SAFE

Saudi Arabia for Elites is the only independent platform of its kind exclusively dedicated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Designed as a resource for professionals catering to HNW and UHNW clients, it provides curated insights and strategic knowledge to navigate the country’s evolving landscape both for investors and operators with precision and expertise.

Home is where the heart is

A true passion for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the driving force behind the establishment of Zahid Travel’s destination management arm: GoZahid Destination Management.

Delivering holistic destination management solutions – from air and ground transportation to accommodation and customer experience management, Go Zahid Destination Management is your safe choice when it comes to working with the most demanding travellers. Only one thing is top of mind: the perfect visitor experience.

Where and how to experience Arabian horses in Saudi Arabia

Graceful, intelligent, and legendary — the Arabian horse is not merely a breed, but a living embodiment of heritage, nobility

Top News, Trends & News

Princess Haifa leads Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision on global stage at HSBC’s Investment Summit

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious US$800 billion investment in tourism by 2030 took centre stage this week as Her Highness Princess Haifa

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A strong presence for Saudi Arabia at MIPIM 2025: underscoring the kingdom’s bold vision for hospitality and real estate investment

MIPIM 2025 in Cannes saw Saudi Arabia making an indelible impact, showcasing its ambitious urban and hospitality development strategies. As

Culture (& Indigenous), Top News

A cultural guide for business travellers in Saudi Arabia

For business travellers, navigating the quickly evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia requires more than just knowledge of the market—it demands

Top News, Trends & News

Exclusive Interview: UN Tourism’s Daniela Otero on ethical tourism and the role of technology in Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future

At the Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology Conference in Nice, we had the opportunity to sit down with Daniela Otero,

Top News, Trends & News

Saudi Arabia’s transformative role in tourism highlighted at Davos 2025

As the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) unfolds in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a central player,

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Travel à la Carte

Embarking on a journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia begins with the pivotal question, “Why venture there?” In this guide, we unveil numerous compelling reasons to visit, encompassing a spectrum of attractions from rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine to sun-soaked beaches, thrilling adventures, and urban escapes. Dive into our insights and let us kindle your wanderlust for Saudi Arabia’s diverse offerings.

Internal Destinations

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Here SAFE explains Saudi Arabia's division into 13 provinces spread over 5 regions and where the most important mega-projects and tourism spots of VISION 2030 are located.

NEJD – Central region enclosingHail, Qassim and Riyadh provinces;
Mega Project: Diriyah
HEJAZ – Western region enclosing the provinces of Makkah, Medina, Tabuk and Baha;
Mega Project : NEOM/ RED SEA PROJECT (AMAALA,…)/AlUla
Northern Region – embracing the Northern Border and Jouf provinces;
Eastern Region including the Eastern Province, Dammam;
Southern Region – embracing the provinces of Asir, Jizan and Najran.

Central KSA -

(Riyadh)

Eastern KSA -

(Dammam)

Southern -

(Abha, Najran, Jazan)

Western -

(Al Madinah, Jeddah, Makkah)

North Eastern KSA -

(Tabuk)

Northern -

(Buraydah, Hail, Sikaka, Afar)

Central Region

The Central Region of Saudi Arabia is epitomised by Riyadh, a city where history and modernity converge spectacularly. Key to this convergence is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Diriyah, birthplace of the first Saudi state, on the north-western edge of the capital, currently undergoing extensive restoration and development. Adding to the region’s allure is the Qiddiya project, an ultra-modern entertainment complex currently under development southwest of Riyadh. Upon completion, it is set to host a plethora of cultural, sports, and recreational activities, including the Saudi Formula 1 Grand Prix, positioning it as a future cornerstone of global sports and leisure. The area is also renowned for natural wonders such as the “Edge of the World,” where visitors can experience dramatic views of an ancient landscape that plunges dramatically into the horizon.

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Eastern Province (Dammam)

The Eastern Province is key to Saudi Arabia’s economy due to its vast oil fields, but it also offers rich cultural and recreational opportunities, particularly around its capital, Dammam. The city features attractions such as the Coral Island and the scenic Dammam Corniche, which is popular for its family-friendly parks and coastal walkways. Dammam’s proximity to other major cities like Al Khobar, known for its shopping destinations and waterfront areas, and Dhahran, known for educational institutions and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, enhances its appeal. The region’s extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf invites water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.

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North-Western Region

The North-Western Region, particularly around Tabuk, is becoming increasingly noted for its significant development projects such as NEOM and its rich historical sites, notably AlUla. AlUla is renowned for its breath-taking landscape and archaeological significance, including Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla’s vast open-air library of ancient tombs, monuments, and rock inscriptions offers visitors a glimpse into the long and complex history of the region. Recent initiatives aim to develop AlUla into a major cultural and archaeological hub, enhancing its infrastructure while preserving its natural and historical integrity.

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Northern Region

The Northern Region, distinguished by the vast Nafud Desert and rugged plateaus, is a compelling blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ideal for explorers seeking to discover the less trodden paths of Saudi Arabia.

The city of Hail is notable for its traditional architecture and agricultural prowess, especially in dates and grains. It hosts annual cultural festivals and the renowned Hail Rally, a highlight for motorsport enthusiasts. Buraydah, the capital of Qassim Province, enhances the region’s appeal as it hosts the world’s largest date festival. Al-Jouf produces premium Middle Eastern olive oil, and Sakaka, its capital, boasts the Rajajil standing stones—often called the “Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia”—dating back thousands of years.

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Southern Region (Najran)

The Southern Region of Saudi Arabia is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the vast desert expanses of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) to the lush, verdant mountains of Asir. This region, which includes cities like Najran, Abha, and Jazan, is celebrated for its unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Najran, known for its ancient ruins and the Al-Ukhdood archaeological site, and located near the Yemen border, offers a distinct architectural style and rich historical sites that echo its deep-rooted history. Abha, the capital of the Asir province, sits approximately 2,270 metres above sea level and enjoys a temperate climate that makes it a favoured summer retreat.

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Western Region

The Western Region is known for Jeddah, the kingdom’s commercial hub and the gateway to Makkah and Madinah. Jeddah’s historical district, Al-Balad, is famous for its traditional multi-story houses made of coral stone. A few hours’ drive north of Jeddah, we find the ambitious Red Sea Project, an ultra-luxurious resort area set to transform the Saudi coastline into a global tourism destination. This project includes hotels, residential properties, and leisure facilities, aiming to set new standards in sustainable development and boost the region’s tourism economy.

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