10 Top Arabian Nights Experiences That Make Saudi a Tourist’s Paradise

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For many of us, our introduction to Arabia was through the tales in the ‘Arabian Nights’. A collection of folklores, the stories in this book fascinated us when we read them as a child. Heroic tales, tales of impossible love, and more, the one thousand and one legends in the book still hold a big place in our hearts.

If you are travelling to Saudi this year, we are sure you want to walk into the night like the protagonists in Arabian Nights and experience the country while everyone sleeps. This is why we have curated the top 10 Arabian Nights experiences for you to indulge in, the next time you visit Saudi.

10 Most Fascinating Arabian Nights Experiences

Saudi is known for its auburn deserts, camel safaris, dune bashing on quad bikes, and natural scenic landscapes. Few people are aware of the rich nightlife scene in Saudi.

You are in for a big surprise. Though the Arabian Nights experience is not exactly the same as the night experience in other touristy places, it is not any less marvellous.

In today’s post, we will share the top 10 Arabian Nights experiences with you that will change the way you perceive the nightlife of Saudi. Prepare to have your mind blown!

Here are 10 spectacular Saudi Nights experiences for you to partake in during your next visit to this splendid land:

1. Gawk at the tallest fountain as it dances under half-a-thousand spotlights

Jeddah in Saudi is home to the tallest fountain in the world. King Fahd’s Fountain touches a height of 300 metres. On some nights, the water sprays even cross the height of the Eiffel Tower.

Standing at the Jeddah waterfront and watching the water shoot for the sky and then cascade back into the sea is one of the best Arabian Nights experiences you can have in Saudi.

Unlike most fountains, King Fahd’s Fountain uses salty sea water instead of freshwater. This is why it is considered an engineering marvel as the design has stood the test of time, despite such a challenge.

2. Go for a romantic walk along the Jeddah Corniche Waterfront

Once you are done watching the fountain and the lights mingle for the ultimate laser show, explore the waterfront. The walkway is stunning and so is the entire waterfront area.

The Jeddah Corniche Waterfront was revamped in 2017 to transform it into a major tourist puller. With silvery beaches and spacious alleys, the seaside turns into the perfect romantic nook in the night. While you walk, do pause every now and then to enjoy a traditional snack from the stalls and breathe in the Red Sea around you.

3. Gaze at some of the most glorious sunsets

One of the reasons why the nightlife scene in Saudi is so remarkable is because its dusks are otherworldly, offering the perfect start to an amazing night experience.

There are several spots for you to enjoy a magnificent sunset. Our favourite would definitely be the Al Wahbah Crater. A natural wonder, this crater has a milky lake in its heart making the experience even more dramatic for the viewer.

Watching the sun set into the crater and capturing that moment in your camera is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to walk into the dark in Saudi.

4. Go desert camping and watch the stars

The Arabian Nights experiences list is incomplete if we don’t include stargazing. After all, magic always happens under those gorgeous Saudi stars.

Desert camping like a true nomad is one of the things you absolutely must do when in Dammam. While the sand dunes embrace you and the stars offer the perfect spotlight, indulge in an Al Fresco dinner consisting mainly of scrumptious barbeque.

5. Explore the backstreets of Al Balad

Have you always wanted to lose your way through a web of lanes where history breathes in every nook? Well, Al Balad in Saudi gives you that opportunity of a lifetime.

From shops that seem to have walked out of one of those tales in Arabian Nights, to gawking at some of the most gorgeously designed structures, an evening on Al Balad’s streets transforms you.

6. Grab a bite at Qadah Café

If you are travelling to Al Balad and want to spend the previous night relishing some yummy biscotti, the Qadah Café is the place to stop by.

Not only does this café offer some delectable delights, it also presents some stunning night views to you. One such night spectacle is the minaret of the mosque at Al Mahmal.

7. Visit one of the oldest Souqs in the world

Shopping through the night in Saudi is one of the favourite things to do for travellers as the shopping scene is  extremely diverse. It has some of the oldest Souqs and some of the most modern malls in the world.

How can one talk about Arabian Nights experiences without mentioning an Arabian carpet? If you are visiting the capital city, Riyadh, then be sure to step into the extraordinary world of rugs and carpets in Souq Al-Zal. For those planning to get souvenirs for friends and family, this is the perfect place to do that. Gorgeous handicrafts at a price that will leave you gleefully smiling, this Souq is truly a magical place.

8. Give modern retail therapy a shot

If you are more interested in luxury brands and goodies, then we recommend hitting the malls in Saudi at night for a quieter and richer shopping experience.

When in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, the first mall that you must visit is the Red Sea Mall, located only 16 kilometres from the airport. If you are flying in or flying out late, this mall serves as the ideal stopover for you. Expect to be gobsmacked by the choicest brands and prices.

9. Experience Riyadh’s Wadis after dusk

Riyadh, the capital city, is known for a lot of things, but the wadis (valleys) most definitely top the list.

If you like the idea of a river breeze caressing your hair as you gape at the crescent moon atop a rugged mountain, trekking Riyadh’s valleys at night would be one of the most perfect Arabian Nights experiences for you.

10. Try your luck at an escape room

If you are a sucker for a good puzzle, then the escape rooms in Saudi have a lot to tease your brain.

Escape Arabia in Riyadh is a great way to spend some quality time with your friends at night. Why at night? The thrill, once the sun has set and the world is quiet, cannot be matched by the day.

The nightlife in Saudi is nothing like what you experience in other countries. The best part is that you are offered a variety of experiences. Apart from the usual late-night revelries, you also get to explore nature. There are activities for adventure lovers, for shopaholics, and for those who seek romance. In Saudi, there’s a slice of heaven for all travellers, which is what makes it so unique.

We hope that you enjoyed our post. Do let us know which of these activities you would love to try on your next visit.