There’s more to explore in Saudi Arabia than the cities you hear about the most. Riyadh and Jeddah have their place, but travel is shifting. People are starting to look at places with different landscapes, different energy, and new reasons to visit. The Kingdom is opening up in ways we haven’t seen before. Mountain towns are gaining momentum. Coastal escapes are getting repurposed. Sacred spaces are being reimagined with more access and care. What was once hard to reach, or even hard to picture, is now taking shape as part of everyday travel conversations. These five emerging travel destinations in Saudi Arabia reflect that shift. Each offers a different way to experience the country, whether you’re here for culture, nature, adventure, or just something new.
Soudah Peaks
Somewhere in the highlands of Asir, where the air stays cool even in summer and the views stretch across cloud-lined peaks, you’ll come across Soudah Peaks. Set 3,000 meters above sea level, it offers a completely different side of Saudi Arabia. Quieter, greener, and built for people who enjoy slower, open spaces.
The development covers more than 600 square kilometers and is being built in phases. When complete, it will feature six zones and over 2,700 hotel rooms. The first phase begins in 2024, with guesthouses, hiking trails, zip lines, and paragliding spots already part of the plan. This is where mountain tourism meets cultural preservation. Villages are being restored. Local crafts are being taught. And travelers are encouraged to take part, not just pass through.
Rua AlMadinah
Rua AlMadinah is changing how people experience Medina. Instead of high-rise buildings, the project focuses on open walkways, shaded courtyards, and architecture that respects its surroundings. There will be over 47,000 hotel rooms by 2030, offering pilgrims more access and comfort right near Masjid an-Nabawi.
Located just east of the Prophet’s Mosque, the development is part of a wider plan to support religious tourism while improving the visitor experience. Integrated transport will include bus stations, metro lines, and self-driving vehicles to make movement easier for everyone. The layout includes pedestrian-first zones, quiet gathering spaces, and access points designed around ease and flow.
Rua AlMadinah aims to welcome millions of visitors each year—those coming for pilgrimage, reflection, or simply to be closer to a place that carries deep meaning. It’s one of the most important emerging cities in Saudi Arabia to visit if you’re looking for comfort, access, and heritage brought into the present.
Trojena
Trojena might change the way you think about Saudi Arabia. It’s part of Neom’s mountain region, where the elevation climbs to 2,600 meters and snow settles in for the winter. You’ll be able to ski here, not once for the novelty, but across a full season, with real slopes and climate systems that keep the snow steady.
By 2029, Trojena will host the Asian Winter Games. But there’s more to explore even before then. You’ll find mountain trails that lead from hotel rooftops into forest paths, an amphitheater by the lake, and striking landmarks like the Explore Tower and The Vault already taking shape.
If you’re drawn to skiing and adventure tourism in Trojena, it’s one of the emerging travel destinations in Saudi Arabia worth keeping an eye on. The energy is bold. The pace is fast. And the setting feels made for movement, especially if you like your travel with altitude and a bit of edge.
The Rig
The Rig brings a different kind of travel experience to Saudi Arabia. Floating 40 kilometers off the eastern coast in the Arabian Gulf, this former oil platform is being turned into the world’s first offshore theme park.
You’ll be able to stay in one of over 800 hotel rooms, eat at 11 restaurants, and choose from a long list of activities—diving, zip lines, live shows, even an esports arena. Everything sits on a platform you can reach by ferry, seaplane, or helicopter.
If you’re looking for something off the usual path, The Rig might be it. It builds on Saudi’s industrial history and turns it into a place where you can play, explore, and take in the Gulf from a new angle. It’s designed for travelers who want movement, energy, and something they haven’t done before.
King Salman Park
Right in the center of Riyadh, you’ll soon find a space built for walking, resting, and being outdoors without leaving the city. King Salman Park is set to become the world’s largest urban park. It will cover more than 16 square kilometers on the site of the former air base.
You’ll have access to shaded trails, landscaped gardens, art spaces, and even a bird and butterfly sanctuary. A circular walkway will loop across the entire park, and you’ll be able to enter directly from Riyadh Metro stations and bus stops.
If you live in Riyadh or you’re visiting and need a break from the city pace, this is where you’ll go. It’s a quiet, open space where you can stretch your legs, bring your kids, or just sit under a tree and enjoy the calm. King Salman Park is about making space for everyday moments, in the middle of everything.
Where Curiosity Might Take You
If you’re thinking about what to see beyond the usual, these places give you a good place to start. They’re still growing, still unfolding, but they already offer something worth the trip—fresh air, quiet time, movement, and a sense of place that feels different.
Wherever you’re headed, you now have more options. Try one. Explore slowly. See what stays with you after you leave.
FAQs
What are the top emerging cities to visit in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Soudah Peaks, Rua Al Madinah, Trojena, The Rig, and Riyadh (King Salman Park) are top emerging travel destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Is it possible to visit Soudah Peaks or Trojena yet?
Soudah Peaks will begin phased development in 2024, while Trojena is already underway and set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
What makes The Rig in Saudi Arabia unique?
The Rig is the world’s first offshore theme park. Built on a decommissioned oil platform, it will offer water sports, hotels, and entertainment experiences.
How can tourists access Rua Al Madinah?
Rua Al Madinah is located east of the Prophet’s Mosque and will be accessible through buses, metro lines, and walkable corridors built into its infrastructure.
When will King Salman Park open to the public?
King Salman Park will likely open in 2025 with major infrastructure and green space development already underway.
Which of these new cities are family-friendly or eco-conscious?
Soudah Peaks focuses on nature escapes and eco-tourism, while King Salman Park will be a family-friendly green space in the capital.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi — a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the heart and soul of the Kingdom.
