Northern Saudi Adventures - When traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism and adventure, visiting Tabuk Province, the leading province in the country's north and its capital, Tabuk, known as the Queen City of the North, is essential. This province should not be overlooked, as it offers numerous sites to explore, including locations of biblical significance and stunning rock and mountain formations shaped by geological changes over time.
This article is an introductory piece on Tabuk Province, as I haven't yet detailed all the must-see locations. For the moment, I can personally recommend these places, drawing from my own experiences during my visit.
Tabuk City, the capital of Tabuk Province, is the main starting point and hub for exploring various tourist attractions. If you're short on time but want to see as much as possible, here are the must-visit places for a day trip:
Wadi Al Disah
The Lion Face Rock
The Lonesome Rock
Neom Canyon
Mount Hajala
Wadi Al Disah - Leading the list is Wadi Al Disah. This location will transport you back to your childhood dreams, creating a fantasy world where rocky cliffs, green trees, dates, and grasses merge with the dry riverbed's red rocks and golden sands. If you love fantasy films, Wadi Al Disah is perfect for you, fulfilling your desire to be in a movie-like setting.
Click here to read more about Wadi Al Disah: WADI AL DISAH, TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA (underratedadventures.com)
Mount Hajala – Conclude your day by observing the red rock formations as the sun sets and the light fades. Reaching this spot offers an exciting drive along the picturesque, winding tourist road of Hajala from the Exit Point of Wadi Al Disah.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/r3NrTSQhBLk
The Lion Face Rock – This natural wonder, shaped by time over millennia, resembles a lion's face. It is situated on a rocky island amidst the golden sand sea in the Neom Sharma region of Tabuk Province. Take in the view of the pagoda-like rock formations encircling the Lion Face Rock.
Read more about The Lion Face Rock here: THE LION FACE ROCK OF NEOM, TABUK, KSA (underratedadventures.com)
The Lonesome Rock – Prepare yourself for a bit of a nerve-wracking experience if you drive down the loose sand slope to the base of the Lonesome Rock tower. It takes a 10-minute drive across the desert sand to get here from the Lion Face rock.
Read more:
Neom Canyon—This 15 km expanse features an enormous geological trench extending from the vertical cliff to the canyon's edge, showcasing a variety of colors and canyon rocks. It runs from the Sharma region to Neom in Tabuk Province.
To visit these locations in a single day, consider hiring a local guide to follow the route I took on my journey. At the end of this article, you will find the contact information for the guide who can assist with your trip to these places.
Read more about Neom Canyon here: NEOM CANYON, TABUK, KSA (underratedadventures.com)
What to Expect
A whole day to cover these places.
A long drive of 2 ½ hours from Tabuk City for the 250 km distance to Wadi Al Disah. On your way to Al Disah, you will drop by the Lion Face Rock, The Lonesome Rock, and the Neom Canyon, Sharma area.
Scenic sights to see along the road.
Driving a four-wheel-drive car allows you to drive through from the entry point, going to the deeper part of the valley and exiting at the other end, then moving back to Tabuk, running on the other road.
Chance to encounter camels and donkeys along the way.
I was passing through the exit point of Wadi Al Disah to Mount Hajala for sunset viewing before returning to Tabuk City for the evening retreat.
Car Requirement
A 4-wheel drive car is a requirement.
High clearance
New tires are a great advantage.
Terrain Condition
Going to Wadi Al Disah from the City Center of Tabuk via Jeddah Road is excellent.
Things to See
Magnificent canyon and majestic rock formations.
Golden desert dunes
Al Disah Cave
Rock towers
Wildflowers
Vigor lion grasses
Desert trees
Water spring
Wild birds
Dates Farm
Orchards by the local farmers
Things to Do
Trekking
Sightseeing
Off-road driving
Picnic
Overnight camping
What to Bring
Snacks and water to drench your thirst and light hunger while exploring.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the open desert blinding lights of the sun.
Sombrero hat to shade your face without sunglasses, especially if you are shooting with your camera.
Sunblock to keep your skin from burning, especially during summer.
Of course, if you visit during the winter season, you should wear your winter suits to keep you warm and prevent you from freezing.
Lighting gadgets for overnight camping.
How to Get Here
Those outside Saudi Arabia may book a connecting or direct flight landing at Tabuk Airport. Tabuk Airport is one of Saudi Arabia's international airports; however, its flight frequency is limited compared to Jeddah Airport and Riyadh Airport.
If your Holiday trip involves exploring Saudi Arabia, I suggest booking your flights via Jeddah or Riyadh and then booking another domestic flight to Tabuk.
Tabuk City should be your take-off point for different spots you want to see.
It is best to hire a local guide to assist you in getting to the place and take you to the more profound and hidden parts of the valley.
Drive your car via Tabuk-Yanbu-Jeddah road.
See more images below
Guide: Mr. Ahmed Al Atawi
Mobile: +966 50 417 7818
For more videos about underrated places of adventure, please check my YouTube Channel:
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