DUBAI: As the weather cools down, it’s time to pack your bags and head out to one of these popular camping spots in the Middle East — but be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out.
Al Qudra Lakes
These man-made lakes in Dubai are popular with weekend campers who flock to the area in the winter season. The area is home to a bike path, as well as public facilities (including bathrooms and a grocery shop).
Chouwen
If you’re after stunning views of a flowing river, this spot in Lebanon’s Jbeil district is perfect.
Wadi Hanifa
Once a waste disposal site, Wadi Hanifa is now a beautiful valley in Riyadh that is easy to access and popular with city dwellers.
Thumamah Desert
This is the perfect camping spot for adrenaline junkies in Saudi Arabia, with quad bikes available for rent and camel rides and bouncy castles for the little ones.
Hajjar Mountains
Oman’s Hajjar Mountains boast breathtaking views. Considering the rocky surroundings and amount of trekking involved, this spot is ideal for more experienced campers.
Jebel Al-Dukhan
Bahrain’s tallest mountain is a favorite with the country’s outdoorsy types. Campers tend to stick to the lower levels of the imposing mountain, but the views are just as delightful.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia
This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions
Updated 19 February 2026
Rahaf Jambi
JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.
The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.
The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. (Supplied)
The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.
What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.
The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.
Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. (Supplied)
Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.
Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.
If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.