Saudi Travel Radar 2026: Discover the best of what’s new and upcoming | News
Saudi Arabia in 2026 is full of life, color, culture and adventure. Whether you’re craving big city thrills, ancient landscapes or island escapes, this is your guide to Saudi Arabia’s iconic destinations and what you can experience across the country this year.
Riyadh: where the excitement never slows down
Riyadh is the beating heart of Saudi Arabia, a city buzzing with ambition, culture and unstoppable momentum. Tall skyscrapers rise alongside thriving creative and financial districts, world-class restaurants and reflect a capital that is confidently shaping the future. Riyadh never sleeps, thriving on innovation, style and a magnetic energy that draws you in from the moment you arrive. In its cultural districts, museums and design spaces, Riyadh invites you to experience heritage and modernity in perfect harmony.
In 2026, the city’s heartbeat will only accelerate. Riyadh Season transforms the capital into a months-long festival full of concerts, immersive worlds and blockbuster entertainment. This is also the year that Riyadh hosts the first-ever WWE Royal Rumble outside North America, welcomes back the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, and hosts LIV Golf, elite martial arts and top tennis championships. Thrill seekers can jump straight into adventure at Six Flags Qiddiya, home of Falcon’s Flight, the world’s longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster. Food lovers will see the city enter the global culinary stage with the debut of the Michelin Guide Saudi, celebrating both local talent and international stars.
Look out for: W Riyadh KAFD (opening 2026) for modern energy and style, or Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley (coming soon) for timeless luxury.
Diriyah: culture, taste and history come to life
On the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah feels like another world, combining historic soul with modern style in a way that few places can match. This is the birthplace of Saudi Arabia and home to the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, where mud palaces and narrow streets set the stage for immersive heritage experiences and beautifully restored architecture. Across the valley is Bujairi Terrace, one of the most atmospheric dining destinations in Saudi Arabia, with world-class restaurants overlooking the illuminated historic district. Creativity is flourishing in the JAX district and another edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will be held in 2026, making the area a vibrant hub for art lovers.
Look out for: Armani Hotel Diriyah (opening 2026) for sleek sophistication, or Aman Wadi Safar (opening 2026) for peaceful, nature-inspired luxury.
AlUla: otherworldly beauty and endless discoveries
AlUla is a destination that feels truly magical. The towering sandstone cliffs, carved tombs, vast canyons and contemporary art installations make it one of the most photogenic places on earth. In 2026, the events calendar is packed: the AlUla Wellness Festival for a body reset, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival for immersive cultural discoveries, Desert X AlUla for groundbreaking outdoor art, plus Desert Polo, the Half Marathon and more. The only place in the GCC with International Dark Sky Certification, AlUla offers incredible stargazing at places like Gharameel, Raggasat Valley and Ashar Valley, where the night skies are among the clearest in the world. Hegra’s nightly shows bring Nabataean tombs to life under a starry sky, while Maraya continues to attract international artists within its vast mirrored facade.
Look out for: Banyan Tree AlUla for canyon-side luxury, or Aman Hegra (opening 2026) for a sophisticated escape shaped by the desert.
Jeddah: coastal culture and energy on the water
Jeddah is a city with an effortless, cosmopolitan spirit, warm, vibrant and rich in character. The restored coral stone buildings, wooden balconies and winding alleys of historic Jeddah create an atmosphere that feels timeless, especially during golden hour. Throughout the city, creative spaces, cultural centers and vibrant eateries give Jeddah its signature blend of tradition and modern flair. TeamLab Borderless Jeddah adds a striking futuristic dimension, inviting visitors into immersive, interactive digital worlds.
Meanwhile, the Jeddah Corniche offers lively promenades, marinas, outdoor activities and a social scene that stays bright well into the night. And in March 2026, the city’s energy will reach a peak with the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, which races through the dramatic waterfront circuit and once again draws the eyes of the world to Jeddah.
Look out for: Raffles Jeddah (opening 2026) for refined luxury on the Red Sea, or Four Seasons Jeddah (coming soon) for contemporary elegance on the water.
The Red Sea: barefoot luxury and island dreams
If turquoise lagoons, pristine coral reefs, pristine islands and tranquil luxury are calling your name, then the Saudi Red Sea is your paradise on earth in 2026. It’s where tranquility, style and untouched natural beauty come together in one extraordinary coastline. This highly sought-after luxury destination is defined by calm, crystal clear waters, pristine islands and landscapes that seem like a world far removed from everyday life. Shura Island is quickly becoming one of the world’s most anticipated new resort hubs, where contemporary design blends seamlessly with the breathtaking surroundings.
New openings, including SLS Red Sea and The Red Sea EDITION, join notable properties such as the futuristic overwater villas of Shebara Resort and the dramatic cliff-carved Desert Rock. In addition to the extraordinary natural beauty, the Red Sea resorts offer some of the most tranquil wellness moments in the region, from slow, sun-drenched days to snorkeling, diving and peaceful explorations of the vibrant marine world. It is the perfect, restorative contrast to an energetic city trip.
Look forward to: Desert Rock for a unique stay in nature, or SLS Red Sea for stylish island luxury.
Why Saudi Arabia should be on your 2026 travel list
The great thing about traveling in Saudi Arabia is how effortless it is to experience dramatically different landscapes in one trip. Go from rollercoasters in Riyadh and ancient trails in Diriyah to ancient tombs in AlUla, from activity-packed days in Jeddah to island luxury in the Red Sea. Wherever you go, Saudi welcomes you with warmth, color, taste and moments you want to relive again and again.
Visit the Visit Saudi website for more information and to plan your trip.
