Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its unforgettable sunsets. From enchanting mountaintops and expansive desert landscapes to sandy coastlines and even the urban sprawl of the capital, Riyadh, the Kingdom’s varied natural landscape offers numerous idyllic places to catch a dreamy and unforgettable sunset.
Plan a trip to one (or all!) of our six top sunset destinations in Saudi to catch the closure of the day as the sky transforms into warm reds, oranges and pinks.
1. Edge of the World
Jebel Fihrayn is a much sought-after tourist attraction in the region of Najd in central Arabia and has geographic features akin to the famed Grand Canyon in the United States. Its nickname, Edge of the World, comes from the view from the top of the escarpment where visitors can catch a jaw-dropping perspective of the horizon.
The best place to view the sunset is from Jabal Tuwaiq, which runs from the southern border of Al-Qassim in the north, to the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khalil or Empty Quarter desert. And all of this is just about an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh.
Prepare yourself for a dramatic rocky range that falls vertically to a depth of around 1000ft into an expansive view of rock formations. Sunsets from Jabal Tuwaiq are mesmerising and otherworldly and offer visitors a moment to pause and reflect amidst the natural beauty.
2. Thee Ain Village
The 400-year-old village of Thee Ain is situated in the Al-Mikhwat province of the Al-Baha region. Nestled amid a lush verdant desert landscape. It is also known as the Marble village due to its location on the top of a rocky marble hill.
Listed as one of Saudi Arabia’s top heritage sites, Thee Ain, whose name translates to “spring” in English, offers breathtaking sunsets from atop the village and offers a window into what life was like in the Arabian Peninsula before the era of nation-states.
Take a stroll through the town at dusk, marvel at the flat stones used to create the centuries-old homes and then pause to admire the sky as it changes color amid an area filled with palm trees and lush vegetation. The moment will whisk visitors back to a vision of pre-modern-day Saudi Arabia.
3. Asfar Lake (Yellow Lake)
Located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia in Al Ahsa National Park, Asfar Lake is also referred to as Yellow Lake due to the golden reflection the sand dunes make on the water. Surrounded by palm trees and other greenery, the area is filled with numerous plant species and migratory birds. It offers an idyllic oasis amid the desert landscape and is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic with friends and family as dusk falls.
One of the most sought-after places in the Kingdom to watch the sunset, the lake is unique in that the colours in the sky are mirrored on the water offering a moment of sublime natural symmetry.
4. Elephant Rock at AlUla
Travellers to this ancient region of Saudi Arabia find this to be one of the most serene spots to watch the sunset amid the breathtaking ancient rock formations of AlUla. It’s dubbed Elephant Rock as time and nature have conspired to make give this rocky formation the distinct air of a pachyderm.
To view the sun setting here is an otherworldly moment – one that brings visitors in tune with the depth of the AlUla landscape. Over the last few years, an area of cafés with majlis-style armchairs and seating has provided a place for families, friends and solo travellers to pause at the end of the day or after a long journey, and admire the ancient region’s enrapturing sunset.
5. Wadi Al Disah
This mountainous area in the southwest Province of Tabuk offers another alluring spot for sunset views – the temperate weather has long been a major attraction for travelers. Al Disah, which is an Arabic word that translates to “valley of the palm trees” is surrounded by palm trees and rocky sandstone cliffs, making it an ideal place to visit for a taste of mesmerizing Arabian natural landscape.
Settle here for a moment of calm as the sun goes down over the wadi (stream) surrounded by lush nature. There are also numerous archaeological sites, temples and tombs nearby to explore. Create some life-long memories by taking a ride in a hot-air balloon and watching the sun sink below the horizon from a unique angle.
6. Khobar Corniche
This boardwalk located in Khobar on the eastern side of the Kingdom is a wonderful place for families and friends to stroll at the end of the day and admire the sun setting. There are jogging and running trails, alongside some benches when you care to rest. Whatever activity one engages in, from picnics to leisurely strolls, this coastal area offers stunning sea views while the sun sets – a truly serene location.
