Tabuk

DESTINATIONS saudi arabia tabuk

Tabuk

From snowy mountains to the deep blue sea, the province of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most varied natural landscapes in the country, offering possibilities for beach holidays, island hopping, Red Sea diving, mountaineering and, of course, sightseeing. The region holds some of the nation’s highly treasured historical and archaeological sites, a rich heritage left behind by ancient civilisations of foregone eras.

The Region

The earliest mentions of Tabuk (known back then as "Taboo") date back to 1500 BC, but events of historic significance have started unfolding here as early as 8000 years ago. Tabuk is believed to have been home to prominent Islamic figures such as Prophet Shuaib and Prophet Moses - the natural springs used by the latter are still open to the public today, and are just one of many sacred sites in the region. The province's major towns include Umluj, Tayma, Al Bada, Haql, Duba, Magnah, Wajh and, of course, Tabuk City - the region's capital. Although the majority of state-run attractions are located in Tabuk City, recreation and pastime opportunities abound all over - from seaside towns with beaches stretching along the Red Sea coast to the elevated mountainous areas inland, where snowfall during winter is a common occurrence, in stark contrast to the rest of the country.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Those looking for an active holiday can choose between climbing up the mount of Jabal Al-Lawz and trekking or island hopping along the coast and descending underwater for diving sessions conducted by one of many professional dive centers. If you prefer to stay on land, venture upstate to the region's capital - Tabuk City, or pay a visit to the historic town of Al Bida that still holds evidence of ancient presence in its mountain caves. Other archaeological sites include those in the towns of Al Muwailih, Al Khuraibah, Rawwafa and Al Muzim.

Beaches

The Tabuk Region boasts a long, continuous stretch of land by the Red Sea, a large part of which is taken up by picture-perfect beaches frequented by holiday-makers. Some of the more popular locations include the Sultaniyah beach, Shareeh beach, Ba’r Almashi beach in Hegl and the Qiyal beaches. Some known beaches north …

Diving

The Red Sea harbors some of the world's richest marine life, and with Tabuk Region having so much coastal area in its possession, opportunities for underwater exploration are endless (one prominent destination is Al Hisis, to the south of Umluj). There are a few dive shops that offer certified diving courses and excursions in …

Mountain Climbing

Tabuk is a region of varied landscapes, and its mountainous areas provide endless opportunities for exploration. Jabal Al-Lawz is, perhaps, the most prominent peak (at 2580m above sea level). Campers frequent the eastern mountainside during warm seasons; the mountain stands snow-covered in …

Parks

There are several green parks located throughout the province of Tabuk, the most prominent one inland being the Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Park in Tabuk City - a family-friendly recreation area in town. Some coastal parks include Lotus Park and Mountain Orchard in Dhiba, Nakheel Park in Hegl and the Degm Park in …

Tabuk City

Located about a 2 hours' drive away from the coast and only an hour away from the Saudi-Jordan border, Tabuk City is a developing town with a distinctly laid-back, rural feel. Main attractions include (among others) Tabuk Fortress, Hijaz Railway Station, the Museum of Antiquities and Traditional Heritage, the Prophet’s Mosque, and ancient natural …

Dining

Grains such as wheat or rice and meats (such as lamb) constitute the bulk of Saudi cuisine--pork is normally not served in the country, as its consumption is forbidden by Islam. Yoghurt is often used in local cooking, and dates constitute a dessert staple. There is a lot of variation within the province of Tabuk, with coastal cuisine being known especially for "Al-Sayyadiah"--a signature local fish and rice dish served with spices. Restaurants often feature separate seating areas for families and single diners.

Al-Bustan Restaurant

Al-Bustan Restaurant has a long history in Tabuk. Its menu includes both Arabic and International dishes, with Middle Eastern cuisine as the focal point. Al-Bustan is one of the finer establishments on the relatively limited restaurant scene of …

Cafes

There are quite a few cafés to be found in the city of Tabuk, many of which serve western-style foods and coffees, as well as tea, local desserts, and fresh fruit juices. Cafés serving shisha often turn into evening social hot spots teeming with visitors.

Barn's

Barn's is a Saudi-wide chain with a couple of locales in Tabuk. Meals are not served here, as the establishment specialises rather in hot and cold beverages (coffee in particular), but a selection of baked goods are available for …

Sham Cafe

Sham Cafe is both a cafe and hookah bar offering non-alcoholic drinks, food, and shisha service. The airy, dimly lit outdoor seating area centred around a small fountain tends to get full with patrons enjoying mocktails and water pipes after …

Bars & Nightlife

The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative. Religious law forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol throughout Saudi Arabia, so there are no bars or nightclubs. Instead, evening social activities are centred on shopping or dining out in one of the region’s many restaurants or cafés whilst indulging in a delicious mocktail (a mix of fresh fruit juices) or a strong cup of Arabic coffee.

Shopping

Shopping opportunities abound in Tabuk, where tradition (old "souks" or markets) meets modernity (modern shopping malls), often in the space of one city block. Tabuk City features a number of shopping centers representing international and local brands, as well as an entire pedestrian-only shopping street of Prince Fahd bin Sultan. Small shops and stores are scattered throughout the entire province, and so are traditional markets. Local crafts include woodwork, weaving, stone inscriptions and more.

The Souks

Traditional markets, or "souks", can be found all across the province of Tabuk - even in smaller towns outside Tabuk City (Umlij, Tyma, Minakha, Wejh and others). In Tabuk itself, the Thursday Souk and the "Windmill Souk" (Twaheen) in the Old Quarter are some of the more …

Prince Fahd bin Sultan Avenue

The shopping street of Prince Fahd bin Sultan is closed off to traffic, and is somewhat of an open-air shopping center packed with stores and boutiques selling all manner of items. From discount clothing to high-quality gold jewelry, it can all be found (and haggled for!) …

Al Hokair Mall

The Al Hokair Mall is one of the finer malls in Tabuk, representing a number of international brands such as Mango, The Body Shop, Claire's Aldo and many more. The mall also houses several eateries, Baskin Robbins ice cream being a definite …

Park Mall Tabuk

Park Mall Tabuk is an imposing shopping mall packed with shops and boutiques, eateries and even featuring entertainment areas for the entire family. Its central location makes it a shopping and recreational hot spot in …