Travelling in 2024 is no longer about visiting clichéd attractions and living solely ‘for the gram’. It’s all about discovering unexplored destinations, and unique experiences that leave you feeling like a local.
A mere five minutes spent searching for ‘travel guides’ online, will give you more information than you’ll ever need. While having options is empowering; when planning a trip to a new city too many options can just as easily be overwhelming.
With Indian travellers poised to spend over $42 billion annually on outbound travel by 2024, narrowing down a destination that is going to deliver an unforgettable experience is key.
However, we’ve got you covered.
From AlUla’s Maraya Concert Hall to the Red Sea’s untouched beaches, Saudi is ticking all the boxes when it comes to the ideal leisure destination. Known for more than just memorable desert experiences, Saudi is home to a plethora of architectural marvels, breathtaking landscapes, and a bustling culinary scene. It was also ranked the safest among G20 nations.
Looking to add the destination to your bucket list? Here’s a guide to help you experience the true home of Arabia, to its fullest!
Getting to Saudi
First things first, start by locking down your dates. Saudi Arabia is an all-year-round destination with pristine beaches, unseen mountain ranges and bustling towns, so you can choose to go whenever you crave a picturesque escape. It takes approximately 5 hours to travel from India to Saudi, and you can choose from up to 12 airlines operating between the two countries.
Getting your hands on a visa is also easier than ever before. Indians with a valid US or Schengen visa can get their Saudi visa on arrival. Others can simply apply for an e-visa through any of the 10 VFS Tasheel offices across the country.
What to do and Where: Experiences you just can’t miss
An Art Retreat in Diriyah: Exploring the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale Festival, spoil yourself with luxury fine dining experiences, and more.
An evening view of Al-Turaif, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah
Diriyah is a suburb located on the banks of Wadi Hanifah, northwest of the capital of Riyadh and is a time capsule that takes travellers back to the origins of Saudi through its old streets, heritage landmarks and unique natural components.
Currently, one of the most coveted and sought-after art exhibitions in the world, the second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is on till the 26th of May. It is an inviting international platform for artists, and so for art lovers. Featuring work by 100 artists from Saudi and around the world, the exhibition explores the role of a contemporary art biennial in a country that is undergoing rapid social change.
If you’re a fan of luxury dining with a breathtaking view, then you must also add Bujairi Terrace to your itinerary. Located in the historical district, a premium luxury dining destination with a curation of 21 exquisite restaurants and cafes that overlook the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Turaif – the birthplace of Saudi.
Diriyah is a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Riyadh. You can take a day trip or choose to stay in a hotel in Diriyah to fully explore the archaeological site for 2 days.
AlUla: An Arabian wonderland
The pool deck at the Habitas Resort in AlUla
A historical masterpiece in the heart of Saudi, AlUla is an untouched travel destination that takes you 7000 years back in time with its breathtaking architecture, rooted in culture and history. From hot air ballooning over Hegra and Elephant Rock, to truly unique stargazing and glamping experiences, AlUla is an open-air museum with more than a few experiences to offer.
The AlUla Camel Cup starting on the 24th of April is a true spectator sport. You can experience multiple days of exhilarating camel races and get a taste of one of the region’s oldest sports.
If you’re a marathon enthusiast, the AlUla Desert Blaze is worth looking into. It is a one-of-its-kind summer running challenge through AlUla’s most iconic sites, taking runners on a journey through time linking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra with the modern wonder of Maraya.
AlUla’s International Airport is a 4-hour ride from the holy city of Madinah.
Beyond Deserts: Explore Arabian mountains in Al Qarah
The snow covered terrains of Tabuk
Al Qarah Mountain is located in Al-Hasa, in the eastern province of Saudi. This natural marvel offers breathtaking views and embodies the essence of Arabic interpretations of nearby place names. The summit elevates 75 metres from street level and 205 metres above sea level, yet reaching the top doesn’t demand significant effort, offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of Al Ahsa. What leaves visitors in awe is not just the view from the top of the mountain, but also its mystical caves – a result of the Al Qarah Mountain sitting at the eastern border of the Shadqam plateau, connecting to Kuwait and Iraq in the north and the Rub Al Khali desert in the south.
If you’re looking for more mountains to explore, go on a mountain drive northwest of Tabuk. Here, you can choose from a wide variety of other seasonal activities, including hiking, camping and sledding. While there is a wide range of mountain experiences to witness in the region, snow seekers should lace up their boots and venture to Jabal Al Lawz, which means “Almond Mountain” in Arabic. Measuring 2,549 metres, it’s the tallest mountain in the Tabuk Province and the only place in Saudi where it snows almost every year — making it perfect for a winter hike. Tabuk, too, has a dedicated airport.
The Red Sea: Luxury and adventure by the sea
Underwater activities at The Red Sea
The Red Sea is an unexplored luxury tourism destination on the west coast of Saudi. It houses the world’s fourth largest barrier reef system, pristine beaches and canyons, mountains and mangroves waiting to be explored. You can enjoy water activities including flyboarding, snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, and yachting.
Recently opened to guests, the Red Sea welcomes visitors with the splendid Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, offering tailored wellness programs to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
While The Red Sea has an airport, you can also experience its beauty by taking flights to and from Jeddah, a port city by the Red Sea.
Where to Stay
From luxury resorts to budget hotels and local accommodations, there is a plethora of options to choose from in Saudi. Below are the top picks:
Riyadh: Riyadh Fairmont, The St. Regis Riyadh, Narcissus Hotel Riyadh, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort
AlUla: Banyan Tree AlUla, Habitas AlUla, Shaden Hotel
Red Sea Global: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Jeddah: The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah , Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq, Narcissus Resort Obhur, Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah, Rosewood Jeddah Hotel, Shangri-La Jeddah, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel, Hotel Galleria Jeddah
Things to keep in mind
The main network carriers in Saudi are STC, Mobily and Zain, all three of which have booths set up in Arrivals in the Jeddah and Riyadh airports. You can choose from a variety of packages based on the duration of the stay, their use of the internet and calling services. You can purchase both physical phone sims or e-sims based on your preference.
Similar to the network carriers, there are multiple currency exchange booths available upon arrival for all travellers in the Jeddah and Riyadh airports. There are also multiple ATMs available across different areas of these airports. It is recommended that you get your money exchanged at the airports to avoid looking for outlets in the city. It’s also important to note that almost all stores in Saudi accept cards, however, having some cash on hand is great just in case.
If you’re planning your travels for the next season, October – February are the most pleasant months to travel to Saudi.
