Top Attractions in Tabuk
When it comes to traveling and exploring natural beauty and historical heritage, Tabuk stands out as a distinctive tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. This magnificent region combines stunning nature with historical sites, alongside towering mountains, enchanting beaches, and ancient archaeological sites. Thus, Tabuk offers a diverse and astonishing tourist experience that bridges the past and present. In this article, we'll explore a variety of the best tourist attractions in Tabuk that are worth visiting and enjoying.
Masjid at-Tawba
Masjid at-Tawba, also known as the Historic Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, is believed to be built on the spot where the Prophet Muhammad prayed. Constructed during the era of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz in the year 98 AH, it was renovated in 1393 AH to accommodate around 3,000 worshippers. Located in the heart of the old town near Tabuk Castle and Al-Jadeed Market, the mosque plays a vital role in the social and cultural life of the city.
We recommend visiting the "Ain Sukar," a spring from which the Prophet Muhammad drank during his expedition to Tabuk, after visiting the mosque.
Tabuk Fortress
Tabuk Fortress is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Tabuk, dating back over five centuries. It was built on the old road connecting the Levant to Medina, making it a crucial stop for Hajj and Umrah caravans. The castle includes a mosque, watchtowers, a large courtyard, and a museum displaying artifacts that narrate the history and culture of the region.
Operating Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM.
Estimated Visit Time: 30 minutes.
Entrance Fee: Free.
The Water Village
The Water Village in Tabuk is one of the best recreational destinations in the city, offering a variety of pools and water activities suitable for all ages. Enjoy private family sessions amid green spaces or try out the water games in the village. Additionally, there are several restaurants that provide delicious meals in the open air.
Al-Lawz Mountain
Located near the Jordanian border in the Tabuk region, Al-Lawz Mountain is one of the most prominent natural landmarks in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Part of a mountain range that extends from the Sarawat Mountains west of Tabuk to Wadi Rum in Jordan, it reaches a height of 2,549 meters above sea level. Known for a tree once present, known as "Al Lawz" (almond).
Snow occasionally falls on Al-Lawz Mountain during winter, and the surrounding area includes several hotels and markets. The mountain is a favorite spot for activities such as snow skiing in winter and camping in summer, attracting more tourists to enjoy the natural beauty and engaging activities.
Al-Raiss Lake
Al-Raiss Lake stands out as one of the best tourist spots in Tabuk, known for its natural beauty and surrounding green spaces. The lake is accessible within a 20-minute drive. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking along the lake shores, appreciating the scenic views, or having a delightful picnic with family and friends away from the bustle of city life.
Tabuk Park Mall
Tabuk Park is one of the prominent malls in Tabuk, featuring a wide range of stores for clothing, bags, shoes, as well as a supermarket and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The mall provides many products from global brands such as LC Waikiki, Adidas, and Max, enhancing the shopping experience. The mall also includes public facilities like bathrooms, parking spaces, and ATMs to meet visitors' needs.
Operating Hours: 10 AM- 1:30 AM.
Al-Hukair Mall
Located in Al-Salihiyah district, Al-Hukair Mall is one of the significant malls in Tabuk, offering a distinctive shopping experience. The mall boasts many stores from global brands such as Max, Mango, and Centrepoint, providing a wide selection of clothing, bags, and shoes. Additionally, Al-Hukair features a popular amusement park that is a hit among children, along with a diverse array of restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal destination for families.
Operating Hours: 9 AM- 11:30 PM.
Al-Haram Plaza
Al-Haram Plaza stands out as one of the major shopping centers in Tabuk, housing a broad range of stores including those for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Additionally, you can find a variety of special gifts, making it a unique destination for gift shopping. Al-Haram Plaza also includes a dedicated electronics section offering various types of electronic devices, alongside home essentials.
Operating Hours: 9 AM- 12 AM.
Hejaz Railway Station
Construction of the Hejaz Railway began in 1900 and took eight years to complete. The project faced numerous challenges due to the diverse terrain, necessitating the construction of several bridges, including the longest bridge in Saudi Arabia across Wadi Al-Akhdar, and a tunnel through one of the mountains in Al-Akhdar area.
