Scenic locations you wouldn’t believe are in Saudi Arabia

When we think of Saudi Arabia, images of vast desert environment are envisioned. Yet despite what many believe, there are vast number of hidden gems in the kingdom.

Along with its modernized cities – as the oil-rich kingdom has in the past been more focused on development – there is much beauty in Saudi Arabia’s ancient heritage and natural environment outside Riyadh, Makkah and Jeddah.

With green countrysides, natural waterfalls and local architecture, including Najd, meaning ‘highland’ or ‘plateau', is Saudi Arabia’s central province, a vast desert heartland located between the western mountains of the Hijaz and the flat coastal plain of the Arabian Gulf.

PHOTO GALLERY OF SCENIC LOCATIONS ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA:

Greenery and nature surround the countryside of Saudi Arabia (Al Arabiya)

Al-Meqer Palace in Al-Namas (Al Arabiya)

Camels graze in a touristic park near Tanumah province (Al Arabiya)

A waterfall near Al-Sadwan village (Al Arabiya)

A willage in the green country side of Saudi Arabia (Al Arabiya)

A sun setting into the red sea (Al Arabiya)

Al-Mojarada valley in Asir province (Al Arabiya)

Greenery and nature surround the countryside of Saudi Arabia (Al Arabiya)

The grassy valley filled with mountains and hills (Al Arabiya)

Al-Fatyh valley in Al-Darb, Jazan province (Al Arabiya)

Al-Qunfudah province (Al Arabiya)