Fast forward to today, I long for Sundays and Tuesdays which are the days my friends and I had set up for playing sports.

It all started in Riyadh, when a good friend invited me to join their weekly volleyball game. It took a few games until I had the courage to face the ball and not run away from it. Despite on basically standing and running away from the ball, I still enjoyed every bit of it. The fact that I am socializing, having fun and laughs while moving rather than sitting at home or in a coffee shop makes it a highlight day of every week.

In October 2021, I moved back to Jeddah and was absolutely crushed to miss out on the weekly volleyball games in Riyadh. So I started to look for courts to rent in Jeddah and found a few of them.

Now, my friends and I play Volleyball every Sunday and Basketball every Tuesday and I couldn’t be more grateful for this.

Here are some places where you could rent courts in Jeddah to play in with your friends.

Beach Volleyball

Jeddah Youth Beach Volleyball

Contact +966504305926

Rental Rate 300 SAR for 2 hours

Location Google Map

The Spike

Contact +966565651515

Rental Rate 350 SAR for 2 hours

Location Google Map

Multi Sports Court

Dar Thikr – Run by Al Qima Sports Academy

Contact +966543414074

Rental Rate 200 SAR for 2 hours

Location Google Map

Waad Academy – Run by Al Qima Sports Academy

Contact +966543414074

Rental Rate 200 SAR for 2 hours

Location Google Map

Koora Arena

Contact +966569138835

Location Google Map

Rental Rate 420 SAR for 2 hours

Add sports to your list of activities with your friends and I promise you that you will have a great time plus get more active!

Let me know if you know of any other courts to rent in the comment below!

The post Sports court for rent in jeddah appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

Non Profit Travel Community

Jeddah Based

Qairawan 

 

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كلاس اليوجا بتقديم @danam_ashoor Yoga class led by @danam_ashoor

A post shared by Qairawan قيروان (@qairawan.sa) on Jun 23, 2019 at 8:01am PDT

Low – Mid Range

Jeddah Based

@jeddah_go_outdoors

 

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تنظيم رحلة هايكنج مع العمالقة: . ١)المرشد السياحى بكر خفصي . ٢)المرشدالسياحىً محمد الحارثى . . ٣)المرشد السياحى حسن حمدى . ٤)المرشدة السياحية جوزاء . ٥)المرشد السياحى محمد قارى

A post shared by Go Outdoors (@jeddah_go_outdoors) on Sep 27, 2019 at 12:50pm PDT

Riyadh Based

@ghazi_tours

 

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‎ *رحلة هايكنج يسر فريق رحلات غازي ان يعلن عن رحلته القادمة الى “جبال نهاية العالم” الجمعه الموافق 4 اكتوبر في تمام الساعه 2:30 عصراً لغاية الساعه 10:00 مساءً باذن الله حيث فعاليات الهايكنج بالاضافة الى الفعاليات الترفيهيه المتنوعه للحجز والاستفسار :�جوال رقم # 0552223350 ❤@@@@ * hiking to Edge of the world ghazi tours group is pleased to announce their next trip to Edge of the world , on Friday 4 of October 2019 at 2:30-22:00for registration and more information please call or text #سياحة offroad #insta ‎�#هايكنج #hiking #edgeoftheworld #Worls#cave �#اكتشف_الرياض #هايكنج #hiking#saoudienne

A post shared by Ghazi Tours (@ghazi_tours) on Sep 28, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT

Tabuk Based

@tabuk.tours

 

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مقتطفات من جولتنا السياحية الأخيرة في وادي #الديسة تنظيم #معالم_تبوك #تبوك #نيوم #سياحة

A post shared by رحلات تبوك ( Tours ) (@tabuk.tours) on Jul 27, 2019 at 6:49am PDT

High Range

Al Ula Based

@alulatourism

 

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صورة فريدة لقصر الفريد . . @shougbinr 👏🏻 . . #Alula #alulatourism #madainsaleh #saudi #sauditourism #winterattantora #العلا #مدائن_صالح #شتاء_طنطورة

A post shared by Alula Tourism السياحة في العلا (@alulatourism) on Jul 27, 2019 at 11:15am PDT

