Discovering Saudi Arabia's Hidden Gems with Saudia Airlines
Saudia Airlines is set to redefine Middle Eastern travel in 2025 by launching over ten new routes, providing an unparalleled gateway to the undiscovered treasures of Saudi Arabia. The airline's premium onboard experience, featuring traditional Arabic coffee and dates, aims to immerse passengers in Saudi hospitality even before they reach their destination. This expansion facilitates exploration of the kingdom's rich history, vibrant urban centers, breathtaking natural landscapes, and ambitious sustainable tourism projects.
Jeddah, a pivotal Red Sea port city, is now more accessible than ever with four direct routes from the UK. This ancient trading hub and pilgrimage gateway beckons with its UNESCO-listed Al Balad district, where labyrinthine alleys and 16th-century architecture offer a vivid journey into the past. Beyond its historical charm, Jeddah thrives as a cultural epicenter, hosting events like the Red Sea International Film Festival and the extensive Jeddah Season from July to December, featuring a diverse array of festivals, markets, and exhibitions.
Riyadh, the nation's capital, exemplifies Saudi Arabia's visionary future while honoring its past. Direct flights from London Heathrow transport travelers to a city adorned with futuristic skyscrapers such as the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah Tower. Amidst this modern marvel, a rich tapestry of museums, including the Saudi National Museum, chronicles the kingdom's history. Riyadh's vibrant café culture and the annual Riyadh Season, from October to March, offer a dynamic blend of sports, live entertainment, and cultural showcases, including major boxing matches, comedy festivals, and the colossal MDLBEAST Soundstorm music festival, for which Saudia is the official airline and platinum sponsor.
Just outside Riyadh, the historical city of Diriyah, once Saudi Arabia's first capital, dates back to the 15th century. Its At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features meticulously restored mud-brick buildings that visitors can explore on guided tours. Adjacent to this historical marvel, the modern Bujairi Terrace offers a contemporary dining and entertainment experience, complete with shops, restaurants, and museums. January will see the launch of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in the JAX District, further cementing the area's cultural significance.
Further north along the Red Sea coast, a groundbreaking regenerative tourism initiative awaits. This project prioritizes sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality, zero single-use plastics, and a net 30% increase in biodiversity. Travelers can engage in aquatic adventures like windsurfing or opt for serene yacht cruises. The region's vibrant coral reefs offer unparalleled snorkeling and diving experiences, while secluded islands like Amaala evoke comparisons to the Maldives. Reaching this paradise is convenient through new Saudia flights to Neom Bay or Red Sea International via Jeddah, complemented by luxurious transportation options.
AlUla, an ancient oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, boasts a landscape reminiscent of Mars, with its dramatic orange rock formations and undulating sands. History is palpable here, from the ancient city ruins of Dadan to the Nabataean tombs of Hegra, Saudi's inaugural UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic Old Town, once a vital spice trading post, is being meticulously restored. Contrasting with its ancient roots, AlUla also showcases modern architectural wonders like the Maraya Concert Hall, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest mirrored building, ingeniously designed to blend with its natural surroundings. AlUla is easily accessible from London with a short connection in Jeddah.
Dammam, the capital of Saudi's Eastern Province, is poised for increased international attention with Saudia's new direct route from London Heathrow starting in November 2025. This city, which blossomed from a fishing village after the discovery of oil in 1938, beautifully intertwines its past and future. The Bayoniya neighborhood showcases authentic Arabian architecture, serving as a canvas for local graffiti artists. The Ithra center, a beacon of world culture, offers a rich blend of arts, creativity, and global exchange within an architectural masterpiece, featuring interactive exhibitions, a vast library, and a performing arts theater.
The Dammam region also offers exceptional marine experiences in the Arabian Gulf. Snorkeling with green turtles is a highlight, especially around Karan and Jana Islands, major sea turtle nesting sites. For diving enthusiasts, Dammam provides an ideal training ground with its warm, shallow, and calm waters, featuring sunken structures perfect for practicing buoyancy skills, offering a unique alternative to the Red Sea's more famous sites.
Aseer, nestled in the mountains, provides a harmonious blend of culture and nature. The Aseer National Park offers extensive hiking opportunities, while the Al Muftaha art village, Aseer Regional Museum, and the local tribal customs of Al Habala and Rijal Almaa immerse visitors in local life. The Rijal Almaa Heritage Village, dating back 700 years, captivates with its ancient stone buildings, the remarkable Al-Ous Castle, and a museum filled with traditional artifacts. Flights from Jeddah to Abha make Aseer easily reachable for travelers.
Al Ahsa, a desert oasis in the Eastern Province, is becoming more accessible with Saudia flights to Hofuf via Jeddah from London. Here, visitors can delve into the Ottoman Empire's legacy at the 16th-century Ibrahim Palace and Uqair Fort, or explore the national museum's extensive collection. The city also offers immersive experiences in traditional Arabian heritage, such as bargaining in Souq Al Qaisariya, tasting local Hassawi rice, or trying artisan pottery. Natural wonders like the Jabal Al Qarah caves and the Al Asfar Lake, perfect for birdwatching and stargazing, add to Al Ahsa's allure.
Al Baha, located south of Jeddah, reveals a hidden side of Saudi Arabia, characterized by mountains, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Nature enthusiasts can explore the fragrant olive and juniper trees of Khairah Forest Park or observe baboons in Raghadan Forest Park. The region's remote mountains and valleys are home to historic villages, with Dhee Ayn standing out for its iconic white glow. Travelers can reach Al Baha by connecting through Jeddah or Riyadh from London, opening up this unspoiled corner of the kingdom.
