Traveling in Saudi Arabia

Photos by Qairawan

DESTINATION  X  QAIRAWAN
Photos by Qairawan

Saudi Arabia, the fifth largest country in the continent of Asia, is a land of wonders that not many have ventured to discover. As travelers, we get a kick out of discovering places, from big cities with breathtaking skyscrapers to places that are raw and full of wilderness. We search relentlessly for those unique experiences all around us and beyond, and Saudi Arabia never ceases to fail us when it comes to that.

Traveling around Saudi Arabia is an exceptional experience because you are always on a new path. Starting with a big city, between the tall buildings and busy streets, you will find the old parts of the city that represent the heart of Saudi culture with its old and historical structures. We tend to overlook these simple, beautiful things in our everyday life that speak about Saudi’s history and cultural significance. Getting out of the city to detach from all that is modern and get some peace of mind in the tranquility of nature isn’t hard, and can be a short distance away.

A massive area of black dunes from volcanic materials; East of Umluj

As soon as you get on the road, the landscape and scenery changes. Mountains and hills start to appear and in between them rises into view small villages with as little as ten houses huddled together, creating a scene of a simpler life that you don’t get to see every day. Passing through the villages and out, an expanse of wilderness awaits to be discovered. Going into the wilderness can be challenging – not all the roads lead to your destination. You might find yourself making your own path into the desert to reach a place like no other in the world. This lack of services and directions along the way make this experience beautiful, an opportunity to explore and make the whole journey an experience rather than just the destination.

Wadi Al Disah; Tabuk Region (Photo Credits: Houssam Saba)

In traveling to new places, you are bound to get lost, but that is not a bad thing! You might end up experiencing the hospitality rooted deep in the Arab culture.

Georgios Shipwreck: Haql, Tabuk Region (Photo Credits: Houssam Saba)

There isn’t a wrong destination when you are traveling the roads of Saudi Arabia, because every turn is a destination.

It might be scary at first, but traveling responsibly and with a group (like us!) can make your exploration of the Kingdom an authentic and ultimately enjoyable experience.

Catalina Seaplane from the 1930s; Ras Al Sheikh Hamid, Tabuk Region (Photo Credits: Houssam Saba)