whittled caves woven into canyons over countless years, best savored from the apex. Towering 670ft above sea level, the summit of Al Qarah provides awe-inspiring, sweeping panoramic views. An upward trek through the limestone faces, interspersed with intricate networks of honeycomb caves, adds more than a hint of adventurous allure. The mountain offers a host of captivating nooks and passageways to uncover during your ascent, making each step an exploration in itself. The nomenclature of this region does not just correspond to physical attributes, but also symbolizes the profound respect towards Mother Nature. They reflect how nature's forces have meticulously moulded the very soul of this region and its heritage, as vividly as its external trappings. ‘Al Ahsa’ translates to ‘murmuring streams’ and the primary city ‘Hofuf’ signifies the ‘whistling wind’. Engulfing the towering peaks are verdant palm tree farms and quaint settlements, adding idyllic charm to the rugged outlook. These settlements come alive with a labyrinth of specialized shops and dining establishments. Not just a vibrant market scene, they offer a serene sanctuary, providing cool reprieve against the rich wilderness.
Exploring Rijal Almaa
Ensconced in a vibrant, green landscape, Rijal Almaa's architectural style reverberates with striking allure. Its charismatic stone structures, resplendent with vivid shutters, have become a major pull for explorers, leaning into the rich tapestry of history and culture. However, Rijal Almaa offers more than aesthetic appeal. Most local inhabitants are descendants of the esteemed Qahtan tribe, known for their flamboyant attire and intricately designed floral crowns donned by the menfolk. This vibrant cultural representation culminates in a grand celebration, the Flowerman Festival held every August, noted for its lively vibrancy and the rich meandering ancient tribal traditions.