Saudi style star Tamaraah Al-Gabbani has the time of her life in AlUla

Tamara Al-Gabbani appears to be having a blast at the Winter at Tantoura festival. Instagram/@tamaraalgabbani
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Updated 06 March 2022
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Saudi style star Tamaraah Al-Gabbani has the time of her life in AlUla

  • The Dubai-based fashion influencer is in the Kingdom for the Winter at Tantora festival
  • The influencer has been documenting her trip to the annual festival for her 208,000 followers

DUBAI: Saudi social media star and fashion designer Tamara Al-Gabbani appears to be having a blast in Saudi Arabia, if her Instagram Stories are any indication. 

The Dubai-based fashion influencer is in the Kingdom for the Winter at Tantora festival, which is taking place until March 7, 2020, in AlUla and she’s allowing her social media followers to live vicariously through her.

The four-month-long cultural festival, which kicked off earlier this month, brings with it a number of exciting performances, art exhibitions, fashion events and more for festivalgoers like Al-Gabbani to revel in. 

The influencer has been documenting her trip to the second edition of the annual festival for her 208,000 followers, showing off everything from her food to her outfits. 

First up was a stop at a pop-up by popular London members-only club, Annabel’s, where Al-Gabbani made sure to grab a quick bite before jumping into a pistachio-colored Land Rover to reach her next destination — the newly-opened Maraya Concert Hall for a dazzling performance by renowned Egyptian composer and pianist Omar Khairat.

Khairat performed a piece he composed specifically for the festival and made history alongside legendary singer Aziza Jalal as the first two artists to perform at the new concert hall on Saturday.

“I took a helicopter ride with Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah for a tour of AlUla. I saw everything and I was asked how I felt about it and if there was inspiration from this place for a new composition. I said yes, of course, it would be a new piece and I started working on it,” Khairat said.

Following the concert, Al-Gabbani headed to a desert hang-out spot at Elephant Rock to end her night relaxing with friends — until 5 a.m.  

“There’s so many activities, there’s so many things to do that before you know it, it’s 5 a.m.” she shared with her followers in a video uploaded to her Instagram Stories. 

“Everything here is perfection,” she continued. “From the hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, venues and experiences. But what I can’t explain to you or show you is how you feel when you are here. There’s something about this place and the energy here, it’s indescribable.” 

Day two of Al-Gabbani’s activity-packed trip in AlUla saw her tour the historic area via an American Air Force two-seater aerobatic plane dating back to the 1940s. “Having the time of my life,” she wrote alongside one of the videos she posted of herself inside the tiny aircraft. 

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Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

Updated 19 February 2026
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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

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.