Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Riyadh, Ar Riyāḑ, Saudi Arabia
1. AlUla
An ancient city with stunning landscapes and historical sites, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
- Historical Landmarks: Includes Hegra, the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Nature and Wildlife: Home to diverse flora and fauna in the Empty Quarter desert.
- Cultural Events: Known for art installations, concerts, and festivals like AlUla International Balloon Festival.
2. Jeddah
A vibrant coastal city with a rich cultural heritage and modern attractions.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful Red Sea beaches like Al-Shatea.
- Historical Sites: Includes the UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Balad, and the Floating Mosque.
- Modern Attractions: Home to Mall of Saudi, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
3. Abha
A mountainous city known for its cool climate and scenic beauty.
- Nature and Scenery: Famous for its beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and verdant valleys.
- Activities: Offers hiking, picnicking, and paragliding opportunities.
- Sulaymaniyah Dam: Visit the iconic dam, one of the highest in the world.
4. Buraydah
A city rich in history and Islamic architecture, with a unique desert landscape.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Prophet's Mosque and Umm Al-Qura University.
- Desert Landscape: Features the beautiful Al-Ghawar desert, home to vast oil fields.
- Activities: Offers camel racing, falconry, and traditional Saudi entertainment.
5. Tabuk
A city with ancient history, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Al-Khaybar archaeological site and the Elephant's Rock.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful Red Sea beaches like Tabuk Corniche.
- Nature and Scenery: Features the stunning Wadi Disah canyon and the Ain Heet hot springs.
6. Dammam
A modern city with beautiful beaches, shopping malls, and cultural attractions.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful beaches like Al-Shatea and King Fahd Causeway.
- Shopping Malls: Home to Mall of Dhahran, one of the largest shopping malls in Saudi Arabia.
- Cultural Attractions: Includes the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Museum.
7. Qassim
A region rich in history and culture, with beautiful landscapes and traditional markets.
- Historical Sites: Includes the historic city of Buraidah and the archaeological site of Al-Kharj.
- Markets: Features traditional markets like Souq Al-Jadi and Souq Al-Ghurair.
- Activities: Offers camel racing, falconry, and horse riding opportunities.
8. Hafar Al-Batin
A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful Red Sea beaches like Al-Ghawar Beach.
- Coral Reefs: Offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Al-Ahsa Fort and the Umm an-Nar archaeological site.
9. Al-Madinah
A holy city with significant Islamic history and spiritual significance.
- Religious Sites: Includes the Prophet's Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam.
- History and Culture: Features the Mount Uhud and the Quba Mosque.
- Activities: Offers educational programs, spiritual retreats, and guided tours.
10. Jizan
A coastal city with beautiful beaches, a vibrant market, and cultural attractions.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful Red Sea beaches like Jizan Corniche.
- Markets: Features the bustling Al-Madina Souq and traditional coffee shops.
- Cultural Attractions: Includes the Jizan Museum of Heritage & Archaeology.
11. Taif
A mountainous city known for its cool climate, beautiful gardens, and historic sites.
- Nature and Scenery: Features the stunning Shubra Springs and the Al-Ras area.
- Gardens: Includes the beautiful Rose Garden and the Taif Date Palace.
- Historical Sites: Includes the historic Al-Fahud Fortress and the Emir's Palace.
12. Al-Khobar
A modern city with beautiful beaches, shopping malls, and cultural attractions.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful beaches like Al-Shatea and King Fahd Causeway.
- Shopping Malls: Home to the popular Panorama Mall and the Avenues.
- Cultural Attractions: Includes the Saudi-Japanese Garden and the Saad Al-Abdali Palace Museum.
13. Al-Qassim Oasis
A picturesque oasis with a rich history, beautiful palm groves, and traditional markets.
- Nature and Scenery: Features stunning palm groves and the Al-Rass area.
- Markets: Includes the traditional Al-Jadi and Al-Ghurair Souqs.
- Activities: Offers camel racing, falconry, and horse riding opportunities.
14. Al-Ahsa
A beautiful coastal city with stunning beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful Red Sea beaches like Al-Ghawar Beach.
- Coral Reefs: Offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Al-Ahsa Fort and the Umm an-Nar archaeological site.
15. Al-Turaif District
A historic district in Diriyah showcasing traditional Saudi architecture and culture.
- History and Culture: Includes the At-Turais castle, the Salwa palace, and the Naman and Qasim gates.
- Activities: Offers guided tours, educational programs, and traditional Saudi entertainment.
- Nature and Scenery: Features the beautiful oasis of Wadi Hanifa.