Forget the long plane ride and time change. Spend Eid al-adha in the Kingdom and have a memorable Saudi staycation. Make the most of your time exploring our extended backyard. The Kingdom offers a vast range of amazing places whether you want to stay in the city or explore different climates and terrains. These are some of the best Saudi staycation ideas. Add them to your travel list. It’s time to pack your suitcase.
Experience the oasis in Al Ahsa
A short drive away from the Kingdom’s capital, Al Ahsa is home to the largest oasis in the world. If you’re looking to experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then your best bet for travel during Eid al-Fitr is this one-of-a-kind natural masterpiece. Visually breathtaking, Al Ahsa Oasis has approximately 2.5 million palm trees and other natural stand-outs such as the caves of Al Qarah Mountains or Judah’s Thumb.
This is a great travel option for a family-friendly vacation. You can also enjoy visits to the various farms, including date and rice farms, or pop by the local market, Souq Al Qaisariya, for textiles, scents, spices and colourful antiques such as decorated teapots and vintage chest boxes. If you’d like to make your way to the natural masterpiece from Riyadh, tickets start from SAR55 by train with the journey taking around two hours and 10 minutes. Go by plane for about SAR525 and get there in one hour. Otherwise it’s just over three hours by car.
From SAR55 (train), SAR525 (plane). Hofuf, Al Ahsa, Governorate, Saudi.
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site in Jeddah
If city life is your thing, but you’re still craving a change of scenery then Jeddah could be one of the best places to travel during Eid in Saudi. Enjoy a bit of history, shopping and food selections at Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old architecture and finely carved wooden balconies that take you down history lane.
You could also take in the views of King Fahad’s Foundation, the highest fountain of its kind in the world. Want to relax? Laze around at the many private beaches including Oia Beach and Indigo Beach and enjoy some fun activities on the water such as boat trips and water-splashing jet ski rides. To explore Jeddah, you can purchase a ticket from SAR365 for a two-hour and 40-minute plane ride, take a bus from SAR190 for a journey of approximately 12 hours or drive yourself for nine hours from the Saudi capital.
From SAR365 (plane). Jeddah.
Enjoy the water in Umluj
Known as the Maldives of Saudi, Umluj is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. You’ll likely be tempted to send out a postcard to family and friends from the many snaps you will surely take. Enjoy serene boat rides or dive deep and experience the wonders of what lies beneath in the colourful coral reefs. Take in the naturally formed black sand dunes or enter the caves of wonder to find out what lies within.
You could also visit Duqm Tourist Park to experience rides along the green grass and sandy beach. Soak up some heritage at Al Manakhah Heritage Museum or pick mangos at the Mango Garden. There is currently no direct route to Umluj from Riyadh. You will need to fly to AlUla and drive the remaining way to the sandy beaches. Prices for a plane ticket start from SAR510.
From SAR510 (plane). Tabuk Region, Saudi.
Check out Rijal Alma Village in Abha
Why not take a trip to the southern region of Abha this Eid for your Saudi staycation? Visit Jabal Souda, the highest peak in Saudi made easily accessible by cable cars or check out Habala Village (Rope Village) located in a valley only accessible by rope (cable cars run during the summer months). You could also explore the most popular attraction in the Asir region, Rijal Alma Village.
It’s famous for magnificent architecture, rich history and beautiful landscapes. Other nearby visit-worthy attractions include Al Sahab Park, Al Soudah View Point and Tanomah Waterfall. To see it all, you’ll first need to catch a flight from Riyadh to Abha from SAR200 then take a car for a two-hour 30-minute drive from SAR38 to Rijal Alma. It promises some scenic views along the way.
From SAR200 (plane), From SAR38 (car). Asir Region, Saudi.
Dive into the waters of the Farasan Islands in Jizan
A great place to travel for a Saudi staycation is the Farasan Islands in Jizan. Comprised of 84 coral islands, the Farasan Islands are dense in vegetation and greenery. The picturesque place is also the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving. Walk the shores to experience some rich history and wildlife, or grab a boat and fishing rod to see what great catches you reel in. Update your photo albums with some great snaps of the jewel of Jizan, the Fayfa Mountains.
The picturesque peaks over 2,000 metres above sea level will likely have you in awe at the breathtaking views. Take a two-hour flight from Riyadh to Jazan from SAR220, then take a taxi to the car ferry that will take you to the island. Warning: You might not want to leave once you’re there.
From SAR220 (plane). Red Sea, Saudi.
Take a road trip to Tabuk’s Wadi Disah
Hop on that 4×4 and hit the road in Tabuk to experience the main attractions located outside the city. Drive down to the rock formations of Wadi Al Disah and take in the striking sand dunes and rock layouts, or explore the extraordinary must-see Catalina Seaplane Wreckage that has been laid between the Red Sea and the Saudi desert for nearly 50 years.
Relax this Eid al-Fitr in Saudi at the Haql city beach shores known for their thriving marine ecosystem, colourful coral reefs and white sandy beaches. You’ll need to catch a two-hour plane from SAR620 to Tabuk and then drive for approximately three hours to the small town of Al Disah.
From SAR619 (plane). Al Disah, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Book a resort in Taif
If you’re looking for a Saudi staycation, another popular place to travel to during Eid is Taif. The mountain city is famous for its beautiful roses that bloom during the spring. In turn, Taif is known for its fragrant rosewater.
Book a plush resort for your family on the city’s outskirts and breathe in the fresh air of the mountains with the added bonus of being surrounded loved ones. While some other adventurous trips require cars, buses and the occasional train, to explore the beauty of Taif, all you need is a one-hour 30-minute plane trip from SAR518. See why it’s popular?
From SAR518 (plane). Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Take in the heritage at AlUla
Add some natural heritage and art to your list of places to travel during Eid in Saudi by experiencing trendy AlUla’s splendour. Likely the best spot to rejuvenate and refresh, take in the clear night skies while appreciating the surreal views all around. It’s even easier to travel to AlUla from Riyadh thanks to new flights with Flynas and Saudi. You can catch a nonstop flight from Riyadh to AlUla via Saudia from SAR918. The total duration of the trip is one hour and 55 minutes.
From SAR918. Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia.
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