Saudi Arabia Holidays

Long before Riyadh’s skyline began to climb, life centred on Diriyah. The restored At-Turaif district, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still feels remarkably authentic, with winding mud-brick lanes, shaded courtyards and former royal residences that reveal where the first Saudi state took shape.

History isn’t confined to museums in AlUla. It is scattered across the landscape itself. Traders once crossed this valley on ancient incense routes, leaving behind tombs, inscriptions and settlements carved into sandstone. Even today, the silence of the desert makes those centuries feel surprisingly close. 

For Muslims, Makkah is the holiest place on Earth and the destination of a lifelong spiritual journey. Beyond the Grand Mosque, sites such as Jabal Al Noor mark pivotal moments in early Islamic history, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Islam’s beginnings.

Madinah has a noticeably calmer atmosphere than many visitors expect. It was here that Prophet Muhammad established the first Muslim community, and the city’s historic mosques and heritage sites continue to preserve that legacy while welcoming pilgrims from every corner of the world.

Near Saudi Arabia’s southern frontier, Najran tells a story that reaches far beyond the Islamic era. The archaeological remains of Al-Ukhdood, centuries-old mud-brick forts and fertile date-palm oases reflect a region where trade, agriculture and local traditions have existed side by side for generations.

The largest building within Diriyah's At-Turaif district, Salwa Palace once served as the political and administrative heart of the first Saudi state. Walking through its restored rooms offers a rare chance to imagine how rulers, advisers and visitors gathered here more than two centuries ago. 

Standing among the coral-stone buildings of Historic Jeddah, Nasseef House has witnessed generations of merchants, pilgrims and dignitaries passing through the city. Today its carefully restored rooms host cultural exhibitions, while the building itself remains one of Al-Balad's best-known architectural landmarks.

The red dunes outside Riyadh are made for four-wheel drives. Skilled drivers climb steep slopes before dropping down the other side, often to the sound of nervous laughter. Most trips also include sandboarding, camel rides and dinner at a desert camp.

The wide-open dunes around Riyadh give you plenty of room to ride, and most operators have routes suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced riders.

The Red Sea along Saudi Arabia’s west coast has some of the region’s healthiest coral reefs. Around Jeddah and Umluj, visibility is often excellent, making it easy to spot colourful fish, sea turtles and, on some trips, pods of dolphins.

In AlUla, the zipline carries you across deep sandstone canyons, while the giant canyon swing sends you out over the desert below. It is a striking contrast to the ancient tombs nearby.

The cliffs around AlUla attract everyone from first-time climbers to experienced professionals. Local operators provide equipment and guided routes across the sandstone walls, with climbing usually taking place during the cooler months of the year. 

Balloon flights usually take off just before sunrise, when the air is calm. As daylight spreads across the valley, Hegra, Elephant Rock and the surrounding sandstone formations gradually come into view below.

Crossing the Empty Quarter is less about speed than distance. The world’s largest continuous sand desert stretches for hundreds of kilometres, with enormous dunes, remote camps and very little sign of modern development. Winter brings the most comfortable temperatures. 

Most hikes to the Edge of the World begin with a drive across rough desert tracks from Riyadh. Once you reach the cliffs, there are uninterrupted views across the Tuwaiq Escarpment and the vast plain below, once covered by an ancient sea. 

Wadi Al Disah feels greener than many people expect. Palm trees and seasonal streams run through a valley enclosed by tall sandstone cliffs, creating excellent conditions for hiking, scrambling, and longer climbing routes near Tabuk. 

Arabian horses have been part of Saudi life for centuries, and riding one across the desert feels fitting. Equestrian centres around Riyadh offer guided rides for all abilities, from complete beginners to confident riders. 

Taif’s mountain slopes are popular for paragliding, especially when conditions are calm. Around Riyadh, skydiving delivers a very different experience, with open desert stretching below almost as soon as the aircraft door opens.

