ما وراء العُلا

Guided 4x4 safaris among sandstone canyons, with ibex, gazelles and red-necked ostriches. Bring a jacket for early starts.

A dark-sky reserve of tall sandstone spires; best on a guided night or sunset trip.

An ancient oasis of springs, palm groves and an old town lived in until the 1980s, with AlNizar Fort and the AlRawan viewpoint. Takya serves Saudi food with a view.

A vast lava field with rare white volcanoes and craters. Go with a guide; walking trails lead up the cones.

The third of the sister oases: the giant Bir Haddaj well, Qasr Ibn Rumman, the Temple of Salm and Souq Alnajm.

Pray at the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ and Quba Mosque. Visiting the Rawdah needs a permit through the Nusuk app; consider staying the night.