The 10 Biggest Cities in Saudi Arabia You Must Visit

• Hashim Sheikh
• . March 30, 2023
• . Update: March 30, 2023 10:28 pm
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Saudi Arabia’s most populous cities are also its biggest. They have a long history, a vibrant culture, and a rich heritage. Saudi Arabia is the second-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula. Infrastructure, transportation, and technology are all constantly changing. The nation developed cutting-edge cities with astounding skyscrapers and tourist attractions over a few decades, elevating it to the top of the list of international travel destinations. In this blog, we examine the top ten Saudi cities, how to get there, and the major draws that draw both domestic and foreign visitors.

The top ten cities in Saudi Arabia are listed below :

1. Saudi Arabia’s capital – Riyadh

Riyadh, which boasts a stunning landscape, gets its name from the Arabic word “rawdah,” which denotes lush meadows or gardens. Since it is Saudi Arabia’s capital, it serves as the country’s administrative and political hub. The Jenadriyah festival, Noor Riyadh, and the Riyadh International Book Fair are among its well-known landmarks. Riyadh, which is at the top of the list of Saudi Arabia’s largest cities, was awarded the UNESCO title of Arab Cultural Capital in 2000.

One of the most populated cities in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is easily accessible via networks of roads, railways, and airways. The city is also home to King Khalid International Airport.

• 68 million people call Riyadh their home (2018)
• Riyadh has a 1,973 km2 area.
• The Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, and Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street are some of the best hotels in Riyadh.
• Kingdom Centre Tower, Masmak Citadel, National Museum, Ad-Diriyah, and Riyadh Zoo are some of the city’s top attractions.

2. Modern port city Jeddah

Among the major cities in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has the second-busiest and second-largest seaport in the Middle East. It is the largest city in the Makkah province and serves as the main entry point for pilgrims beginning their sacrificial journey. It has more than 13,000 mosques and is known for its seafood. Some of Saudi Arabia’s most significant historical sites and well-liked tourist attractions can be found there as well. Adventure seekers can go snorkeling or engage in other water activities.

King Abdulaziz International Airport, which connects to significant cities worldwide, is the way to get to Jeddah. Additionally, Jeddah is accessible by air, rail, road, and water.

• Jeddah’s population is 3.98 million (2014)
• Jeddah has a 1,600 km2 area.
• The Holiday Inn Jeddah – al Hamra, an IHG Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salam, and the Ramada by Wyndham Continental Jeddah are among the best hotels in Jeddah.
• Jeddah tourist attractions include the Jeddah Corniche, Al-Shallal Theme Park, Bab Shareef, and King Road Tower.

3. The holiest city in Islam- Makkah

It is in Makkah that the Prophet Muhammad was born (PBUH). The Masjid Al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Makkah, is located there. The 20th and 21st centuries saw a significant improvement in the city’s landscape. Its economy is heavily reliant on pilgrimages for the Hajj and Umrah. Makkah, one of Saudi Arabia’s top 5 cities, is well known for its rich cultural history. There is a nearby fast food chain there that is well-known among travelers.

How to get to Makkah: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the closest airport to the city, and it has excellent rail and road connections to the rest of the kingdom.

• 58 million people call Makkah their home (2015)
• Makkah has a 1,200 km2 area.
• Top Makkah accommodations include the Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency and Hotel Swissôtel Al Maqam – Tower F.
• Masjid Al-Haram, Jabal al-Nour, Jannat-al-Mu’alla, Masjid-e-Ayesha, and Mount Arafat are all places of worship worth visiting in Makkah.

4. The 2nd-holiest city in Islam -Madinah

One of Saudi Arabia’s major cities, Madinah is connected to the rest of the kingdom by roads, planes, and trains. It is a stop on the majority of pilgrimage tours and is home to some of the most significant religious sites for Muslims. For those who are interested in learning more about Arabian culture, the local cuisine and culture are a delight. It is located 625 meters above sea level and has a breathtaking landscape.

The regional airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

• Madinah has a population of 1.54 million (2022)
• Madinah has a 587.9 km2 area.
• The Taiba Front Hotel, Dar Al Taqwa Hotel Madinah, and Grand Plaza Al Madina are some of the best hotels in the city.
• Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, Wadi e Jinn, Jannat-al-Baqi, the Desert of Saleh, and Al Noor Mall are among the religious and historic sites in Madinah.
  

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5. Popular tourist destination Dammam

Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province, is Saudi Arabia’s sixth-most populous city. In 1923, the Al Dawasir tribe established Dammam. The population came from Bahrain, settled close to Khobar, and eventually founded the city. The city’s economy consists largely of the oil fields there.

The largest airport in Saudi Arabia, King Fahd International Airport, connects Dammam to the rest of the kingdom. Dammam is one of the country’s major cities. Additionally, it has a seaport and well-maintained rail and road networks.

