With surging numbers of tourists visiting Saudi in recent years, two of the Kingdom's destinations have ranked among the world's top places to go in 2025, according to a new list released by Skyscanner.
Each year the travel comparison website reveals the "happening hangouts" that have had the biggest increases in searches over the past 12 months.
The spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of AlUla in Saudi's northwest recorded a staggering 133 percent increase in queries, coming in sixth place globally, while the capital city of Riyadh surged 116%, ranking it eighth.
In the GCC, Doha in Qatar meanwhile ranked eighth on a list of the places that have recorded the biggest airfare drops for economy tickets in the past year.
The company said it analysed "tens of thousands of data points" to discover the key trends in travel for the next year.
A spokesperson said: "It’s clear that smaller, alternative destinations are growing in popularity with travellers, who are looking to explore beyond the mainstream in Europe and further afield."
Riyadh is the ultimate gateway into Saudi Arabia, with ultra-modern skyscrapers rising alongside centuries-old forts, bustling souks with gold and spices, and a food scene that equally features local flavours and international flair.
At the end of each year, Riyadh Season rolls out a top lineup of concerts, pop-up restaurants and eye-popping installations, transforming the city into an international playground for art lovers, global culture-seekers, and foodies alike for several months.
AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s best-kept secret and a journey through time like no other, with ancient Nabatean tombs carved into red sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons and rock formations at the heritage site.
Topping the Skyscanner list, India's Shillong — sometimes dubbed the Scotland of the East — majorly increased in popularity, with travellers heading to the destination for its stunning landscapes, including lush hills, waterfalls, and pristine lakes.
Last month, the company released another trends report revealing that Saudi travellers are increasingly prioritising destinations that offer cultural, social and communal experiences over simple relaxation or sightseeing.
Next year, some of the most popular spots for the Kingdom's globetrotters include European gems like the Italian capital Rome and Poland's Krakow, with its mix of history, culture and world-class dining.
See more 2025 travel trends on the Skyscanner website
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