Millions have snapped the world’s most famous landmarks and queued for the same trending restaurants, but Saudi, the Land of Firsts, offers a chance to uncover untold stories, untouched landscapes, and adventures no one else can claim.

From shimmering coasts to ancient traditions, the Saudi Red Sea from Jeddah to the Red Sea Resorts, as well as the mountainous areas of the Aseer region invites you to carve your path. Be among the first to answer this land’s call — because experiences this extraordinary won’t stay secret for long. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to the Saudi Red Sea region.

Day 1: Explore Jeddah’s fascinating history

Check in to one of Historic Jeddah’s traditional houses

In Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah district, daily life continues as it has for centuries among cobbled alleyways and weathered coral-stone buildings. Check into one of the area’s newly unveiled boutique hotels – Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess, or Beit Kedwan – the first luxurious stays of their kind. Each former family home has been painstakingly restored by local craftsmen, with hand-carved wooden details, traditional rawasheen window lattices, and materials sourced from the bustling souqs of Jeddah.

Unearth old Jeddah’s authentic history guided by Saudi experts

After checking in to your new home away from home, step out into Historic Jeddah’s labyrinthine streets, now fully open to curious explorers following an extensive program of restoration. A walk with a local expert guide – many of whom grew up in the area and still have family businesses tucked among the maze of streets – takes you past intricate merchant houses, souqs brimming with the scent of oud and spices, quiet corners, and secret spots.

Feast on the freshest fish straight from the Saudi Red Sea

As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way to Al Basli, a seafood restaurant that’s one of the oldest in the city and a local institution. Here, the Saudi Red Sea takes center stage with grilled fish pulled fresh from its waters, smoky flavors that reflect generations of culinary tradition, and a sense of warmth that feels distinctly local.

Day 2: Sleep among the dunes in five-star luxury

Discover the desert dunes like never before

A five-hour drive north from Jeddah along the Saudi Red Sea coastline – or a short flight into Red Sea International Airport, Six Senses Southern Dunes is one of the first luxury retreats of its kind in this historic region, offering a reimagined connection to the country’s ancient landscapes. Villas echo desert rock formations with generous shaded courtyards and interiors that mix earthy textures with opulent touches. From your private terrace, gaze out at the mountains, their silhouettes shimmering in the morning light. Alternatively, stay at the newest hotel to open in the region, Desert Rock, set where mountains meet the desert, with villas that merge seamlessly into the ancient rocky landscapes.

Stay in Saudi’s pioneering overwater resorts

Just a 20-minute drive from the Six Senses, the Saudi Red Sea’s overwater resorts are a brand-new concept in the country, making your visit a rare opportunity to be among the first to experience this untouched marine wonderland. Shebara is suspended above shimmering turquoise waters, with its orb-like villas mirroring the fluidity of the ocean. Step out onto your private deck for views of brilliant blue skies melting into endless horizons.

Day 3: Swim in crystal clear waters

Explore untouched coral reefs in the Saudi Red Sea
Don a snorkel or climb into a kayak to explore coral reefs so vivid they seem almost otherworldly, teeming with marine life that dart and shimmer like jewels in the sunlight. Paddle through hidden lagoons and drift past underwater gardens for an intimate encounter with a natural world that feels so untouched you might well be the first to discover its secrets.

Day 4: Discover cuisine and culture in the mountainous Abha region

Cook your meal Aseeri style

After a quick flight via Jeddah to the rocky southern region of Abha, gather around an underground clay oven as a local chef carefully prepares traditional haneeth by marinating spiced meat in glowing embers and sealing it beneath layers of hot sand. The slow roasting creates a tenderness so perfect it melts on your tongue.

Meet the Flower Men and wear a crown made from blooms

Nearby in the lush mountain highlands of Aseer, discover the unique ancient heritage of the Flower Men. Adorning their heads with vibrant garlands of marigolds, jasmine, and basil, these crowns are more than just striking accessories — they carry more than 2,000 years of history.

Return to Jeddah and end your trip with a walk on the Waterfront and watch the tallest fountain in the world pierce the sky, the King Fahd Fountain. Afterwards take an evening wander among the food stalls, cafés, and restaurants brimming with delicious snacks. 

