It’s officially that time of year again to plan a summer adventure, and what better way to shake things up than a weekend getaway in Saudi – the most exciting and underrated summer escape.
Saudi has the best of all worlds with a diverse selection of destinations – escape the heat in its cool, green mountainous regions or spend leisurely days in the sunshine at new, luxury Red Sea resorts.
There are plenty of reasons to pack your bags, book your flights and create some unforgettable memories. Here are four compelling reasons why a weekend in Saudi is a must this summer…
Cool off in Saudi’s breezy, green mountainous regions
Escape the summer heat and retreat to cooler climates in the highland regions of Aseer and Taif – the perfect backdrop for a refreshing weekend away from the city hustle and bustle.
Aseer is a hidden gem known for its breezy temperature, averaging 24°C during summer, and mountain adventures. Explore the luscious greenery at Al-Soudah Park or take the Al-Soudah cable car, one of the highest cable cars in the world, for stunning views. Enjoy outdoor activities from donut boats and kayaking to hiking through the forest trails. Experience local culture with an authentic live cooking experience or enjoy a fresh organic lunch at an old Aseeri farm. Famous Emirati blogger Latifa Alshamsi recently visited Saudi’s very own Cowboy Town in Abha, Aseer’s capital, and took pictures amongst the town’s stunning bright purple jacaranda trees – retrace her steps on an Abha City tour.
Taif, “the city of roses,” is equally cool year-round, located on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains 1,700m above sea level. Discover Taif’s history at the Al-Shareef Museum. Tuck into a local breakfast before learning about Taif’s famous bees and their honey on a Honeycomb Apiaries Trip. Visit Rose Factory Alhada to see how petals are turned into prized rose water and oil. Wander a local Strawberry Farm to pick the freshest, juiciest strawberries and feed local wildlife. Explore the bazaars such as Souq Al Thulatha (Tuesday Market) for local crafts and textiles, fresh produce, aromatic herbs and dates. For dining, Yaz Café and Lounge offers local cuisine with a view, or try Mirage Restaurant for a blend of international and Saudi flavors – also a scenic spot.
Unwind in Saudi’s picture-perfect Red Sea resorts
The Red Sea, a 28,000 square kilometer paradise along the west coast of Saudi, is home to new luxury resorts, pristine beaches, sweeping desert dunes and natural wonders including one of the world’s few thriving reefs, dormant volcanoes, ancient heritage sites and mountain canyons.
The crystal-clear waters are packed with sea life including hawksbill turtles, dolphins and 280 species of fish, and it’s one of best diving spots in the world – adventure to sunken ships with cargoes offering insights into the past and underwater archaeological sites.
The Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East and seventh in the world, have started welcoming guests.
Check into the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, where you can spend a full day at sea with a range of activities including a private boat tour, kayaking, an outer reef snorkeling excursion or the bubble maker scuba diving course specially designed for children. For a perfect end to the weekend, spend your final day enjoying sunrise and sunset yoga and indulge in the signature spa to return home fully refreshed.
At the Six Senses Southern Dunes, unwind in its state of the art cinema under the stars, learn new regional recipes at the cooking school, embark on a nature walk or a leisurely e-biking experience.
And guests at Numuja can unwind under starry night skies from the comfort of their secluded villas through telescopes positioned on each deck.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly experience, go to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and discover resorts like Views Hotel & Residences and Bay La Sun Hotel. Here, there are diverse water sports and recreational activities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and head to the Art District with amazing graffiti, 3D, caricature and more by talented local artists. It’s the perfect place for traveling with family – spend your evening at Juman Karting or on a horse riding adventure to get your adrenalin pumping before a marina canal tour and night of food and fun at one of KAEC’s many restaurants. This blend of relaxation and adventure makes it an ideal weekend getaway.
Snap up budget-friendly offers and take advantage of unbeatable accessibility
Whether you’re looking for a luxury beach holiday or an affordable weekend exploring culture and cuisine, Saudi is ready for you with flexible visa options and a huge selection of budget-friendly summer deals.
Truly, it has never been easier to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries and special administrative regions, and the GCC residents visa and free 96-hour Stopover Visa. UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, as well as residents of the UK, US, or European Union countries, are eligible for the instant eVisa. Find out what type of visa you need here.
This summer, Saudi has more than 150 special offers including deals from hotels and airlines and special incentives to experience the Aseer Season and Jeddah Season like tax-free shopping, plus many new and exciting experiences such as private beaches for tourists and ladies’ beaches. Learn more here on the Visit Saudi website.
Don’t forget, until 30 May when booking on Saudia Airlines, you can snap up the ‘Fly your kids for free’ promotion! It’s running across five prime locations – Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Taif, and Al Baha. (Capped at three children per adult booking when booking a minimum 4-night stay at participating hotels.)
Experience a uniquely vibrant society, where innovation meets the ancient
Saudi is undergoing a huge transformation, and rapidly becoming a family entertainment hub with Riyadh front and centre of this. The Saudi capital just hosted the world’s most happening winter and now its Summer season has unique events such as the first ever e-Sports World Cup with the largest prize pool in esports history where you can watch the best gamers in the world in action. And don’t forget Via Riyadh – Riyadh’s ultimate luxury destination full of exclusive brands, worldly restaurants and unique cinema experiences.
For the culture and heritage enthusiasts, Saudi is home to no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage sites including Diriyah, the 300-year-old mudbrick town – there you can book a tour of At-Turaif or dine at Bujairi Terrace where the food is as memorable as the view. In Jeddah, tour Al Balad, the UNESCO protected Old Town, to discover vibrant marketplaces and narrow alleyways lined with traditional coral-stone houses. Try authentic Hijazi cuisine on a walking food tour and make authentic Saudi accessories as a special keepsake. And for true Saudi hospitality, visit The Saudi Hijazi Home to experience everything from Saudi coffee and hibiscus juice to Hijazi sweets and Arabic music.
Also, Visit Saudi has partnered with Anghami, the largest music-sharing app in the MENA region, to curate four exclusive summer playlists as part of Saudi’s Summer Program. The Red Sea Beach Vibes, Mountain Disconnect, AlUla Wellness, and City Summer Weekends playlists capture the essence of Saudi’s summer destinations to enhance your weekend getaways and trips to disconnect in Saudi. Discover the perfect soundtrack for your summer by searching “Saudi Summer Sounds” on Anghami.
