Finding the perfect place to visit in a new touristic city is sometimes hard to do! We know there are so many websites promising a full guide, or even guides promising a great visit, but it is always a pain. WildyNess wants to facilitate the matter for you, especially when we talk about Saudi Arabia!
You might already heard about Saudi Arabia, after all who doesn't? Right! The desert, sand dunes, ancient ruins, the mountains, Macca the holiest city, old jeddah, and many other places. They can definitely be listed among the best tourist attractions in the world!
With its incomparable economic growth, Saudi Arabia is working hard on becoming one of the most popular tourist destination. Thanks to its wide desert, and to the fact that it is religious destination, and to ownining a long heritage of history and culture.
If we say Middle East, we say, sun! If we say sun, it is surely the desert that has that for sure, a sea of sand, hot as an oven during the day, cold as a fridge during the night! An experience that you would not want to miss.
A lifetime experience of what the human body can adopt to! A miracle in nature, that people are living in. You would not miss palm trees, nor would you miss huge mosques, or historical centres.
This along with a modern style city and modern life. After all we are talking about Saudi landmarks, and what are the best places to visit.
This short blog aims to share the most famous historical landmarks in Saudi Arabia. No just tourist places, but also unique tips to discover untouched scenes.
Type of Ruling
It is never the same when we speak about a kingdom! Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by a king. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established since 1932.
The king is the commender in chief of the military, and name Crown Prince, who is the possible next king, and who helps the king fulfilling his duties.
If you want to know more about how the kingdom function, feel free to check their Embassy explanation of the whole thing.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia
It is a young industry, and believe me it is a good thing! With the great witnessed hospitality, you would love to explore Saudi Arabia Landmarks.
You might also get to document untouched places that you would see for the first time! That is quiet possible in this adventure. Let us select for you 10+ must-see landmarks in Saudi Arabia!
Holy places
Mecca The Holiest Place for Muslims
The prophet Muhammad started his message, and built his first mosque, Quba mosque in the 7th century. The mosque, still exists, after getting many modification through the time.
Mecca has been always the destination of Muslims from around the world. Prophet Abraham is the one who build the Kaaba, the building in the center of Mecca. Daily prayers, and visitors of the famous mosques, passing by the famous towers, and the old market.
Umrah and most importantly Hajj are the main event in the holiest site in Islam. Then comes the second holiest site which is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi meaning the mosque of prophet Muhammad PBU.
PS; non Muslims are currently not allowed in Mecca. But this is worth knowing about the main destination for all Muslims in the world.
The Black Stone
The story behind the black stone. You might wanna know this one, we would give you a hint; it includes an outer space element. It is a common belief that the black stone was sent from heaven with Adam and Eve, and that it was as white as the snow.
However it turned black by time because it absorb the sins of those who touch it. Muslims do their best during the yearly pilgrimage to see, touch, and even kiss this holy stone.
If Mecca is seen from above you would notice the unique architectural art, a mixture of traditional architecture, and modern one. You would notice the towers, where most of Saudi Arabia skyline are visible. The lightest when you check the map, a center point, a place they also refer to as the center of the world, Masjid al-Hharam!
Masjid al-Hharam:
It means the sacred mosque, and it is also known as the great mosque of Mecca. It is 3,840,000 square feet mosque that is able to receive up to 820,000 worshippers.
Masjid al-Haram covers the area around Kaaba in Mecca, in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia. People come each year to visit it, which is one of the Muslim pilgrimage's rites and rituals.
Edge of the world! Tuwaiq Mountains! Al-Arid Mountains, or Ared al-Yamama!
Not literally, but you would feel it is!
This magical place called Edge of the world, it is also called has a really fairy-like story, people who visited it confirmed it would claim its naming from the first sight!
It is in located in Riyadh, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views, that would make run right away to pack your drone to capture the moment! A breathtaking location, millions of years of erosion formed a beautiful geological phenomenon!
It is just wind and water that shaped those magnificent limestone, to make the stunning cliffs. At the edge, like the name of the place suggests, the land drops off, and the horizon just vanish into the void! A picture is a must in this place, with you just sitting at the edge of the world.
Don't miss sunset, and sundown in this imaginary place! And guess what! It is for free, to spend the night, in your car, or in a tent!
The edge of the world is not merely a pretty part of land, it has also historical significance. It is actually an old caravan route and a key stop for traders. The cliffs were used as a natural shelter to travelers who just wanted a safe place where they can rest.
You might ask how to get there? It is worth the drive! It is up to you, whether you want a trip package, or independently, in a group, or alone! If you are already in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, your starting point will be Al Uyaynah.
Now, we are sure you want an easy way to the Edge of the world! Wherever you are, just follow the map! This will be your destination via driving! Two road available from Riyadh.
Ancient Towns in Saudi Arabia
Not one or two, but thirteen ancient towns has been discovered in Saudi Arabia till now. Imagine finding out about those treasure! Almost like a glance on the past. Let us introduce you to some of them!
Hegra (Madain Saleh) or literally what it means the Cities of the Prophet Salih
"A picture is worth a thousand words", check below picture of this place, and you would understand the charm of this historic city. Hegra is actually one of the most beautiful archaeological sites you would want to see in Saudi Arabia.
Unesco world heritage site of Hegra, Let me give you about the size of this place: a 52-hectares of ancient city was one of the principle city of the kingdom of Nabataeans. It is a tourist areas, and accessible for all kind of visitors.
A great place, with ancient architecture, that is so generous in sharing the rich history of place. This place is located in the northwestern part of the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia, just 1,400km (870 miles) from Riyadh.
The place has more than just great architecture. It has a rich, ancient culture. History buffs would love to explore it and discover new things about the ancient civilization there.