For a real taste of everyday Saudi life, spend an hour in one of the country’s traditional souqs. Souq Al Zal in Riyadh and the old markets of Al-Balad in Jeddah are packed with spice sellers, oud shops, woven textiles and antiques. Half the fun is chatting with the traders.

Ask any local where to start, and Kabsa will probably be the first answer. Mandi and Jareesh are just as popular, although recipes change from one region to another. Finish with Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates, just as generations of Saudis have done. 

Hospitality is a part of daily life in Saudi Arabia. Don’t be surprised if you are offered Arabic coffee while browsing a small shop or waiting for a tour to begin. That small gesture says a lot about Saudi culture.

Glass towers tell one story about Saudi Arabia. Heritage villages tell another. Diriyah and Ushaiqer still preserve traditional mud-brick homes, quiet courtyards and old streets that reveal how communities lived long before the country’s modern transformation.

Most first-time visitors don’t expect to find a mountain village like Rijal Almaa in Saudi Arabia. Its tall stone houses, painted wooden windows and cool Asir setting feel completely different from the country’s desert landscapes. The village is also known for Qahtani traditions and the colourful Flowerman Festival, held every summer.

If you are visiting Saudi Arabia in winter, check whether the Riyadh Season is running. The city takes on a completely different feel, with concerts, sporting events, pop-up restaurants, family attractions and themed zones appearing across the capital. Even locals often spend entire evenings exploring what’s new.

Jeddah Season makes the most of the city’s Red Sea setting. Expect open-air concerts, fireworks, beach activities and plenty of food stalls, especially after sunset when the Corniche becomes much livelier. It is a great time to experience the city’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.

What started as a music festival has grown into one of the biggest live events in the Middle East. MDLBEAST Soundstorm brings internationally known DJs, huge outdoor stages and thousands of music fans together just outside Riyadh. Tickets usually sell quickly, so planning ahead is a good idea.

Boulevard World is easy to spend hours in without noticing the time. Different zones are inspired by countries from around the world, with street food, rides, shopping and live performances all in one place. It is especially popular with families during the evening.

Sitting on Jeddah’s Corniche, Al Shallal Theme Park has been a favourite with local families for years. There are roller coasters, children’s rides, an indoor ice-skating rink and arcade games, making it an easy choice if you are travelling with kids.

Saudi Arabia’s comedy scene is growing and Jeddah Comedy Club has played a big part in that. Shows range from local stand-up acts to visiting international comedians, with regular open-mic nights that give new performers a chance to test fresh material. 

Winter, usually December to February, is the best time to experience AlUla. The programme mixes live music, art, balloon flights and cultural events against a backdrop of ancient tombs and towering sandstone cliffs that feel even more dramatic after sunset.

Usually held in February, Janadriyah was long considered Saudi Arabia’s leading heritage festival. Camel races, folk dancing, poetry and regional crafts celebrated traditions from across the kingdom. Although it hasn’t returned since 2019, it is still an important part of Saudi cultural history. 

Each December, Al-Balad in Jeddah welcomes filmmakers, actors and cinema lovers for the Red Sea International Film Festival. Alongside film premieres, visitors can attend talks, exhibitions and special events celebrating both Saudi and international cinema. 

Between December and January, camels take centre stage in the desert outside Riyadh. Visitors come for the famous beauty contests and races, then stay to explore heritage displays, traditional markets and performances celebrating Bedouin culture. 

Near Taif, August and September are usually marked by the return of Souq Okaz. Inspired by one of Arabia’s oldest marketplaces, the festival is filled with poetry, storytelling, calligraphy, theatre and artisans keeping centuries-old traditions alive.

Every 23 September, Saudi Arabia celebrates the kingdom’s unification with fireworks, concerts, air shows and national celebrations across the country. Cities are filled with green flags, festive decorations and families gathering well into the evening.

On 22 February, Founding Day honours the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727. Traditional dress, heritage villages, music and historical performances give visitors a chance to experience Saudi customs beyond the country’s modern skyline.