13 things to see from 13 different regions in Saudi Arabia

The 20th-century palace - open to tourists for free - is the epitome of Najrani architecture, which was influenced by neighboring Yemen.

Though constructed (1961) after the oil discovery in Saudi Arabia (1938), the palace in and of itself gives a glimpse of grandeur during the pre-oil boom era.

Being the highest peak in the country, the view from Jabal Sawda is unparalleled. The dramatic mountainscape, small villages dotting the valley, and pockets of lush green nature are a sight to behold. 

Located close to the city of Abha, Jabal Sawda is accessible to tourists and has a major five-star hotel located right beside its peak.

Qassim is known for its rich history, lush date farms, and generously embedded culture. Al Bassam House, which doubles as a museum, is one of the most well-preserved historic sights in the region. 

Reminiscent of a bygone era, the house is located near the western gate of the old part of Unaizah's old city.

One of the best diving spots in the world, the Farasan Islands form what is a largely untouched archipelago that is surrounded by pristine turquoise waters. 

It has a plethora of unspoiled virgin beaches that are at times visited by migratory birds. Visitors are transported free of charge from the city of Jizan.

A remarkable example of Saudi Arabia's history, the ancient city of Ad Diriyah has everything that makes a good tourist attraction. With a UNESCO World Heritage tag and guided tours, it's well-restored and easily accessible. 

Get ready to travel back in time as a visit to Ad Diriyah is bound to transport you to ancient Arabia.

This railway station has an Ottoman architectural style and was constructed in the early 20th century - running from Damascus to Medina. 

The station in Tabuk is one of the largest and most imposing ones of all along the railway line. Though now defunct, it's undergoing a major restoration drive that is said to bring it back to its former glory.

One of the holiest sites in Islam, the Prophet's Mosque is also the second largest mosque in the world. Those longing for peace will find serenity and tranquility in this place, where thousands come in and go on a daily basis.

Crowded or empty, peace is in abundance in this blessed mosque, located in the heart of Medina.

Mecca is home to the holiest, largest, and most visited mosque in the world, Masjid Al Haram. 

Enclosing the Kaaba, millions of worshipers perform Hajj annually at this holy shrine. 

Snow may be a common sight in western countries but an extremely rare one in the Arabian desert. However, one of the most likely places to come across this phenomenon in Saudi Arabia is in Turaif. 

The city has a reputation of being the coldest area in the kingdom. Even when snow isn't decorating the landscape, visitors will come across un-desertlike, sub-zero temperatures during winter.

Dumat Al-Jadal looks like it's straight out of Disney’s Aladdin. The ancient oasis city is home to the Marid Castle, which overlooks the town from a 600-meter high hill. 

Though it is one of the smallest regions in the country, Bahah has no shortage of things to see thanks to its dramatic landscape. 

Your best bet would be visiting Dhee Ayn - a historic village sitting atop a white rocky outcrop that has given it the moniker "Marble Village". Today, natural water springs can be found amongst a glut of historic structures.

Jabal Qara caves might be one of the best natural wonders in Saudi Arabia for tourists to visit. One gets to walk past sections where sunlight creeps in through narrow crevices making it look like a set from an Indiana Jones movie. 

At the end of the long stretch of the cave, one reaches Ali Baba’s den from the 'Ali Baba and the 40 thieves' folklore. You can even visit the caves during summer as regardless of the temperature outside, the caves remain surprisingly cool, even during the hottest of days.

The Hail region is home to one of the largest number of petroglyphs in the country. There are many rock art sites that lie scattered around the region, but the one at Jubbah is the most popular and the only one in the country with the coveted UNESCO World Heritage tag. 

Though Jubbah is located in the midst of a desert today, the area was once teeming with flora and fauna. This brought in early settlers who, through their rock art, depicted what life in the region was like thousands of years ago.