Saudi Arabia, AlUla, NEOM and destinations across the Kingdom are expanding outdoor tourism as travellers increasingly add desert experiences, mountain hikes, diving, wadis and nature-based activities to holidays traditionally centred on hotels and resorts. Saudi Arabia recorded approximately 123 million domestic and international tourists in 2025, according to the tourism figures cited in the Kingdom’s development programme. The growth is creating demand for outdoor experiences across several regions, including the northwestern landscapes around AlUla and NEOM, the mountains of Asir and the Red Sea coastline. Tourism development is now focused not only on attracting visitors but also on providing the roads, airports, guides, safety systems and accommodation needed to support travel across remote areas. For visitors, this expansion is creating more ways to experience Saudi Arabia through landscapes, adventure activities and cultural sites outside the country’s major urban centres.
AlUla Expands Heritage and Outdoor Travel
AlUla has become one of Saudi Arabia’s leading destinations for combining cultural heritage with outdoor experiences. The region contains ancient archaeological sites, sandstone formations, desert landscapes and historic settlements.
Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of AlUla’s most recognised attractions. Visitors can explore monumental tombs carved into sandstone formations while travelling through the surrounding desert environment.
AlUla also provides hiking, cycling, rock climbing, stargazing and guided nature experiences. The variety allows visitors to combine heritage sightseeing with outdoor activities within the same itinerary.
NEOM Develops Mountain and Coastal Experiences
NEOM is another major focus of Saudi Arabia’s tourism development in the northwest. The region encompasses desert, mountain and Red Sea landscapes, providing a setting for outdoor tourism.
The Red Sea coastline offers opportunities for diving, snorkelling and marine exploration. Coral reefs and clear waters have become part of the Kingdom’s developing coastal tourism offer.
Mountain environments provide additional opportunities for hiking and adventure activities. Travellers visiting the region need to consider distances, transport arrangements and the availability of organised activities because many attractions are located far from major urban centres.
Asir Brings Mountain Tourism Into Focus
The Asir region provides a different outdoor environment from the deserts of northern Saudi Arabia. Mountains, valleys and higher elevations create opportunities for hiking, nature sightseeing and cultural tourism.
Abha serves as a principal base for exploring the region. Visitors can combine mountain scenery with traditional villages, local markets and cultural attractions.
The area’s elevation also produces different weather conditions from many other parts of Saudi Arabia, making seasonal planning important for outdoor activities.
Desert Travel Moves Beyond Resort Tourism
Desert experiences are becoming an increasingly visible part of Saudi Arabia’s tourism offer. Travellers can participate in guided desert excursions, camping, dune activities and stargazing.
Overnight desert stays range from organised camps to more remote experiences. Facilities and services differ significantly, meaning travellers need to understand what accommodation, transport, meals and safety support are included.
Desert tourism also requires careful environmental management. Fragile landscapes can be affected by vehicle movements, waste and unmanaged visitor activity, making designated routes and responsible tourism practices important.
Wadis Create New Hiking Experiences
Wadis, or valleys, provide another category of outdoor tourism across Saudi Arabia. Some contain distinctive rock formations, vegetation and seasonal water features, creating hiking and nature opportunities.
Access varies according to location and weather conditions. Travellers should use qualified guides where required and check conditions before entering remote valleys.
Flash flooding can create serious risks in some wadis following heavy rainfall, making weather monitoring and local safety information particularly important.
Red Sea Tourism Adds Marine Adventures
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline is becoming a major component of the Kingdom’s tourism expansion. Coastal developments are introducing hotels, resorts, marine activities and nature experiences.
Diving and snorkelling allow visitors to explore coral reefs and marine habitats, while boat excursions provide access to coastal areas and islands.
Marine tourism also requires environmental protection. Coral reefs and coastal ecosystems can be sensitive to increased visitation, requiring controlled access and responsible visitor behaviour.
Infrastructure Must Keep Pace With Remote Tourism
Outdoor tourism depends heavily on transport and visitor infrastructure. Roads, regional airports, accommodation, communications and emergency services all influence how easily travellers can reach remote attractions.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion is therefore extending beyond hotel construction. Regional connectivity is becoming increasingly important as visitors spread across large geographical areas.
For travellers, journey planning can involve long distances between airports, accommodation and outdoor attractions. Organised tours can simplify transport arrangements, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with desert and mountain routes.
Licensed Guides Become More Important
Professional guides play an important role in outdoor tourism because many activities take place in remote environments. Hiking, canyoning, diving and desert excursions can require specialist knowledge and safety procedures.
Licensed guides can help visitors understand local terrain, weather conditions and access restrictions. They can also provide cultural and environmental information during excursions.
As visitor numbers increase, the availability of trained tourism professionals becomes increasingly important to maintaining consistent service and safety standards.
Safety Shapes the Outdoor Travel Experience
Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography creates different safety requirements. Desert heat, mountain terrain, remote roads and marine environments each present distinct challenges.
Travellers undertaking outdoor activities should use appropriate equipment, follow local guidance and confirm weather conditions before departure. Tour operators may also provide vehicles, communications equipment, trained guides and emergency procedures depending on the activity.
Accommodation and transport availability can be limited in remote areas, making advance planning particularly important.
Communities Become Part of Tourism Development
Outdoor tourism can create opportunities for local communities through guiding, accommodation, restaurants, transport, cultural experiences and activity services.
Regional tourism development can also encourage visitors to spend more time outside major cities. Longer stays can distribute tourism expenditure across multiple communities rather than concentrating activity in large urban centres.
For travellers, community-based experiences can provide access to local food, traditions and regional culture alongside outdoor activities.
Vision 2030 Expands the Tourism Map
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy is increasing the range of destinations and experiences available across the Kingdom. The approximately 123 million domestic and international tourists recorded in 2025 demonstrate the scale of the existing visitor market.
The next phase involves expanding access to outdoor environments while developing infrastructure, safety systems, professional tourism services and accommodation.
AlUla provides a combination of heritage and desert tourism, NEOM links mountains and the Red Sea, Asir brings highland travel into the national tourism map, while destinations across the Kingdom provide additional opportunities for hiking, camping, diving and nature exploration.
For travellers, Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape is increasingly extending beyond luxury resorts. The growth of outdoor experiences is creating journeys through deserts, mountains, valleys and marine environments, while infrastructure and responsible tourism measures become increasingly important to supporting visitors across the country’s vast and varied landscapes.
