Saudi Arabia is a desirable vacation spot since it provides visitors with a wide range of activities. There are many activities and best things to do in Saudi Arabia, from scuba diving in the Red Sea to camping in the Arabian desert. Tourists in Saudi Arabia benefit spiritually as well as physically from the popular activities there.

Additionally, the nation is one of the most revered holy sites in the world and is well-known for the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Here are the top activities in Saudi Arabia for those who are unsure of what to do there:

Top 9 Things to Do in Saudi Arabia

  1. Hajj and Umrah

    Most Muslim households plan an annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia because Makkah is home to one of the most revered mosques, Masjid Al haram, one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. Millions of people love this pilgrimage and plan it each year for spiritual and religious reasons.

    Muslims consider the Hajj to be a required religious obligation and regard it as belonging to the fifth pillar of Islam. Umrah is a brief, yearly trip to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, with the best things to do in Saudi Arabia for a believer. Because millions frequently attend the Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia is one of the most traveled nations in the world.

  2. Desert Adventure Sports 

    Simply tearing over the wide-open sands of the Saudi Arabian deserts while dune bashing and 44 off-roading is an exhilarating experience and one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. Tourists can just get on a four-wheeler and have an exciting journey over the arid desert.

    The greatest way to enjoy a holiday in the nation is to wake up to a cup of fine Arabian coffee after engaging in dune-bashing and sandboarding. Trekking is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia's deserts. Al Nafud Desert, Empty Quarters, and Al Qarah Mountain are the best spots where you can engage in desert activities.

  3. Camel Safaris

    Camel safaris are one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia for tourists from the Middle East. It is the best way for people to enjoy the unpretentious charm of the kingdom. There are several opportunities to ride camels in Saudi Arabia. You can ride a camel to visit some sites and landmarks.

    In some well-known tourist destinations, camel racing competitions are also arranged for the enjoyment of visitors. So, it’s a royal safari you shouldn’t miss in your life. Empty Quarters and the Al Nafud Desert are locations where camel safaris are offered. The King Abdul-Aziz Camel Festival held in Riyadh and the Crown Prince Camel Festival held in Taif are the major events.

  4. Water Sports

    The Red Sea and Persian Gulf coasts are shared by Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers a lot of options for water sports to visitors because it is a seaside nation. The kingdom is a safe and appropriate place to engage in pastimes like fishing and swimming.

    Visitors can hire a jet ski and explore the kingdom's coastline while riding a water bike. You can also enjoy volleyball, as it is one of the most popular tourist activities. The Red Sea and Persian Gulf's stunning natural beauties can also be explored by tourists through snorkeling, scuba diving, and excursions, making them one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. Water adventure destinations include Al Wajh, Jeddah, Khobar, and Dammam.

  5. Trekking

    The KSA is home to many different stunning landscapes, including towering mountain ranges. Tourists can go trekking and mountain climbing in the region between Al Kharj and Riyadh. The region is a popular high-desert destination for tourists. People like to stroll around the beautiful mountain landscape with its modern geological formations.

    Since the climb is both peaceful and blissful, climbers frequently put themselves to the test to reach the summit. Do you know? Trekking and mountain climbing with family and friends will be a lot of fun. Excellent hiking paths can be found in Al Hada and Al Soudah.

  6. Arabian Camping

    Saudi Arabia is the ideal location to attempt desert camping because of the wide mountains and desert that straddle the country's several regions. Other activities that are part of the camping moments include sandboarding, dance nights, safaris, and camel rides.

    The starry night sky and the glaring lights of the adjacent campfires enhance the total experience. One of the nicest things to do while visiting this nation is go camping. It also draws you to the magical atmosphere of the Arabian desert, one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. Al Hada, Al Souda, and Al Nafud Desert are locations where camps might be held in Saudi Arabia.

  7. Attractive Landmarks

    Visitors to Saudi Arabia can check out many sites of important cultural and historical significance. Hegra and Al Balad are two of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the nation is home to various naturally occurring landmarks, like Edge of the World and Jabal Al Fil, commonly known as the Elephant Rock.

    Many castles and forts have stood the test of time, including Aarif Castle and Tarout Castle. Visitors can also explore man-made wonders including Al Faisaliyah Centre, Kingdom Center Tower, and a variety of other shopping malls and office buildings.

  8. Exciting Shopping

    There are numerous historic souks and markets in the KSA that sell customary Arabian goods. These markets are where tourists can purchase Arabian rugs, camel soaps, OUD perfumes, Zamzam water, Dallah, etc.

    These markets offer a unique experience during your shopping moments. Tourists can taste some of the best Arabian foods while exploring these souqs' lanes. The top attractions in Saudi Arabia include souks in Al Balad, Makkah, Taif, and Madinah.

  9. Festivals in the Nation

    The King Abdulaziz Festival of Falconry is held annually by Saudi Arabia's monarchy. Participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the kingdom take part in one of the traditional modern festivities of this area. Through a variety of events that contribute to the cultural vibrancy, the Souk Okaz Festival preserves Saudi Arabia's heritage.

    At several festivals held across the nation, tourists can also take in the pop celebration. While the Riyadh Spring Festival offers the chance to see flowers grown both domestically and abroad. The top festivals include the Riyadh Spring Festival, the Souk Okaz Festival, and the Janadriyah National Festival.

What You Shouldn't Do in Saudi Arabia

Stunning landscapes and numerous beautiful tourist spots can be found throughout the kingdom. However, there are some guidelines and rules that visitors to this stunning realm must abide by. The wisest course of action is to stay out of issues and watch out that one doesn't insult the locals in any way that might harm their feelings. Things to avoid performing in Saudi Arabia include:

Do not violate the law: It is illegal to publicly criticize the government; therefore, you must be careful not to say anything bad about the king, the Saudi Arabian flag, or the royal family.

Be cautious when taking images: Tourists should avoid taking photos of any military installations since they pose a serious threat to national security. Additionally, before taking photos of the locals, one must be sure to ensure their consent.

On Valentine's Day, avoid wearing red: Because it is not a part of Islamic celebrations, Saudi Arabia discourages this time of amorous celebration. During this time of year, the government restricts florists and gift shops from selling anything in the color red. 

Always carry an identity card or other proof with you: Saudi Arabian officials have the right to seek your passport and ID at any moment, so you should always have documentation on you to prevent issues or confusion.

Avoid bringing in forbidden items: Visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should abstain from bringing in prohibited items like pornography, alcohol, pork, and narcotic products.

Do you know? There are many activities offered in Saudi Arabia, making it a great destination for travelers. The most popular activities in Saudi Arabia are riding camels, camping, sandboarding, and clebrating festivals.