• Dammam has a population of 4.14 million.
• Dammam’s area is 800 km2.
• Top Dammam accommodations include the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Dammam, Morjan-Resort, and Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Center.
• Dammam attractions include King Fahad Park, Marjan Island, Water Island, Adventure World, Heritage Village, Dolphin Village, and Paintball Battle.

6. An excellent summer destination – Taif

Taif, a city in the Makkah Province, is perched on the Hejaz Mountains at an altitude of 1,879 meters. The Holy Quran also makes a veiled reference to the city. In the seventh century, it is thought that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled through the city. Due to its temperate summer climate, it serves as the Kingdom’s unofficial summer capital. Taif is well-known for its agricultural goods and fragrances. The city is well known for its museums and historical sites.

Taif can be reached via domestic and international flights at Taif Regional Airport. The city has excellent road connectivity. Here, taxis from different Saudi cities are a common form of transportation.

• Taif’s population is 702k (2022)
• Taif spans a 321 km2 area.
• The InterContinental Taif, an IHG Hotel, the Awaliv International Hotel, and the Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Taif are among the best hotels in Taif.
• Jabal Dakka, Taif Zoo, Tera Mall, Rose Factory, Al Shareef Museum, Al Rudaf Park, Dolphin and Sea Lion Show, Souq Okaz, Bird Park, and Strawberry Farm are some of the tourist attractions in Taif.

7. Beautiful historic city – “Al-Kharj”

Kharj, one of the Saudi governorates southeast of Riyadh, is a well-known city in the country. It provides a beautiful setting and is surrounded by numerous valleys. Ayun AlSeih, or the eyes, are a well-known feature of Al-Kharj. There are eye-shaped holes in the earth that it has created. One of the best areas in Saudi Arabia for conducting agricultural activities is Al-Kharj. It houses some of the biggest farms, poultry farms, and dairy businesses in the kingdom.

A wide highway connects Al Kharj to Riyadh, making travel to Al Kharj easy. Also connected to Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates by road.

• 425k people live in Al Kharj (2022)
• Al Kharj has a 17,457 km2 area.
• The Retaj Hotel housing units, Marahel Kharj Aparthotel 3, and Low Light Suites are some of the best hotels in Al Kharj.
• Visit Jaw Mall, Al Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj Water Tower, King Salman Walkaway, Al-Baijan, and an amusement park while you’re in Al Kharj.

8. An important commercial hub -Khobar

The newest city in the Dammam Metropolitan area is Khobar, which is situated on the Persian Gulf coast. It has a 16 km long Corniche Road and is well known among the locals as a resort town. It has a lot of beaches and resorts, so visitors can take in the panoramic views and local cuisine. Khobar is home to several shopping malls and lifestyle centers where tourists can buy necessities. There are even regional chains of restaurants there that serve delectable food.

• 457k people live in Khobar (2010)
• Khobar spans 750 km2.
• The Le Méridien Al Khobar, Voco Al Khobar, an IHG Hotel, and Ascott Corniche Al Khobar are some of the best hotels in Khobar.
• Loopagoon, Al Rashid Mall, Half Moon Beach, Escape the Room, Dhahran Hills Park, Gravity Trampoline Park, and SciTech Technology Center are among Khobar’s tourist attractions.

9. The most picturesque city in Saudi Arabia – Tabuk

Tabuk is a city in Saudi Arabia’s northwest that boasts both pristine beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. It is well known for its archaeological sites and has a population of about 667,000. Tourists can easily access the city thanks to its airport. Historical inscriptions on the forts and palaces in Tabuk provide a window into the past for researchers. It has eventually aided experts in their understanding of the way of life of those who lived there.

• The Tabuk population is 657k (2020)
• Tabuk has a 146,072 km2 area.
• Top lodging options in Tabuk include the Grand Millennium Tabuk, Holiday Inn Tabuk, and Hilton Garden Inn Tabuk.
• Wadi Al Disah, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan’s Park, Al-Zareeb Castle, Tabuk Castle, and Souq Twaheen are well-known Tabuk locations.

10. Dhahran: A pleasant family holiday

Dhahran is one of Saudi Arabia’s major and largest cities, with a population of 240,742. It serves as the kingdom’s main oil industry hub. For more than 80 years, it has served as Saudi Aramco’s corporate headquarters. Travelers can travel more easily to other parts of the kingdom from Dhahran thanks to its excellent rail, air, and road connections.

• 138k people live in Dhahran (2012)
• Dhahran has a 100 km2 area.
• The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dhahran, Aloft Dhahran, and Radisson Blu Residence Dhahran are some of the best hotels in the city.
• Visit Prince Saud Bin Naif Park, Gravity Trampoline Park, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, and the Mall of Dhahran, among other Dhahran attractions.

The stunning landscapes and numerous tourist attractions can be found in many of Saudi Arabia’s beautiful cities. It provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience to pilgrims and tourists alike.