The wonders of Saudi Arabia are too abundant to simply fly over. There are many different ways to explore the vast amazement that the Kingdom encompasses. If you wish to discover the beauty of Saudi Arabia, its hidden gems and its natural landmarks, then you have to get up close and personal with the Kingdom.
There are both Saudis and international tourists who have maneuvered themselves through the Kingdom’s landscapes to truly uncover the Kingdom. We can uncover the different ways of exploring Saudi Arabia by looking at their stories:
Motorcycling:
During the global pandemic in 2020, Alhasan Dabbagh found that the solitude of isolation didn’t necessarily have to be indoors. Instead, he hopped on his motorcycle and rode around the Kingdom, where he covered all corners of the Kingdom while documenting his travels to his social media followers. From Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Nature Reserve to Mount Shamanseer, two hours north of Jeddah, Alhasan’s adventures show us that feeling the adrenaline rush of a motorcycle, while experiencing the wonders of the Kingdom is an experience worth remembering for a lifetime.
Tips on Motorcycling Around the Kingdom:
- Protect yourself and always wear a helmet
- Make sure you have equipment for different weather conditions, since the climate in Saudi Arabia can vary widely depending on the region
- Make sure you know where the nearest gas station is and fill up constantly
Driving:
Alice Morrison is a Scottish journalist for the Independent and adventurer with a fascination for Arabic culture. This fascination led her to make the bold decision to travel to Riyadh, rent a car and simply drive westward; her reasoning: “Because I can”.
Morrison’s journey encompassed 3,215km, and took her to Taif, Jeddah, and Wadi Disah before looping back to return to Riyadh. Throughout her journey, she was able to document her experiences of the people she met, the sites she beheld like Historic Jeddah and the Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve.
Tips for Driving Around the Kingdom:
- Get enough rest, it is dangerous to drive long distances while tired
- Make sure you know where the nearest gas stations and rest stops are is and fill up constantly
- Have a clear travel itinerary, and map out your journey carefully
- Use the right vehicle, don’t drive in a car that can’t handle the topography or long distance driving
Cycling:
As part of fulfilling their childhood dream of traveling the world, environmentalist couple Tilmann and Julia Schollnhammer took a 9 month cycling expedition to see the world. As staunch environmentalists, they refused to use any airplanes, trains, or cars. Instead, they relied on their bicycles and occasional ferries. Their journey took them around Europe and Western Asia, before crossing the border from the UAE to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Throughout their cycling journey, Tilmann and Julia camped in the deserts, slept in rest stops, and cycled through the Saudi highways to discover the wonders of the Kingdom. Surprisingly, their biggest obstacle was in Riyadh, where they encountered a torrent of heavy rain that impeded their journey, until they reached their host’s home in the city.
Tips for Cycling Around the Kingdom:
- Don’t travel alone, always have a partner to travel with for safety
- Stay hydrated and get ample rest
- Find the proper roads to travel on
- Map out your journey with care
