There are many reasons why Saudi Arabia is set on its track to become a tourism haven. As part of the Saudi government’s highly ambitious project, Vision 2030, to increase tourism and reduce the country’s dependency on the oil industry, several new attractions are being constructed, and new cities are coming up. Saudi Arabia is a unique experience that is definitely worth visiting for your next vacation.
Here are the top 4 reasons why you should travel to Saudi Arabia for a holiday in 2023.
Out-of-the-world experiences
In its journey to become the next tourist hotspot, Saudi Arabia is always thinking out of the box and coming up with unique attractions you cannot find anywhere else. The futuristic city of NEOM will be one such destination, which is currently under construction. Once actualised, the city will feature the world’s longest skyscraper, The Line running through the desert, coastal and mountain plains. There are many other projects underway, such as the Jeddah Tower in the commercial capital of Jeddah in the Kingdom, which will be the tallest skyscraper in the world. Other than man-made marvels, natural wonders such as the sprawling Al Wahba crater offers a near-otherworldly experience for those who come to climb into the heart of this crater, with an opaque lake at its centre.
Religious haven
Saudi Arabia is home to two of the holiest cities of significance in Islam- Mecca and Medinah. Islam, the second-largest religion in the world, is also the official religion of Saudi Arabia. Non-muslim tourists are also permitted to visit mosques and observe prayers, but they must don proper attire strictly. Mecca and Madinah are the only mosques that non-Muslim tourists are not allowed to visit. Every year, over 2 million Muslims from all over the globe assemble in Makkah to perform the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Accessibility for pilgrims and non-pilgrims around the world has never been easier as well, as flights to Mecca and Medinah, and hotels (فنادق) on the ground are easily available online.
Gastronomical paradise
Food is an important symbol of hospitality in Arabian culture, and there is no better place than Saudi Arabia that shows this better. Rice is served on huge platters, filled with roast meat or chicken, meant to be shared, and eaten by hand from a communal platter that is bountiful enough to accommodate a crowd. As tourists, this will be a unique gastronomical experience, as they will get to enjoy traditional Arabian delights, such as the richly spiced rice dish Kabsa, considered to be the national dish of the country.
Luxury at its finest
As the largest Middle eastern economy and one of the richest countries in the world, it is no surprise that Saudi Arabia provides the perfect getaway for those willing to indulge in luxury and opulence. With its towering skyscrapers and thrilling nightscapes, the metropolis of Riyadh is perfect for a vacation of extravagance. Relax and recline at the city’s spas, including Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA and Maison de Joelle, or check out boutique arthouses, where the likes of Naila and L’Art Pur galleries showcase Arabia’s best-emerging artists. Add in a range of fine dining choices, haute couture designer brands and curated boutiques- Saudi Arabia offers only the best.