Riyadh Based

@masaratclub

 

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النجاح لا يعني العمل المستمر بلا توقف ولا يعني تكثيف المهام حتى تصبح نبضات قلبك مسرعة طوال الوقت و نفسك يلهث باستمرار. أن تكون انسان ناجح يعني أن تكون قادر على التوقف لوهلة في منتصف الطريق للاستجمام , جمع أجزائك المنثورة أرضا , واعادة ترميم ذاتك لتستطيع مواجهة الحياة بالقوة ذاتها مجددا. ان كنت تشعر أنك تركض لفترة طويلة و على طريق واحد لا ينتهي و بلا وجهة محددة تأكد أنك تحتاج الى ما ينتشلك من دائرة مسؤولياتك اللامنتهيه. في الاستكشاف تكمن جميع الحلول , شاركنا في رحلة الى أملج حيث سنصل الى أعماق البحر الأحمر و نسنكشف الجزر البكر للبحر الأحمر. في رحلتنا القادمة الى أملج سنمزج بين طبيعة المزارع و البحرحيث سيكون هناك زيارة لمزارع المانجو و رحلات بحرية تتضمن الابحار, السباحة والسنوركلنق. شاركنا للممارسة متعة الاستكشاف! A mixture between the ocean and mountain life creating a balance and resulting in time spent on creating fun memories. A perfect adventure for those who do not seek permanency nor seek to reside a settled land. An adventure that extends for three days which will include: exploring virgin islands swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. We will also go on an wonderful cruise around the Red sea to explore the unexplored. If you seek to explore the unknown join us on a trip to the north of the kingdom (UMMLUJ). للتسجيل عن طريق الرابط في البايو او التواصل على واتساب 0566445538 📆 03-05/10/2019 📍 Ummlaj #masaratclub #the_joy_of_exploring

A post shared by مسارات (@masaratclub) on Sep 28, 2019 at 9:06am PDT

Umluj Based

@weekendtrip1

 

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احتفالنا هذا العام بـ #اليوم_الوطني غير ٤ ايّام – ٣ ليالي في مدينة الحالمين والمستقبل#نيوم نتعرف على المقومات السياحية التي سوف تجعل منها مقصداً لجميع سكان الارض، روح المغامرة والاستكشاف !! نغوص ونبحر ونستطلع ونستكشف جمال الطبيعة في بلادنا. 🐟🌊🏊🏻‍♂⛺🏄‍♂ التسجيل بالبايو📝 العدد محدود الوصول مطار #تبوك TUU# ✈️ للاستفسار التواصل عبر الواتساب 0501335104 📲 ‏#weekendtrip1 #رحلات_سياحية #تبوك #املج #نيوم #NEOM

A post shared by Weekend Tripرحلة نهاية الاسبوع (@weekendtrip1) on Aug 29, 2019 at 7:45am PDT

Jeddah Based

@disconnectksa

 

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You girls, are you ready to enjoy another weekend full of sunshine & beautiful souls? We can’t wait to host you. Book your seat NOW!!!! Limited seats available (Link in bio) وهذة رحلتنا الثالثة الى املج الرهيبة سباحة واستجمام وخصوصية تامة للسيدات الأماكن محدودة ..وللحجز اللينك في البايو 😍 @weekendtrip1 @disconnectksa . . . #! #unforgettable #love #travel #friendship #umluj #trips #disconnectksa #saudi tourism #saudia #مرحبا_بالعالم #saudiwelcomestheworld #visitsaudi #sauditravel #exploresaudi #redsea# #umluj

A post shared by Disconnect (@disconnectksa) on Sep 30, 2019 at 8:23pm PDT

The post Recommended Tour Operators in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

Saudi Arabia is best understood by Regions. There are 5 regions which I have listed below. I also added the best route to explore most of each region noting that there isn’t any public transport that would take you to all the spots so it is best to rent a car with unlimited mileage or hire a driver.

In summary, I would recommend flying into Riyadh and fly out of Jeddah. Simply because Jeddah is the perfect city to end an intense and exhaustive trip by relaxing by the beautiful beaches in Jeddah, mingle with mixed culture locals, sip a cup of coffee in the many local specialty cafes and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the tallest fountain in the world.