The railway starts within Saudi borders at Halat Ammar in the north and extends southwards to Medina, passing through 32 stations, each approximately 20 kilometers apart. The original intention was for the railway to extend to Mecca and Medina and along the Red Sea coast to Yemen, but the line ended in Medina to become its final stop. The railway was destroyed during World War I, but Tabuk Station remains today as a significant archaeological landmark in Tabuk.
Operating Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM.
Haddaj Well
Located in Tayma town southeast of Tabuk, Haddaj Well is one of the most famous wells in the Kingdom. The well continues to supply water and is known for its wide mouth, measuring 50 feet in diameter and 40 feet deep, surrounded by stone and described as a source of generosity and goodness in Tayma.
Haddaj Well is situated in the middle of the old town, surrounded by a circle of dense palm trees, adding to its natural beauty. It is believed that the well's history dates back to the first millennium BC and was dug during the reign of the Babylonian King Nabonidus, who stayed in Tayma for ten years. The well was a source of drinking water for caravans and livestock coming from afar and also irrigated the agricultural lands.
Operating Hours: 10 AM - 12 PM.
Al-Disah Valley
Al-Disah Valley is a unique place in the northwest of the Kingdom, located southwest of Tabuk about 210 kilometers away. The valley features water streams, palm trees, and wild herbs reflecting its unique nature and was named after the village of Disah located at the western entrance of the valley.
Temperatures are moderate in the valley, ranging from 12°C in winter to 31°C in summer. The valley is famous for archaeological sites like the Nabatean tomb facades carved into rocks and remnants of Nabatean and Arabic writings in Kufic script. Activities such as camping and mountain climbing are popular here, making the valley one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Tabuk.
Al-Khariba Beach
Al-Khariba Beach in Tabuk is a fantastic tourist destination for sea and relaxation enthusiasts, boasting a prime location on the shores of the Red Sea. Known for its rich marine life and diverse fish species, it is an ideal spot for fishing or diving enthusiasts.
The beach also features a boat rental center, allowing visitors to enjoy sea tours and wave riding. Additionally, a variety of restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes.
Sharma Beach
Sharma Beach is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Tabuk, offering a wonderful mix of natural beauty and enjoyable activities. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, the beach provides a variety of activities and water sports. Relax on the beach and enjoy the fine sand and clear waters.
Sharma Beach is an ideal destination for fishing and diving enthusiasts, as the Red Sea is abundant with colorful fish and scenic seaweeds, making diving or boat riding experiences highly enjoyable. Porto Sharma offers an option for accommodations with sea-view chalets, and advance booking is available for a memorable stay.
Madain Shuaib
Madain Shuaib is located in a town called Al-Bad in the Tabuk region and contains houses and temples carved into the mountains. These houses are carved impressively to protect against water and floods, making it a unique architectural site similar to Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr).
It is believed that the history of these cities dates back to the second millennium BC and was inhabited by a tribe called Midian. Madain Shuaib forms an important part of the region's heritage and history, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient civilizations and unique architecture at this archaeological site.
Entrance is free but requires visitor registration at the office. Entry and photography inside the mountain caves are allowed.
Operating Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Al-Tawahin Souq
Al-Tawahin Souq is one of the most famous traditional markets in Tabuk, located in the heart of the city. This market retains traditions and customs that go back decades, noticeable in the traditional structure of closely packed small shops mostly built from stone. Vendors use traditional weighing tools and measures in buying and selling processes, enhancing the traditions and local heritage of this market.
The market's name comes from the use of grain mills by the vendors, starting in the mid-1960s, making it a fundamental element of trade for the residents of Tabuk. Al-Tawahin Market is not only a shopping venue but also represents a part of the historical and cultural heritage of the region, reflecting the traditional way of buying and selling that has persisted for decades.
Now that you know about the best tourist spots in Tabuk, no doubt you're considering a visit to this wonderful destination. You can easily do this by visiting the WINGIE and booking a flight to Tabuk effortlessly to enjoy an unparalleled trip to Tabuk.
