Saudi Arabia is an essential and sacred country for all Muslims worldwide. It is home to two of the most sacred places in Islam: the Kabah, where Muslims perform the annual pilgrimage, and Masjid-e-Nabawi, the mosque built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is a desert country with a rich history and immense cultural significance.

There are two main reasons for Saudi Arabia’s importance:

• It is considered the birthplace of Islam, giving it enormous historical significance.
• This region has been one of the most oil-rich areas in the world.

Here are the top ten things you must do while on your trip to Saudi Arabia:

1. Masjid Al Haram

Masjid Al Haram is not only the largest mosque in the world but also the holiest place for all Muslims because it houses the Kabah. Muslims around the world turn towards the Kabah when they pray, and a pilgrimage to the Kabah is mandatory for every able Muslim.

• Note: Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, but for Muslims, there is no place more important to visit than the city of Mecca and Masjid Al Haram.
• Location: Mecca
• Area: Spread across 356,800 square meters

2. Mada’in Saleh

Also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra, Mada’in Saleh is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site offers breathtaking scenery, archaeological sites, and tombs with beautifully ornamented exteriors from the Nabatean kingdom, making it a must-visit for tourists and explorers.

• Location: Al Madinah region, Al-Ula sector

3. Empty Quarter

Known in Arabic as Rub Al Khali, the Empty Quarter is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, encompassing most of the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is full of wildlife, silence, beauty, and tranquility.

• Area: 650,000 square kilometers
• Location: Spans parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
• Inhabitants: Bedouin tribes like the Banu Yam and Banu Hamdan

4. Al Soudah

Al Soudah is the highest mountain peak in Saudi Arabia, standing at 2,995 meters (10,848 feet), and part of the Asir mountain ranges. It is the coolest and most vegetated area of Saudi Arabia.

• Best Experience: Ride the cable car from Abha to Reja Al-maa, a traditional mud-brick village.
• Scenery: Juniper forests, terraced fields, and stone villages

5. Najd Village

Najd Village is a popular restaurant in Riyadh, famous for its authentic Arabic cuisine. It offers visitors a chance to learn about traditional Saudi architecture, lifestyle, and food.

• Location: Opposite Prince Sultan University on Abu Bakr Road
• Style: Traditional Najdi mud house

6. Najran

Najran, the capital of Najran province, is a historical city near the Yemen border. It shares many cultural and historical ties with Yemen and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Saudi Arabia.

• Historical Significance: Center of Yemeni cloth marketing; the Kabah cover was made here.
• Location: Southern Saudi Arabia, near the Yemen border

7. Tabuk Castle

Tabuk Castle dates back to the 1500s and has been restored several times. It now serves as a museum with historical artifacts, some dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

• Features: Two mosques, water reservoirs outside the castle walls
• Location: Tabuk

8. Edge of the World

A famous picnic spot, especially after rain, Edge of the World offers a spectacular view of the plains that seem to continue endlessly. It is part of the 800 km long Jebel Tuwaiq Escarpment.

• Best Time to Visit: After rain, for a view of flowering shrubs, butterflies, lizards, and birds
• Location: Near Riyadh

9. Al Masmak Fort

Built in 1856 by Prince Abdulrahman ibn Sulaiman ibn Dabaan, Al Masmak Fort is made of clay and mud brick with four thick walls and watchtowers. It is an important historical site where Ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh in 1902.

• Renovations: In the 1980s, it became part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
• Location: Old quarter of Riyadh

10. Sky Bridge at Kingdom Center

The Kingdom Center in Riyadh is a 302.3 meter (992 feet) high, 41-story building, featuring a 56 meter (184 feet) high sky bridge. It is the third-largest skyscraper in the country and the third-largest building in the world with a hole.

• Experience: Best view of the city, especially at night
• Location: Kingdom Mall, Riyadh