With Lionel Messi in Saudi soon, there’s plenty of excitement.. The FIFA World Cup 2022 winner was recently given the title of Saudi Tourism Ambassador in May 2022 during his first-ever visit to the Kingdom. For his upcoming visit, we’ve put together some of the top things to do in Saudi for Messi and his family.
Whether they’re strolling the Corniche in Jeddah, viewing the sites of the capital, or getting immersed in the historic natural surroundings of AlUla, Saudi has got so much for Messi and his family to enjoy. Here are some of the best things for everyone (including you) need to see.
Riyadh
Boulevard Riyadh City
Boulevard Riyadh City is one of the top family-friendly outings in the city to explore making it a top pick for things for Messi to do in Saudi. The permanent Riyadh Season zone is one of the largest zones of the festival that was first introduced in 2019. Filled with heaps of fun including shopping, cafés, restaurants, and more than a few games, Boulevard Riyadh City will have the kids squealing with excitement.
Free. Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, @blvdruhcity.
Bujairi Terrace
When it comes to food, Bujairi Terrace has plenty. The recently opened foodie spot is a blend of contemporary and new, with restaurants that should tick every craving. With views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Turaif, and more than a few eats to choose from.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-2am. Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Sky Bridge
For panoramic views of the city without having to get stuck in traffic, Sky Bridge offers some stellar Insta-worthy shots of the city. Located on the 99th floor, the 300 metre-high view is a fun way for Messi and his family to take in what the capital is all about. They can also shop the many luxury brands in Kingdom Mall including Cartier, Chanel, Bulgari and more. All that shopping might just have them a little hungry, but VOX Cinema’s new Mona Mosly menu will have them enjoying a movie in style.
SAR23 (kids), SAR69 (adults). Open Sat-Thu noon-10.30pm, Fri 4pm-10.30pm. Al Olaya, kingdomcentre.com.sa.
Turaif
Turaif, the birthplace of Saudi, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect way to discover what the Kingdom’s culture is all about. Located in Diriyah, the area is filled with Najdi-style mud-houses, falleries, and more spectacular natural rock monuments. You could even go on a ticketed guided tour of the area and enjoy the architecture firsthand.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-1am. From SAR100, Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Jeddah
Al Balad
Known as the Historic District and Historic Jeddah, Al Balad has been around since the 7th century and was once city centre of Jeddah. Filled with so much history at ever turn, the alleyways of AlBalad will have you exclaiming at the original architecture of the Red Sea city. A great pick when it comes to things for Messi to do in Saudi, the space hosts weekly traditional music performances in the old structures of the area, and has some super cafés and restaurants to check out. The kids will also have a blast running through twist and turns of the lanes.
Al Balad.
Fakieh Aquarium
Check out over 200 species of fish at Fakieh Aquarium in Jeddah. If you’re one to be curious about life under the ocean, you’ll be a happy to explore this kid-friendly outing. See the live dolphin and sea lion show. You could also dive in with the dolphins for quick swim. Not one for sea life? Skate till your heart’s content at the ice skating rink or challenge a friend to some fun arcade games.
From SAR55. Open Sat-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 1.30pm-11pm. Al Kurnaysh Road, Al Nawras, fakiehaquarium.com.
Jeddah Fountain
What is a visit to Jeddah if you don’t visit the infamous Jeddah Fountain? King Fahd’s Fountain is the largest fountain in the world and staple landmark when it comes to the focal attractions in the city. The 30-year-old, 312 metre-high picturesque milestone is a must-visit. With Messi in Saudi, this attraction needs to be on his list.
Jeddah Corniche.
Jeddah Sculpture Museum
If you’re looking to spend some quality time on the corniche, the Jeddah Sculpture Museum is a great way to mix arts and culture with the fresh outdoor breeze. Take the little ones for a stroll around the lush green grounds and take in the many creative sculptures throughout the space. The open-air museum could be a great choice to explore pinnacles of tourism in the Kingdom when it comes to things for Messi to do in Saudi.
Jeddah Corniche.
AlUla
Elephant Rock
The iconic rock formation is one you don’t want to miss when visiting Saudi. Elephant Rock is located in AlUla beautiful to take in during the sunny morning hours or the nighttime darkness. The famous landmark is perfect for late-night stargazing after some fun out on the desert sands.
AlUla, experiencealula.com.
Maraya
The world’s largest mirrored building Maraya reflects the magnificent landscape of AlUla. Consisting of 9,740 mirrored panels, the Guinness World Record holder means refection in Arabic and acts a contemporary canvas. The space has houses a number of thrilling performances the most recent being the Alicia Keys musical event. Not to be missed, Leo might want to add this to his things for Messi to do in Saudi plans.
AlUla, experiencealula.com.
Old Town
Located in the northwest part of AlUla Valley, the Old Town is a must-visit spot with streets filled with interesting shops, mudbrick buildings and watchtower fort. The heritage site is great for a stroll with the family for when the Messis are in Saudi.
Open daily, 9am-midnight. AlUla, experiencealula.com.
After more things to explore in the Kingdom? Start planning your next trip at these new Saudi hotels.
