Saudi continues to inspire travelers from around the world, a country where every destination tells a different story, from ancient civilizations carved into sandstone to coral-framed coastlines and palm-shaded oases.
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest data, Saudi welcomed 60.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025, maintaining strong growth momentum across both domestic and international tourism. Total tourism spending reached approximately SAR 161 billion, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Saudi’s tourism sector continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification and shaping Saudi’s global tourism landscape.
From UNESCO heritage sites to untouched coral reefs and world-class cultural events, these six destinations showcase the very best of Saudi – each offering a unique experience that blends history, authenticity, and innovation.
AlUla: Where Ancient Civilizations Come Alive
A masterpiece of time, AlUla is a living museum of human heritage and natural beauty. At its heart stands Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than a hundred monumental tombs carved by the Nabataeans over two thousand years ago. Beyond Hegra, the valley reveals layers of history through Dadan, once the capital of ancient kingdoms, and Jabal Ikmah, known as Saudi’s open-air library with inscriptions that whisper stories of the past.
But AlUla isn’t only about history, it’s also about art, nature, and renewal. Visitors can hike through the dramatic sandstone canyons, soar over the landscape in a hot-air balloon, or explore Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building reflecting the desert’s golden hues. By night, the sky fills with stars, offering one of the most dazzling stargazing experiences in the region. Every corner of AlUla feels like stepping into a timeless story, where the past and future meet.
Jeddah: Where Heritage Meets the Sea
Jeddah is Saudi’s gateway to the world, a vibrant coastal city that captures the nation’s spirit of openness, creativity, and modern living. Known for its cosmopolitan energy and Saudi Red Sea charm, Jeddah seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Its Corniche stretches for miles along turquoise waters, dotted with public art installations, luxury resorts, waterfront cafés, and lively promenades that reflect the city’s youthful rhythm. The newly developed Jeddah Central and Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina redefine coastal sophistication, while international events such as the Red Sea International Film Festival highlight the city’s growing role as a global cultural hub.
At its heart lies Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s soul. Once a vibrant hub connecting people, cultures, and trade along the Red Sea, its coral-stone houses, intricately carved wooden balconies, and winding alleyways reflect centuries of craftsmanship and community life. Today, Historic Jeddah is being thoughtfully restored – its heritage homes transformed into boutique stays, art spaces, and cafés that celebrate authenticity while embracing renewal.
Jeddah is where heritage meets innovation, where tradition and progress flow together by the rhythm of the Saudi Red Sea.
Riyadh: The Heartbeat of Saudi
The capital of Saudi is a city constantly evolving and alive, where skyscrapers rise beside cultural landmarks and global entertainment meets local heritage. Riyadh has become the region’s ultimate events and entertainment hub, hosting major festivals such as Riyadh Season, Soundstorm, Esports World Cup, WWE, and many more, drawing millions from around the world.
By day, visitors can explore the National Museum, stroll through Al-Murabba Historic Palace, or discover the city’s growing art and design districts. By night, Riyadh comes alive with concerts, fine dining, and immersive experiences that redefine urban energy. For those seeking nature, the Edge of the World just outside the city offers one of Saudi’s most breathtaking views, cliffs that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Riyadh is the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and celebration – the gateway to the future of Saudi.
Diriyah & At-Turaif: The Birthplace of a Nation
In Riyadh lies Diriyah, the cradle of Saudi’s story. Its centerpiece, At-Turaif, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the beauty of Najdi architecture – mud-brick palaces, winding alleyways, and courtyards that once echoed with the beginnings of the First Saudi State.
Diriyah today has evolved into a cultural landmark, where heritage and contemporary life intertwine. Visitors can explore At-Turaif’s restored ruins, dine at world-class restaurants in Bujairi Terrace, and experience cultural events that bring Saudi’s history to life under the stars. Every wall, every stone here carries a legacy, making Diriyah not just a place to visit, but a place to feel connected to the roots of the nation.
Al-Ahsa: The Oasis of Life
A green jewel in Saudi’s eastern plains, Al-Ahsa Oasis is a UNESCO-recognized wonder and the largest palm oasis in the world, with more than 2.5 million date palms stretching as far as the eye can see. The landscape tells a story of resilience and harmony between nature and people, from ancient canals and springs to traditional farms that have sustained communities for millennia.
Travelers can wander through Al-Qaisariya Souq, explore the historic Qasr Ibrahim Fortress, or sample the region’s famous khalas dates straight from the source. Whether cycling through the groves or watching the sunset over Al-Asfar Lake, Al-Ahsa embodies the calm, authenticity, and warmth that define Saudi’s hidden gems.
Red Sea: Where Luxury Meets Nature
The Red Sea is where pristine islands, turquoise lagoons, and coral gardens create one of the world’s last untouched paradises. Stretching along the western coast, this region is a model for sustainable luxury travel, powered entirely by renewable energy and designed to protect its delicate ecosystem.
At its heart lies Shura Island, a sanctuary of barefoot luxury and world-class hospitality. The island recently welcomed Shura Links, Saudi’s first island golf course designed by Brian Curley and managed by Golf Saudi, offering a one-of-a-kind coastal links experience amid dunes and mangroves.
Shura Island is also home to an impressive collection of ultra-luxury resorts, including SLS, EDITION, and InterContinental, the first to open, with others such as Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles, and Rosewood set to follow. Each property brings its own interpretation of the Saudi Red Sea sophistication, blending contemporary design with authentic Arabian warmth.
Beyond Shura, visitors can stay at world-class resorts such as Shebara Resort, Desert Rock Resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – each offering unparalleled privacy and beauty. Beneath the waves lies one of the world’s most untouched coral-reef systems, home to vibrant marine life that divers and snorkelers can explore in crystal-clear waters. From private-island picnics and sunset sails to stargazing under one of the clearest skies on Earth, the Saudi Red Sea redefines sustainable luxury, where nature itself is the greatest indulgence.
From the Nabataean tombs of Hegra to the coral-stone houses of Historic Jeddah, from Diriyah’s mud-brick alleys to the palm-shaded serenity of Al-Ahsa, and from the pulse of Riyadh to the tranquil beauty of the Saudi Red Sea, each destination reflects a different face of Saudi. Together, they tell a story of transformation, authenticity, and boundless discovery – a journey that welcomes the world to explore, connect, and be inspired.
To learn more and plan your trip, visit the Visit Saudi website.
