How to Explore Saudi Arabia This Summer - Guide to Discovering Saudi Arabia during Summer

While most visitors may choose the winter months to holiday in sultry Saudi Arabia, the Middle Eastern nation is just as captivating in the summer months. Regardless of the duration or the purpose of the visit, there's plenty to see and do in this mesmerising desert travel hotspot when the sun's in full bloom. From taking part in scuba diving excursions to exploring ancient archaeological marvels, here are some of the best things to do during a summer getaway in Saudi Arabia.

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Those who are heading to Saudi Arabia during the heat of summer will find no finer location to spend a beach holiday than in the resplendent Umluj Islands. Often described as the Maldives of Saudi Arabia, this charming collection of more than a hundred islands is among the last remaining beach paradises in the Middle East. Apart from spending quality time on the beaches of these islands, visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of water sports activities or sign up for an island-hopping tour of this archipelago on the Red Sea.

No journey to Saudi Arabia can be considered complete without embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca, which holds immense spiritual significance in Islam. While the iconic place of worship draws countless visitors year-round, exploring the exterior of this sacred religious monument is an opportunity that travellers should not miss. For a smoother experience, considering the assistance of a reputable Saudi tour operator is advisable, given the potential complexities of independent navigation.

Whether you are based at the Ascott Corniche Al Khobar or any of the other Al Khobar serviced apartments, a trip to this coastal travel hub demands that you visit Prince Ibn Jalawy Park. Sprawled across an impressive 87000 square metres, this leafy and verdant picnic hotspot is home to a whopping four hundred palm trees and twenty-eight types of flora. Prince Ibn Jalawy Park is the perfect destination for families and children seeking a fun-filled leisure experience. The park's stunning fountain is a must-see attraction that will keep visitors captivated for hours. Not only is it Insta-worthy, but it also offers a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Travellers holidaying in Saudi's Al Khobar region can also pop by the Loopagoon Water Park, one of the country's finest splash centres. Occupying pride of place on Half Moon Beach, which is located on Dana Bay, the waterpark is a one-stop amusement park for the young and the young at heart. Equipped with water slides, game areas and exciting rides including Octopus Racer and Cannonball, the Loopagoon Water Park requires at least one full day to experience in its entirety.

Visitors with an interest in learning about Saudi Arabia's past should head out to the Old Town of AlUla. Dating back to 12 BC, this idyllic oasis was inhabited by early settlers who uncovered that there was not only access to fresh water but also fertile soil in this little village. Although the Old Town has been abandoned for nearly half a century, it offers travellers a look back at simpler times when most Saudi communities thrived in similar villages instead of vast cosmopolitan cities.

While Saudi Arabia may not be popular as a Middle Eastern water sports hub, the coasts off Jeddah are ideal for not only snorkelling activities but also scuba diving tours. With its seabed teeming with coral reefs and marine species, signing up for a diving excursion in Jeddah is a veritable rite of passage for first-timers.

Situated in the desert of Riyadh, the nation's capital, Jebel Fihrayn is a geological marvel for the ages. The panoramic views and the staggering natural beauty of this area are what has earned it the nickname, "The Edge of the World".