There are few places in the world where visitors can feel like a true explorer, charting the unknown with unexpected experiences. Saudi is one of tourism’s final frontiers and home to a world waiting to be discovered. Saudi’s awe-inspiring natural phenomena beckons travellers to venture into unspoilt landscapes and experience adrenaline, culture, and history off the beaten tourist track.
From diving in the Red Sea, camping in starlight silence, or paragliding over snowy mountain peaks, Saudi inspires a sense of wanderlust, enticing the most adventurous travellers to experience the authentic home of Arabia. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to get your adrenaline pumping, these five unique experiences offer an incredible journey like no other.
1) Cross the Wadi Disah in the Mountains of Tabuk
Wadi Disah, the Valley of Palm Trees, is a spectacular and secluded natural wonder in the mountainous region of Saudi’s northern Tabuk province. The valleys are surrounded by high mountains, the pristine Red Sea and luscious greenery – a striking contrast to the surrounding Saudi desert. The region has rare archaeological sites, including carvings and tombs in the sandstone, and is best explored off-roading in a 4X4 vehicle.
2) Experience Saudi’s sands, sunsets and starry nights in the Empty Quarter
Saudi has some of the most diverse landscapes, but none is more dramatic, expansive or synonymous with the authentic home of Arabia than its desert. Saudi is home to the largest sand desert on earth and the Empty Quarter crossing is a journey of a lifetime. In the Empty Quarter, visitors can experience adrenaline-pumping activities like dune-bashing, sandboarding and off-road 4×4 driving. After a busy day, adventures can relax under a starry expanse of night sky on camel-back. Showcasing the best of Saudi hospitality, or Hafawah, the Empty Quarter is best experienced with certified tour guides.
3) Adventure is in the air at AlUla festival
AlUla, home to Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies deep in the desert in the northwest and hosts ancient tombs that remain as the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilization. From 27 February – 12 March, thrill-seeking travellers can enjoy a birds eye view of the desert city of AlUla. During the AlUla Skies Festival, the sky is alive with action from hot air balloons to helicopter tours and drone shows. In 2023, AlUla was voted one of Condé Nast’s Seven Wonders of the World.
4) Dive into another world in the Red Sea
Saudi’s Red Sea coastline is one of the world’s most spectacular and pristine diving spots. Divers will explore a treasure trove of coral reefs with stingrays, turtles, octopus and rare fish. See if you can spot the world’s fastest fish, the Black Marlin, and the endangered Napoleon fish.
Off the coast of Jeddah, Sharm Obhur offers an array of adventurous water activities including shark cage diving where the bravest adventurers can get close to the ocean’s ultimate predator.
5) Reach peak adventure in the Al-Soudah mountains
Explore the Al-Soudah mountains in the Asir region, Saudi’s highest point. The juniper tree-covered mountains have snowy peaks of over 3,000m, making it a popular paragliding and skydiving spot, while trails make it a playground for hikers, riders and bikers. To top off a long day, soak up the most unforgettable sunset at Al Soudah View Point, and enjoy views of surrounding valleys, hills and neighbouring villages.
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