As the Kingdom celebrates its third Founding Day, Vogue Arabia highlights some of the best holiday spots in Saudi Arabia, which help travelers learn more about its rich history.
Photo: Instagram.com/visitsaudi
Since 2022, February 22 has been coined as Saudi Founding Day by King Salman. The relatively new public holiday is a different celebratory occasion from the Kingdom’s annual National Day, which takes place on September 22. Now being marked for the third time since its inception, Saudi Founding Day was conceptualized with the aim of celebrating the rich culture and history of the country — and what better way to to that that travel through Saudi Arabia’s most beautiful corners?
For this occasion, we have curated a list of the best holiday spots in Saudi Arabia.
Diriyah
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Diriyah is also known as the ‘Jewel of Saudi Arabia,’ and is the birthplace of the Kingdom. The very first Saudi state to ever be founded, the state came to be during the dynasty of Al-Saud in 1744. Diriyah is the home of years and years of age-old stories and treasures, bound to satisfy the curiosity of historians. The city is renowned for its traditional mud-brick architecture, quirky coffee shops, the Diriyah Museum, and Wadi Hanifah Valley.
Al-Laith Island
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Always dreamt about swimming with sharks? Look no further than the largest incubator for whale sharks in Saudi Arabia: Jabal Al Laith Island. Along with beautiful crystal clear waters and a white sands, this holiday destination is the perfect pick for adventure seekers who enjoy diving and interacting with underwater creatures. Al-Laith Island is located only 200km south of Jeddah, making it a great spot to escape to when you need a break from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Al Ula
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Al Ula needs no introduction. The ancient city located in Medina Province has recently gained a lot of traction all over the world due to its mesmerizing landscape, luxurious resorts, and hotels overlooking majestic rocks and mountains. It is also the first-ever Saudi Arabian site to enter the UNESCO World Heritage list, and is also home to the Guinness Book record holding Maraya Concert Hall, which has been recognized as the biggest reflective building in the world. If you’re an Instagram junkie, Al Ula is one spot you absolutely can’t miss.
Aseer mountains
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Explore nature and the luscious greenery of Saudi Arabia from the pinnacle of the city, the Aseer Mountain. This getaway spot is a great destination for those looking to reconnect with nature. Go for a hike, or enjoy the picture-perfect views of the Kingdom’s landscape. Aseer Mountain is one of the few places in the country where travelers can also see snowfall — so if you visit in the winter, get ready for a unique experience!
Al Balad
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It’s no surprise we love Al Balad — after all, the picturesque neighborhood was Vogue Arabia’s choice for the very first edition of Hai Vogue, which took place earlier this month. The delightful UNESCO Heritage site is famous for its vibrant vintage buildings, some of which can be traced as far back as the 19th century. Al Balad is a hub for art, fashion, and food, ideal for those looking to get inspired on their next holiday. Expect lots of quirky cafés, friendly street cats, and some great backdrops for your pictures.
