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The Real Saudi Experience: Top Things to do in Saudi Arabia
Recently, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a premier travel destination, captivating visitors with its unique and enriching experiences. The entertainment scene now matches major global cities, and Saudi hosts international events like the Food Culture Festival where visitors can taste cuisine from 35 countries.
Saudi Arabia offers both ancient and ultra-modern experiences. Tourists can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like AlUla's ancient tombs or trek through Rub'al Khali, the world's largest sandy desert. The country's entertainment options continue to grow with projects like Six Flags Qiddiya, which will feature the world's longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster when it opens in 2025.
This piece highlights the activities and experiences that make Saudi Arabia a rising global destination, from its rich cultural heritage to its state-of-the-art entertainment venues and why you should plan your Saudi Arabia tour now.
Planning Your Saudi Adventure
Saudi Arabia's best exploration depends on perfect timing and good planning. Tourists usually visit from October to March. The weather stays pleasant for outdoor activities from November through February. The temperature in Riyadh drops to daily highs of 20°C in January, making it the coldest month.
Best times to visit for different activities
Saudi Seasons festivals bring unique experiences year-round. You can enjoy the Riyadh Season (March/April), Jeddah Season (April/May), and AlUla Season (October). Spring months work best for Red Sea activities and winter suits desert adventures perfectly. The temperature in Riyadh can reach 43°C during July and August, so these months are best avoided.
Essential bookings and permits
Getting an e-visa or electronic visa waiver before arrival is mandatory. E-visas let you enter multiple times and stay valid for 365 days with stays up to 90 days. You need these essential documents:
- A passport with minimum 6-month validity
- Travel insurance (automatically linked to e-visa)
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid credit card for visa fee payment
Transportation considerations
Saudi Arabia's efficient transport network connects all major destinations. The country has six international airports with extensive flight networks. The high-speed Haramain Train connects Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Your domestic travel options are:
SAPTCO runs intercity bus routes with a generous 75kg baggage allowance per person. Uber and Careem are great options for city travel, especially in major cities. Modern metro networks like Riyadh's multi-line system give you excellent public transportation choices.
Modern Entertainment Venues
Saudi Arabia offers a rich mix of entertainment options through massive shopping complexes, innovative theme parks, and modern sports facilities.
Popular shopping and leisure complexes
The Kingdom's retail scene features huge malls in its major cities. Riyadh has several top shopping spots, where Al Nakheel Mall and Kingdom Center Tower have earned 4.5-star ratings from shoppers. Jeddah proudly showcases the Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia as retail landmarks that combine international brands with entertainment zones. The Eastern Province showcases Al-Rashid Mall, which locals name the 'jewels of Khobar'. The modern shopping center has evolved into a vibrant center of community life, offering much more than shopping experiences. These complexes now feature:
- Lively entertainment areas
- A vast dining variety with over 40 diverse dining options
- An Extensive parking facilities to accommodate visitors
These elements transform malls into complete social and leisure centers, with a wide range of activities and preferences beyond traditional shopping.
Entertainment cities and theme parks
The Six Flags Qiddiya City will amaze visitors with 28 rides, including Falcons Flight - set to become the world's longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster. The city will also host the world's first Dragon Ball Theme Park, which will set new benchmarks for themed entertainment.
Outdoor Excursions in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's natural wonders provide thrill-seekers with outdoor experiences varying from vast desert landscapes to natural marine landscapes.
Desert safari experiences
Adventurous sand dune thrill rides in 4×4 vehicles start these desert safaris, where expert drivers direct their way through rolling golden dunes of the Rub'al Khali, the world's largest sand desert. Visitors can try sand skiing down massive dunes or test their skills with quad biking on desert landscapes.
Mountain hiking trails
The country's diverse terrain includes remarkable trails best for different skill levels. Al Wahba crater spans 3000 meters in diameter. Hikers need 45-60 minutes to descend and 60-90 minutes to ascend. The Edge of the World is a breathtaking 1,131-meter-high cliff that is a top destination for hiking enthusiasts. This majestic natural formation offers a perfect mix of adventure and scenic beauty for trekking lovers.
Al Ula Mountain trail's uneven routes showcase breathtaking views between parallel canyons, with volcanic rocks and ancient petroglyphs spread across the landscape. Jabal Al Soudah, Saudi Arabia's most impressive peak, rises to 3,015 meters and challenges hikers.
Red Sea water activities
The Red Sea's coastline unveils a lively aquatic haven with more than 265 coral species. Water enthusiasts can enjoy:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling around flawless coral reefs and Intriguing shipwrecks
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing in stable wind patterns near Jeddah
- Deep-sea fishing expeditions in deeper waters
- Dolphin watching near the Farasan Bank, you can also spot whale sharks during spring and early summer
Yanbu, located 200 miles north of Jeddah, offers crystal-clear waters where divers and snorkelers can notice green turtles, striped Red Sea clownfish, and marine giants like sailfish and great barracudas. Umluj, nicknamed the 'Maldives of Saudi Arabia', creates memorable underwater experiences for visitors.
