Saudi Arabia is a popular tourist destination. Check out our list of top places to visit
Saudi Arabia is becoming the most popular destination in the Middle East with an incredible blend of global features and remains from glorious ancient civilizations. Don’t miss the chance to explore archaeological sites explaining more than 10,000 years of history or head to the museums displaying artifacts about Saudi’s glorious past. The Red Sea offers an inside look into underwater life with its gorgeous coral reef and fish species. Also, you can enjoy international events in the most fantastic cities in Saudi. It’s a good time to travel to Saudi Arabia and see the most popular tourist attractions.
1. AlUla
AlUla offers an atmosphere of the unknown, making you feel like a true explorer. Its location in the desert on the northwest side of Saudi Arabia will make you dream of exploring like an archaeologist. You will find remains of ancient tombs dating back over 7,000 years of human civilization. Also, you will enjoy natural rock formations and canyons, inviting you to get into your adventure sports gear.
Head to the Elephant Rock of Jabal AlFil. This natural wonder is only 11 kilometers northeast of AlUla. The forces of water and wind for millions of years have shaped the rocks to look like an elephant. It rises 171 feet (52.12 m) and has a majestic background within the desert. Continue to Jabal Al Rukkab in the Ragasat Valley, featuring natural art, like rock formations, canyons, and a labyrinth of valleys. Don’t miss the three spiraling rocks, the Raqasat or Dancing Rocks. They were sculpted by sand through the fierce winds. In addition, you will find 2,000-year-old petroglyphs on the site—finally, head to the AlUla Oasis, a lush forest with palm groves and aromatic citrus trees. You will discover harvests of wheat, barley, olives, and oast.
2. Makkah
Makkah is the holiest place for Muslims worldwide, and visiting it is the last blessing. It’s the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and where the Quran was revealed to him. It’s the place where Muslims orient themselves when praying five times a day. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the top five pillars of the Muslim faith and attracts millions of people. Also, the Umrah pilgrimage attracts people year-round. Most people spend as much time as possible in the Grand Mosque, which is open all day. Once you complete all the steps of the Umrah, you can explore the historic city. Don’t miss the museums and landmarks that provide a closer look into Islam’s earlier days.
The Grand Mosque can accommodate up to 4 million worshipers, and its focal point is the Kaaba, the cube in black silk with gold calligraphy placed in the center. During the Umrah pilgrimage, people must wear the appropriate attire and perform some steps, like the Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba seven times), and head to the hills of Safa and Marwa. You should be aware of the Hajj pilgrimage, taking place in the Grand Mosque and other sites around Makkah for five days in the month of Dhul Hijjah. The usual tour takes you to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat.
Don’t miss the most remarkable museums in Saudi Arabia in Makkah, like the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques. It will take you through the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and the Masjid An Nabawi in the Medina construction phases. You will enjoy the marble arches, wooden doors, and more. Head to the Kiswah Museum and the Makkah Museum in the Al Zahir Palaces. It will lead you through a journey about pre-Islamic history.
3. Saudi Arabia eVisa
Before embarking on this incredible journey to Saudi Arabia, confirm the travel documents you need before the trip. In this case, you must apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa. The mandatory electronic visa is available on the iVisa platform. Fill out an online form with your information and the data in your valid passport. Expect an email with the digital document and show it to immigration authorities in Saudi Arabia for a smooth entry. You don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate for this matter, as everything is available online. Travel now to Saudi Arabia and explore its historical and holy sites. Continue exploring the Middle East.