Saudi Arabia: 5 Landscapes You Won’t See Anywhere Else

Mostly desertic, thanks to the presence of the Arabian desert on a large portion of the country, the Saudi climate becomes less dry in regions such as the Asir, in the west, where the monsoons of the Indian ocean bring more precipitation. Saudi Arabia has one of the most unique and varied natural landscapes of the world:

Rub’ al-Khali desert

The canyons and dunes of the Rub’ al-Khali desert (literally, the Empty Quarter), which occupies most of the country. It’s the largest sand desert in the world.

Al Asir mountain chain

The Al Asir mountain chain, located in the west of the country, reaches 3,000 meters high. The region also lays claim to the historic village of Rijal Alma, celebrated for its mud-and-stone houses.

The “hanging village” of Habbala

Overlooking the valley of Al Habbala, the “hanging village” of Habbala offers a breathtaking view. Its name means “rope”, since historically, the only way to enter the village was by climbing.

Wadi Qaraqir

North in the province of Tabuk, the canyon Wadi Qaraqir spreads over more than 15 kilometers. The vegetation, which presses up thanks to the running water that coils through the canyon, creates a strong contrast against the ochre rocks.

Farasan islands

Farasan islands are an archipelago in the Red Sea. They have all the trappings of a paradise island, with their fine sands, corals, and turquoise waters