🌟 Top 10 Hidden Gems in Saudi Arabia You Need to Explore

Moin Uddin Khan • 28 July 2025

🌟 Top 10 Hidden Gems in Saudi Arabia You Need to Explore

Saudi Arabia is often associated with its iconic cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca - but beyond the mainstream lie countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From ancient rock art to untouched islands, here are 10 lesser-known destinations that showcase the true magic of the Kingdom.



1. 🌄 AlUla’s Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)

While AlUla is gaining fame for Hegra (Saudi Arabia’s Petra), Elephant Rock remains a lesser-known wonder. This natural sandstone formation looks just like an elephant and glows golden during sunset. It’s the perfect spot for stargazing and desert picnics.

💡 Travel Agent Tip: Recommend visiting during the Winter at Tantora Festival for culture, music, and hot air balloon rides.



2. 🌊 Farasan Islands (Jazan Region)

An untouched archipelago in the Red Sea, Farasan Islands offer crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and rare wildlife. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and spotting gazelles.

🛥️ Best accessed by ferry from Jazan. It’s a great getaway for nature lovers or couples seeking solitude.



3. 🏞️ Wadi Lajab (Jizan Province)

Often called the "Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia," Wadi Lajab is a narrow valley with towering cliffs, natural pools, and lush greenery - a surprising oasis in a desert country.

🎒 Perfect for adventurous clients who enjoy hiking, wading through water, and hidden waterfalls.



4. 🕌 Dhee Ayn (Marble Village)

Tucked away in the Al-Baha region, this ancient village is built on a marble hill with stone houses that date back centuries. The dramatic backdrop of mountains and banana plantations adds to its charm.

📸 A must-visit for history buffs and photography lovers.



5. 🏝️ Umluj - The Saudi Maldives

With turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Umluj is a coastal paradise. It's largely untouched and ideal for travellers seeking a quiet Red Sea escape with island-hopping, boat tours, and snorkelling.

💡 Suggest pairing Umluj with a trip to AlUla for a diverse itinerary of sea and desert.



6. 🗿 Jubbah Rock Carvings (Hail Region)

Thousands of years old, these UNESCO-recognized petroglyphs depict animals, humans, and symbols. They’re part of Saudi’s ancient legacy, offering insight into life from the Neolithic era.

🚌 Best explored with a local guide who can explain the stories behind the carvings.



7. 🏜️ Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)

Just outside Riyadh, this dramatic cliff formation overlooks an endless valley - creating the illusion you’re at the edge of the Earth. It's a breathtaking site best experienced during sunrise or sunset.

🚙 Recommend a guided 4x4 tour for safety and comfort.



8. 🌄 Raghadan Forest Park (Al Baha)

Yes, Saudi Arabia has forests! Located in the cool highlands of Al-Baha, this park offers fresh air, mountain views, and shaded walking paths - a true contrast to the desert heat.

🏕️ Great for family picnics or summer retreats.



9. 🏚️ Shaqra and Ushaiger Heritage Villages

Step back in time in these restored mud-brick villages, complete with old mosques, narrow alleys, and traditional Najdi architecture. These towns give a glimpse into pre-oil era Saudi life.

👣 Encourage clients to explore local museums and sample home-cooked Saudi dishes from nearby guesthouses.



10. 🏖️ Haql Beach & the Shipwreck

Near the Jordanian border lies Haql, home to one of the most surreal beaches in the country. The waters here are incredibly clear, and a sunken shipwreck adds a dramatic backdrop.

📷 Ideal for drone photography and beach lovers who want to escape the crowds.



✈️ Plan Your Hidden Gem Adventure

Saudi Arabia is much more than deserts and skyscrapers - it’s a country full of surprises for adventurous, curious, and culturally-minded travellers. As a travel agent, you can curate unforgettable experiences that blend luxury, nature, and heritage.

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Eligibility First thing first, are you fit and well to travel. While planning your trip make sure to consider if your immigration status allows you to travel to Saudi and if you require any transit visas along the way. A Travel Document (without a visa) is no longer a valid document to enter Saudi Arabia. Also check the eligibilities and make sure to carry all relevant and necessary documents if you are opting for on arrival visa. Visa Obtain a visa directly from official site ksavisa.sa . Otherwise visit any of your local Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approved agencies should you require any assistance. Book a cheap or a convenient flight Search hundreds of flights at your convenience and secure your flight booking with flight search to make your journey is hassle-free. You can use the filter function to see availability that fit your requirements. Make sure to review your ticket before payments, airports, terminals, date and time. Book Hotels Book a hotel of your choice for Makkah and Madinah. When booking a hotel, bear in mind that some hotels are designated for a certain nationality and that it may not be suitable for your stay. Always be wary of online scammers, too cheap, don’t fall for it, check their credentials. Look out for correct number of beds you require. Also it is a common question at the immigration regarding where will you be staying, so make sure to carry your confirmed reservation details HCN. Transfers and City Tour (Ziyarah) You may wish to pre-book your transportations for your conveniences and security, or arrive at the airport where you have a choice of individuals, local taxi firms and apps such as Uber. Booking a taxi for your transfers and city tour is simple and easy but you’ve got to understand the art of haggling soon as you step out of the airport. From Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport there is also an option of Haramain High Speed Rail service. Tickets can be purchased online, at kiosk and at the ticket offices located within train station (HHR do not operate 24/7). Nusuk App for Umrah & Rawdah Download Nusuk App to book available slots for Umrah in Makkah and to visit the Holy Rawdah in Madinah Mosque. Nusuk App Links: iPhone & Android Phones Insurance Travel insurance is recommended. EVW visa does not have any medical cover, it would remain your own responsibility to pay for any medical treatments unless you take out your own medical policy in advance. Travel insurance can not be purchased after departure. Advice Planning a DIY Umrah requires careful preparation and understanding the rituals of Umrah. Ensure to secure a visa, book flights and accommodations, pack essential items like Ihram and slippers. It's also wise to familiarise yourself with the latest regulations, choose your dates and budget well in advance, and consider the best time to travel. Also remember when selecting a hotel, sometimes they do not give accurate locations on map. Consider using an approved online agent for your bookings as the saying goes: No credentials, No accountability. More Visit Umrah page to understand how to perform Umrah. And visit Umrah policy page to understand all key aspects of visiting Saudi Arabia.
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