• Fly into Riyadh (Central Region) then drive to the Eastern Region
• From Eastern Region,  fly into Northern Region
• From Northern Region, fly into Southern Region
• From Southern Region, fly into Western Region
• Fly out from Jeddah (Western Region)

Northern Region

Recommended city to fly in:  Tabuk

Recommended city to fly out to: Riyadh

Contact for Drivers: Salem +966 50 277 9907

Recommended Route

Central Regions (Najd)

Recommended city to fly in:  Riyadh

Recommended city to fly out (if not driving to Dammam): Abha

Recommended Route around Riyadh & Qassim

Recommended Route from Riyadh to Eastern Region

Eastern Region

Recommended to drive from Riyadh to Dammam as shown in the previous map

Recommended city to fly in:  Dammam

Recommended Route

Southern Region

Recommended city to fly in:  Abha or Jazan

Recommended city to fly out to: Jeddah

Contact for Drivers: Ali +966 50 090 0961

Recommended Route

Western Region (Hejaz)

Recommended city to fly in:  Jeddah

Recommended Route

Available Public Transport

Intercity Bus: SAPTCO

Urban City Bus: SAPTCO

Train: Saudi Railway Organization (Central & Eastern Region), Haramain High Speed Railway (Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and KAEC)

Feel free to drop a comment or send me an email through the contact form if you need any help!

The post How to Travel Around Saudi Arabia appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

It is also best explored by renting your own vehicle as there isn’t any public transport that would take you around the area unless if it is within Abha City which is the capital of the Aseer Region.

The spots in Abha city can be enjoyed by walking from one location to another as per the map below.

Al Basta Historical District

It’s a small district with abandoned old mud and brick houses.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sBxiDtK39ogSVTFC7

Art Street

The art street has street arts and food trucks.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Tuesday’s Market

Tuesday’s Market is open all week long despite the name of the market. The market has stalls from traditional handicrafts, honey, clothes, incense, and many other locally made products with a great bargain price.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M9mRzSLZiyTFVkpm7

Al Muftaha Art Village

A spot that cannot be missed! The village was founded by the government in 1989 to promote art. Al Muftaha village showcases the artistic culture of the Aseer Region. The beautiful mud houses are covered with local style art known as Al Qatt al Assiri as well as graffiti and other forms of art by local and regional artists.

Muftaha Art Village brings together a community of passionate photographers, handicrafts and fine artists.

It can be visited all day long but the stores open from 5 p.m. where you can purchase locally made souvenirs and handicrafts with high quality and great prices too.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Al Mahatbah

This gem is a definite must-visit. The area has many ponds, streams, natural slides, and mini waterfalls. The trail is very easy and flat with minimal scrambling required in some spots. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and jump into the natural pool!

There isn’t any visiting hours or entrance fee. It’s a public area and can be accessed by anyone and at any time.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Tanoumah

Tanoumah is known for its pleasant weather for a hike, climb, and camping. There’s also a popular waterfall in the area.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ggCL1DG7rYc7WadU6

Tamniah Museum

The most beautiful museum I have ever visited in Aseer Region. The museum is surrounded by an abandoned and old neighborhood with mud-brick buildings. Stroll around the narrow alleyways before entering the museum.

The museum has 3 stories with many beautiful rooms that are decorated with the local art style known as Al Qatt Al Assiri which is the painting on the walls.

They also allow visitors to spend the night for a fee to experience life in the past.

Entrance Fee: 2.5 USD

Visting Hours: 8:00 a.m.  – 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Contact Number: +966 50 575 0784

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Habala Rope Village

Habala rope village was inhabited by the flower men who fleed from the Ottoman Empire. The village was only accessible by a rope ladder, hence the name Habala (Rope). It can now be accessed by a cable car.

However, I don’t recommend visiting the village because there is absolutely nothing to see. It’s best to enjoy the Habala mountain from the top.

Cable Car: 10 USD

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Mount Soudah

Jabal Sawdah is the highest peak of Saudi Arabia with an elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level. There is also a cable car to enjoy a scenic view of the highest peak in Saudi Arabia.

