Ever imagined plunging into a world painted in shades of blue and coral? On Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Jeddah stands as the gateway to one of the most captivating underwater realms on Earth—the Red Sea. Here, crystal-clear waters host more than 1,200 species of marine life, from the sleek sailfish to the regal Napoleon wrasse, often called the “queen of the coral reefs.” Beneath the sunlight-dappled surface, the seascape reveals an ecosystem as dazzling as any natural wonder above ground.

A Year-Round Diving Haven

The Red Sea offers more than 500 dive sites, making it a true all-season paradise for divers. Its warm, inviting waters remain comfortable throughout the year, while spring brings particularly clear visibility and calm currents—perfect for new divers and seasoned adventurers alike. With its consistently mild conditions, Jeddah’s coast invites exploration 12 months a year, offering a different mood and marine palette with every season.

Adventures for Every Kind of Explorer

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, Jeddah’s diving spots and coastal activities cater to all experience levels. Families can snorkel through shallow coral gardens alive with colorful fish, while thrill seekers can explore deeper wrecks and dramatic drop-offs. Beyond diving, visitors can try kayaking, surfing, and freediving—each offering fresh perspectives on the region’s marine beauty.

Hidden Gems Along Jeddah’s Coast

Sharm Obhur

Just north of central Jeddah lies Sharm Obhur, a favorite among local divers. Its shallow reefs make it ideal for beginners, but even experienced divers find wonder in its thriving coral gardens and vibrant sea life—home to turtles, clownfish, and a kaleidoscope of soft corals.

Abu Tair Island

Adventurers can dive into history at the Abu Tair wreck site, where the remains of the Greek ship Stavronisos rest off Jeddah’s southwest coast. The wreck’s cables and structure have become a haven for countless species, offering striking photographic opportunities for those searching for macro marine life.

“Ann Ann” Wreck Site

Off Abu Faramish, this hauntingly beautiful site features a sunken vessel now encrusted with bright corals, forming a vivid underwater mosaic. It’s a living example of how marine ecosystems reclaim human artifacts, creating a spectacular dive for underwater photographers.

Mount Laith Island

Located south of Jeddah, Mount Laith is famed for hosting gatherings of whale sharks—the gentle giants of the sea. Its surrounding reefs are among the most colorful in the region, and its sandy beaches invite divers to unwind amid serene coastal scenery.

Why Jeddah Stands Out

Unrivaled Marine Biodiversity: From graceful rays to elusive hammerhead sharks, Jeddah’s underwater world offers encounters rarely seen elsewhere.

Top-Class Facilities: Modern dive centers provide professional instruction, reliable gear, and guided excursions for beginners and experts. Night dives and private tours make the experience even more memorable.

Culture Beyond the Shore: After surfacing, visitors can experience Jeddah’s cultural heartbeat in the historic district of Al-Balad, or enjoy fresh Red Sea seafood at one of the city’s beachfront restaurants.

Ideal Climate: With sunshine and warm seawater year-round, Jeddah ensures comfort both in and out of the water.

Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Dive

• Check your certification before diving; local dive shops also offer beginner courses.
• Consider dive insurance for safety and peace of mind.
• Practice marine respect—avoid touching corals or disturbing wildlife.
• Hydrate before and after dives to prevent fatigue.
• Monitor weather and visibility to choose the best dive conditions.

Scuba diving from Jeddah is more than just an adventure—it’s a journey into a living, breathing masterpiece crafted by nature. Each descent unveils another chapter of the Red Sea’s story, where history, color, and marine life converge in breathtaking harmony.

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of discovering a shipwreck or floating among schools of glittering fish, Jeddah promises experiences you’ll carry long after you resurface.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA