Saudi Arabia might not immediately cross your mind when you think of stunning beaches, and beach adventures. But to your surprise KSA had a coastline of 2000kms, its cerulean water, white glittery sand and tranquil ambience is highly appreciated by travelers. Although earlier the county was not an easily accessible destination for vacation, the scenario is pretty different now. The ruling prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched a Vision 2030 reform plan. Under which few major changes will be executed such as the construction of luxury resorts, 5-star hotels and high-end beach clubs. But it is highly recommended to take a look at the laws and guidelines before visiting the beaches in Saudi Arabia.
Top 8 Beaches in Saudi Arabia for a Joyous vacation
Very few people know about the gorgeous beaches of Saudi Arabia. Here is a list of a few best ones. Let's take a look and go for a virtual dive into the serene turquoise treasure. But there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before heading towards the beaches. Make sure that you cover yourself properly, on public beaches ladies must wear burkini or abaya and men must also dress appropriately. Let’s check out the top beaches in Saudi Arabia and things to enjoy there.
- Haql Shipwreck Beach
- Farasan Al Kabir Beach
- Half Moon Bay Beach
- Umluj Beach
- Uqair Beach
- OIA Beach
- Al Fanateer Beach
- Salhia Beach
1. Haql Shipwreck Beach
The name of this beach might not attract you immediately but Haql shipwreck is one of the most stunning beaches in the country. Located in Tabuk province, 55 km south of Haql city. It is popular for the half sunken shipwreck, dated around two decades ago. Don't forget to fetch plenty of sunscreen because with such a stunning coastline and the picturesque view you would want to spend a little extra time here to explore and click.
Be sure to come prepared with your own sunscreen, food, and drinks because with an endless wild coastline to explore, you’ll want to spend a good amount of time here. With the view of majestic Sinai mountains, you are going to fall head over heels in love with the beach in Saudi Arabia.
Location: Haql city
Things to do: Explore the coastline, sunbathing
2. Farasan Al Kabir Beach
If you are a beach person then you must not visit the Farasan Al Kabir for its sunning turquoise water and the most astonishing subtropical shores amongst all the beaches in Saud Arabia. The crystal-clear water will leave you in awe. There are many places to visit in Saudi Arabia but if you are looking for water sports then you must know that this beach in Saudi homes some of the best spots in the vicinity. Located on the Farasa island there are plenty of subtropical shore that you would find in the region. Its water and diverse flora and fauna make it a perfect hideout for all the localites as well as the tourists.
Location: Farasan Island
Things to do: Sunbasking, Scuba diving
3. Half Moon Bay Beach
Half moon Bay beach is one of the most popular destinations in Middle East. The name is quite exciting as the beach is named after its Lunar shape. If you are in quest for a destination in the Persian Gulf, then makes note that you search would end at Half moon Bay beach given its shallow water, scenic horizon, glistening sand.
This beach in Saudi Arabia caters to all irrespective of their age bracket, adults can relax, while kids can enjoy in the play area. Visitors can also make the best of their time in the local amusement park or plan a sail on the waves enjoying the tranquil ambience. The beach has been an integral part of Saudi Arabia for the past 80 years, and has been a popular destination since then.
Location: Dammam, Eastern SA
Things to do: Sunbathing, sailing, amusement park
Suggested Read: Historical Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia: Diving Deeper into the History and Heritage
4. Umluj Beach
For its hypnotic beauty, Umluj beach is referred to as ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’ and has been a popular place to visit for those who love tranquility and calm. Umluj beach is a significant part of Red Sea project which is world's most ambitious and exciting tourism and hospitality project, aiming to foster Saudi Arabia as a beach paradise destination with pristine waterbodies. If you are a tourist looking for fun things to do in Saudi Arabia, then make sure that you visit the pristine beaches in Saudi Arabia located at specific locations
The beach is a part of 104 tiny island and glittery white sand the beach Umluj looks no lesser than a heaven. With very less crowd, the beach is unspoiled and has a very little way of consumerism. Witness vast diversity of birds and creatures. To preserve the beach large ships and beaches have been banned.
Location: Al Husain Bin Al Haitham Street
Things to do: Relax and admire the marine creatures
5. Uqair Beach
Earlier Uqair was the economic hub earlier and was the main port in the region. Now the destination has been transformed into a stunning beachy escape. For those who are looking for a refreshing getaway must visit the beach and dip in the clear and blue water. While you are there explore the main attractions, historical places, cultural attractions and forts in Saudi Arabia. Visit Uqair beach and the newly established shops and eateries. Don’t forget to carry your swim suit, and explore the marine life underwater.
Location: Uqair Beach, Uqair, Saudi Arabia
Things to do: Pristine Coastline and Historic Fortress
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6. OIA Beach
Although the the country is not much explored there are many romantic places that are charted under ideal honeymoon destinations in Saudi Arabia. Yet another most romantic destination is OIA beach, a perfect place to get rid of chaotic city life. Visitors can enjoy some water sports on this one of the most visited beaches in Saudi Arabia. While you are there you can explore multiple cafes and restaurants serving the traditional Arab dishes of Saudi. Don’t forget to try the water activities on the must visit beach in Saudi Arabia like sailing, kayaking and floating water park.
Location: 8984 Prince Abdullah AlFiasal St, حي اللؤلؤ،، Jeddah 23821 2688, Saudi Arabia
Things to do: Sailing, kayaking and floating water park
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7. Al Fanateer Beach
Located in one of the most stunning tourist destination, Al Fanateer is a very exotic beach offering a crazy picturesque scene. One of the most loved tourist destination, offers a perfect escape for located as well as you would witness many people jogging along the shore. Popular for the palm tree along the shoreline Al Fanateer is an ideal place for serene boat rides and soothing walks. While you are there just remove your shoes and enjoy the sand slipping through the toes.
Location: Fanateer, Unnamed Road, Al Jubail Saudi Arabia
Things to do: long walks along the plan palm trees, jogging, boat ride
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8. Salhia Beach
Not a very popular beach but once you have reaches here you are going to love every aspect of this place. Offering multiple recreational activities Salhia beach the favorites of the local youngsters. Known for its seabed, just sit and let the breeze play with your hair. It is recommended to take a glass of lemonade and delve in the soothing ambience, refreshing every ounce of yourself at one of the most adorable beaches in Saudi Arabia. If you are on a vacation with family, plan a day out with all your loved ones. This place surely calls for a family picnic where adults can play beach games such as volleyball etc, and kids too can have some time for themselves.
Location: 6622-6624 Prince Abdullah AlFiasal St, Al Amwaj, Jeddah 23811 2949, Saudi Arabia
Things to do: relax on Sunbeds, recreational activities such as volleyball.
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Hopefully you have gained a good knowledge about the best beaches in Saudi Arabia and the things that you can enjoy at beaches. Apart from gorgeous coastline the country homes mesmerizing local attractions and is often referred as shopping paradise. So what are you waiting for? Avail of the amazing Saudi Arabia holiday packages and plan your days indulging in thrilling water sports, basking in the sun, relishing the traditional dishes and much more. Since the Saudi government is pitting all the efforts in promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia, be rest assured there would be no regrets during your vacation. Get ready for an indelible vacation.
Beaches in Saudi Arabia - FAQs
Saudi Arabia has plenty of beaches that must be explores by all atleast once durig their lifetime. With unique specifications all beaches are different adorable. Some of the best beaches as
- Haql Shipwreck Beach
- Farasan Al Kabir Beach
- Half Moon Bay Beach
- Umluj Beach
- Uqair Beach
- OIA Beach
Given the fact that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country, that remain hot and humid during summer, the idea time for tourists to visit the country November. The month has coldest temperature making it convenient for the tourists to explore.
OIA beach is a perfect place to get rid of chaotic city life. Visitors can enjoy some water sports on this one of the most visited beaches in Saudi Arabia. While you are there, you can explore multiple cafes and restaurants serving the traditional Arab dishes of Saudi. It is exactly located at 8984 Prince Abdullah Al Fiasal St, in Jeddah 23821 2688, Saudi Arabia
This beach in Saudi Arabia caters to all irrespective of their age bracket, adults can relax, while kids can enjoy in the play area. Visitors can also make the best of their time in the local amusement park or plan a sail on the waves enjoying the tranquil ambience.
There are very few resorts but if you are planning to stay around the Haql beach. You can try Bita resort, Marina Plaza Tala Bay and Grand Tala Bay Resort
Saudi Arabia is blessed with vast topography, so visitors get to explore a lot of things here. If you are planning to visit make sure you check out the following places.
- Al Masmak Fort
- Athr Gallery
- Al Rahma Mosque
- Half Moon Bay
- Medina
- Al-Madina Souq
Mecca is one of the most popular places as is it called the home of Prophet Mohammed. People are religiously associated with the city. Mecca was established by prophet Mohammed who later stated living Medina and remained there for rest of his life. Only Muslims visitors are allowed in Mecca, to witness the religious and historical delight.
Saudi is a shopping paradise for all the shopaholics out there. There are many famous malls and souqs in Saudi Arabia where tourists can fetch for ancient as well as modern things as souvenirs. Some best places to go for shopping in Saudi Arabia are:
- Red Sea Mall, Jeddah
- Bisht Souq, Riyadh
- Mall of Arabia, Jeddah
- Al Nakheel Mall, Riyadh
- Red Sea Mall, Jeddah
- Gabel Street Souq, Jeddah
