A country of contrasts, Saudi is where futuristic cities meet ancient landscapes and modern highways lead to stunning, untouched nature – something Rob Ashman, a UK native and construction consultant, discovered soon after relocating for work to the capital in November 2022.
Like many expatriates, his initial focus was professional, but it didn’t take long for the Kingdom’s beauty to capture his attention. The diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming communities have transformed his experience from simply working abroad to fully embracing life in Saudi. Before he knew it, weekends were no longer about city life; they were about hitting the road, navigating rugged terrain in his 4x4, and discovering landscapes that few see.
“I was looking for adventure, and I’ve certainly found it,” he says.
As he crisscrossed the country, Rob discovered there was an astonishing diversity of landscapes – from lush greenery and waterfalls in the south-west to the striking desert formations, not forgetting the mountains in Tabuk. Experiencing such variety firsthand sparked a deep curiosity and a drive to continuously explore and document these incredible environments.
One destination that still manages to surprise him is AlUla. “The landscapes, the ancient history, the stunning rock formations, and untouched beauty create an atmosphere that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring every single time I visit.”
Rob feels the Tabuk region is still relatively untapped in terms of tourism, from the Mars-like landscape of Bajdah desert and Wadi Al Disah to the Red Sea coastlines that feel underrated and somewhat undiscovered.
A Life of Adventure
His weekday routine starts early with carefully brewed V60 coffee, followed by a workout and then heading to the office. The nights are for relaxation, catching up with family and friends back home, or planning his next trip. Rob appreciates the moments of stillness during these working days. He unwinds by taking walks with a good playlist or podcast, letting the day’s stresses fade away. When he needs a full reset, a sauna session followed by a cold plunge does the trick, leaving him refreshed and ready for the next journey, the next adventure that will fuel his weekend.
“Weekends are fully dedicated to exploring, camping, and immersing myself in nature,” he says.
One of his most unforgettable experiences was a 1,600-kilometre off-road adventure through Tabuk and AlUla. The changing landscapes, remote desert routes, and the sense of adventure made it one of the most exhilarating trips he’s ever been on. And camping under the stars in complete solitude in Jabal Al Lawz was the real highlight.
It is second nature for Rob to film beautiful moments in the Kingdom. “Capturing a place like Edge of the World requires an eye for perspective, natural lighting, and scale.” he shares.
Standing at the cliff’s edge during sunset, surrounded by the profound silence of the desert, was his favourite part. “The way the light changed across the vast landscape and the sense of stillness made me appreciate the sheer beauty of Saudi’s natural wonders. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.”
Armed with a DJI Mavic drone for aerial shots, a GoPro HERO Black for action footage, and a Sony a7C II camera for high-quality stills, Rob documents his excursions to reveal Saudi’s beauty to the world.
A New Outlook on Travel
The Kingdom has changed Rob’s outlook on travel and life. The vast landscapes have fostered a deeper connection with nature, as well as a sense of self-reliance, and encouraged him to become more adventurous and open-minded. “Living amidst such diversity has broadened my appreciation for different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life.”
When we asked Rob where he would travel just for the food, he didn’t have to think twice: “Greece is the place to be.” The fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean, locally sourced meats, and traditional dishes made with the finest ingredients create an unforgettable dining experience. “There’s something special about the simplicity and authenticity of Greek cuisine. Every meal feels like a memorable experience.”
To those visiting Saudi, he recommends an overnight desert camping experience. “There is nothing quite like a night in AlUla, with the stars filling the sky, and being surrounded by complete silence.”
He shares that it perfectly encapsulates Saudi’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. “It’s something that stays with you long after you’ve left.”
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Rob Ashman drove around Riyadh in a Lexus LX 700h, courtesy of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors (Lexus).
Photos by Osama Jabarti