Urban Entertainment Options
Saudi Arabia's metropolitan environment brings culture to life through guided tours and art exhibitions that give visitors a chance to experience it all firsthand.
City tours and activities
Saudi Arabia becomes alive through guided city tours. Jeddah's historical tour guides visitors through Al-Balad district and reveals traditional architecture and cultural landmarks. Riyadh's City Tour blends visits to the National Museum with stops at the Masmak Fort and Kingdom Tower's Sky Bridge. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the capital from these vantage points. You will discover various Saudi Arabia tours.
Cities like Al Madinah now feature hop-on-hop-off buses that let travelers explore freely. These services give visitors the flexibility to spend time at their favorite spots throughout the day.
Modern art galleries and museums
Saudi Arabia's rich museum culture dates back to 1945 and has grown into a network of cultural institutions. The country is home to several categories of museums, including cultural and heritage museums, historical museums, science museums, and educational museums.
ATHR Gallery serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary art that offers international residencies and special commissions.
Entertainment districts
Qiddiya City sits 45 kilometers from Riyadh's center. By 2030, it aims to become the world's largest entertainment city with a sprawling 334 square kilometers. The district will introduce the world's first mixed-use gaming and esports district that expects to attract 10 million visits yearly.
Riyadh Art has developed since 2019. The initiative has showcased more than 500 artworks by local and international artists and organized over 6,000 community activities.
Family-Friendly Activities
Saudi Arabia puts family first and provides entertainment options for people of all ages. The Kingdom's focus on family-friendly experiences affects the way entertainment venues run, making sure activities remain safe and engaging throughout major cities so you can have fun with your family during your trip to Saudi Arabia.
Kid-friendly attractions
Riyadh Zoo stands out as a top family attraction with over 1,500 animals of all types. A mini train helps visitors get around, and scheduled animal feeding sessions keep young visitors excited. Kids can see majestic tigers, elephants, and even threatened red pandas in their natural habitats.
Fakieh Aquarium in Jeddah showcases an underwater wonderland with more than 200 marine species. The dolphin shows, held twice daily, are crowd favorites. Al Shallal Theme Park covers 60,000 square meters along Jeddah's corniche. Kids adore the spinning teacups while thrill-seekers head to The Train - one of the world's largest double-loop rollercoasters.
Educational entertainment centers
Saudi Arabia values educational entertainment. The King Abdullah Science Center lets kids learn through world-class exhibits. Young science enthusiasts can discover robotics, space exploration, and hands-on experiments in a fun learning environment.
Family recreation spots
Snow City brings winter fun all year round. Families can learn skiing with professional instructors and enjoy various snow activities. Gravity Trampoline Parks keep kids active with affordable pricing and monthly passes.
Dana Beach Resort delivers complete family fun with:
- A large children's playground
- An equestrian club
- A watersports and dive center
The Half Moon Bay runs nearly 40 kilometers with warm, calm waters that young swimmers love. King Fahd Park draws families looking for outdoor fun.
Movie theaters across the Kingdom make family time special with dedicated play areas. Kids can have fun before and after watching films.
Your trip to Saudi Arabia will be remarkable
Saudi Arabia is proof of remarkable change that blends ancient heritage with modern attractions. The Kingdom now offers world-class entertainment through careful planning and development. Visitors can enjoy everything from thrilling desert adventures to modern theme parks.
The country's dedication to creating inclusive experiences makes it perfect for families. Visitors of all ages will get meaningful experiences at educational centers, interactive museums, and entertainment zones. The Empty Quarter and Red Sea's natural wonders give adventure seekers unforgettable outdoor experiences and perfect Saudi Arabia trip.
Projects like Qiddiya City continue to set new standards in global entertainment as the Kingdom's urban landscape grows. Rich cultural offerings and heritage sites make Saudi Arabia a unique destination where past meets present.
Smart timing and preparation will make your Saudi Arabian adventure successful. The best time to visit is during the tourist season from October to March. Proper documentation will ensure smooth entry and travel across the Kingdom.
FAQs
Q1. Is Saudi Arabia good for tourists?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is a perfect destination for the tourists. It offers a wide variety of experiences and activities.
Q2. What to do in Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
Saudi Arabia offers a varied range of activities for tourists, including desert safaris, exploring ancient sites like AlUla, visiting modern entertainment complexes, enjoying water activities in the Red Sea, and attending cultural festivals like the Food Culture Festival.
Q3. What are the best months to visit Saudi Arabia?
The official tourist season in Saudi Arabia runs from October to March, with November through February offering the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. It's advisable to avoid July and August due to extremely high temperatures.
Q4. Is Saudi Arabia family friendly?
Yes, Saudi Arabia offers several family-friendly attractions such as Riyadh Zoo, Fakieh Aquarium in Jeddah, Al Shallal Theme Park, King Abdullah Science Center, and Snow City. These venues provide educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages.
Q5. How to enjoy outdoor adventures in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia offers a range of outdoor adventures including desert safaris, sand skiing, mountain hiking trails like Al Wahba crater and Jebel Fihrayn, and water activities in the Red Sea such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and dolphin watching.