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“We are incredibly excited to host the world’s largest sporting event,” says Saudi Tourism Authority CEO, Fahd Hamidaddin. “Saudi welcomed over 100 million visitors in 2023, and we are the fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20. As the Heart of Arabia, we are eager to welcome visitors to experience our beautiful country, and the breadth of its wonders – from the mountains of Aseer to the shimmering waters of the Saudi Red Sea, the vast dunes, our human and natural heritage will dazzle and inspire. Our dynamic tourism sector ensures visitors have a seamless experience across all touchpoints, and we invite the world to experience the magic of Saudi now. Whether seeking adrenaline, culture, or relaxation, a visit in advance of the World Cup will offer a taste of Saudi, and our famed hospitality, where, with hearts open, we invite everyone to experience the warmest of Saudi welcomes.”

The FIFA World Cup 2034 will be the first time the 48-team tournament will be hosted by a single country. Saudi’s host cities include Riyadh, blending modern entertainment with historic treasures at Diriyah; Jeddah, showcasing the glimmering Red Sea and Al Balad, Historic Jeddah’s charm; Al Khobar, featuring serene beaches and cultural landmarks; and Abha, with its lush landscapes and adventure activities. All of the host cities are set to captivate football fans with state-of-the-art stadiums, world-class amenities, vibrant fan festivals, and a diverse array of cultural experiences.

In celebration of Saudi’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, STA organized vibrant on-ground activities in key international locations, such as London’s Piccadilly Circus and Dubai Mall’s iconic fountain, featuring Saudi flash mobs that showcased the country’s rich culture and highlighted the destinations set to host matches. Domestically, celebrations took place in five iconic locations: Salwa Palace, Historic Jeddah, Hegra, Rijal Almaa, and Ithra, inviting the public to join in and commemorate this historic milestone. STA also launched a short film welcoming and inviting the world to experience Saudi’s warmth and wonder, embodying the joy, pride, and excitement felt nationwide.

With a passionate football fan base and a growing cadre of world-class sporting events hosted in the country, Saudi is sharing its storied heritage and vibrant culture with the world. From the stunning landscapes of the Saudi Red Sea – with its 1,800 km of pristine coastline, sweeping desert dunes, and mountain canyons, to the historical wonders of AlUla, where heritage meets nature, the coastal cosmopolitan hub of Jeddah, where the modern and traditional blend beautifully, to the thrum and thrill of the capital of Riyadh, visitors can explore a land rich in culture, history, and breathtaking experiences in this year-round destination.

The STA is working closely with partners across the tourism ecosystem to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors. This includes enhanced flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Saudi is committed to delivering a tournament that celebrates the spirit of football and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come.     

Reaching Saudi has never been easier, with over 330 direct flights from India, offered by carriers like SAUDIA, FlyNas, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo, and Spicejet. Indigo recently launched the route of a daily service between Bengaluru and Jeddah w.e.f. September 30, 2024. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Indian travelers can also apply for a Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website. There are 10 VFS Tasheer offices across Indian cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and more to streamline travel for Indians.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: The Arab Coordination Group (ACG), a strategic alliance of ten leading development finance institutions, announced today a landmark commitment of up to US$10 billion by 2030 to address the critical challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought. The announcement was made during the Ministerial Dialogue on Finance: “Unlocking public and private finance for land restoration and drought resilience”, at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This transformative commitment, made as part of a joint communiqué issued by the Heads of ACG Institutions, will drive land restoration efforts, enhance climate resilience, and promote nature-positive development across vulnerable regions. ACG members will leverage innovative financing instruments, mobilize resources, and strengthen partnerships to support sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and food security, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel.

“The ACG’s US$10 billion pledge underscores our shared determination to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By restoring degraded lands and combating desertification and drought, we are not just preserving ecosystems but also securing livelihoods and fostering resilience in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, speaking on behalf of the ACG.

The Group’s new pledge builds on (and will be primarily sourced from) its US$50 billion pledge made in Riyadh in November 2023 to help build resilient infrastructure and inclusive societies in the African continent, its US$24 billion pledge for climate finance made at COP 27 in November 2022, and its US$10 billion for Food Security Action Package announced in June 2022.

The ACG acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing key global environmental initiatives, including the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, and the G20 Global Land Initiative. These programs serve as benchmarks for global collaboration and underscore the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance land restoration and climate adaptation.

The Group also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the global agenda for land protection and restoration as well as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership in alignment with the UNCCD objectives. It does so by fostering partnerships, mobilizing resources, and calling for the creation of international platforms for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to support sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration globally.

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NEW DELHI: Dubai-based retail giant the Landmark Group has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms to strengthen its e-commerce operations across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Landmark Group has initially integrated its home decor brand Homebox with Unicommerce and will add more brands moving forward. The arrangement envisages the deployment of Unicommerce’s multi-channel order management and warehouse & inventory management systems to automate order processing.

