Is Saudi Arabia a good choice for a beach holiday? Well, to the outside world, Saudi often brings to mind the towering sands and dunes of beautiful expanses of desert and gleaming cities. But the Kingdom also has 2,000km of tropical coastline on the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, and some incredible beaches.
The fact that Saudi Arabia has made an impact on the map of international tourism relatively recently has meant that this coastline is overwhelmingly free of ugly over-development, with pristine, empty sands and squeaky clean waters – along with a diverse range of wildlife that makes its home here. Beach resorts are a growing phenomenon for the Kingdom, with major luxury names making themselves at home, although there are also more affordable options and all are very family friendly.
First-time visitors are often understandably curious about the dress code for the beach and what is and isn’t acceptable. On public beaches, both men and women tend to wear loose-fit clothing that covers from shoulder to knee, but on private beaches, the rules are more relaxed and informal. Check with the resort before you travel to help finalise your packing list. These are some of our favourite beach resorts in Saudi Arabia.
1. Thuwal Private Retreat, Saudi Arabia
You may not have heard of Thuwal Private Retreat previously. Though it’s one of the star properties within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global hospitality portfolio, it trades on absolute discretion and the promise of total exclusivity: access to this private island off the coast of Jeddah is only available to parties who book out its complete inventory – a three-bed villa and three one-bed pavilions, all with immediate sea views.
Of course, anyone lucky enough to stay here is promised non-stop pampering – think impromptu dolphin-spotting yacht trips, customised spa treatments, and outdoor evening film screenings right on the beach. The real draw here, however, is the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted, unhurried time with friends and family.
2. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Red Sea
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was always destined to be special – the Ritz-Carlton’s leaders gave the resort their ultimate endorsement when they named it a “Reserve,” an ultra-rare classification shared by just eight Ritz-Carltons globally, which confirms a hotel occupies a setting of outstanding natural beauty and delivers exceptional hospitality.
In Nujuma’s case, that location is an immaculate private island, fringed by emerald green mangrove forests, lapped by the Red Sea’s warm waters, and surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. Divers and snorkellers will be wowed for days by kaleidoscopic corals and thriving sea life, though Nujuma’s overwater offering is just as compelling.
Seashell-shaped villas are truly distinct and effortlessly romantic – in-room telescopes that allow for spontaneous night-time stargazing and private pools are among the thoughtful touches – while a diverse culinary offering covers everything from French patisserie to a mocktail menu inspired by astronomy. It's so magnificent it took first place at the List Awards 2026 in the Luxury Resorts category.
3. Dana Beach Resort in Half Moon Bay
Once a trading port for salt, Half Moon Bay in the Eastern Province is now better known for its white sand beaches and watersports. One of the top options in the area is Dana Beach – it’s also a great beach resort for families in Saudi Arabia. In many ways, it resembles one big water-themed playground, with activities and games everywhere you look – not to mention the occasional ostrich and deer (in the mini zoo).
There’s plenty of splashy fun at the aqua park and giant slides for younger kids, inflatable bananas to bounce across the waves for older ones, and the chance to try parasailing or jet-skiing. If you need to relax and unwind, you can just watch other people do this from the shade of a beachside gazebo or book a gentle boat ride around the bay before returning for Lebanese mezze at the Al Sayyad (there’s also pizza at Bay Diner and a poolside cafe for all-day grazing). Those with the urge to splurge can book a three-bedroom royal villa with its own pool to host the whole family under one roof. But don’t worry if your budget will only stretch to a standard room – you can still book a private family pool for the day.
4. St Regis Red Sea Resort
There’s the Red Sea, and then there’s The Red Sea Project, Saudi’s ambitious development which aims to make 28,000km of islands, coastline and desert a sustainable, high-end tourist destination. And it's safe to say this resort in Al Wajh Lagoon is a groundbreaker, a place to snorkel in warm waters while reef fish shimmer beneath you. It’s just 25 minutes by seaplane or 45 minutes by speedboat from the mainland, although, with its white sands, palms and colourful marine life, the St Regis makes it feel like you’re in the Maldives or Seychelles.
Stay in one of the resort’s Coral Villas, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and shaped like a seashell, and the curtain will rise each morning on calm, turquoise waters. Step outside and you can relax on the sundeck and take an early dip in your private plunge pool. Take a buggy to the main resort hub and you’ll find the restaurants (the highlight is the Japanese omakase at Gishiki 45), spa and watersports centre, along with poolside cabanas – all with designs inspired by the patterns the wind makes on sea and sand. St Regis is an accomplished global name, and this – the best luxury beach resort in Saudi Arabia – is the shape of things to come for the region.
5. Rixos Obhur Jeddah
Rixos, the renowned international hospitality brand focused on all-inclusive resorts, has rocked up to Jeddah and is taking the beach hotel scene by storm with its five-star, all-inclusive offering. Choose a lavish suite or luxurious villa, all with sweeping views of the sparkling Red Sea. Located in Jeddah's popular Obhur Bay, the resort offers a wide selection of restaurants and lounges, an exclusive spa, a private beach area and several pristine pools – there's a strong possibility you may never want to leave.
