With its glinting skyscrapers and sparkling nightscapes, the metropolis of Riyadh is the ideal choice for a weekend of luxury. Relax and rejuvenate at the city’s opulent spas, including Maison de Joelle and Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA, or go from serene to cerebral with a visit to its boutique arthouses, where the likes of Naila and L’Art Pur galleries showcase Arabia’s best emerging artists. Add in an array of fine dining choices, upmarket malls and curated boutiques, and Riyadh is a city that can be embraced at any pace, before unwinding in one of its many five-star hotels.

Riyadh

Considered by many to be the “pearl of Saudi Arabia,” Diriyah is becoming a major tourist destination. One of Saudi’s signature projects, developed to encourage tourism to the area, Diriyah will eventually encompass luxury resorts (the first of which is set to open in late 2021), numerous international hotel brands, as well as dining, shopping and entertainment options. But don’t let the modern glitz and glam distract you from Diriyah’s deep cultural roots. Diriyah’s history goes back thousands of years: It was once an ancient trade and pilgrimage route, and a meeting spot for people traveling to or from Asia, Africa or Europe.

Diriyah

Al Duwadimi

Al Faiziyah

Al Wusayl

Aba Al Kibash

Stretching more than 200 kilometers along the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast, Jazan has all the prerequisites for a memorable holiday. From December through March, the weather is drier and more moderate, making winter an excellent time to explore this small province’s wealth of culture and nature. 

Jazan

Al Thamad

Khaybar

Drive just a few hours west of Medina to the port of Yanbu, which is really two distinct cities. The new city to the south is known for its oil refineries and industrial plants, whereas the old town to the north is an ancient spice route staging post where T.E. Lawrence — the British military officer famous for his role in the Great Arab Revolt —  lived in a typical Hijazi building at some point between 1915 and 1916. You’ll find many of the attractions in the historical area around the harbor, which comes alive at night. Join locals eating Red Sea-caught fish while overlooking the water. Discover the nearby glowing lanes of the recently restored Souq Al Lail (night market), originally open late to serve fishermen. Local dates and green mulkhiah leaves are among the produce sold.

Yanbu

There are few places in the world where you can still feel like a true explorer charting the unknown. In many historic destinations, the illusion of discovery is promptly shattered by a jungle of selfie sticks. But in AlUla, which is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country, you might still be able to play out your fantasy of being an intrepid archaeologist for a day.

AlUla

Badr

Medina is one of Islam’s two holiest cities, making it a key destination for millions of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah

Madinah

There’s much more to Saudi Arabia than vast ochre deserts. With more than 2.5 million date palm trees blanketing a verdant expanse just inland from Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, Al Ahsa is the archetype of a lush desert oasis.

Al Ahsa

Jubail

Al Khobar

Dhahran

Boasting endless views of the tranquil Arabian Gulf, Dammam is a modern metropolis that thrives on its coastal location. Although it is known for its lush green parks, airy waterfronts and sandy beaches, it is highly enjoyable in the winter, too, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 20s Celsius during the day and around 10 degrees at night.

Dammam

Abu Qa'Ar

Nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of all the Arabian Desert and home to legends like Hatim Al Tai, the Arabian poet whose altruism earned him spots in stories like “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”).

Hail

King Abdullah Economic City, 100 kilometers north of Jeddah along the coast of the Red Sea, is a modern metropolis and booming tourist destination.

King Abdullah Economic City

The all-year-round warm city of Jeddah, the captivating hub, invites you to be part of the millions of worldwide visitors from traders and explorers since ancient times. Jeddah is the birthplace of worldwide arts and music, and a gathering spot for multi-vibrant cultures, a unique blend that left its mark on Jeddah’s exquisite cuisine of many fine dishes with global tastes.

Jeddah

Makkah

Just getting to Taif is a thrill. Visitors travel along a winding road through the mountains — passing fruit markets, rose farms and deep valleys along the way — before reaching the plateau upon which sits Taif.

Taif

Badiyat Bani Kabir

A journey to Al Baha is a trip to a different Saudi. In a country that’s often characterized by ochre desert, this high-altitude city in the Hijaz region is a place of storied towers, lush forests and winding valleys. Sitting 2,500 meters above sea level, the city enjoys moderate temperatures and is an ideal place to hike, picnic or camp.

Al Baha

Tabuk, the capital city of the Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has long been a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims. Its rich culture can be felt in Souq Twaheen, famed for selling patterned rugs and goat-hair tent covers. Visitors flock to Tabuk to explore ancient archaeological sites and the setting of the story of the prophet Moses, who lived east of the city for a decade. 

Tabuk

Al Wajh

Taima

Haql

Amlaj

Neom

Duba

Namas

Wadi Al Ghayl

Bahr Abu Sukaynah

Al Al Khalaf

Khamis Mushait

Ghavafil

Al Ithibah

As Sabihi

An Naqi'

Maraziq

Al Ma'Lawi

Al 'Ali

At an altitude of 2,200 m between the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains, Abha, is ideally located in southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Its exceptional location allows you to embrace the clouds and wonder around its mountaintops. While consumed with astonishment and amusement, you will feel like time traveling hundreds of years back in time as you stumble upon castles and palaces built from the elements taken from their unspoiled environment.

Abha

Larbu'Ah

Tanumah

Al Dahman

Safhan

Ahad rafidah

Al Jarboeyyah

Al Qariyah

Thamma

Al Qurayat

Doma Aljandal

One of the longest-inhabited places on the Arabian Peninsula, the Al Jouf region offers tons of culture and history and a flavorful culinary scene to explore.

Al Jouf

Sakaka

Buraidah

Unaizah

One of the kingdom’s 13 provinces, the Qassim region is known for its wheat, which it exports heavily, and its dates, which are popular throughout the country. Perhaps this is why Qassim is also called the “food basket” of the country.

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