Saudi Arabia is a country of immense value to Muslims around the world. Every year, a large number of Muslims visit its main holy places, namely Makkah and Madinah, to perform Umrah and pay homage to the Holy Tombs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his two closest followers: Abu Bakr and Umar (PBUH).
Although this desert country has always been known as an important pilgrimage site for Muslims, this view is about to change in a few years. The new Saudi prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has launched Project 2030, with which the country aims to attract almost 150 million tourists a year.
Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah can also visit these places and check out the varied attractions of this tropical desert country. Those performing Umrah in December can easily explore these places as it is winter, so they do not have to face intense heat. Let us share some of the most interesting sites to explore and fun activities to enjoy in other parts of the country and make your trip more enjoyable. Umrah Packages it’s worth it.
Top tourist attractions to visit in Saudi Arabia
Qiddiya is one of the most ambitious projects in the Kingdom, as it will become one of the ideal places for fun, culture and sports. The place includes almost 300 sporting, fun and creative activities to enjoy in places such as a water park, a theme park, an art and sports avenue, a motor sports center, etc. Mike Reininger, CEO of Qiddiya Investment Company, explains that the main intention of this project is to provide fun activities for both locals and tourists.
The project is in line with Vision 2030 and aims to create around 170,000 new jobs. Tourists can enjoy thrilling rides like Six Flags, which were previously only accessible in the United States. Also available for visitors is the ‘Falcon’s Flight’, the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Authorities have already opened the place to visitors in 2023, so you can visit it during your Umrah tour.
Diriyah, located on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh, is famous for being the original home of the royal family. Diriyah, which belongs to Al Saud, is set to become a famous tourist area in the kingdom. One of its main attractions, Al Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Diriyah.
Do you want to stay in luxury hotels and shop for the world’s best brands? Diriyah is home to several shopping malls offering popular brands like Oberoi, Six Senses, Four Seasons, etc. Tourists can enjoy supreme services at luxury hotels built on modern standards. They can savour local food at over 20 restaurants built at the new Bujairi Terrace dining complex. Diriyah is also expected to house several public spaces, universities, and the country’s only opera house.
Situated on the edge of the world’s fourth largest barrier reef, the Red Sea covers 27,000 square kilometers in radius and is home to nearly 90 islands and deserts. It is one of the major tourist spots where visitors can see many historical sites, volcanoes and mountain valleys.
The sea water is perfect for swimming, as fascinating marine life lurks beneath its surface. Tourists can stay in the best luxury hotels and enjoy the best facilities. The island is planned to host 16 luxury resorts and the capsule-shaped villas of Sheybarah Island Resort. The entire region and all its services are designed to run on green energy to protect nature.
Places to visit in Mecca and Medina
If you are planning to stay only in Makkah and Madinah during your trip, don’t worry. We have many places to share with you to visit in both Makkah and Madinah to add fun to your tour and make your December Umrah packages worthwhile. These include:
- Exhibition of the Museum of the Architecture of the Two Holy Mosques
This museum, located in Mecca, is dedicated to showcasing the history of the designs of Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and Masjid Al Nabawi in Medina through models, pictures, and artifacts. Tourists can hire a guide to help them explore the museum and share valuable information. A large number of people visit this place, so plan your tour and consider visiting during peak hours to avoid the crowds.
This museum is located in the Royal Clock Tower of Makkah, part of the Abraj Al Bait complex. It reveals the history of watchmaking, including the clock housed in the tower, which is believed to be the largest clock in the world. But that’s not all. Head to the observation deck on the 120th floor of the tower to enjoy 360° views of the city. The Abraj Al Bait complex is one of the busiest areas in Makkah, so plan your visit to avoid the crowds and find enough time to explore the tower and museum.
- The beautiful names of Allah are displayed
This exhibition, located in Medina, is dedicated to showcasing the 99 attributes of Allah as described in Islamic tradition. Visitors are taken on a mystical journey as the deeper meanings behind each of the 99 names of Allah are displayed through performances, videos and interactive displays. In this way, the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to better understand the Divine.
This is the first and largest museum located in Medina that highlights the history of the city of the Prophet (PBUH). You can explore and see many artificial models that show simulations of the original primeval sites of the city as well as its various artifacts and images from the back.
Fun activities to enjoy during your tour
Do you fancy enjoying fun activities during your trip with your loved ones? We share with you some of the most popular activities that you cannot miss during your trip:
- Desert walk and camping: Enjoy sandboarding and dune bashing activity on Al Ula desert tour. If you are with your spouse and want to make things romantic, book Al Ula moon and star gazing tour and enjoy the beauty of Arabian Nights together. Gaze at the Milky Way sky and enjoy a romantic dinner amidst the peaceful desert environment.
- Exploration: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra and visit its rock formations and ancient tombs to gain a deeper understanding of the Nabataean ruins.
- Visit museums: Relive the Kingdom’s historic past and rich culture at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, as well as Abha Palace, Tabuk Castle, Al Diriyah and Taif regional museums.
- Taste the food: Savor the rich Arabic food made with a mix of meat, spices, rice, milk, fruits and dates. Don’t forget to try dishes like Mashwi, Kabsa, Harees, Hanith, Gursan and Tharid.
- Enjoy water sports: The Red Sea is known for its beautiful marine life and coral reefs that tourists can explore by swimming beneath the surface.
Some last words!
Saudi Arabia is radically transforming into a tourist country, so pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj may also consider visiting other cities and exploring their attractions, as listed in this post. Muslims from the UK who plan to do Hajj Umrah in December You can book the top pilgrimage deals offered by Muslims Hoy Travel and get the chance to discover the new side of Saudi Arabia while enjoying the pleasant weather.
