Why Saudi Arabia is the Ultimate Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Whether it's stargazing, rock climbing, scuba diving, or hiking, adventure awaits around every corner in Saudi Arabia. Even within its cities, there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. The country offers a surprising range of outdoor activities that are easily accessible from urban areas or can be part of extended itineraries. As international interest grows, especially with the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030, here are some travel inspiration ideas focused on the vibrant hubs of Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah, designed to help travelers explore deeper and experience more.

Explore the Edge of the World

For novice trekkers looking for the perfect mix of urban and rural experiences, Jebel Fihrayn, commonly known as the Edge of the World, is conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Riyadh. Part of the Tuwaiq Escarpment, a 500-mile-long cliff that stretches across the center of the country, this stunning rock formation offers breathtaking views over a 1,000-year-old ocean bed. Tour options vary from off-road adventures to the bluff for a sunset selfie to packages that include hikes and overnight camping.

For those intrigued by natural history, there's an opportunity to descend to the lower plateau and explore the ancient seabed, where fossils over 160 million years old can be found along historical caravan routes that are still in use today. The site is mostly free of signs or developed infrastructure, so visitors will appreciate the services offered by operators like Alboraq, which provides knowledgeable English-speaking guides and 4x4 transportation.

Experience stargazing in the desert

Literary adventurers will find the northern region of Saudi captivating, where the red deserts have remained largely untouched since the days of Arabian Nights, inspiring countless tales. Beginning in the renowned city of Hail, known for its UNESCO-listed petroglyphs, tours to Al Nafūd provide an immersive experience in this magical landscape, allowing guests to camp beneath a stunning starry sky. As one of the largest undeveloped expanses in the Arabian Desert, Al Nafūd offers exceptionally clear skies, making it one of the prime spots for stargazing in Saudi. Its unique landscape is perfect for activities like sand surfing and dune ing, where thrill-seekers can race up the hilly dunes in a buggy or SUV.

To fully explore this remote area, collaborate with the specialists at Sana Tourism and Go Zahid to craft a personalized itinerary. Local expertise is crucial here, as the constantly shifting dunes can easily endanger even the simplest campsites without proper planning.

Try abseiling or rock climbing in AlUla

A favored spot for stargazing, the ancient site of AlUla boasts a history stretching back around 200,000 years. Since opening to international tourists in 2019, it has quickly become one of Saudi's most rapidly developing destinations, partly due to the influx of chic hotels nestled within its verdant oasis.

In the neighboring desert, eons of erosion have transformed the landscape into a Martian-like wonderland, where the elements have sculpted natural handholds for climbers. Shamal Adventures offers multi-day itineraries throughout the area, featuring opportunities to traverse suspended bridges, ascend sheer cliff faces via their Via Ferrata, marvel at the anthropomorphic form of Elephant Rock, or explore the well-preserved Nabataean tombs at nearby Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Experience scuba diving in Jeddah

As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Al Madinah, Jeddah serves as a convenient hub for travelers. Its prime location along the Red Sea makes it particularly attractive for scuba-certified divers seeking a unique diving adventure.

The Red Sea’s warm temperatures, high salinity, and rich biodiversity are compelling reasons to dive here—of the 1,200 fish species found in these waters, 20 percent are endemic. In Jeddah, visitors can swim alongside sharks at Sharm Obhur marinas or explore a Greek shipwreck near Abu Tair Island. Dive tours can also take you to the extensive 25-mile coral reef of Abu Faramish, located two hours north of the city. For local insights and cruise reservations, reach out to Palms Land or First Travel Company.

Embark on a hike in Moon Valley

Just an hour's drive from Jeddah, Moon Valley is a favored getaway from the urban hustle. With its lunar-like rock formations and clear skies, it's an ideal hiking destination, offering a variety of activities for a multi-day stay, such as campfire barbecues, yoga sessions, quad biking, and ascents to the summit of Moon Mountain, among others.

The optimal time to visit Moon Valley is during winter or spring when the weather is milder. For more details, check out Saudi International Travel Company. You can arrange fully customizable tour options through Tetrapylon.