Saudi Arabia is a land of dramatic natural wonders that include vast deserts, ancient geological formations and the serene coastal beauty. The key highlights of the vast variety of landscape includes the stunning sandstone canyons of AlUla, the sheer drops of the ‘Edge of the World’, the massive Rub’al Khali sand dunes, and the lush oasis of Al-Ahsa. There are other wonders as well that include the Red Sea’s coral reefs, the Al Wahbah crater and the mountainous Asir region.
Saudi Arabia has recently started investing in the preservation and development of the natural wonders and is working on making them the best tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. For decades Saudi Arabia has only been known as the pilgrimage destination for Umrah and Hajj and Muslims have been travelling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform these pilgrimages.
With each passing year the number of pilgrims travelling to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia increases exponentially and the crowd is massive during Ramadan and Hajj season. The rates are high and the availability of flights and hotels is at all times low during these months. This is why it is a hassle for people travelling from far flung countries such as UK, USA and Canada. This is the reason why Umrah packages are gaining popularity among the Muslim around the world. This is the reason why Umrah packages from UK, USA and Canada are the go-to options for pilgrims traveling from any of these countries. Now Saudi Arabia is projecting to attract even more visitors due to the naturally occurring wonders that it is transforming into the tourist sites. Some of these natural wonders of the vast land is described in the guide below.
Hidden Canyons of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hides dramatic, lesser-known natural wonders, including the narrow and deep Al Shaqm Canyon and Mawan hidden canyon. The kingdom also has the picturesque Wadi Lajab in Jazan which offers stunning narrow sandstone chasms, seasonal water pools, and dramatic as well as layered rock formations that are often hidden within flat, nondescript desert landscapes. These canyons along with AlUla’s Al-Rukkab canyons, are ideal for hiking and exploration, particularly between November and February. Some of the hidden canyons are mentioned in the guide below.
Mawan Hidden Canyon
This canyon is located about 100 km south of Riyadh, and features deep and narrow chasms up to 6-8 meters wide. It sometimes fills with water after rain. This canyon is popular yet quiet hard to spot.
Wadi Lajab
It is located in the Jazan region and is known for its dramatic scenery. This canyon features steep rock walls, waterfalls and a lush green environment.
AlUla Canyon
It is situated near the ancient city of Maiden Saleh and this sandstone canyon features tall, striking and eroded rock formations including the ‘three dancers’ pillars.
Tips for visitors
- The best time to visit these canyons is between the months of November to late February as the temperature is moderate and ideal for walking long distances.
- Always check the weather conditions before going as the area could be mostly dry but flash floods could occur sometimes.
- The Mawan hidden canyon is best reached by your wheel vehicle but the area is only accessible from the main highway. It is advised that you bring enough water and supplies as there are no shops or gas stations in the immediate vicinity.
You can add these locations in your itinerary when booking your Umrah 2027 packages with a reputed agency such as Islamic travel agency UK, which is well known among Muslim residents in the United Kingdom.
Hidden Cliffs of Saudi Arabia
The hidden cliffs and dramatic escarpments in Saudi Arabia, such as the 1,131-meter-high Edge of the World near Riyadh and the sandstone towers of Wadi Al Disah offer breathtaking and rugged landscapes for hiking and photography. These ancient geological wonders include the Tuwaiq mountains which are best visited between October and March in order to avoid the extreme heat wave. Some of the key hidden cliffs and their locations are mentioned in the guide below.
The Edge of the World
It is located 100 km from Riyadh and this spot offers panoramic unobstructed views from the gigantic height of 1000 feet.
Wadi Al Disah
This is a stunning valley featuring towering, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs and natural springs that are often called the Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia.
Hijaz Mountains
These mountains are home to the hidden and rugged landscapes including areas near the new Desert Rock Resort.
Tips for Visitors
- The best time to visit the cliffs are the cooler months which appear between the months of October to March.
- The terrain is usually steep with the loose gravel hence the proper hiking shoes and gear are recommended.
- Many locations are hard to reach and it requires a four wheeled vehicle to access them.
- You can enjoy the activities such as hiking, exploring ancient geological formations and fossils.
Hidden Coastlines of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s hidden coastlines are primarily along the Red Sea, and are an emerging, pristine paradise, featuring the crystal-clear turquoise waters, over 900 untouched islands and vibrant coral reefs. They are often referred to as the, ‘Saudi Maldives’. The key uncrowded and scenic locations include Umluj, Yanbu, and the protected sustainable developments of the Red Sea Projects. Some of the hidden coastal gems are mentioned as follows.
Umluj
This region is also known as the Saudi Maldives and is known for its white-sand beaches, clear water and rich marine life which includes dolphins and sea turtles.
The Red Sea Project Islands
This is a major development featuring over 90 untouched islands which focuses on the luxury, sustainability and eco-tourism.
Yanbu
This offers peaceful and uncrowded shores that are ideal for snorkeling and diving spots.
Bambi Beach
This is a quiet and serene women-only beach which features white sand.
All these locations of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia offer a rare blend of natural beauty and modern luxury that is rapidly becoming a major attraction for eco-travelers, marine enthusiasts, hikers and nature lovers.
