Saudi Arabia offers an exceptional winter experience, blending adventure, culture and world-class events. This winter season travellers can explore the country's rich heritage and modern attractions from Riyadh to Jeddah to Alula and more.
Saudi is a top destination for those seeking winter sun, adrenaline, and immersive experiences, all enhanced by its renowned hospitality. Be sure to catch the much-anticipated return of events such as Riyadh Season, AlUla Festival and Events, Jeddah Calendar, Diriyah Season, Dakar Rally, Fontana Circus and MDLBEAST to name a few, which run through the end of the first quarter of 2025.
With new destinations and hotels to discover, Saudi promises an unforgettable winter getaway for all types of travellers.
Here, we delve into our top 5 picks:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's vibrant capital and main financial hub, is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. The city mixes traditional Najdi architecture with modern landmarks like the Kingdom Centre and luxury shopping destination Via Riyadh. Its calendar is packed with events this winter such as Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition.
Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, features the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif site and Bujairi Terrace for dining. Riyadh also boasts new cultural experiences like the Arab World Media Arts exhibit and the Harry Potter Experience.
This winter the city will also host thrilling sporting events, including the heavyweight world title match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 at Kingdom Arena, the Spanish Football Cup and Italian Football Cup, both taking place in January 2025 and the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah in April 2025.
For a coastal escape, visitors will make their way to Jeddah, a city which has long been a crossroads for pilgrims and traders.
Begin your journey in Historic Jeddah (Al Balad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring 7th-century houses, museums and souqs. Explore the narrow alleyways on the Historic Jeddah Tour, where the past comes alive through stories of architecture and bustling markets.
Visit the Nasseef House, now a museum, to learn about the region's multi-cultural heritage. Don't miss Al Saidi Bakery, one of the city's oldest, for fresh bread, or the Historic Nights Rooftop Café, offering stunning views and antiques.
Jeddah also offers outdoor activities like horseback riding on the beach, cycling along the Corniche, or visiting the Yacht Club.
For a unique cultural experience, try a cooking class or explore the House of Islamic Arts. This winter step into teamLab Borderless immersive digital exhibition, blurring the lines between the virtual and real world with moving digital art displays.
The Saudi Red Sea coastline offers a thrilling winter escape, with activities beyond traditional beach relaxation. Dive or snorkel to explore vibrant marine life, or enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventures like jet skiing and kitesurfing.
For land-based fun, scenic hiking and biking trails offer breathtaking views of the unspoiled landscape. For a peaceful retreat, camp under the stars and experience the serene desert beauty.
The perfect place to escape and rejuvenate, The Red Sea is also home to luxurious resorts, such as the St. Regis Red Sea Resort on the Ummahat Islands, accessible only by seaplane or boat, as well as the eco-friendly Six Senses Southern Dunes Red Sea Resort, offering wellness screenings and a unique spa experience. With its combination of adventure, luxury and tranquility, the Saudi Red Sea will offer visitors with respite and rejuvenation this winter.
With more than 100 Nabataean tombs and mysterious rock formations, AlUla is a treasure trove of history and archaeology. Beyond its storied history, visitors will be wowed with incredible landscapes and a litany of treasures.
From visiting Hegra to AlUla Old Town to the mesmerizing Oasis of AlUla, AlUla has no shortage of history, culture, adventurous experiences and monumental landscapes. AlUla comes alive in the winter with events including Winter at Tantora, bringing you the very best of AlUla, highlighting the history, and culture with a seasonal spectacle.
From Dec 19, 2024, through Jan 11, 2025, AlUla comes alive with the best of the best in concerts, tours, carnivals and specially-curated dining experiences, with world-class performances at Maraya Concert Hall, the largest mirrored building in the world.
Take to the desert by mountain bike or dune buggy, of course, you can experience the modern side of AlUla as well.
Explore the Al Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush beauty and ancient agricultural techniques. Easily accessible from Al Ahsa International Airport, the oasis boasts vast palm groves, historic irrigation canals and ancient forts.
Once a major supplier of dates and fresh produce, experience the ancient and vital art of palm pollination, and sample locally grown dates. Delve into the region's history with a visit to the Al-Qaisaria Souq for local crafts or explore the Al Qarah Cave’s stunning limestone formations.
In the winter, this area of Saudi has cooler temperatures making it a good time of year to explore and discover one of the largest natural oases, a unique desert lake known as Yellow Lake and taste some of the region’s finest dates.
Want to Feature Your Brand in The Life of Luxury?
If you're a luxury brand looking to showcase your story, products, or services to a discerning global audience, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a sponsored article, exclusive feature, or premium advertising placement, The Life of Luxury offers unparalleled visibility in the world of luxury lifestyle.
Contact us at advertising@thelifeofluxury.co.uk to discuss opportunities in our upcoming print or digital editions. Let us help you captivate our readers in over 80 countries!
Comments