Secrets of Saudi Arabia

Tasnia Mozammel
Nov 13, 2022
5 min read

Updated: Nov 23, 2022

Saudi Arabia, rapidly expanding in international tourism, is an unparalleled must-visit destination. The Kingdom-nation brims with hidden treasures, dramatic landscapes, and extensive culture from the intriguing enigma of AlUla to the metropolitan capital of Riyadh. This post features my six-day itinerary travelling through the vast and captivating land - exploring Riyadh, Medina, AlUla, and the sacred grounds of Mecca.

As many borders are now loosening COVID-19 or Coronavirus restrictions and are re-opening for tourism, many people are finding themselves boarding flights after spending nearly two years fearful of travel. My family and I travelled to the seemingly unchartered and captivating land of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has come a long way and is now a prime player in the global tourism market, while simultaneously maintaining its spiritual home of Islam and continuing to draw millions of Muslims each year. We received our tourism eVisa in seconds and were set to go on a spontaneous journey!

The Route

My itinerary comprised journeying via road and air. We first drove 5 hours from Bahrain to Riyadh via the King Fahd Causeway, a 25-kilometre series of bridges extending over the Arabian Gulf linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

We spent a night in Riyadh and then flew 1hr 35min to Medina via Flynas. From Medina, we took a day trip to AlUla which was 4 hrs by road each way, and a total of 8 hrs. We left Medina at 7 am and returned to Medina at 11 pm from AlUla. The next day, we drove from Medina to Mecca to perform Umrah and see the holy land which took about 4-5 hrs. From Mecca, we drove to Jeddah Airport (the nearest airport) and flew 1hr 40min back to Riyadh via Flynas. Finally, we returned to Bahrain via road.

Riyadh

Located on a desert plateau, Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital and central financial hub. The thriving city is currently under mass development, with a number of ambitious mega-projects brought forth by the Royal Commission including urban forestations, King Salman Park, Riyadh Arts, Sports Boulevard, and King Abdulaziz Public Transport. In a few years' time, Riyadh city is expected to become the next futuristic global destination!

1. Sky Bridge in Kingdom Centre

Kingdom Centre, located in Riyadh's business district, is the central landmark embracing an unrivalled curved Sky Bridge connecting two towers that stand 302 meters high, exhibiting an urban panorama of the whole city.

2. The Boulevard Riyadh

The Boulevard Riyadh City is a must-visit attraction! Similar to Global Village in Dubai or CNE in Toronto, the Boulevard is set in a large zone consisting of subareas that feature shops, restaurants, futuristic entertainment districts, rides, and events that cater to all visitors.

The streets are lined with brilliant sites filled with lights, music, and energy that cannot be captured by a mere camera lens. A remarkable attraction. [Note: women still dress modestly but head coverings are no longer mandatory].

Medina

Medina is one of the two holiest cities in Saudi Arabia, located in the western region and known for its prime Islamic site, Al Masjid an-Nawabi or the "Prophet's Mosque." Travelling to Medina, the enlightened city remains a lifelong aspiration for many Muslims due to the city's influence on Prophet Muhammad's life according to Islamic history. We stayed in Medina for two nights and three days and took a day trip from Medina to AlUla. Alternatively, non-Muslims can travel straight to AlUla and experience the Arabian oasis.

Al-Masjid an-Nawabi

Al-Masjid an-Nawabi, centred in Medina, is a significant site to Muslims as it is home to the tombs of Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic leaders including Abu Bakr and Umar. The Masjid is recognized by its striking Green Dome that shades the burial grounds, making it a key destination for millions of Muslims undergoing Hajj or Umrah.

Experiencing AlUla

Deep in the unchartered Arabian deserts in the northwestern region, AlUla is a fast-growing archaeological city encompassing over 200,000 years of unexplored history and natural formations. Today, AlUla is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site comprising countless historical treasures such as the Nabatean City of Hegra, the tombs of Dadan, and the ancient ruins of AlUla Old Town. The city is also known for its contemporary desert structures that host extraordinary cultural events!

1. Wind through AlUla Old Town

Strolling through AlUla Old Town evokes deep emotion as the narrow valley is lined with nearly 900 original stone houses, 400 shops, and 5 town squares dating back to the 10th Century. The Old Town is currently still under archaeological research and construction, however, is open to visitors as a form of living historical memory.

A Journey through time...

2. Marvel at Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site

Preserved in the desert landscape, Hegra offers historical marvels in a combination of human history and natural formations. The UNESCO site evidences human presence beyond the 1st millennium BCE, however, encompasses remarkable structures indicating the inhabitance of the Nabatean civilization deriving from Petra, Jordan circa the 1st millennium CE.

We took a reimagined Hegra Tour that comprised a comprehensive route covering the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza, Jabal AlBanat, Jabal Ithlib, Handcraft Pavilion, and Jabal AlAhmar.

See the nature, feel the history...

3. Maraya, the Diamond in the Desert

Situated in Ashar Valley, AlUla, Maraya, also known as the largest mirrored building in the world, is a stunning piece of architecture that reflects AlUla's breathtaking landscape. Nearly invisible, the state-of-the-art structure is celebrated as an impeccable ode to the past and hosts spectacular programmes such as thrilling concerts and cultural events.

A mirage rising from the dunes reflecting AlUla's beauty...

To access Maraya, you must have event tickets or alternatively a reservation at Maraya Social, a triple Michelin-starred Elbulli restaurant worth the visit for an exquisite meal! Although the restaurant opens at 6 pm, Maraya can be accessed for a photo-op catching golden hour!

4. Other Destinations in AlUla

It is highly recommended to stay overnight in AlUla for a full mystical experience of the desert oasis. The ancient city offers an intriguing enigma with its vast historical and uncovered mysteries, remarkable natural formations, and thrilling escapades. Further experiences include catching the sunset behind Elephant Rock, visiting Harrat Viewpoint for an archaeological panorama, taking a helicopter ride, meeting the local wildlife, and hitting the oasis trail on horseback! The city also has a number of insta-worthy hotels and open resort options including the Banyan Tree, the Habitas, Caravan, and Sahary that offer immersive glamping experiences in tranquil desert sanctuaries.

Mecca

Mecca or Makkah, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic faith itself, is the holiest city in Saudi Arabia situated in the western region. The city is only open to Muslims and hosts millions from around the globe to perform Umrah and Hajj (the annual pilgrimage), considered to be the ultimate blessing. The opulent complex of Masjid al-Haram or the "Sacred Mosque" surrounds Kaaba, a cubic shrine, towards which observant Muslims orient themselves for prayer.

We stayed at the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel, and were blessed to be able to travel to Mecca to perform Umrah. Beneath the Clock Tower, there is a chain of surrounding hotels such as Hilton and Movenpick, an indoor shopping complex, and a number of conveniently-located restaurants.

GALLERY:

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