Largest Cities in Saudi Arabia: That Are Totally Worth Visiting

 Largest Cities in Saudi Arabia: That Are Totally Worth Visiting

Saudi Arabia’s largest cities display an extraordinary mixture of ancient traditions and modern life. The place has historic landmarks standing alongside modern architecture. The capital Riyadh catches attention with its giant skyline and coastal Jeddah attracts visitors with its Red Sea views.

The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah draw millions of faithful visitors which adds to the kingdom’s deep religious significance. World-class shopping centers, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions reflect Saudi Arabia’s rapid development and vision for the future.

Largest Cities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country full of breath-taking views and places that remind people of the memorable events associated with these different places. Here is a list of the top 10 largest cities in Saudi Arabia:

1. Riyadh
   

   
   Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital city and it started as an old trading town before Islam began. It grew over time into the country’s main city for government and culture. It is one of the Middle East’s most modern cities these days.
   
   About 7.7 million people live in Riyadh, which makes it Saudi Arabia’s biggest city. The area spans 1,973 square kilometers. You can find many important Muslim mosques and religious places here.
   
   Tourist Attractions in Riyadh

• Masmak Fortress: A historic fort that played a key role in the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia.
• Kingdom Centre Tower: Famous for its remarkable design and a sky bridge offering panoramic city views.
• Al Murabba Palace: An important heritage site once home to King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.
• Riyadh Zoo: A family-friendly attraction housing a variety of animals and beautiful green spaces.
  
  
• Diriyah: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Saudi state.

2. Jeddah

Jeddah is a major city in Saudi Arabia that people pass through to reach Mecca. The city began growing around 1,400 years ago. Ships have always used Jeddah’s port to trade goods across the Red Sea.

More than 4.5 million people live in Jeddah which makes it one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cities. It covers about 1,600 square kilometers of land. You can find both new buildings and old traditions throughout the city.

Tourist Attractions in Jeddah

• Al-Balad: The historic heart of Jeddah is known for its ancient buildings, traditional markets, and UNESCO World Heritage status.
• King  Fountain: The world’s tallest fountain shoots water over 300 meters into the air which makes it a must-see landmark.
  
  
• Jeddah Waterfront: A modern entertainment area with beaches, cafes, and amusing facilities for families.
• Red Sea Mall: This is one of the largest shopping centers in Saudi Arabia which offers international brands and a range of dining options.
• Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque): A unique mosque built on the Red Sea which appears to float on water during high tide.

3. Mecca (Makkah)

Mecca (or Makkah) is Islam’s most sacred city and has been around since ancient times. Muslims consider it very special because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born there, and it’s where he first received the Quran.

More than 2 million people live in Mecca and the city covers about 760 square kilometers. Millions of Muslims come to Mecca for two important religious journeys called Hajj and Umrah every year.

Tourist Attractions in Mecca (Makkah)

• Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque): The largest mosque in the world and the sacred site in Islam. It is known for its central Kaaba where muslims direct their prayers.
• Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat): It is a key location during Hajj where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.
• Jabal al-Nour: It is famous for the Hira Cave where the Prophet received the first revelation of the Quran.
• Abraj Al Bait Towers: A massive complex with the iconic Makkah Clock Tower which offers hotels, shopping, and a stunning view of the Grand Mosque.
• Makkah Museum: A great place to learn about the city’s Islamic history and culture. The place showcases ancient manuscripts and artifacts.

4. Medina (Madinah)

Medina is one of Islam’s most sacred cities coming after the Holy City of Mecca. It’s found in western Saudi Arabia in an area called Hejaz.The city became very important in Islamic history when Prophet Muhammad moved there in 622 AD.

A total of around 1.5 million people live in Medina and the city stretches across 589 square kilometers. The easy way to get to Medina is to fly into Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport or drive there on highways from other big Saudi cities.

Tourist Attractions in Medina (Madinah)

• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: It is the Mosque where Prophet Muhammad is buried makes it a  must-visit for pilgrims and tourists.
• Quba Mosque: The first mosque ever built in Islam and is located just outside main city.
• Mount Uhud: A historical battlefield where the Battle of Uhud took place and a popular site for visitors interested in Islamic history.
  
  
• Al-Baqi Cemetery: A significant burial ground where many of the Prophet’s companions and family members are buried.
• Masjid Al-Qiblatayn: Known as the mosque with two qiblas, where the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca.

5. Dammam

Dammam started as a tiny fishing village in the early 1900s. It eventually grew into a big port city and became very important for business in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The city has many mosques that show the area’s Muslim heritage.

A total of about 1.2 million people live in Dammam which spreads across 800 square kilometers. You can also get to Dammam easily by driving from big cities or by flying into King Fahd International Airport.

Tourist Attractions in Dammam

• King Fahd Park: It is a large park in Saudi Arabia which is perfect for picnics, leisure walks, and family outings.
• Heritage Village: A cultural center displaying traditional Saudi architecture and historical artifacts.
• Coral Island (Al Marjan Island): An artificial island ideal for picnicking, photography, and relaxation.
• Dammam Corniche: This attractive coastal road offers beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf lined with green spaces and restaurants.
  
  
• Dolphin Village: A family friendly amusement park with dolphin and sea lion shows.

The Bottom Line

Saudi Arabia’s big cities mix old and new traditions. You can visit holy places like Mecca and Medina, or see modern city life in Riyadh and Jeddah. These cities show both Saudi history and how the country has grown. These cities are worth a trip if you want to see the speciality of Saudi Arabia.

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