This is one of the historical sites, that you would see from above, and you would want to clime as well! The site is in Al-'Ula which is an ancient village in Madina Providence in Saudi Arabia.
Jubbah Hail rock art site at Mount Umm Senman
It is a city in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia. It is surrounded by the vast Nefud Desert. It is 90 kilometers northwest of Ha'il and on an old caravan route between Najd and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Hail province in Saudi Arabia, has one of the most important unique landmarks. A UNESCO-World-Heritage-listed rock art site at Mount Umm Senman in Jubbah is a must-see!
The Al Kharj Archaeology Sites of Riyadh
Another must see gate located in the heart of Riyadh. It is indeed a peek on cultural heritage, of the Saudi Arabian history. One of the plenty of places that tells thousands of ancient stories. The Al Kharj sites are separately located across this governorate.
You might wonder how to get to this place, no need for local guides! We got you.
These sites, would give you a stealthy look at different cultures and civilizations, with its rock inscriptions at Jebel Umm Sanman, the ancient city of Thaj, and the ruins of Al Ghat.
This place defiantly needs a pre-booked transportation, wether your own private trip which you can book here, or you can book a taxi to take you directly to the sites here.
In all cases, plan ahead, one should admit that Leonard Bernstein was right when he said: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
Plenty of places are there for you to visit as well, in the ancient towns area. Walking on the same steps as ancient Arabian peninsula residents did. And knowing more about their previous lives and most importantly the culture of Saudi Arabia.
Al Masmak Palace in Riyadh, also called Masmak Fortress
There is no way you want to miss this Palace during your visit, a residence of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, a sign of power and money. This pace was built in the 14th century. The mamsak Palace stands in the middle of the city of Riyadh.
With its thick walls, the Palace represented a strong and solid protection to the city in ancient times. The place share visibly the story of the kingdom unification including main battles and regaining Riyadh.
An architectural style, which divided the place into six main parts, made it easy for visitors to wonder around all of them. First you will find the gate, then the mosque, after that you pass by the majlis, then check the well, and finally discover the towers and the courtyard. A standing historical wonder, not to be missed!
All you need to do is to head to Jeddah Airport and follow this link to get to this place!
Jabal al Soodah : Highest Peack in Saudi Arabia
Jabal al Soodah, or jabal sawda is officially the highest point in Saudi Arabia. Imagine you would stand 3,015 metres above the earth!
Not only that, imagine getting the chance to be lifted that much, to look at the land from that distance! It is possible with the cable car rides. Your way to fly above the steep mountain slopes. The experience will leave you with those pictures, of unprecedented mountain series.
Excited to try this, try this in Jabal al Soodah? Check here for direction. You need to go through a mix of paved road and off-road way to get there, so a 4*4 is needed as usual in KSA!
The whole cable car network were made for one purpose: Enjoying one of the best view you might see, take your time to capture the moment, and keep those mountain views in your visual memory. The kind you can see when you want to go to sleep, a dream land.
Here is how to get there: from Abha airport.
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Head to King Khalid Road.
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follow the sign towards Abha city
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Taje King Abdulaziz Road (Route 15) and continue driving towards Al Soodah
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Keep following the sign Al Soodah, it should take 30 to 40 minutes.
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When you reach Soodah, check signs directing to Sooddah cable car station.
This is a significant landmark that would give you the sense of adventure, a place where you get to see what a drone would transfer to you in video, only you are the camera this time.
A cable car experience cannot be as beautiful as this one, trust us!
Al-Faisaliah Tower
Saudi Arabia urban growth has been developed, this is visible when you visit the city. Try visiting Al-Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh to see the architectural engineering art of this building.
It is indeed the first skyscraper built in KSA. You would not want to miss the panoramic view from the tower! A real adrenaline-pumping adventure. Get to the top of the tower, and start the adventure, to have glance on the urban development in the area.
Equipped with the latest technology, the tower has its own hotel and facilities, and offer children entertainment, so it is the perfect place to stay with your family.
To get to Al-Faisaliah Tower, follow these steps:
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Identify Your Starting Point: Determine your current location.
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Choose Your Mode of Transport: Decide whether you'll drive, take public transport, or use a taxi
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Search "Al-Faisaliah Tower" inGoogle Maps' search bar.
Here’s a direct link to Al-Faisaliah Tower on Google Maps.
Jeddah Fountain
In the city of Jeddah, you would find the tallest fountain of its kind in the whole world: 312 meters! The tallest fountain in the world, as recognized by Guinness World Records, stands as a breathtaking symbol of Jeddah, inspiring visitors with its impressive visibility from various scenic viewpoints across the city.
Jeddah Fountain! Another landmark, another wonder! Also called King Fahd's Fountain. Check the place at night the fountain is completely illuminated, lights are so exiting falling over Jeddah and you can see it from different sides.
If you are interested in seeing this one of kind, follow this link in Google maps.
Famous Movies You never guess they were shot in KSA
Who would have thought that many movies were filmed in Saudi Arabic? We assume you did not miss Malcolm X. Remember the Pilgrimage to Mecca scene? It was one of a kind, wasn't it? Islamic history is not excessively covered, except for a few master pieces, such as The message, taking about the history of the region, and how Islam started with the Prophet Mohamed, PBU.
Knowing that these movies were made in historical places, would encourage you to visit and get the best of the two world, checking a movie shooting place, and learning more about the history of Saudi Arabia.
In a nutshell. Saudi Arabia is the destination if you wanted a one of kind adventure, discovering untouched places, and knowing about rich history. The most important thing is to keep your eyes open for any hints there, and seek new places, you can contribute in covering a new story there, and capturing new views!
