Saudi in 2026 is full of life, color, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re yearning for big city thrills, ancient landscapes, or island escapes, this is your go to guide for Saudi’s iconic destinations and what to experience across the country this year.
Riyadh: Where Excitement Never Slows Down
Riyadh is the beating heart of Saudi, a city alive with ambition, culture, and unstoppable momentum. Soaring skyscrapers rise beside thriving creative and financial districts, world‑class dining, reflecting a capital confidently shaping the future. Riyadh never sleeps, thriving on innovation, style, and a magnetic energy that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. Across its cultural quarters, museums, and design‑forward spaces, Riyadh invites you to experience heritage and modernity in perfect harmony.
In 2026, the city’s pulse is only quickening. Riyadh Season, transforms the capital into a months‑long festival of concerts, immersive worlds, and blockbuster entertainment. This is also the year Riyadh hosts the first‑ever WWE Royal Rumble outside North America, welcomes back the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, and stages LIV Golf, elite combat sports, and top‑tier tennis championships. Thrill‑seekers can dive straight into adventure at Six Flags Qiddiya, home to Falcon’s Flight, the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster. Food lovers will find the city stepping onto the global culinary stage with the debut of the Michelin Guide Saudi, celebrating both local talent and international stars.
Look out for: W Riyadh KAFD (opening 2026) for modern energy and style, or Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley (coming soon) for timeless luxury.
Diriyah: Culture, Flavor, and History Come Alive
On the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah feels like a different world, blending historic soul with modern style in a way few places can match. This is the birthplace of Saudi and home to the UNESCO listed At-Turaif district where mudbrick palaces and narrow lanes set the scene for immersive heritage experiences and beautifully restored architecture. Across the valley, Bujairi Terrace is one of the most atmospheric dining spots in Saudi, with worldclass restaurants overlooking the illuminated historic district. Creativity thrives in the JAX District, and 2026 brings another edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, turning the area into a lively hub for art lovers.
Look out for: Armani Hotel Diriyah (opening 2026) for sleek sophistication, or Aman Wadi Safar (opening 2026) for peaceful, nature inspired luxury.
AlUla: Otherworldly Beauty and Endless Discovery
AlUla is a destination that genuinely feels magical. Its towering sandstone cliffs, carved tombs, expansive canyons and contemporary art installations make it one of the most photogenic places on the planet. In 2026, its event calendar is packed: the AlUla Wellness Festival for mindbody resets, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival for immersive cultural discovery, Desert X AlUla for groundbreaking outdoor art, plus Desert Polo, the Half Marathon and more. As the only place in the GCC with International Dark Sky certification, AlUla offers incredible stargazing in places like Gharameel, Raggasat Valley, and Ashar Valley, where the night skies are among the clearest on Earth. Hegra’s nighttime shows bring Nabataean tombs to life under starlit skies, while Maraya continues to draw global performers inside its vast mirrored façade.
Look out for: Banyan Tree AlUla for canyon side luxury, or Aman Hegra (opening 2026) for a refined escape shaped by the desert.
Jeddah: Coastal Culture and Waterfront Energy
Jeddah is a city with an effortless, cosmopolitan spirit, warm, lively, and rich with character. Historic Jeddah’s restored coral‑stone buildings, wooden balconies, and winding alleyways create an atmosphere that feels timeless, especially at golden hour. Across the city, creative spaces, cultural hubs, and buzzing dining spots give Jeddah its signature mix of tradition and modern flair. TeamLab Borderless Jeddah adds a striking futuristic dimension, inviting visitors into immersive, interactive digital worlds.
Meanwhile, the Jeddah Corniche offers vibrant promenades, marinas, outdoor experiences, and a social scene that stays bright well into the night. And in March 2026, the city’s energy peaks with the return of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, racing through its dramatic waterfront circuit and drawing the eyes of the world to Jeddah once again.
Look out for: Raffles Jeddah (opening 2026) for refined Red Sea luxury, or Four Seasons Jeddah (coming soon) for contemporary waterfront elegance.
The Red Sea: Barefoot Luxury and Island Dreaming
If turquoise lagoons, pristine coral reefs, untouched islands, and calm luxury are calling your name, the Saudi Red Sea is your paradise on earth in 2026. It is where serenity, style, and untouched natural beauty come together in one extraordinary coastline. This highly sought-after luxury destination is defined by calm, crystal‑clear waters, pristine islands, and landscapes that feel worlds away from everyday life. Shura Island is rapidly shaping into one of the globe’s most anticipated new resort hubs, where contemporary design blends seamlessly with its breathtaking surroundings.
New openings, including SLS Red Sea and The Red Sea EDITION, join standout stays such as Shebara Resort’s futuristic overwater villas and the dramatic, cliff‑carved Desert Rock. Beyond the outstanding natural beauty, the Red Sea resorts offer some of the region’s most tranquil wellness moments, from slow, sun‑drenched days to snorkeling, diving, and peaceful explorations of its vibrant marine world. It’s the perfect, restorative contrast to a high‑energy city break.
Look out for: Desert Rock for a one-of-a-kind nature carved stay, or SLS Red Sea for stylish island luxury.
Why Saudi Should Be on Your 2026 Travel List
The beauty of traveling in Saudi is how effortless it is to experience dramatically different landscapes in a single trip. Go from roller coasters in Riyadh and ancient pathways in Diriyah to ancient tombs in AlUla to activity-filled days in Jeddah to island luxury in the Red Sea . Wherever you go, Saudi welcomes you with warmth, color, flavor and moments you’ll want to relive again and again.
To learn more and plan your trip, visit the Visit Saudi website.