For the discerning traveller, travel is about more than just ticking places off a list. It’s a chance to break free from the everyday grind, to get lost in unfamiliar streets, to immerse ourselves in experiences that open our eyes and rekindle our sense of wonder. It’s about discovering new places as we rediscover parts of ourselves.
Travel then, is a passport into deep time – rich history, traditions, art and culture; while also being a gateway to the unfamiliar – new languages, food, experiences, sights and sounds. The first step in your journey, though, begins in your mind.
Imagine the scent of freshly brewed cardamom coffee wafting through the air as you step into an ancient souk, the sound of traditional drums echoing in the distance. Your senses are overwhelmed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a world far removed from your own, a place where modernity and tradition coexist in perfect harmony. You’re no longer just a visitor: you’re an explorer, uncovering treasures at every turn, as you lose yourself in the rhythm of a new culture.
Now, imagine if you could experience just a little taste of this new land, right in your own city. From September 25th to October 2nd, Mumbaikars get to do just that. Spectacular Saudi, the first-ever immersive consumer event by Saudi’s national tourism brand, Saudi Welcome to Arabia, is set to transport you straight to the Heart of Arabia. Held at R2 Ground in BKC, this one-of-a-kind event is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.
Step inside for what promises to be your first taste of Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes, with breathtaking exhibits, hospitality experiences and authentic flavors that tease and tickle your wanderlust, leaving you wanting more. What’s more, Spectacular Saudi fulfils that promise with exclusive travel discounts, flight offers, and visa processing in just 48 hours; making your next trip not just possible, but inevitable.
Prepare for a sensory overload as you step inside. Designed as a journey, Spectacular Saudi welcomes you with a traditional sipping of Saudi coffee or Qahwa, made from pale roasted Arabica beans and spiced with cardamom. As you savor this cultural staple, paired with sweet dates, you notice the beguiling fragrance of Bakhour, a traditional incense burned during important ceremonies.
Moving on to the exhibits, there’s something here for travellers of every stripe. From the Ardah dancers, who perform a lively and acrobatic warrior’s dance that trill culture aficionados to the 360 Selfie Corner offers the perfect chance to snap a picture against stunning Saudi backdrops ranging from the lavender fields of Al Jouf to the mirrored brilliance of Maraya Hall in AlUla that is sure to delight shutterbugs and travel influencers alike.
For the fashion-forward, Sadu Art awaits you. Step inside an impressive installation dedicated to the ancient art of Sadu weaving – a craft passed down through generations of Bedouin women and now recognized by UNESCO. If you’re more of a foodie, don’t miss the Al Balad-inspired culinary corner, serving dishes from the vibrant streets of Jeddah, like the spiced rice dish Kabsa and other local delicacies.
Saudi Arabia: Deeply Rooted In Tradition, Confident of the Future
Saudi Arabia is, in many ways, an ocean of possibilities. It is a land of deep time, where history and heritage aren’t just preserved – they’re alive, thriving, and inviting you in. From the coral stone houses and bustling souks of Al-Balad in Jeddah to the grandeur of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi offers travelers an unparalleled connection to the ancient world.
Imagine wandering through Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the monumental tombs of the Nabataean civilization stand as sentinels of the past. The intricate carvings on rock formations tell stories that date back millennia, connecting you to an ancient world that feels remarkably alive. But Saudi Arabia isn’t content to remain in the past; it’s a country confidently striding into the future. No place embodies this better than Maraya Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building, where the surrounding desert landscapes reflect in a dazzling architectural feat that’s equal parts futuristic and ethereal.
If history is your calling, then At-Turaif, located just outside Riyadh, offers an authentic peek into Saudi’s royal roots. Once the seat of the first Saudi state, this UNESCO-listed site is a labyrinth of mudbrick buildings and historical significance. It’s a must-visit for those who want to dive deep into the origins of the Kingdom’s royal lineage and its cultural heritage.
For urban explorers, Saudi Arabia’s cities offer a dynamic contrast. Riyadh, the capital, is a vibrant hub of modern architecture, innovation, and tradition. It’s easy to imagine the future when walking through the towering streets of Riyadh, where gleaming skyscrapers like the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Tower dominate the skyline, yet just a stone’s throw away lies Diriyah, the historical birthplace of the Saudi state.
And then there’s King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s modern ambitions. Nestled along the Red Sea, KAEC offers travellers the chance to explore pristine beaches, visit world-class museums, and indulge in some of the country’s finest dining experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the golden sands of Yam Beach or the futuristic exhibits at the Museum of Science and Technology, KAEC is a perfect blend of modernity and leisure.
This rich tapestry of experiences awaits you in Saudi Arabia, a destination where time seems to both stand still and race ahead. However, planning a holiday to a country this expansive can also be a challenge in itself. After all, who amongst us hasn’t experienced travellers’ remorse – that feeling, right in the middle of the holiday, when you resent not having planned for more time doing the things you’ve only just realized you enjoy most about the holiday, while simultaneously wishing you had steered clear of the things that weren’t as breathtaking as they looked online? Who amongst us hasn’t wished for a time machine then?
From Dream to Reality: A Journey Tailored Just for You
Thanks to Spectacular Saudi, you won’t need a time machine to avoid those “wish I’d known” moments. This immersive event allows you to design your perfect trip before you even leave the city. Use your time at the event to identify what draws you most, and then create an itinerary that matches! Whether you fall in love with the rich flavors of Saudi cuisine or the intricate art and history of the Bedouin culture, you’ll know exactly how to tailor your adventure.
If you’ve fallen in love with the food, consider designing your itinerary around the foodie cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla that also provide a backdrop of historical and architectural wonders to explore between meals. If bedouin culture and the Kingdom’s past is drawing you in, consider a visit to At-Turaif in Diriyah or the archaeological marvels of Hegra in AlUla where it’s easy to transport yourself back in time to the Kingdom’s royal origins. If architecture is what brings you joy, then you can’t go wrong with the modern-meets-traditional design of Maraya Hall, or Najdi architecture in At-Turaif, where sustainable building practices have stood the test of time. And if natural beauty is what your heart desires, then there’s no end to the options at hand with Saudi’s diverse landscapes.
What’s more, the Spectacular Saudi event goes out of its way to ensure that your trip to Saudi Arabia is as thrilling as it is frictionless. Want a hassle-free Saudi visa? All you need is a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card and sufficient funds, and you’ll have your visa in hand within 48 hours. It’s that simple; no late-night stressing over paperwork or last-minute scrambles.
No more poring over travel websites either. Spectacular Saudi has put together a smorgasbord of travel discounts and packages that you’ll find extremely hard to beat. For instance, SAUDIA Airlines is offering buy-one-get-50%-off on business class tickets, along with a 15% discount on economy class. Daily giveaways include free tickets for two to Saudi Arabia. And if you’re planning to travel with friends or family, exclusive packages starting at INR 99,999 for 5-night group tours to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam make this an unmissable opportunity.
Sounds too good to be true? Don’t take our word for it when you can experience it firsthand!
Register here for an immersive journey into the Heart of Arabia, and dust off your traveling pants. It’s time for a new journey.
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