Saudi Arabia: The Land of a Thousand Journeys That Must Be Lived, Not Just Seen Destinations Special Feature February 13, 2025 | By Anita Jain Shah Some places look great in photos—Saudi Arabia isn’t one of them. Not because it isn’t stunning, but because no picture or video can capture what it feels like to actually be there. The sheer scale of AlUla’s rock formations, the energy of Riyadh’s streets, the warmth of a traditional home-cooked Saudi meal—these are things you have to experience to understand. This isn’t just another place to tick off a bucket list. It’s a destination that surprises you, moves you, and stays with you long after you leave. Why Saudi Arabia is India’s Next Big Travel Obsession For decades, Indian travellers have gravitated toward the usual suspects in the Middle East—opulent skyscrapers, desert safaris, and luxury shopping districts. But the Saudi Arabia of today is rewriting the region’s tourism playbook. No longer just a pilgrimage hub or an oil-rich enigma, the Kingdom is undergoing an audacious transformation, beckoning Indian tourists with a blend of modern sophistication and cultural authenticity that simply cannot be captured through a screen. To see Saudi Arabia is not enough. You must feel it, walk through its stories, and breathe in its uncharted elegance. India: Saudi Arabia’s Most Coveted Tourist Market Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is no longer a distant aspiration—it’s unfolding in real time, and Indian travellers are increasingly becoming a part of this unprecedented evolution. The Kingdom is not just opening its doors; it is actively inviting Indian travellers with seamless accessibility, enhanced infrastructure, and a commitment to making every journey effortless and enriching. But the key question remains: why Saudi? What makes this country not just a tourist attraction but an experience unlike any other? A Destination That Defies the Lens Some places are postcard-perfect—easy to capture, easy to understand. Saudi Arabia is not one of them. Here, a photograph of AlUla’s striking rock formations pales in comparison to the humbling sensation of standing before these ancient monoliths, feeling the weight of millennia in the air. A video of Diriyah’s mudbrick palaces, meticulously restored to their 18th-century glory, might highlight its grandeur, but it won’t convey the whispers of the past echoing through its alleyways. Even Riyadh, often perceived as a corporate capital, stuns visitors with its juxtaposition of hyper-modernity and deep tradition. The skyline may be punctuated by towering marvels like the Kingdom Centre and the upcoming Murabba project, but its true soul resides in bustling souks, historic forts, and the rhythm of everyday life. In short, Saudi Arabia must be witnessed with one’s own eyes to truly grasp its depth. Experiences for Every Traveller Saudi Arabia is not just for luxury travellers—it is for everyone. Whether it’s budget-conscious explorers, families looking for unique cultural immersion, or solo travellers seeking adventure, the country has something for every segment. The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has been instrumental in making this happen, working closely with Indian travel experts to craft experiences that cater to every budget and category. From high-end boutique resorts to accessible family-friendly accommodations, the destination is as diverse as the travellers it welcomes. The High Home Experience: Saudi Hospitality at Its Finest Saudi Arabia is not just about lavish hotels and grand resorts—it’s also about authentic, heartfelt hospitality. One of the most unique experiences available is the High Home Experience, where visitors are welcomed into a local’s home for an intimate meal and cultural exchange. We had the privilege of visiting the home of Abir Anusulayman, Saudi’s first female tour guide, where we shared a traditional meal, heard stories of Saudi’s past and present, and truly felt the warmth of local hospitality. These High Home experiences, listed on the Saudi Tourism website, are available in key tourist districts and cities, allowing travellers to step beyond typical sightseeing and immerse themselves in the real Saudi way of life. For Indian visitors, known for their appreciation of homegrown hospitality, this is an unmissable cultural touchpoint. AlUla: A Journey Back in Time with Modern Comforts No discussion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism revolution is complete without AlUla, an open-air museum where history and modernity seamlessly merge. Walking through AlUla’s Old Town, restored to perfection, feels like stepping back 2000 years—narrow alleys, mudbrick houses, and an atmosphere that transports you to another era. Our stay at Shaden Resort was an experience in itself—an oasis of tranquility in the midst of AlUla’s stunning desert landscape. The highlight of our trip? A hot air balloon ride at sunrise, where the vastness of AlUla unfolded beneath us, and a night of stargazing, where the Arabian sky came alive in a way city dwellers rarely get to see. AlUla is also home to unique accommodations that redefine experiential travel. Dar Tantora The House Hotel operates on zero electricity, offering visitors a chance to live as the ancients did—lit by lanterns, surrounded by historical architecture. For those seeking adventure, Caravan Hotels provide a mobile luxury experience, allowing travellers to wake up in different parts of AlUla’s magical landscape. More Than Just Pilgrimage: A Spiritual and Cultural Awakening While Makkah and Madinah will always hold a deep spiritual significance for Muslim travellers, Saudi Arabia is expanding its religious tourism portfolio beyond the Hajj and Umrah circuits. New initiatives allow visitors to explore the rich Islamic heritage woven into the country’s fabric—such as the UNESCO-listed Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), an ancient Nabataean city akin to Jordan’s Petra, but untouched by commercial tourism. For non-religious travellers, the cultural renaissance is equally compelling. Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, and the Tantora Festival in AlUla are turning the Kingdom into a cultural powerhouse, hosting everything from international concerts to heritage showcases and fashion weeks. The message is clear: Saudi is no longer just a place of tradition; it is a dynamic, evolving cultural epicenter. Saudi Arabia: A Market Indian Agents Cannot Ignore For Indian travel agents and tour operators, selling Saudi Arabia isn’t just about pushing another Middle Eastern destination—it’s about tapping into a market that is evolving faster than any other in the region. The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is actively working with Indian travel experts, providing comprehensive support, destination training, and itinerary assistance to help them curate packages that cater to their client base. Be it luxury seekers, adventure enthusiasts, or budget-conscious explorers, STA ensures that Indian travel professionals have all the tools they need to sell Saudi Arabia with confidence. Final Thought: Will You Witness Saudi’s Rise or Watch From Afar? The question is no longer whether Saudi Arabia is ready for Indian tourists. The real question is whether Indian travellers—and the industry that serves them—are ready to embrace Saudi Arabia as the next big thing. The landscapes, the hospitality, the culture, and the future-forward vision are all in place. But there’s only one way to understand it: step off the plane, walk through its stories, and see it through your own eyes. Because in Saudi Arabia, seeing is not believing—experiencing is. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Digital Travellers (@digitaltravellers) Share this:FacebookX