ACTIVITIES

Saudi Arabia’s treasures are being opened up to the world, and there is an abundance of them. The Kingdom has no fewer than six UNESCO World Heritage sites, some of which are being transformed into destinations with rich visitor experiences. Many other precious sites remain relatively untouched, open to those who know their locations or intrepid explorers who stumble across them in the desert. History buffs can visit both kinds of archaeological ruins, but note that unauthorised excavation or collection of items is illegal. Take care at undeveloped sites, especially with children, and help preserve the country’s heritage for future generations by not standing on structures or touching any decoration or carvings.

It is possible to see more than 540 bird species in Saudi Arabia, with its vast and varied terrains of desert, mountains and coastal areas. The number has risen gradually over the last few years as a result of greening programmes. During spring and autumn, about 320 species pass by on their migration from Siberia and Central Asia to warmer southern climates, and Arctic species gather in the Kingdom’s wetlands in their thousands.

To really appreciate Saudi Arabia, you need to venture out into the wilderness and experience the natural wonders of the country for a night or two. From hidden forests or beach retreats to waking up on a dune or perched halfway up a mountain, camping is one of the Kingdom’s most unique offerings. Winter camping, known locally as ‘kashta’, is an essential Saudi experience which can be done independently, or with a tour company who will typically provide the whole set-up with dinner and entertainment.

Saudi Arabia has a long stretch of Red Sea coastline, making it a fabulous place for divers. On its east coast, the Arabian Gulf also offers warm, shallow seas with a diverse array of marine life to be observed. Just off the Kingdom’s dramatic coastline is a rich variety of sea creatures, coral reefs and shipwrecks in relatively shallow water. Not only does this make diving here fascinating, but the warmth of the water and the lack of pollution (relatively speaking) make it possible to dive all year round. In this section, we describe the characteristics of the different areas you can visit, and you can check out the 'Natural World' section to find out more about the marine life there is to see.

The Kingdom offers hiking for all abilities, from short, easy walks with spectacular viewpoints, to all-day treks over difficult terrain. Some hikes follow centuries-old Bedouin mountain paths, a few of which are still being used. Some of the terrain is incredible and you can only wonder at the skills of the hardy mountain people who pioneered the trails.

Opportunities for mountain biking in Saudi Arabia are plentiful and extremely varied; from straightforward terrain for beginners to highly technical, bone-jarringly gnarly trails for experts. Heat and humidity mean that many mountain bikers prefer to ride during the cooler months between November and April, but the hardcore few ride all through the summer. If you time your ride for the last few hours of daylight, while not exactly pleasant, it can be cooler and easier to ride in than the middle of the day.

While it is no doubt a potentially dangerous sport, off-road biking is exciting and enjoyable, and a number of the routes will take you places not easily accessible in a 4WD. Riding in desert sand is a lot different to riding on a conventional motocross track, and it will be a long time before you can ‘read’ the desert and become familiar with the reaction of your bike in various sand types. Your first experience of riding in the desert can be a little scary as the sand grabs the tyres, which can feel very unstable, especially at low speeds. If you do come to a stop, be careful when pulling away as you could bog down, especially in soft sand.

For some, the challenge of hiking through the nation’s diverse topography is not quite enough. Fortunately, Saudi Arabia takes climbing seriously and has lots to offer the intrepid climber. The Kingdom has big ambitions for its rock climbers and has made moves to make the sport more accessible, even naming Olympic Crag in Al Shafa in honour of the global achievements it hopes future generations will be able to attain.