The breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia offer a treasure trove of various open-air attractions that allure tourists throughout the year. Housing the majestic Red Sea and many adrenaline-packed activities, Saudi Arabia's desertscape is full of wonders. Delve into some of the most fascinating open-air attractions in Saudi Arabia that will leave you breathless.

1.   Hegra

Hegra, also known as Al-Hijr or Madain Saleh, became Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Hegra is famous for holding more than 110 rock-carved tombs with intricate etchings that tell the stories of a bygone era. Being one of the largest Nabataen civilizations preserved, the site is open for visitors to navigate the area and learn about the culture, traditions and history of its people. In addition to well-preserved tombs, Hegra is a rich historical site and has ongoing archeological activities where researchers are actively uncovering adobe houses made of mud bricks. The remains of the city show that it was a vibrant city with a diverse culture. The excavation site provides a glimpse into the architecture, offering valuable insights into the history and the lifestyle of its residents.

2. Al Wahbah Crater

A geological marvel nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Al Wahba Crater is a volcanic crater located at a distance of about 250 kilometres from Ta'if on the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau. Al Wahbah rater is 250 m deep and with a 2 kilomter diameter. The bottom of the crater is filled with white sodium phosphate crystals. It was thought that a giant meteor struck the earth and formed a crater, but recent studies show that that crater was formed by volcanic activity. The stunning Al Wahba crater is one of Saudi Arabia's most fascinating natural wonders.

It's a four-hour drive from Jeddah; before reaching the site, make sure you have enough food, especially water. Visitors seeking to have a closer look need to cover a narrow trail that leads to the base of the crater. It takes about one hour to reach the base of the crater and almost two hours to return due to the slippery surface.

3. Fanateer Marina Corniche in Jubail

One of the famous and picturesque beaches of Al Jubail is Al Fanateer Beach. A beautiful waterfront destination offering a serene atmosphere with its breathtaking views, lush parks and vibrant promenades. This spot is also known as the "perfect place for weekends." The Fanateer waterfront offers stunning views, playgrounds for kids and a lush lawn surrounded by palm trees. The corniche is located near the beach and offers stunning sunset and sunrise views of the sea. Many restaurants and clubs are there in the region to enhance the beauty of the place.

Fanateer Beach is a popular tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, known for its turquoise and crystal-clear waters, white sandy shores, and seafront restaurants and clubs. Fanateer is one of the best tourist attractions for spending holidays in peace and tranquillity.

4. Wadi al Baida (Wadi al-Jinn)

Wadi al-Baida, also known as Wadi al-Jinn, is an anti-gravity hill located 30 kilometres northwest of Madinah. Due to reverse gravity, this valley is considered a mysterious place and draws the attention of thousands of locals and tourists from different countries. Many tourists explore this natural park and camp there for a few days. Locals of the valley believed that Jinn is present in the valley, causing vehicles to move without the need to push an accelerator in the upward direction. Even if you switch off the engine, the vehicle will move upward.

According to Geological experts, it's a reverse gravity that is also present in the other regions of Saudi Arabia. This reverse gravity is regarded as a natural phenomenon that usually happens in some rocky mountainous regions. Locals of the region also said that they had heard the voices whispering, asking tourists and locals to leave. "You don't belong here. This is our place". There are many other theories, while scientists are working on it, the valley is one of the popular sites of attraction in Saudi Arabia.

5. Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali)

Rub al-Khali is a vast desert in Saudi Arabia, covering the largest portion of the Arabian Desert. Empty Quarter covers an area of about 250,000 square miles. Many tribes have made their home in the desert region. It's fascinating to think about how these communities have not only survived but thrived in such a challenging environment. Even today, some of these tribes still call the desert their home. Tourists visiting the desert must first keep a guide to explore the area. The most attractive activity for tourists is to drive vehicles in the vast desert. The west of the desert houses 2,000 feet above sea level high sand dunes, while in the eastern part of the desert, the elevation dips to about 600 feet.

Being one of the driest deserts in the world, Empty Quarter is uninhabited, and only a few parts of the desert are explored. The desert contains large oil reserves under its sands. In 1948, Al-Ghawar, the largest oil field in the world, was established here.

Final Thoughts

As you plan to explore the spectacular landscapes of Saudi Arabia, consider the convenience of booking Hajj and Umrah packages 2024 with Pilgrims embarking on Hajj and Umrah can seamlessly add exploration of these easily accessible sites into their travel itineraries. Whether you want to explore the allure of Hegra, the marvellous Al Wahbah Crater, the beautiful serenity of Fanateer Marina Corniche, the mysterious Wadi al-Baida or the largest desert of Saudi Arabia - each open-air destination awaits. Plan a holiday trip or a Hajj journey, and witness the beauty of Saudi Arabia beyond its spiritual sites.

Imagine, after performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, venturing into Wadi al-Baida (Wadi al-Jinn) to listen to the mysterious sounds and witness the reverse gravity theory. These open-air attractions in Saudi Arabia offer a unique opportunity to enhance your pilgrimage experience with a deeper understanding of your favourite Islamic country and its rich history. Pack your bags and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of Saudi Arabia.