8 Things To Do in Saudi Arabia in 2024

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Ever since Saudi opened up with warm, welcome arms to the world, it has wooed travellers like no other place.

With locations that seem to be straight out of an enchanting fairy tale, this exciting, unexplored country is the new favourite holiday destination among tourists. One of the reasons behind the love affair that travellers seem to be having with this marvel of a place, is all the activities to do in Saudi.

From spending days among ochre-coloured dunes and lazing at silver beaches to praying at pious mosques and having life-altering spiritual experiences, there is a plethora of things to do in Saudi.

In today’s blog, we have created a list of tourist activities in Saudi that you absolutely must tick off during your visit to this glorious country.

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Saudi

Variety is the spice of life, and as such when in Saudi, you too can try out a range of activities and excitements. Here is a list of 8 such delights that you can partake in, only in Saudi:

1. Gaze at some of the most glorious sunsets

One of the reasons why Saudi after dark is so remarkable is because its dusks are otherworldly, offering the perfect start to an amazing evening experience.

There are several spots for you to enjoy a magnificent sunset. Our favourite would definitely be the Al Wahbah Crater. A natural wonder, this crater has a milky lake in its heart making the experience even more dramatic for the viewer.

Watching the sun set into the crater and capturing that moment in your camera is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to walk into the dark in Saudi.

2. Check out some of oldest Arab markets

When you plan a winter break in Saudi, you must be prepared to spend hours in the old markets where you can buy everything local.

Whether it is getting souvenirs for your friends and family, or bringing authentic Arabian art and décor items home, the old markets of Saudi will dazzle you with their gems.

3. Don an archaeologist’s hat

Saudi has several geological marvels for you to explore. If we could mention only one, then that would be the Elephant Rock in AlUla.

Imagine a fiery sun setting into an auburn sky that soon bleeds into an amethyst hue. Now imagine watching this gorgeous sunset with a mammoth elephant shaped rock at the forefront. Goosebumps, already? An evening at the Elephant Rock is, therefore, one of the best things to do in Saudi.

4. Explore a picturesque oasis

Nothing makes a desert more special than a hidden oasis, and Saudi is home to one of most gorgeous oases in the world.

A day at Al-Ahsa Oasis is bound to be spectacular because of all the things you get to do there. Whether it is climbing Al Qarah Mountain where you can behold the oasis from the summit, or it is getting a good swim in the freshwaters of this hamlet, there is not a single dull day at Al-Ahsa.

5. Get adventurous in AlUla

A visit to Saudi is incomplete without a trip to the rocky town of AlUla.

Considered one of the most ancient towns in Arabia, AlUla is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. All history buffs take note, this town was once a part of The Silk Route as well as The Incense Route. From hikes and zip lining to crazy bike rides bashing dunes, you get to do it all in AlUla.

6. Gear up for a romantic evening of stargazing

If you are not in AlUla for a thrilling experience but a romantic one, then too the place has a lot in store for you and your beau.

Go desert camping, and lie down to watch the stars in their glory, beaming at you and the love of your life. Whether you make a game out of spotting constellations or just enjoy the stillness, stargazing is definitely one of the activities to do in Saudi.

7. Gawk at the world’s tallest fountain

Saudi is home to numerous wonders, one of them being the tallest fountain in the world. At a height of 312 metres, King Fahd’s Fountain is a famous landmark in Jeddah. The lightshow that happens after dusk must make it to your itinerary.

Spending time here, clicking pictures of the water shooting for the sky and tumbling down into the ocean below, is one of the favourite tourist activities in Saudi.

8. Be a historian for a day

Very few countries in the world have as many stunning castles and forts as Saudi. No wonder history lovers almost instantly get smitten by this country.

From the King Abdulaziz Fort that oversees a creek to Masmak Fortress that is made of mud and clay, Saudi has some legendary forts up its sleeves that you must not miss out on visiting. Another gem to keep in mind is the Ma’rid Castle that dates back to as early as 1^st century A.D.!

If this mix of peaceful and exhilarating things to do in Saudi has convinced you to go grab a ticket and tour the kingdom, let us quickly brief you about the Covid-19 travel regulations and restrictions in the country.

First thing to keep in mind is that the visa-on-arrival facility has been suspended because of the current health and security situation in the world. As such, secure your visa from your country of departure.

The second important thing to remember while planning a vacation to Saudi is that to enter the country, you will need a negative PCR test result. Please make sure that you take the test not more than 72 hours before your departure. Getting a Covid-19 insurance is highly recommended too.

All travellers must also show proof of vaccination (vaccine certificates for COVID 19) with one of the approved vaccines recognized in Saudi. Travellers are also encouraged to check the current entry requirements with their chosen airline.

Finally, after you arrive in Saudi, do download the Tawakkalna app and get yourself registered. Once you have ticked all of these boxes and are armed with a list of awesome things to do in Saudi, you are ready to have the time of your life!