Want to dive with whale sharks, explore forgotten tombs or climb aboard a giant swing in the desert? All this and more can be found just hours from Tabuk, with numerous day (and overnight) trips on offer outside of the city limits. Enjoy a short getaway with family or friends in Tabuk Province.
1. Explore the hiking trails in Wadi Al Disah
Looming stacked rocks in the mountainous Wadi Al Disah give way to lush foliage, palm trees and water streams in this picture-perfect oasis that is so pretty it could have been plucked from a postcard. In Al Disah (the valley of the palm trees), there are plenty of scenic hikes and so many paths and crevices to explore, it’s easy to find spots here for some solo hiking if you’re looking to escape the crowds (allow several hours for hikes, take a map and supplies).
That said, if you’re looking for group activities, there are lots of tours available that will organise a picnic, transport and guides – definitely worth it if you’re a novice hiker or want to see some of the area’s famed archaeological sites. You’ll find Nabataean tombs and walls with old Nabatean writing dating back to the 2nd century.
2. Dive on the Red Sea coastline
Drive just under three hours to the town of Haql on the Red Sea, where you’ll find ample diving opportunities. One of a number of cities dotted along the coastline, Haql is close to the border with Jordan, so for an extended trip (and with the right visa) you can cross over and travel a few hours north to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra.
If you’ve just got a day, a visit to Haql is well worth it nonetheless, and is a great day trip to take with children in tow – you’ll find little beach parks dotted around leading onto pristine waters and some excellent diving (and snorkelling). The Gulf of Aqaba (at the very north of the Red Sea) has lovely warm waters and great visibility for scuba diving; you’ll find turtles, sharks, reef and shipwreck diving and – if you’re very lucky – the ever-elusive whale shark.
3. Spot antelope and oryx at Bajdah wildlife reserve and desert
NEOM’s rewilding efforts have made great strides in Bajdah Wildlife Reserve, where antelope, gazelle, Arabian oryx, and Nubian ibex can be found. Alongside wildlife, you’ll also find the verdant secret garden canyon, exploding with greenery, alongside stunning mountains (you can explore alone or with a guide). In Bajdah Desert, the eerily beautiful landscape looks like something you’d see in space rather than on the face of the earth. Speed past bubblegum-pink sand dunes and rock formations in a dune-bashing 4x4, or wander on foot. If you’re looking to extend your trip, sleep under a canopy of stars on a camping trip with unbeatable views.
4. Climb to the black peak of Jabal Maqla
Said to match the Biblical description of Mount Sinai, Jabal Maqla is one of the highest mountains in the Arabian Peninsula and is distinctive because of its blackened peak that makes it appear to have been scorched by the sun. Part of the Jabal al-Lawz mountain range, there are plenty of hikes and tours of Jabal Maqla, but note that if you’re aiming to scale to the highest peak or traverse the mountain range, you’ll need a decent level of fitness and some hiking experience. Guides are recommended, as is planning the right route for you. If you do make the climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the range.
5. Follow in Moses’ footsteps with a religious sites tour
Alongside Jabal Maqla, there are sites of religious significance dotted around Tabuk, and numerous tours that will take you to different places associated with Moses and the history of the Midian region. Significant for Muslims, Christians and Jews, sites thought to be linked to Moses’ exodus journey are numerous and can be visited as part of full-day tours or individually.
History buffs will love the Midian Tombs (also known as the Caves of Jethro), in the NEOM region, which give a glimpse into past civilisations. Here, you will find Nabataean tombs with intricately carved facades, which have been preserved over centuries thanks to the nature of sandstone. In this region, you can also explore the Split Rock of Horeb and the Moses Well at Maqna.
6. Adventure awaits in AlUla
The drive from Tabuk to AlUla is doable in a day if you set off early (it’s around three hours), but it’s also reachable by bus if you’d prefer not to drive. The bus journey is a slightly longer four hours, so it may be worth extending your trip overnight to get the most out of it. Steeped in history, AlUla is home to stunning deserts of stacked rocks, palm-filled oases, and an Old Town that dates back almost 1000 years.
Here you can wander through labyrinthine streets, shop for artisan products, or even take a tour to learn more about the area. There’s also adventure opportunities aplenty – this is a great option for older kids. Try your hand at abseiling, book onto the giant swing or, for a more relaxing experience if you’re stretching your trip over two days, take a seat at the cinema under the stars.