Don’t forget to carry a jacket or any warm clothing when visiting Soudah Mountain.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Rijal Almaa

Rijal Alma is the highlight of the Aseer Region. The village is made out of natural stones, clay, wood and striking windows played an important role in trade between Yemen and the Hejaz Region.

The people of Rijal Alma were famous for their bravery in many battles including a battle against the Ottoman. The Ottomans managed to occupy some parts of the Aseer Region, but they were defeated in Rijal Alma.

Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. all week long

Entrance Fee: 10 SAR

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Turshi Museum

Turshi Museum is located close to Rijal Alma. It is owned by Mohammed Turshi who is one of the oldest tour guides in the region. Mohammed Turshi built his own mosque, majlis and turned his old school into a museum.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

How to get there: Fly from any city to Abha City

How to get around: It is best to go around with a car. Rent a car with unlimited mileage or contact a driver.

Driver in Aseer Region (price includes a van and fuel)

Contact Name & Number: Ali +966 58 176 8888 (80 USD/Day)

Contact Name & Number: Ahmed +966 50 090 0961 (80 USD/Day)

The post Aseer Region appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

I hope Saudi opens up for tourism soon so others can explore and discover that Saudi has a lot more than just sand dunes, camels and oil.

Here is Mada’in Saleh; Saudi’s first proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 1st Century AD.

Mada’in Saleh, also less known as Al Hijr is a pre-Islamic archaeological site that is also mentioned in the Quran and the Bible. It is located 22 km from Al Ula.

The Nabataeans were believed to be the first inhabitants of Mada’in Saleh and the ones who carved sandstones and built the 130 homes.

Here are some places to visit and things to do in Al Ula other than Mada’in Saleh

1. Lion Tombs – The tombs were evidence of the 2,600 years f settlement in Al Ula. Some of them have a neat craving of lions above the tombs which are believed to keep the deceased safe.

2. Viewpoint – Watch the sunset by going to one of the highest points you can find and overlook the quaint little town of Al Ula.

3. Elephant Rock – There are many rock formations in Al Ula, the Elephant Rock is probably the most famous one.

4. Visit a Farm – A street fruit vendor that was selling oranges were kind enough to take us to his beautiful farm filled with date plantation, orange trees, fluffy camels and plenty of places to hike.

5. Hike – Al Ula is surrounded by so many sandstones, pick any and start climbing!

6. Old City – Visit the old walled city that was found in the 6th century.

7. Hejaz Railway Museum

If you’re not traveling during summer or do not have any plans over the weekend, it’s about time to start exploring Saudi Arabia 😀

The post Mada’in Saleh; Saudi’s First UNESCO World Heritage appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vNyG2o8a3RotthER7

It is a great place for camping and hiking. The hike was not easy due to the heat from the sun right on top of your head. It’s not easy to find shade while descending to the beautiful sodium phosphate base as well as the climb up to the rim.

It would be wise to wear a hat or tie a shemagh around your head and bring at least 2 liter of water in an insulated water bottle so it will stay cold. 

It is recommended to start the hike as early as possible and climb up before the sun strikes. It is recommended to attempt the hike only in winter season from December to February. 

The time to climb down and up really depends on how much stops you make but it takes about 45 to 60 minutes each. There is a rocky trail to follow and it goes in a zigzag like pattern. The climb up definitely took much longer than going down.

What’s great is that it is very secluded in the middle of nowhere and there is only a handful of people around. There were other tents and hikers but the rim is so big that you can pitch your tent away from others.

It was just us by the edge of the crater; accompanied by millions of bright stars, full moon light and brisk winds singing to our ears.

The sunrise is something you should not miss! Climb down and enjoy the sunrise over the plateau.

If you haven’t been there, then it’s a perfect place for a weekend adventure with friends or family! 😀 Just make sure to bring extra necessities because there isn’t any shop around the area.

“You could see it as heaps of gravel,

surrounding a massive hole,

or

a magnificent corollary,

of the mighty mother nature;

breeds beauty,

from an enigmatic catastrophe”

Cover Photo Credit goes to @mr_esob

The post Al Wa’abah Crater appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.