7 Best Spots for Sunrise & Sunset Across Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is all about stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and historical sites. But apart from that, do you know that there are many destinations in Saudi Arabia with amazing sunrise and sunset views? In this blog, we are going to explore the 8 best locations to visit sunrise and sunset in Saudi Arabia.
People love to watch sunrises and sunsets due to their stunning colors and the amazing moments. Individuals who love to take photographs prefer to visit these locations. These places have an elevated aesthetic and elevated sensory appeal because the sunrise and sunset have great visual attractions. Especially, the sunset in Saudi Arabia’s best locations, like AlUla, Wadi Al Disah, and the Farasan Islands, offer an iconic view.
Here are the locations in Saudi Arabia known for their iconic sunrise and sunsets.
Edge Of the World
‘Jebel Fihrayn’ or the ‘Edge of the World’ is one of the most landmark locations in Saudi Arabia. A dramatic high cliff over the desert plains, it is a great spot for watching sunrise and sunset.
Location and How to Get Around
From Riyadh, it takes around a couple of hours to get to the Edge of the World. Here, you will explore the stunning palm grove and the scenic landscapes. The cliffs here have a high vertical elevation of over 1100 meters. To reach the edge of the cliff, you will need to hike uphill for about two kilometers. Upon reaching the top, you will get a bird’s eye view of the entire desertscape.
Pro Tip: Explore this area in a 4X4 car due to the rugged terrain. To get the best sunrise and sunset views, it is ideal to visit during the winter months. During this time, the colors remain brighter and more distinct.
AlUla
AlUla is also an iconic location in Saudi Arabia that comprises dramatic desert landscapes, sandstone cliffs, and ancient natural rock formations like the Elephant Rock. Because of these dramatic geological formations and the amazing transparency of the desert’s colors, the sunrise and sunset in AlUla look so fascinating.
AlUla becomes a magical experience during sunrises and sunsets. It feels like the colors of the mountains, rocks, and sand are glowing with the sunlight. If you truly love sunrise and sunset, then this might be a great location for you to explore. Some of the key viewpoints of AlUla include:
Elephant Rock
A breathtaking point of AlUla, Elephant Rock is somewhere you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Harrat Viewpoint
Located on a high volcanic plateau, the Harrat Viewpoint offers a panoramic view over the valley. This is also a great location to watch sunrise and sunset in Saudi Arabia.
Wadi Al Disah
Another great location for sunset views, Wadi Al Disah is an area filled with mountains. It is located in the southwest province of Tabuk. The valley is surrounded by scenic views of palm trees and bumpy sandstone cliffs. This valley is also famous for its stunning landscape, diverse wildlife, and rich history. Most of the tourists visit Wadi Al Disah for hiking, birdwatching, and camping to experience the remarkable sunrise and sunset.
Al Disah Valley is also important for its famous archaeological sites, tombs, and temples. Tourists can also take a hot air balloon ride here, so that they can capture the best sunset pictures while being in the air, catching a perfect view of the rocky valley in the fading sun.
Farasan Islands
The vast islands located in the Red Sea, the Farasan Islands, are one of the best locations for watching sunrise or sunset because of the pristine view of the Red Sea and unobstructed view of the sun in the backdrop of calm water. The clear, turquoise waters best reflect the sky’s colors, which enhances the view of the sun over the horizon.
Farasan’s atmosphere is peaceful and calming, offering a slow retreat for the people who love relaxation and natural beauty. Individuals who love to photograph would be more than happy to snap silhouettes of many boats and dolphins in the backdrop of the tranquil waters during the sunset. If you are on the main island, Beit Al Rafai beach is ideal for watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in Saudi Arabia.
Al Wahbah Crater
The Al Wahbah Crater is the largest and deepest volcanic crater in all entire Saudi Arabia, which has a diameter of 3000 meters. The crater itself is 380 meters deep and includes different rock formations.
The sunrise in the Al Wahbah crater is a very soothing and calming experience for the tourists. The soft morning light is great for the photos. The bright whiter floor of the crater is often mistaken with water. This reflects the changing colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset. The panoramic shadow play on the wall of the craters is also loved by the visitors. Taking a walk alongside the crater rim during sunset can also be a great experience.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to visit the Al Wahbah Crater, you need to keep in mind that there is a hike down and up, which can take up to 2 hours depending on your hiking pace.
Makkah
The sunrise and sunset in Makkah in Saudi Arabia have both a spiritual and cultural significance. The soft, clear light of the desert mornings is considered sacred. Both the sunrise and sunset times are key prayer times for observing Muslims, so these moments are considered pious for the locals and pilgrims.
Here are some of the best viewpoints in Makkah to observe the sunrise and sunsets.
Abraj Al-Bait Towers (Clock Tower)
The higher floors of the Abraj Al-Bait Towers provide breathtaking views of the Masjid Al-Haram and the Kaaba. They look beautiful in the sunrise or sunset colors.
Mount Arafat
The vast plain of Mount Arafat offers the best view of sunrise or sunrise, keeping the Jabal Al-Rahmah as the focal point. It makes the scenery look more expansive and even more vast.
In the High Courtyards of Masjid al-Haram
Masjid al-Haram is not typically a viewpoint to watch sunrise or sunset in Makkah in Saudi Arabia. However, you can still enjoy the peaceful sunrise and sunset from the upper levels of the mosque or the courtyards. Here, you can see the Kaaba as the focal point when seeing the sunrise or sunset.
Jeddah Corniche
The Jeddah Corniche is located alongside the Red Sea. It is a 30 kilometer long stretch coastal road that runs alongside the beach. This location also offers one of the best sunsets in Saudi Arabia, delivering breathtaking sunset views that turn the sky with fiery hues. The bright sunset lights coming from the Mamluk Mosque lamps are a must-see here.
Here are the sunrise and sunset spots in Jeddah Corniche:
King Fahd Fountain
King Fahd Fountain offers a majestic view of the sunset, as it sets behind the fountain, creating a beautiful visual.
Al Rahma Mosque
Al Rahma Mosque, also known as the ‘Floating Mosque’, is one of the most tranquil settings, with stunning architecture. It is perfect for capturing the morning light reflecting on the Red Sea.
Jeddah Light Tower
Situated at the port entrance, the Jeddah lighthouse offers unique sunset views from the northern part of the Corniche.
Wrapping Up
Tourists want to spend time in sunrise and sunset viewpoints in Saudi Arabia because of the natural beauty and spectacular photo opportunities. The dramatic landscapes of the expanding desert dunes and pristine backdrops combine with the fading lights of sunlight and sunset. Experiencing this is one of the lifetime experiences for every nature lover and tourist.
Pack Your Bags and Get to Saudi Arabia to explore the Best of Nature
Want to be closer to nature and enjoy the peaceful sunrise and sunset? Do not wait, prepare your travel itineraries, and plan your next holiday in Saudi Arabia to explore the amazing wonders of nature.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. Singaporean citizens, New Zealand citizens, Norwegian citizens, Panamanian citizens and Polish citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.