Unicommerce has a strong footprint in the region with extensive integrations with marketplaces and logistics service providers like Amazon, Noon, FirstCry, Clickpost, Aramex, DHL, and Fedex among many others. Over the years, Unicommerce has added customized services including label printing and invoicing in Arabic language to support domestic companies in managing their orders efficiently.

Unicommerce currently works with over 20 businesses in the region and continues to strengthen its business operations across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talking about the partnership, Ashick Ali, Head of Ecommerce, Homebox said, “As a part of the Landmark Group, HomeBox has established itself as a well-known home furnishing brand across the Middle East. With e-commerce now being the new-age shopping verse, we are focused on building resilient supply chain operations. Unicommerce is a well-known technology enabler in the Middle East and we look forward to leveraging their platform to streamline our e-commerce operations.”

Debayan Sarkar, Marketplace Leader at Homebox added, “As we level up our e-commerce operations, Unicommerce’s technology will play a crucial role in navigating through this evolving and competitive market.”

Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce mentioned, “As we continue to build a strong client base outside of India, we are thrilled to be the technology enabler of the Landmark Group. Our expertise across the Indian subcontinent provides an edge for us to ensure seamless e-commerce operations management for the retail conglomerate. With the growing interest towards online shopping in the Middle East, Unicommerce is well positioned to support the needs of brands across the region.”

With a growing Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) as of the quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million+ Annual Transaction run-rate, serving over 3500 customers, managing 8000+ warehouses, and processing orders from 1900+ stores through its platform.

“Unicommerce eSolutions Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions, and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The DRHP is available on the websites of the Company at www.unicommerce.com, SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the book running lead managers, IIFL Securities Limited and CLSA India Private Limited at www.iiflcap.com and www.india.clsa.com, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk. For details, potential investors should refer to the DRHP, including the section titled “Risk Factors”.

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Gearing up to take Saudi’s spirit of hospitality to a whole new level, the country has recently opened its doors to Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, The Red Sea.

Blending intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design, Nujuma is the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. Inspired by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, Nujuma invites travelers to embark on an unchartered journey to one of the world’s most secluded and protected archipelagos.

The hotel is situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort features 63 one-to-four-bedroom water and beach villas. Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma’s sweeping shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors are crafted with natural materials imbued with calming sea and sand tones, and geometric patterns reminiscent of the region’s design motifs. Visitors can also notice Arabic artifacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs, and intricate wall hangings celebrating local craftsmanship flow through the canopied interiors.

When not soaking up the tranquil surroundings from the comfort of their villa, guests can indulge in a lavish spa, swimming pools, a range of restaurants, and a retail area, or learn more about the prized natural setting at a Conservation Centre.

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The MoU establishes a cooperative framework between ICIEC and the Agricultural Development Fund, designed to enhance mutual interests through strategic initiatives. These initiatives include capacity building on Islamic insurance, export credit insurance, and foreign investment insurance to benefit the agricultural value chain in the Kingdom and other ICIEC member states. The MoU, in addition to strengthening the Fund’s employees’ understanding of ICIEC’s business model and services, will also facilitate its affiliations with relevant unions or professional associations to bolster professional development and cooperation.

Oussama Kaissi expressed his enthusiasm about this new partnership, stating, “Our partnership with the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund marks a significant advancement in our ongoing efforts to support economic growth through bespoke insurance solutions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of our insurance models and cultivating a collaborative environment that will yield tangible benefits for the agricultural sectors within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our member states .”

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This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between ICIEC and INFRA. Key initiatives include the exploration of opportunities of mutual interest within the Kingdom in line with its developmental objectives, institutional cooperation, and knowledge exchange through the continuation of dialogue and participation in relevant events. Additionally, the parties will coordinate participation in field-related activities and foster affiliations with relevant entities or professional associations to strengthen collaborative ties. Through this collaboration, ICIEC will support INFRA’s efforts to accelerate strategic infrastructure projects in the Kingdom, contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Oussama Kaissi, the CEO of ICIEC, expressed his pleasure about the agreement, stating, “We are delighted to enter into this collaboration with INFRA. Our joint efforts will focus on strengthening the economic frameworks within our member states. This MoU sets the tone of our shared commitment to promoting sustainable development through enhanced understanding and cooperation in insurance solutions and infrastructure development in the Kingdom.“

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