Saudi Arabia is a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. With its vibrant cities and ancient sites, it offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. Whether you are interested in exploring the bustling city of Jeddah, traveling to Riyadh, the capital city, visiting the holy city of Madinah Medina, or discovering the ancient ruins of Al Ula, there is something for everyone in this amazin country.
In this post, we will take you on a virtual journey to some of the top tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. From must-see places to recommended itineraries, we will guide you through the best of this fascinating country. So, grab your passports and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking tourist attractions. From ancient ruins to modern architectural marvels, here are the must-see places that should be on your itinerary.
Medina, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, the Spiritual City
Medina, officially Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (Arabic: المدينة المنورة, literally, the Enlightened City), is also commonly simplified as Madīnah or Madinah (المدينة, al-Madina). It is situated in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and serves as the capital of Medina Province. Medina is the second most sacred city in Islam. It is generally considered to be the “cradle of Islamic culture and civilization”. Al-Masjid An Nabawi (literally, ‘The Prophet’s Mosque‘) is of exceptional importance in Islam. It serves as the burial site of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who built himself the mosque in 622 CE.
As of 2020, Medina´s estimated population is around 1.5 million. It is home to three prominent mosques, namely al-Masjid An Nabawi, Quba Mosque, and Masjid al-Qiblatayn. The Quba Mosque being the oldest in Islam. Thus, as the second holiest city in Islam, Medina is a pilgrimage site for millions of Muslims each year. Visit the Prophet’s Mosque, which houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW ), and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred city
Jeddah the gateway to Mecca
Jeddah alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah, or Jidda (Arabic جِدَّة) is a port city in Mecca Province, located along the Red Sea coast. It is the commercial center of the country. Jeddah’s prominence grew in 647 CE at the time of the Caliph Uthman. Consequently, he made it a travel hub serving Muslim travelers going to the holy city of Mecca for Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage).
With a population of about 4.7 million people as of 2021, Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, after the capital Riyadh. It is the principal gateway to Makkah Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, 65 kilometers to the east. Economically, Jeddah is focusing on further developing capital investment in scientific and engineering leadership within Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Known as the gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a vibrant city that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity. Explore the historic Al-Balad district, renowned for its traditional architecture and bustling souks.
Riyadh the Capital City of Saudi Arabia and its Administrative Center
Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض, “ar-Riyāḍ”, literally: “The Gardens” is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. As of 2022, Riyadh had a population of 7.0 million people. Hence, this makes it the most populous city in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, it is the political and administrative center of Saudi Arabia; and plays a significant role in the country´s economic development. Also, with an average of around 5 million tourists each year, Riyadh is the 6th most visited city in the Middle East.
The capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and rapid development. Visit the iconic King Abdulaziz Historical Center and explore the vibrant local culture at the Diriyah Historic Site.
Saudi Arabia Ancient Historical Site Al Ula
Al Ula (Arabic: ٱلْعُلَا al-ʿulā), is an ancient Arabic oasis city located in Medina Province. It was a market city on the historic Incense Route that linked India and the Gulf to the Levant and Europe. Thus, Al Ula houses unique and precious artifacts, including well-preserved ancient stone inscriptions. Particularly, some of them illustrate the development of the Arabic language. While the concentration of rock dwellings and tombs is believed to date from the Nabatean periods.
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra (also known as Al-Hijr, or Madain Saleh), is located 22 km north of Al Ula. Built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, Hegra is often compared with its sister city of Petra, in Jordan. The area is also known for its striking landscape of rocks, canyons, and wadis. Thus, contrasting with the lush, palm-filled oases near the city’s center. Immerse yourself in ancient history at Al Ula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, marvel at the breathtaking rock formations of Madain Saleh. And experience the awe-inspiring Nabatean tombs carved into the cliffs.
Join Us for our Next Virtual Discovery of Saudi Arabia
These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. In our next post, we will provide detailed itineraries to help you make the most of your tour in this captivating country.
Saudi Arabia’s diverse range of tourist attractions and must-see places is truly remarkable. The blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes guarantees an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting this remarkable country. It is a destination that truly deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list.
In our next blog section, we will delve deeper into the spiritual significance of the sacred city of Medina, highlighting its importance as a pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world. Stay tuned for an informative and insightful exploration of this sacred city.
