10 Fun Things To Do in Saudi Arabia

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Entertainment in Saudi has many flavours. From quests and escapades along mountain ranges to tranquil evenings by the beach or stargazing at the desert, there are innumerable fun things to do in Saudi.

With a rich history and lush culture, diverse terrains and several geological wonders, Saudi never disappoints its visitors. In today’s post, we have curated 10 fun activities for you to try during your next visit to this exciting destination.

10 Exciting & Fun Tourist Activities in Saudi

Below are 10 amazing things you can do during your Saudi holiday. We have kept all kinds of interests in mind when picking these activities. There is adventure, education, history, relaxation, and romance – a little piece of heaven for every kind of traveller. Ready to take a bite?

Our top 10 exciting and fun things to do in Saudi include:

1. Acquaint yourself with Saudi’s underwater universe

Though filled with dunes and deserts, Saudi has a myriad of adventure activities for the aquaphile. Water entertainment in Saudi primarily includes snorkelling and scuba diving.

Saudi’s underwater universe is as gorgeous as its cities and provinces, and scuba diving allows you to take a sneak peek into this unique world. If you are visiting Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, diving is highly recommended. Prepare for some breath-taking encounters with marine life including dolphins, dugongs, turtles and vibrant coral.

Apart from bumping into stingrays, you are also likely to catch glimpses of some famous underwater wrecks. SS Thistlegorm, the British Navy ship, for instance, is today one of the most popular diving sites in the Red Sea.

2. Go fishing

For those who want to enjoy the waters without dipping your toes in it, fishing is one of the fun things to do in Saudi.

Jeddah has several amazing sites that you can hit in order to catch some Tilapia and other loved fishes. Not just that, if you visit the Red Sea fishing village, you can also taste some authentic sea food that is sold along the coast.

3. Answer the desert’s beguiling call

Dune bashing is one of those fun activities to do in Saudi that you should not miss for the world.

The Red Sands near Riyadh mesmerises you to don your adventurer cap and bash some dunes on a quad bike. Traversing the rosy sand on your bike with rugged mountains in the background, this is a scene straight out of a Bond movie. Why not awaken the Bond in you during your visit to Saudi this year?

For people who prefer a quainter experience when in the desert, a camel safari seems ideal. Riyadh’s Thumamah National Park offers you the holiday you need. You can try out both camel as well as horse rides along the meandering deserts of this national park.

4. Indulge in retail therapy

Entertainment in Saudi does not just include adventure activities. For those who love retail therapy, Saudi has some spectacular malls and shopping centres to blow your minds.

From new-age malls to ancient bazaars, Saudi has a variety of shopping choices for its visitors. Would you like a boutique experience? If yes, then you must try the oldest Souq of Riyadh. We are talking about Souq Al-Zal. This marketplace is said to have originated in 1901, and ever since, its popularity has grown massively. A great bazaar for you to shop artefacts, hand-woven rugs and carpets for your home, Souq Al-Zal is where you can buy some of the best souvenirs for friends and family.

For those looking to shop for luxury brands, the Red Sea Mall, Al-Rashid Mall, Mall of Arabia and Al Nakheel Mall are some of the best places to visit.

5. Step into a time machine

Saudi has a rich history, and as such, there are a number of fun tourist activities in Saudi for a history aficionado.

If you want to understand the rich culture and heritage of Saudi as a country, then you must visit the Al Masmak Fortress. It was the seizure of this mudbrick fortress that led to the formation of Saudi. The other palace you must not miss visiting is Murabba Palace. The abode of the first king of Saudi, Murabba Palace is a great attraction for history lovers and architecture fans alike.

6. Go museum hopping

Saudi boasts several museums and cultural centres that offers insight into the roots of Saudi heritage to travellers.

You must start with the biggest and the grandest, the National Museum of Saudi. With eight mighty halls, several interactive tours, and rotational activities keeping your infotainment fresh, stopping by the National Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Saudi.

Apart from the National Museum, you must also visit King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, popularly dubbed Ithra, an Arabic word that loosely translates to “enrichment” in English. Ithra is a modern architectural marvel that houses a library with thousands of books. There are a number of interesting activities going on in this centre that you must partake in.

7. Lounge on the beaches of Umluj

If your travel plans include Umluj, the Maldives of Saudi, then lazing on the beach is definitely one of the fun things to do in Saudi.

There is a plethora of virgin beaches in the Kingdom. For lovers of turquoise waters and silver sands, Umluj, with its tropical islands, will not leave any stone unturned to please you.

Whether it is basking in the sun while reading a book and gazing at the infinite blue of the sea, or wearing a burkini and taking a few stimulating dips in the water, the beaches of Saudi will give you everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.

8. Take a hike

Wear your boots and explore Saudi’s hiking trails.

Saudi’s tallest mountain, at a height of 3,000 metres, is one that you can aspire to climb during this holiday to the Kingdom. Jabal Sawda mountain peak is situated inside Saudi’s Asir National Park. Whether you decide to conquer the summit, or take the massive trail for a quaint stroll, Jabal Sawda will win your heart with the views it has to offer.

9. Explore the backstreets of Al Balad

Have you always wanted to lose your way through a web of lanes where history breathes in every nook? Well, Al Balad, Jeddah’s oldest neighbourhood, gives you that opportunity of a lifetime.

From shops that seem to have walked out of one of those tales in Arabian Nights, to gawking at some of the most gorgeously designed structures, an evening on Al Balad’s streets transforms you.

Please make sure you take several photographs to cherish when you are back home.

10. Say yes to a gorgeous evening of stargazing

AlUla in Saudi not only offers adventure thrills, but also romantic evenings with the love of your life.

One of the fun things to do in Saudi with your partner is desert camping. Lie down on the sand and watch a million stars twinkle at the two of you. End the evening with al fresco dining.

During your holiday to Saudi, try every fun activity that the country has to offer. You don’t want a major case of FOMO at the end of your trip!

If you need help planning your trip to Saudi, then be sure to check our tour packages curated by the best holiday planners in the country.