The glittering city of Riyadh, situated high upon a desert plateau, is Saudi Arabia’s political and business capital as well as one of the most affluent cities in the modern world. What was once a tiny desert oasis in the heart of the Arab world is now a major metropolis booming with industry, luxury hotels, and vast upmarket shopping centres lined with high-end designer boutiques and world-class restaurants. Ancient mosques lie alongside the imposing state-of-the-art skyscrapers, and shady trees and date palms line the avenues. Spend your days visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, where you can explore the city’s rich Arabian heritage. Whiz up a high-speed elevator to the top of the Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge, where you can see breathtaking views of the city and beyond, or ride a camel into the desert where you can interact with some famously friendly nomadic Bedouins.
Situated in the heart of the northern Arabian Peninsula, the city of Hail is the capital of the eponymous province. Fringing the expansive desert of the Rub' Al-Khali, Hail provides an excellent base from which to explore the incredible scenic surrounding area. It is set on the ancient caravan route of the Hajj, making it rich with history. Dubbed,’The City of Three Castles’, Hail is home to the oldest and most famous, A'arif Fort; the massive Barzan Castle and the Al-Qishlah Castle, with its eight watchtowers. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city centre and browse the bustling Souq of Hail, filled with stalls offering an array of traditional items, spices, and fascinating souvenirs.
AlʿUla is a city rich in ancient treasures, situated about 300 kilometres northeast of Medina and about 110 kilometres southwest of Tayma, in northwest Saudi Arabia. Numerous sites from centuries ago are scattered throughout the area. The UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Mada'in Saleh is known as the second-largest Nabatean capital, and is filled with tombs decorated with exquisite etchings, inscribed into the stone. Another must-see is the atmospheric historic village at Al Deerah, a vast network of stone-house ruins inhabited eight centuries ago. There are also numerous museums to explore, which offer insight into the abundant heritage of the area. Geologists will enjoy visiting Elephant Rock, an enormous elephant-shaped formation that creates astonishing shapes and colours against the setting desert sun.
Jeddah fringes the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia. It is the Kingdom’s second largest city and a major commercial centre. Jeddah serves the main entry point, either by air or sea, for pilgrims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two most sacred cities of Islam. The city is also known for its vast, glitzy shopping districts, excellent cafes, and pretty Jeddah Corniche. This waterfront area is lined with world-class restaurants, some lovely beaches, and a slew of upmarket boutiques. The main tourist attraction is the old town, known as al-Balad, where visitors can explore a maze of ancient buildings and traditional souks, as well as the teetering, multistory houses made from coral, for which the city is famous. Another major highlight is the spectacular diving - you'll find remarkable visibility and virtually untouched coral reefs playing host to a profusion of colour aquatic life.
