Saudi: the new frontier for sporting adventures

From scuba diving and hiking to horse racing and wrestling, Saudi is claiming its title as an international sports hub

Few people realise just how big Saudi is. Its vast land mass is bigger than the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece combined, framed by 2,000km of tranquil blue waters and mostly untouched coastline. As a result, the country offers a diverse range of terrains and climates that lend themselves to a variety of sporting pursuits, from scuba diving in rich marine habitats to hiking along historic spice trails. With easy visa access and air connectivity, Saudi has also become a hot spot for spectator sports, drawing international audiences for big-ticket events from wrestling to motor racing. Here are just some of the bucket-list sporting pursuits to book in future.

One hour’s drive – 90km – north of Jeddah, Moon Mountain is a hiker’s haven defined by striking natural rock formations jutting out from the powder-soft sands and endless desert views. Adventurers can sample off-road driving, mountain climbing or hiking. Head to the summit of Moon Mountain to watch the stirring, multi-hued sunsets, before returning to the valley base.

After dusk, the valley becomes a nocturnal playground, perfect for camping. Many visitors stay for two to three days, embracing the tranquillity after tiring hikes, and making use of the outdoor seating and barbecue facilities. Full moons illuminate the valley while darker evenings provide optimum conditions for stargazing.

Bordered by the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east, Saudi is a hotbed of marine life and a magnet for scuba divers and snorkelers. The coastal city of Jeddah is Saudi’s diving capital; an ideal base for excursions to the Red Sea, home to