The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s museums showcase its rich history,
vibrant culture, and unique heritage,
attracting tourists from around the world.
In the first quarter of 2023, Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable resurgence in tourism, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 64%. With 7.8 million visitors exploring the country’s treasures, it has firmly established itself as a popular destination.
The Kingdom’s extensive network of museums showcases its rich cultural heritage, offering visitors an enriching experience into the ancient history and civilization of the Arabian Peninsula.
National Museum
Kingdom’s most prominent cultural treasures
Nestled in Riyadh’s vibrant Al Murabba district, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is located adjacent to the iconic Masmak Fortress and Al Murabba Historical Palace.
This cultural gem warmly welcomes visitors six days a week, from Monday to Wednesday (9 am to 7 pm), Thursday (9 am to 10 pm), Friday (2 pm to 10 pm), and Saturday (9 am to 7 pm).
Exploring the wonders housed within the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is an affordable delight, with an entry fee of just SAR10 per person.
Spanning an impressive 28,000 square feet, this extraordinary space showcases a mesmerizing collection that will leave you enthralled.
To fully enjoy your visit, allocating a minimum of two hours is recommended. Comfortable footwear is advised as you begin a delightful journey through the exhibition halls.
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center promotes cultural development in the Kingdom
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, is an initiative by the Saudi Aramco Oil Company aimed at promoting cultural development and knowledge in Saudi Arabia.
Located in Dhahran, this architectural masterpiece stands tall with 19 stories, offering a range of facilities including an auditorium, cinema, library, exhibition hall, museum, and archive.
The library houses an extensive collection of over 27,000 books, while the auditorium and exhibition halls provide captivating spaces for various events and displays.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the museum’s diverse workshops, including 3D ceramic printing and engaging STEM sessions, and enjoy presentations such as SciNight, tailored for young scientists.
The center operates from Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Admission is free, and guests are welcome to explore and indulge in the cultural offerings of this remarkable institution.
SCITECH Technology Center
Scitech Center empowers students to explore diverse technology fields
At the heart of Al Khobar lies the renowned Science and Technology Centre (SCITECH), a hub of innovation and discovery that effortlessly intrigues both young minds and seasoned enthusiasts.
It’s an extraordinary place where you can discover the wonders of the human body and encounter Arabian sea creatures with 350 exhibits.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL !
SCITECH also houses a grand 190-seat IMAX theater, where you can indulge in larger-than-life cinematic experiences that transport you to new realms of imagination and knowledge.
The opening hours for the exhibition are from 9 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 10 PM, running from Wednesday to Tuesday.
Tabuk Castle
Tabuk Castle, built in 1559, is a beloved historic site in Tabuk
Tabuk’s ancient castle in Saudi Arabia is a revered historical landmark, dates back to its establishment in 1559 AD.
Undergoing a significant renovation in 1993, the castle now stands adorned with stones on its exterior and serves as an extraordinary museum. Within its two floors, visitors can explore the mosque, courtyard, and various rooms exhibiting exquisite artifacts from the Ottoman era, providing a glimpse into Tabuk’s rich history.
The castle, originally constructed to safeguard a water station and ensure security and surveillance, also held the role of a significant stop along the Levant-Medina Haj road, warmly welcoming pilgrims on their sacred journey.
Today, it remains open to all visitors every day except Friday, with opening hours from 7:00 AM to 1:45 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Dar Al Madinah Museum
Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, a sacred Islamic city, serves as the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Medina Region
Located in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, the Dar Al Madinah Museum showcases an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, visual galleries, and rare images that offer a charming glimpse into the essence of Al-Madinah.
Guided tours are available in English, Urdu, and Arabic, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors.
The museum operates from Wednesday to Tuesday, with opening hours from 11 AM to 6 PM, and an entrance fee of 25 SAR.
