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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remained closed to tourists until recently and remains unknown to many would-be travelers.
However, this is changing quickly: according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the country saw a 56% increase in international arrivals in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
So what are the best places in this emerging tourist destination?
CNN interviewed some regular visitors and Saudis themselves, from celebrities to rocket scientists, and here are the destinations they agreed on:
Al-Ula
Saudi TV presenter Loujain Omran says the historic site of AlUla is “truly magical.” Photo credit: Vadim_Nefedov/iStockphoto/Getty Images
This living museum is known for its millennia-old historic dwellings, dramatic rock formations and some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Loujain Omran, a Saudi television host and star of the Netflix reality show Dubai Bling, describes herself as a fan.
“There is no place like it in the world, it is truly magical,” Imran told CNN via email.
She added: “The level of peace and comfort in AlUla is unparalleled. If you love meditation and relaxation, AlUla is the ideal place. It’s far away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Omran also hopes visitors explore destinations across the kingdom, which she describes as “vast.”
For her, “each region has its own charm in terms of nature, atmosphere, cuisine, customs and traditions.”
Historic Jeddah
Jeddah Old City: Founded in the 7th century, Al Balad was once the beating heart of Jeddah. Photo credit: Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
One of the highlights of any visit to Saudi Arabia’s second largest city is a stroll through the alleys of the historic Al-Balad district, whose ancient coral stone and wooden buildings tell fascinating stories.
Founded in the seventh century, the Al Balad district was once the beating heart of Jeddah and remains a popular tourist destination today.
Mai Al-Deeb, senior vice president of Middle East auctions at Sotheby’s, notes that she has witnessed the transformative changes in the kingdom over the past eight years and that she always heads straight to this wonderful area when she is in town is.
Al-Deeb said: “The beauty of the Old City is that it almost stands still in time and tells the story of Jeddah as a coastal city and a real melting pot where many people performing the Hajj stopped and took a break.” Life and a home there.”
Seagull Island
Professional Saudi boxer Ziad Al-Mayouf told CNN: “You cannot talk about the islands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without talking about a new tourist island that is popular with tourists and a dear local island, namely the island Al-Nawras.” .”
Al-Mayouf said: “I personally like to go to Nawras Island on a rented boat or a friend’s yacht as often as I can, and I recommend every tourist to do the same!”
Al-Mayouf, who lives in California, noted that he enjoys the tranquility offered by the island on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah. He also added: “What I love most about Nawras Island is not the island itself, but the water that surrounds it.”
He emphasized: “Park the yacht right in front of the island to enjoy the view and water all day long. It truly is a piece of paradise, a true hidden gem.”
Stargazing in Unayzah
Source: Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi aerospace engineer Mashael Al-Shamimari is still in awe of the magnificent desert dunes surrounding Unayzah, a small town northwest of the capital Riyadh, which she says sparked her passion for space when she was six years old.
Al-Shamimari explained: “My mother took me to the desert dunes at night on our farm in Unayzah. The sky was very dark and all I could see were the starlights above me. Back then there wasn’t much light pollution and all you could see was a thick layer of stars and it was fascinating.”
She also pointed out that looking at the sky that night changed the course of her life as it “set my future path as an aeronautical engineer so I could explore space and learn more about the stars and our mysterious universe.”
As founder and CEO of MISHAAL Aerospace, Al-Shamimari still visits the site and proudly defends her legacy through her work.
“As an Arab, exploration is part of my DNA and the search for knowledge to improve our understanding of the universe is the ultimate goal,” she said.
Al-Zal market in Riyadh
Al-Zal Market in RiyadhCredit: JMP/Abaca Press/Sipa USA
Riyadh-born singer Tam Tam went viral worldwide in 2014 with her song “Gender Game,” which contained poignant lyrics about the challenges faced by Saudi women.
Tam Tam, whose name is Reem Al Tamimi, stated that she loves returning to her homeland and visiting her favorite destinations, including the historic Al Zal market in the Deira area of Riyadh.
She told CNN: “Souk Al-Zall may be a typical place to receive tourists in Riyadh, but Souq Al-Zall is honestly my favorite because it is one of the oldest traditional markets in the city.”
With its ancient tiled alleys and more than a hundred years of history, the traditional market is famous for its small shops full of incense and oud, as well as its daily antique auction.”
Diriyah, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Al-Masmak Palace in DiriyahCredit: Jasmina81/iStock Editorial/Getty Images
Founded in the 15th century, Diriyah is the original home of the country’s royal family.
According to Saudi authorities, the historic adobe site is currently being developed into a $63 billion cultural and lifestyle center that will attract 27 million visitors annually.
Hatem Al-Aqeel, the Saudi founder of luxury consultancy and creative production agency Authenticite, believes Diriyah, located west of Riyadh, is actually worth a visit.
He stated: “Diriyah is the cradle of the kingdom and a symbol of the unity, beauty and steadfastness of the Saudi nation and its people.”
He also added that “due to its historical significance, it is considered the land of kings and heroes and has been carefully restored to give visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of past generations and to experience Saudi history and culture in an authentic setting experience.” .”
trowel
Umluj has beautiful coral reefs and clear water. Photo credit: Saudi Tourism Authority
With its stunning beaches, stunning coral reefs and clear turquoise waters, Umluj forms a stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s famous desert landscape.
Located on the Red Sea coast, the resort is often promoted as the “Saudi Maldives” as it offers the opportunity to enjoy water sports and cultural experiences.
Saudi-American documentary photographer Tasneem Al-Sultan sees this remote coastal region as “an oasis of natural beauty that provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
According to her, “the pristine beaches and azure waters make it a hidden paradise for those seeking peace and quiet.”
Al-Sultan, who has spent the last few years documenting social changes in Saudi Arabia, added that the country’s appeal “lies in its unique blend of tradition, generosity and compelling stories waiting to be discovered .”
She continued: “Our community is a tapestry of generosity, rich Arabic traditions and a deep commitment to storytelling in its myriad forms. The warmth of our people, the depth of our cultural heritage and the vivid stories woven into every aspect of life make Saudi Arabia an exceptional destination.”
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