Spanning from the magical deserts of AlUla to the skyscrapers of Riyadh, the destination is marked by juxtapositions and paradoxes. On a recent trip, I explored Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah, each offering a unique perspective into the history, architecture and culture of the destination.

 

 

Riyadh – The Land Of Skyscrapers
Shortly after you land in Riyadh, you will notice a building that looks like the Bottleopener in Shanghai. This is the tallest building in Riyadh – the Kingdom Skytower with a beaming 99 floors. The 99th floor observation deck views of the entirety of the city makes the experience worth it. Al Masmak is a heritage fort palace which is located in the city center. It houses a collection of ancient arms, ammunitions, pots, swords and Arabian attire. The fort is now a museum which showcases the rise of the Arab empire under King Abdulaziz.

 

Another museum located not too far away highlights the life of King Abdulaziz along with images of his illustrious life. The Abdulaziz museum showcases the late King’s car collection, glasses worn by him, his Quran collection, crockery, war attire as well as his grooming objects. Saudi Arabia’s history and growth become apparent by walking through these objects of interest.

 

The Box Experience is a unique mystery room designed with the use of modern technology, Mayan numerical theories as well as the theme of a Parisian heist. It’s a must have experience right opposite Boulevard World – a multi country themed park with rides, food stalls and themed experiences. Boulevard World was one of my most cherished experiences in Riyadh because it felt like walking across multiple countries within the span of a few hours.

 

Diriyah, the first capital of Saudi Arabia is also an interesting location to explore. It is a UNESCO site and houses a historic ruined city you can walk through.

 

 

Where to Stay
While in Riyadh, Novotel Al Anoud is a great hotel to stay in downtown. It’s not too far from the Kingdom Towers and is central to the city’s key highlight spots.

 

 

Jeddah – The Next Red Sea Destination On Your Bucket List
If Riyadh is for the fast traveller, Jeddah is for the laid back traveller who wants to stay in, relax and explore at their own pace. Jeddah offers stunning views of the Red Sea, a bustling cafe culture, street food, art district as well as the UNESCO area – Al Balad.

 

Mecca gate is worth a visit, it showcases the gate which led to Mecca initially however it’s not operational anymore. Mecca as a city is only accessible to Muslims, non muslims can visit this gate however they cannot enter Mecca. If they go to Mecca, they can be jailed and deported. Medina, the ancient burial site of Prophet Muhammed is open to non muslims however only till the courtyard. Tourists should maintain caution and follow religious protocols since Saudi is quite strict about religious practices since it’s the center of the Islamic world.

 

Patchi cafe is a must explore spot in Jeddah because very few countries have Patchi Cafe, housing a variety of chocolates from the legendary Lebanese chocolate maker. Jeddah is also quite popular for shopping since it is home to various multi story stores dedicated to individual brands.

 

The F1 circuit is also located in Jeddah, not too far from the Corniche. Various travelers visit the yacht club and the floating mosque since these are located in the same area.

 

 

Where to Stay
While in Jeddah, you can pick a relaxed city hotel like Swissotel Living Jeddah. With an infinity pool, three restaurants and a shopping center nearby, you can explore Jeddah the luxurious way.

 

 

AlUla – A Magical Oasis In The Desert
As soon as you enter AlUla, you will observe the change in landscapes with the rock formations that become apparent. AlUla is a paradoxical place, there isn’t a specific highlight to see but there’s a lot to explore even in the rock formations.

 

Some rocks are shaped like elephants, others like alligator mouths, open vessels and Simpsons heads. AlUla is a place filled with wonder because the rock formations are what you imagine them to be. The Hegra tour during sunrise is a key highlight of the destination. It was built by the Nabateans who built Petra, a wonder of the world. Hegra actually stretches all the way to Hegra and was an ancient burial site for the Nabatean empire. It’s an interesting, well preserved UNESCO world heritage site worth exploring.

 

Not too far is Dadan, where the infamous lion shaped tombs are located. AlUla old town showcases some of the most unique handicrafts, textiles and pots from Saudi Arabia. It’s a bustling street market to walk through during evenings.

 

AlUla also has a hot air balloon ride which is quite popular during sunrise. For stargazing, Jabal Ikmah located an hour away is an ideal spot. While going to AlUla, ensure you have a 4X4 wheel drive so you can

 

off-road in the desert easily. There are many off-roading routes built for enthusiasts.

 

 

Where To Stay
While in AlUla, Shaden Resort is an ideal haven to stay at. It’s located in the middle of Rock formations and overlooks stunning views. The property also plans an evening movie in the desert with a well planned set up amidst the rocks. With buffet meals, all inclusive packages and a unique rock bar, there isn’t a dull moment at the property.

 

Habitas AlUla houses Tama, an outdoor restaurant with a live DJ playing a set during lunch hours. They have great food and a Latin American vibe that one cannot miss. It’s a party in the middle of the desert and feels almost like attending an otherworldly music festival.

 

 

Nutshell tips
Self driving is not recommended in Saudi Arabia because the rules are strict and there are significant fines if you break the rules. Travelers should dress modestly because Saudi Arabia is sensitive to tradition and culture. The people are warm and helpful and most of them speak in English so it’s easy to communicate. A 10 day trip is ideal to the destination spreading 3 days across each city.

 

For more information visit www.visitsaudi.com