6 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Saudi Arabia to Explore

When it comes to Saudi Arabia, many people will automatically think of the major metropolitan cities we know as Riyadh and Jeddah.

However – there are a number of other beautiful, hidden gems and places to explore across the Kingdom that you probably haven’t even heard of.

So next time you have a weekend to spare, head out on an adventure to find and explore one of these 6 hidden gems in Saudi Arabia.

Duba

This place is a small city located by the northern Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It is commonly described as The Pearl of the Red Sea by locals, and can be found in the Tabuk Province of the Kingdom.

It is on the Egyptian road of the Hajj, and about 300 km from the intersection of Egypt, Jordan and Palestine.

Duba has 3 valleys – Dahkan, Salma and Kafafah and is 800km away from Jeddah via the coastal highway.

Haql Shipwreck Beach

Also located in the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia, this gem of a beach can be found 55km south from Haql city.

Aside from the stunning beach, you’ll find a half-sunken ship right in front of you! If you plan on visiting, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself as it remains untouched – with no hotels, restaurants or stores around.

Safwa City, Eastern Province

Found in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, Safwa City sits on the Persian Gulf coast.

With a population of around 100,000 people, this city has a history of over 6500 years and was first called Darius after the King of Persia, Darius III won the war in 334 BC against Alexander the Great.

It was then re-named Safwa in 1945.

Fifa Mountains

Dubbed the ‘heavens of the Earth’, Saudi’s picturesque Fifa Mountains are located in the southernmost region of Jizan, close to the Kingdom’s border with Yemen.

While it is a popular spot for tourists, this mountainous region is often forgotten on visitor ‘must-visit’ lists, but once there – there’s no doubt one would be charmed by the stunning landscapes, and fertile, green flora.

A trip here will no doubt make a nice change to the vast barren deserts found across the country.

As well as the scenic views the area provides, the mountains also offer visitors the chance to explore ancient fortresses and structures that were constructed to protect the area from invaders in previous years.

Al Wajh

Located on the coast of the Red Sea, this coastal town is one of the largest cities in the Tabuk region, with a population of over 50,000 people.

The city has an interesting city – as it played a pivotal role during the Arab Revolt in World War I in 1917. Nowadays, fishing is a primary activity of the town’s residents and the port is the central location. In fact, the Al Wajh port used to be one of the main shipping centres in the region over 50 years ago.

If you’re seeking a nice, clean and beautiful beach to visit – Al Wajh is a must!

Riyadh’s Secret Lake

Dubbed Riyadh’s ‘secret lake’, this spot in the desert just outside of Riyadh is a beautiful place. Not a lot of people know about the location of this place – which is helpful in protecting the nature of the area.

Perhaps the lack of knowledge of this lake’s location is due to the fact it is a seasonal spot; it is formed by rain water, and so the depth of the lake itself can vary at different points throughout the year.

If you want to find this spot for yourself – there’s a helpful guide by blogger, Blue Abaya, that can help you find it.