There’s something exciting about Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia. The roads are quieter, the skies are clearer, and the country opens itself up in the best way through celebration, nature, food, and family. For GCC residents looking for a fresh holiday experience, this is your window to explore a side of Saudi Arabia that’s both festive and deeply refreshing.
From cool mountain air in Abha to Red Sea luxury, these places to visit in Saudi Arabia for Eid al-Adha 2025 highlight how much the Kingdom has to offer. Add in visa ease, short flights, and road trip potential, and the options start stacking up. Whether you’re craving history, beach vibes, or a break from city noise, here’s your ultimate Eid travel guide.
AlUla
AlUla is made for wonder. You’ll see massive rock formations, ancient Nabataean tombs, and vast desert trails that make you feel like time has paused. This is where you come to connect with history, with nature, and maybe even with yourself.
Hot air balloon rides offer sunrise views across Hegra’s carved cliffs. At night, stargazing and camping under the open desert sky create moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
If you’re considering Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2025, AlUla offers the perfect mix of cultural depth and natural beauty. It’s one of the most unforgettable Eid getaways in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh
Exciting celebrations in Boulevard World Riyadh, you can enjoy on Eid – (Credits BLVD Riyadh)
Saudi’s capital always has something going on, but during Eid al-Adha, it’s alive with even more color and rhythm. Riyadh’s skyline, luxury hotels, and food scene give you the energy of a big city without losing sight of tradition.
Take your pick of art galleries, food pop-ups, or a match at the padel courts at Boulevard Riyadh City. Shopping centers put on Eid sales and late-night hours. And if you’re traveling with family, you’ll find plenty of indoor spots to explore and cool down.
Abha
If you’re looking for crisp air and green views, head to Abha. It’s one of the few places in the region where you’ll actually want a light sweater in June.
Cable cars glide over misty valleys, and roadside cafes serve Arabic coffee with sweeping mountain views. The streets are quieter, the pace is slower, and the scenery? Lush, layered, and breezy.
Among the best Saudi destinations in 2025 for nature lovers, Abha is also ideal for anyone planning short trips to KSA from GCC countries.
Jeddah
Eid fireworks along the coast in Jeddah – (Credits Leaders MENA)
Jeddah has always been a magnet for travelers. It’s where old meets new in the best way. Walk through the coral stone alleys of Al-Balad, grab a beachside lunch, then end the day with shopping and fireworks.
During Eid, Jeddah’s coastline stays calm and crowd-free compared to other Gulf cities. That means more space to swim, walk, and relax. Malls stay open late, and there’s no shortage of places to eat or explore.
If you’re wondering where to travel in Saudi Arabia for Eid holidays from Dubai or other GCC countries, Jeddah’s a great place to start.
The Red Sea Coast
Luxury hotels and resorts in Umluj, also called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia – (Credits TripAdvisor)
If you’ve been dreaming of soft white sand and crystal waters, now’s the time to head west. The Red Sea coast is where Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision really starts to shine.
Destinations like Amaala, Umluj, and the Red Sea Project are opening up with luxury resorts that still feel grounded in nature. Here you’ll find coral reef diving, private beaches, and spa days with sea views. Umluj in particular, sometimes called the “Saudi Maldives,” offers turquoise waters and island-hopping opportunities for those looking to escape the crowds.
This is a rising highlight in any Saudi Arabia travel guide for expats and one of the top Eid al-Adha 2025 vacation spots in Saudi Arabia.
Taif
Taif sits high above the plains near Mecca, and in summer, that altitude makes all the difference. The air is cooler, the sunsets are deeper, and the hilltop cafes feel worlds away from the city rush.
While the famous rose season peaks earlier in spring, you can still tour the local fragrance distilleries and pick up rose-scented souvenirs. Eid in Taif feels grounded, intimate, and warm, especially when shared over tea and a good view.
This is also a top pick for road trips to Saudi Arabia from the UAE during Eid, or weekend getaway ideas from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia.
Visa Access Made Easy for GCC Residents
Saudi Arabia’s eVisa system now makes it easier than ever for GCC expats to explore. If you hold a valid residency in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, or Qatar, you can apply online in minutes.
The eVisa is good for a year with multiple entries, and you can stay up to 90 days per visit. No embassy visits. No long forms. Just upload your photo, passport, and residency proof, and you’re good to go.
With daily flights from Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and more, plus drivable distances for some cities, planning a Saudi Arabia trip from Qatar for Eid or other parts of the Gulf has never been more seamless.
What Eid al-Adha Looks Like in Saudi Arabia
A family roaming around Saudi Arabia with shopping bags in hand on Eid-ul-Adha – (Credits London Daily News)
From Riyadh to Jeddah and beyond, Saudi cities light up during Eid. Expect prayer gatherings in open courtyards, family events, street decorations, and late-night shopping festivals.
Hotels and resorts usually roll out special Eid packages too. These might include discounts, family-friendly activities, themed dinners, or spa offers. Check your destination in advance since many resorts and city hotels announce these deals early.
Public areas like parks, waterfronts, and cultural centers become gathering spaces, full of music, dance, and the kind of hospitality Saudi Arabia is known for.
Where Are You Going This Eid?
The places to visit in Saudi Arabia for Eid al-Adha 2025 offer something for every kind of traveler. You can take in the ancient silence of AlUla or the buzz of Riyadh’s city streets. You can wake up in the misty mountains of Abha or dive into the clear blue waters off Umluj.
Eid vacation in Saudi Arabia means more than sightseeing. It means fresh air, clean beaches, fewer crowds, and the comfort of being welcomed like a local. For GCC residents, it’s all closer than you think.
Whether you’re building a Saudi tourism itinerary for expats or just looking for inspiration, this guide is your starting point.
This Eid, swap the usual for something new. Book early, pack light, and let Saudi surprise you.
FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia for Eid al-Adha 2025?
Top picks include AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Taif, and the Red Sea Coast. These destinations offer a mix of nature, luxury, culture, and cooler weather during the Eid break.
2. Can GCC expats travel to Saudi Arabia for Eid using an eVisa?
Yes, Saudi Arabia now offers a simplified eVisa system for residents of the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Applications can be submitted online with quick approvals and multiple entry access.
3. Where can I go in Saudi Arabia for a weekend trip from Dubai or Doha?
Riyadh, Taif, and Jeddah are popular weekend getaways from Dubai and Doha. These cities are accessible by short flights or road trips and offer exciting Eid activities and hotel deals.
4. What kind of Eid al-Adha celebrations happen in Saudi Arabia?
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia includes public prayer gatherings, cultural performances, family-friendly events, and special offers at hotels and shopping malls.
5. How do I plan an Eid trip from Bahrain or Kuwait to Saudi Arabia?
Start by applying for a Saudi eVisa online. Then choose a nearby city like Riyadh, Abha, or Jeddah for your Eid holiday. Book flights or plan a road trip, and check for Eid-specific hotel packages.
