Things To Do
in Ara
Ara is a small Saudi Arabian town that offers a close-up look at everyday life away from the country’s major tourist hubs. The settlement sits amid desert and cultivated date groves, where traditional architecture and family-run farms give the place a relaxed, authentic feel. Visitors can experience quiet streets, local markets, and wide horizons that make sunrises and sunsets especially memorable.
While facilities are modest compared with big cities, Ara is a good base for simple cultural encounters, desert outings, and photography of rural Saudi life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey at the local bazaar where you can admire the vibrant stalls filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Engage with local artisans as they showcase traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into the culture of Ara. Don’t forget to sample some authentic Saudi coffee to boost your energy for the day ahead.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration by visiting nearby historical sites that reflect the rich heritage of Ara. Each site tells a unique story, giving insight into the life and history of the region. Take your time to capture stunning photographs that you can cherish as memories.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Saudi cuisine. Experience the warm hospitality of the people as you enjoy a meal that could include dishes like Kabsa or Mandi. End your day by strolling through the beautifully lit streets, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.
Embark on an early morning desert safari to witness the mesmerizing landscape of the Arabian desert. The golden sands and rolling dunes offer a perfect backdrop for a thrilling ride in a 4x4 vehicle. Keep your camera at the ready as you might encounter camels and other wildlife along the way.
After experiencing the thrill of the dunes, spend your afternoon learning about the local Bedouin culture. Engage in activities such as sandboarding or riding a camel for a taste of traditional desert life. Indulge in a hearty lunch prepared in a Bedouin camp, featuring local flavors and hospitality.
As night falls, gather around a campfire where you can enjoy traditional music and storytelling under the starry sky. This immersive experience not only provides entertainment but deepens your understanding of the Bedouin lifestyle. Relax with some freshly brewed tea and appreciate the serene desert night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🛒Groceries / local market shopping (small basket) | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Saudi experience with friendly local hospitality
- Excellent opportunities for desert and landscape photography
- Low tourist crowds and relaxed pace of life
- Fresh local dates and traditional cuisine
- Limited tourist infrastructure and amenities compared with larger cities
- Very hot summers and occasional dust storms
- Restricted nightlife and no alcohol-related entertainment
- Language barriers in some situations; fewer English speakers
- "السلام عليكم (As-salāmu ʿalaykum)" - Peace be upon you — common greeting
- "شكراً (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "من فضلك (Min faḍlik)" - Please / Excuse me
- "كم السعر؟ (Kam as-siʿr?)" - How much is this?
- "أين الحمّام؟ (Ayna al-ḥammām?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Ara
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph the mosque’s architecture during golden hour—respect prayer times and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.
Rows of palm trees and workers harvesting dates make evocative rural images, especially in soft morning light.
Wide desert expanses provide minimalist compositions, silhouettes at sunset, and dramatic night-sky photography for stargazing shots.
Colorful spice piles, date stalls and traditional wares create lively street scenes—best captured during busy morning hours.
Food in Ara
Ara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant spiced rice with lamb or chicken; try at family restaurants or larger local eateries where the dish is slow-cooked and served on a communal platter.
Must-Try!
A wheat-and-meat porridge often prepared for special occasions and available at traditional restaurants or during festivals.
Locally grown dates eaten fresh or used in sweets; buy from the market or from date-farm stalls for the freshest varieties.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The local market is where you’ll find multiple varieties of dates, spices, dried goods and small stalls selling tea, coffee and quick bites such as shawarma and falafel.
Simple stalls near the main road serve shawarma, grilled skewers, and fresh flatbreads—great for quick, inexpensive meals and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively: cover shoulders and knees, and women should consider a lightweight headscarf in more traditional areas. Avoid clothing with provocative slogans or imagery.
Use formal greetings and accept invitations politely; offerings of coffee, tea and dates are a sign of hospitality—receive with the right hand and follow hosts’ lead.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Avoid photographing military or government buildings and infrastructure.
Public displays of affection are not appropriate. Be mindful of prayer times and religious practices; restaurants may close briefly during prayer periods.
Safety
Tipping in Ara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: rounding up a bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common; tip guides and drivers directly. Small tips for porters, hotel staff and cafe servers are welcomed.
Cash (Saudi Riyal) is widely used in small towns and markets; debit/credit cards work in larger shops and restaurants but may be less accepted in local stalls—carry cash for markets and taxis. ATMs may be available in the nearest larger town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect very hot daytime temperatures, intense sun and dry conditions; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exertion at midday.
Temperatures cool to comfortable levels, making this a pleasant time for day trips, outdoor photography and exploring markets.
Mild to cool days and chilly nights—bring layers for evenings; rare rainfall can occur, and mornings may be crisp but generally comfortable for hiking and sightseeing.
Warming temperatures and occasional winds; desert flowers may appear in some years, and conditions are good for outdoor activities before the intense heat sets in.
Ara at Night
Hiking in Ara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dry riverbed routes (wadis) offer short hikes between rock formations and seasonal pools—best visited in cooler months and with local guidance when necessary.
Gentle walks through irrigated date groves and small agricultural terraces provide shaded, scenic routes and insight into local farming.
Easy-to-moderate hikes on the margins of nearby dunes and rocky outcrops give panoramic views and sunrise/sunset opportunities—take water and avoid midday heat.
Airports
How to reach Ara by plane.
Small regional airports serve nearby provinces; availability depends on which part of the country Ara is located in—regional airports connect to larger hubs.
Major international hub in Riyadh with extensive domestic connections—useful if traveling to Ara via a larger city; onward travel by road or domestic flight may be required.
Major western Saudi airport serving international flights and domestic connections; reachable if Ara is in the western or southwestern approaches, then continue by road or connecting flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Saudi nationals living in multi-generational households, often with deep ties to the land and local customs.
Some residents may come from Bedouin or nomadic backgrounds, preserving tribal traditions, craft skills and hospitality customs.
As in much of Saudi Arabia, there may be expatriate workers from South and Southeast Asia who work in services, agriculture and construction.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport nationwide; casual games and local teams are common and widely followed.
Traditional camel racing remains a cultural sport in rural areas and is associated with heritage events and festivals.
Falconry is a long-standing traditional sport and cultural practice; demonstrations may be part of local activities or festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with meat dishes: order mezze-like sides (hummus, baba ghanoush), salads, lentil dishes and falafel. Ask staff to confirm if stocks include meat broths or animal fats.
All food is halal and alcohol is prohibited in public places; you won’t have to hunt for halal-certified food, but you should be aware that pork is not available.
Communicate allergies clearly (carry translations if needed). Small towns may have limited specialty products; bring essential medications and substitutes for restricted diets.