Top 7 Natural landscapes in KSA that’ll Leave You in Awe

Top 7 God gifted Natural landscapes in Saudi Arabia

“What’s there to visit Saudi Arabia? There’s just desert.”

You might have heard this question quite a lot and thought to yourself, is it really true?

Well, It’s not!

The truth is, nature has blessed Saudi Arabia with unique natural landscapes, mountains, deserts, and sunny beaches.

Here’s a list of the top 7 natural landscapes in Saudi Arabia that you should visit.

Edge of the World

A natural wall that stands tall on the outskirts of Riyadh is a geological wonder that attracts many tourists throughout the year.

From the top of the cliff, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the horizon, hence the name!

Standing at the top you’ll notice desert in the distance, a few farms, and camels moving far below.  

The site is famous for off-roading and hiking.  It’s recommended to go in an SUV and stay attentive to the potholes and rocks on the way.

Edge of the world.

Half Moon Bay 

Located in the Al-Khobar city, half-moon bay on the Persian Gulf is the perfect spot for a nice sunny day.

The beach is a popular recreation spot for families. It has palm trees, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a play area for kids.

Relax on the white sand or take a dip in the sea. You can also go scuba diving in the Persian Gulf. 

Half moon beach
Half-moon beach

Red Sand Dunes

1 hour away from the hustle-bustle of the city, red sand dunes are a peaceful spot. 

The red sand of the desert invites you to enjoy the winter evenings. You can rent motorbikes and enjoy the desert safari.

Red Sand Dunes is also famous by the name ‘the hidden valley’. As mountains and cliffs hide it from the city.

Red sand dunes
Red sand dunes

Jabal Qara

The Jabal Qara caves are located a few kilometers away from the main city of Hofuf.

The mountains in which the caves are located stand 75 meters high, with a flow of air inside. No matter how hot the weather may be outside, the inside of the caves remains cold.

These natural caves have a highly distinctive shape as they were formed by subaerial weathering rather than dissolution.

These caves are also associated with the popular folk tale in Arabian nights- Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

Jabal Qara caves
Jabal Qara caves

The Farasan Islands

The Farasan Islands in Jizan is a spot that you should visit. It’ll be a refreshing and serene tour that you’ll rejoice in all your life.

It’s the archipelago of 84 islands located about 50 km offshore Jizan in the Red Sea. Ferries and local small boats are used on this route to carry tourists.

The crystal-clear Azure water is rich in underwater wildlife and carols reefs.

The mangrove forests, Ottoman fort, Beit Refai, and Qassar heritage Village are few other places to visit on Farasan islands beside beaches. Most of these places are located on the main Farasan island, but you can take a tour of other smaller islands as well. 

benches at the beach
benches at the beach

Elephant Rock

In the middle of Al-Ula plains, there stands a cliff that is as tall as a three-story building. The cliff has a unique shape of the body of an elephant and a slimmer trunk.

This site is becoming the latest tourist attraction. 

If you look around in the plains you’ll notice that elephant rock isn’t the only rock that’ll leave you with invoke your imagination!

Elephant rock
Elephant rock

Al-Ahsa Oasis

60km inland from the coast of the Persian Gulf, Al-Ahsa is the largest self-contained oasis in the world. 

The oasis is home to over 2.5 million date palms. In 2018, this place became a World Heritage site.

In the Oasis there are gardens, canals, springs, wells, drainage lakes, as well as historical buildings and archeological sites.

Al-Ahsa Oasis.
Al-Ahsa Oasis

Take a tour of these places and stay updated with Hala Yalla. Download the app to book a tour of natural landscapes and other places you like.

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Places to Visit After the Lockdown is over

Celebrate freedom after lockdown at these places

In the lockdown, what else are we doing than hope for a better future? Daydreaming the time when this all will be over and we’ll be free to roam in the places we like.

Here is a list of some beautiful places in Saudi Arabia that we can visit after months of lockdown.

Edge of the world

Ever wondered what the edge of the world would look like? Go see yourself after the lockdown is over. Edge of the world in Riyadh awaits your arrival. 

It’s a natural wall that stands tall outside Riyadh. It’s a geological wonder that attracts many tourists and locals.

The site is famous for off-roading and hiking. When you reach the top of the cliff, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the horizon, hence the name!

From atop you’ll notice desert in the distance, a few farms, and camels moving far below.

It’s recommended to go in an SUV and stay attentive to the potholes and rocks on the way.

Two men standing at the edge of the world.
Two men standing at the edge of the world

Red Sand Dunes

Red Sand Dunes is located 1 hour away from the hustle-bustle of the city. On the outskirts of Riyadh, this beautiful land will give you a chance to breathe in the fresh air that you missed during the lockdown.

The red sand of the desert invites you to enjoy the early summer evenings. You can rent motorbikes and enjoy the desert safari.

The area is hidden by high mountains, which gives it its other name ‘ the Hidden Valley’.

Red sand dunes.
Red Sand Dunes

Heritage Village in Ashikar

If you want to take a look at the cultural and traditional heritage of Saudi Arabia, then Ashikar has a lot to offer.

Ashikar is a historical, cultural village located 200 km northwest of the Saudi capital. The old mud buildings are the biggest attraction for the locals and the tourists. There are restaurants that serve traditional delicious food in a cultural ambiance.

This village is turning into one of the Kingdom’s most treasured architectural gems. It’s becoming popular with tourists and locals alike.

Aerial view of the village
Aerial view of the village

Ad- Diriyah

Diriyah is an ancient city that happens to be the origin of the Saudi royal family. It also served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818.

The ruins of the historic city lay on the outskirts of Riyadh and consist mostly of mud-brick structures that overlook the new city of Turaif. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. 

Visit historical Ad- Diriyah to learn about the historical heritage and architecture of the Kingdom.

Mud building in Ad Diriyah
Mud buildings surround Ad Diriyah

Doos karting

Doos Karting is the first indoor karting where drivers share their passion for karting. You deserve his treat of addictive fun after weeks of boredom.

Once the lockdown is over, rush to Doos Karting to make new records!

Cars in doos karting
Cars in doos karting

You can book a time slot of your choice through the Hala Yalla app. 

Visit these places yourself or join a group with travel guides through the Hala Yalla app. Download the app to get exciting discounts and deals on Android or iOS