These top tourist spots in Saudi Arabia open for visitors in 2024

Since Saudi Arabia welcomed tourists in 2019, people from around the world have flocked to explore the kingdom's rich history and stunning landscapes, including six UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Middle Eastern destination has become a global attraction with a remarkable 156 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019, as highlighted in a recent UN World Tourism Barometer report.

Situated in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements.

Whether you're drawn to bustling marketplaces, ancient sites, mosques, or the Red Sea, the country provides diverse tourist destinations to suit various interests.

From lavish hotels and museums to majestic natural terrains, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a prominent tourist destination in the region.

Rijal Almaa Heritage Village

Situated approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Abha, the Rijal Almaa Historic Village is celebrated for its historic architecture, picturesque landscapes, and pleasant climate, spanning a remarkable 900-year history.

This village has earned the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its main highlight being the Rijal Almaa Museum. The museum complex showcases the village's rich history and culture through vibrant buildings constructed from stone, clay, and wood.

Beyond the museum, the village is surrounded by other captivating tourist attractions including Al Sahab Park, Tanomah Waterfall, and Al Soudah Viewpoint. 

The Edge of the World

It is situated near Riyadh and has stood out as a top tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, because of its sweeping vistas and majestic cliffs. 

Visitors are treated to a mesmerizing view of the horizon, evoking the sensation of standing at the very edge of the world by positioning at a towering 1,000-foot-high edge.

It is also known as Jebel Fihrayn, this geological marvel in the rocky desert holds particular appeal for nature enthusiasts seeking an unobstructed and breathtaking panorama of the horizon. 

Al-Balad or Old Jeddah

Al-Balad, also known as Old Jeddah, is a captivating Seventh Century World Heritage Site located on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. 

Formerly the commercial hub of Jeddah until the 1970s oil boom, it now stands as a renowned tourist destination celebrated for its ancient architecture, vibrant culture, bustling markets, and historical buildings. 

The centuries-old coral stone houses adorned with lattice windows showcase the rich history of the region. 

Once a crucial port and gateway for Muslim pilgrims en route to Makkah, Al-Balad offers a compelling glimpse into the storied past of Saudi Arabia.

Masmak Fort

The well-known 150-year-old Masmak Fort is situated in Riyadh. It is also known as a Saudi architectural marvel due to its rich history and beautiful design.

The fort, which is now transformed into a museum, showcases 20th-century artworks and photographs. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into the fortress's various rooms, providing an immersive experience into the historical narrative of the Kingdom that played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Saudi Arabia.

Al-Rahmah floating mosque

The Al-Rahmah Mosque, also referred to as the floating mosque of Jeddah, is a stunning architectural marvel constructed in 1985 on the Red Sea.

This captivating white mosque, adorned with Islamic elements and featuring a turquoise white dome, stands as a significant tourist attraction. While the mosque is accessible around the clock, the optimal times for a visit are during sunset and at night when it is illuminated, it seemingly hovers over the high tides of the Red Sea.

AlUla

AIUIa, a globally acclaimed tourist destination in the Medina province, seamlessly blends remarkable human and natural heritage. 

This ancient Arabic oasis city serves as a living museum, preserving tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings, and both natural and manmade monuments. 

With over 200,000 years of predominantly unexplored history, AlUla offers a unique experience for tourists, who can explore its rich cultural, artistic, and musical festivals, marrying history with modern-day festivities.

The destination is adorned with awe-inspiring rock formations, including the iconic Elephant Rock, named for its striking resemblance to an elephant. 

Wadi Al Disah

It is situated in the mountainous region near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the Al Disah Valley stands as a premier sightseeing destination. 

Renowned for its epic collection of sandstone columns, the valley creates a captivating landscape within a vast hollow.

Named "Wadi Al Disah," translating to "The Valley of Palm Trees," this geological wonder provides tourists with opportunities for hiking, camping, and organizing picnics.