<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo give you a taste of what\u2019s on offer, here are five places that should be on your list. And I\u2019ll show you exactly why having a bit of data in your pocket is a total game-changer for each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Al-Ula & Hegra: An Ancient Desert Kingdom<\/strong> This is the big one. Hegra, in the Al-Ula region, is Saudi Arabia\u2019s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is jaw-dropping. Think of it as the sister city to Petra in Jordan. It\u2019s an ancient Nabatean city with over 100 monumental tombs carved directly into the desert rock formations. You can wander for hours amongst these silent, magnificent structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Why you\u2019ll need data:<\/strong> You\u2019ll be using your phone to navigate between the different tomb sites, looking up the history of a particular carving on the go, and booking a spot on a guided tour right there and then.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Riyadh: The Gleaming Capital<\/strong> Riyadh is a city of contrasts. You can be standing on the Sky Bridge of the futuristic Kingdom Centre, looking out over the sprawling city, and then an hour later be lost in the bustling, traditional Dirah Souq, haggling for spices and antiques. It\u2019s a city that\u2019s racing towards the future while holding onto its past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Why you\u2019ll need data:<\/strong> Getting around a huge city like Riyadh is so much easier with a ride-sharing app. Plus, in the souq, a quick search can tell you what a fair price for that beautiful rug might be!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Jeddah’s Al-Balad (Old Town)<\/strong> Another UNESCO site, Al-Balad is the historic heart of Jeddah. It\u2019s a maze of narrow alleyways and beautiful old merchant houses made from coral stone, with intricate wooden balconies. It feels like stepping back in time. It\u2019s a wonderful place to just get lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Why you\u2019ll need data:<\/strong> Getting lost is fun, but being able to pull up Google Maps to find your way out again is even better. You\u2019ll also want it to find that hidden gem of a coffee shop all the locals are talking about.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)<\/strong> Just outside Riyadh is one of the most epic natural sights you\u2019ll ever see. It\u2019s a dramatic cliff edge that rises from the desert floor, with views that stretch to the horizon. It really does feel like you\u2019re standing at the edge of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Why you\u2019ll need data:<\/strong> This isn\u2019t a place you can just rock up to. You\u2019ll need to coordinate with a tour driver, and having data makes that a breeze. And let\u2019s be honest, a view like this demands to be put on Instagram immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. The Red Sea Coast<\/strong> Saudi Arabia\u2019s Red Sea coast is poised to become the next big luxury beach destination. With massive projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Global development, it offers pristine beaches and some of the most untouched coral reefs in the world for diving and snorkelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Why you\u2019ll need data:<\/strong> You can use an app to identify the incredible fish you see while snorkelling, check the sea conditions before you head out, or book a last-minute diving trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n