Universally identified as Sin City or the Marriage Capital of the World, and for well-known reasons, Las Vegas is also asserting itself on the international scene as a center for decadent dining, lavish leisure, outdoor adventures, spectacular entertainment, and for distinctive history and landmarks. The year 2015 alone brought over 42 million visitors to the city of Las Vegas.
The green valley and desert spring waters the area provided for westbound travelers in the 1800s, prompted the Spanish to name it Las Vegas, which means “the meadows.” In 1904, a construction camp was built for the workers of the Union Pacific Railroad. The following year, Las Vegas was founded when 110 acres of land bordering the Union Pacific Railroad tracks became the downtown area. Eventually in 1911, the city of Las Vegas was incorporated as a city. A significant year in American history, not just the history of the state of Nevada or the city of Las Vegas, is 1931, when what we now know as the Hoover Dam (then the Boulder Canyon Project) began construction. During the years between 1929 and 1941, Las Vegas experienced substantial growth of their tourism industry and the erection of the Hoover Dam actually assisted in circumventing economic catastrophe at the time of the Great Depression. The middle of the 20th century is when the city earned the title of the gambling capital of the world and by then, organized crime had already gained a firm grip on the city.
In the 21st century, Las Vegas underwent a new wave of growth during “The Year of Downtown” in 2012. As a way of reviving the area known as Downtown (about 11 km away from the Strip), almost 800 million dollars worth of projects such as museums debuted in the year 2012. With an abundance of museums, shopping centers, and hotels in Las Vegas, the millions of lights that make up the city make it the brightest spot on earth. It was also ranked as one of the top 10 places in the United States for excellent food, making it a foodie refuge. When it comes to hotels, Las Vegas prides itself on containing more than half the largest 20 in the world. An array of hotels, museums, shops, shows, landmarks, restaurants, and outdoor activities are what make Las Vegas an enjoyable, appealing, and engaging tourist destination. Here is a simplified list of 10 things to do in Las Vegas that exemplify its magnetic tourist appeal.
Dining
Whether you are looking for an elegant dining experience or a casual popular chain restaurant, craving a massive steak or vegan, organic, non-GMO, antibiotic, pesticide, and steroid-free meal options, or even VIP treatment on a foodie tour, you will not have a lack of options as Las Vegas is the place for you. With restaurants by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Giada de Laurentiis, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Fieri, and Emeril Lagasse on every corner, cuisines from different parts of the world, such as Mexican, Mediterranean, French, American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Pan-Asian, as well as seafood hot spots and steak houses, any craving you have will be satisfied no matter what your budget.
Shopping and relaxation
Where ever you decide to stay in Las Vegas or which hotel you choose, a shopping mall or center is near by if not actually in or connected to your hotel. For example, if you stay at the Encore Resort, the Encore Esplanade provides shops such as and not limited to Chanel, Hermés, and Piaget. The Wynn Esplanade at the hotel Wynn Las Vegas offers Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Rolex, Prada, Dior, Givenchy, and Chopard. Across from Wynn Las Vegas is Fashion Show, a mall with eight department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus, as well as over 250 retailers, and dining choices ranging from fast food to formal, with pedestrian walkway access from several hotels including Wynn, The Venetian, and Treasure Island. Fashion Show is known for hosting live fashion shows on its runway during the weekends to showcase the latest styles offered by the shops in the mall.
Among the many shopping centers in Las Vegas, noteworthy spots include the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, where dining, shopping, and entertainment are set in a distinctive Roman theme atmosphere. Inspired by open-air markets from around the world, Grand Bazaar Shops give shoppers unique dining and retail options. Other notable mentions are the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile, and Via Bellagio. For outlet shopping, Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, as well as Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets, which are both 15 minutes away from the Strip, both offer 25-65 percent savings on world famous and upscale brands.
Whether you need to relax from walking around and exploring the city or your trip is meant to be a relaxing getaway in the first place, Las Vegas resorts boast of some of the most luxurious spas available to weary travelers. Some choices on the Strip alone are The Spa at Aria (Aria), Canyon Ranch Spaclub (The Venetian), Qua Bath and Spa (Caesars Palace), Sahara Spa and Hammam (The Cosmopolitan) and The Spa at Wynn (Wynn).
For the thrill-seeker
When dining and shopping are out of the way, Las Vegas offers attractive and stunning opportunities for the adventurer or adrenaline junkie. Skydiving over the Strip, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, or the Colorado River is available and no experience is needed to enjoy this breathtaking activity. Outdoor skydiving is not for everyone, so if you are looking for a less intense experience, perhaps indoor skydiving is a better choice.
For underwater adventures, The Tank at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas not only allows you to enjoy a tour about sharks with marine biologists, but you are able to experience a water slide that passes through the heart of a 200,000 gallon shark tank. If awe-inspiring and exhilarating activities are what you seek, be sure to also try the Voodoo Zip Line at The Rio hotel, which is a one-minute and 10 second ride that starts from the top of one of the hotel’s towers to the other and courses 800 feet at speeds up to 33 miles per hour, then the return trip is entirely backwards.
Entertainment
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself into a musical or a concert, laugh at a comedy show, be amazed by illusions, inspired by incredible acrobatics, or a combination of all these elements, entertainment in Las Vegas makes it the perfect city to explore. With each hotel home to several exciting and enjoyable shows, such as the many Cirque Du Soleil productions, visitors are spoiled for choice. Shows like Cirque Du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” and “Michael Jackson ONE,” celebrate the musical legends through acrobatics, dance, and of course their timeless music. The popular illusionist Criss Angel performs his show “BeLIEve” five days a week at Luxor for fans and curious visitors. Music greats such as Carlos Santana and Celine Dion have made Las Vegas their current home to perform regular shows for audiences from all around the world that flock to see them. A performance that has become a staple in Las Vegas entertainment is the thought-provoking and popular Blue Man Group, which performs on a nightly basis. If you prefer to enjoy the classics, then tribute shows of the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, and the Bee Gees are the places for you.
Museums
Many love to learn about the history of the destinations they visit, and if this is an interest of yours, Las Vegas has many museums available for visitors to help better appreciate the city. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum and Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park are two places to check out for this specific purpose. Families may enjoy the Discovery Children’s Museum or Madame Tussauds. For the lover of pop culture and organized crime and law enforcement aficionados, The Neon Museum and The Mob Museum gather thousands of visitors each year. Some interesting exhibitions to pay a visit to are the “Bodies,” which allows you to observe the preserved bodies of 13 whole specimens and 260 organs, and “Titanic,” which is an immersive experience of the night the ship sank and a display of 300 personal effects of passengers.
Tours
The annual rainfall in Las Vegas is a little less than four inches, which means the majority of the year, the city is sunny and ideal for taking tours whether on foot or on a bus. Sightseeing tours of the Strip or Downtown are available whether day or night by the Big Bus Tours.
Hoover Dam
Just 30 miles outside of the city, the Hoover Dam is a man-made wonder of the world, which you are allowed to explore with a one-hour guided tour of its history, or a half an hour tour of the plant. Also available are helicopter tours, mountain bike tours, and cruises to fully comprehend and appreciate its grandness.
Lake Mead
This lake, which is 177 km long, is a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and borders the states of Arizona and Nevada. The largest drainage basin in the United States, it runs into and against the Hoover Dam from the Colorado River. Aside from cruises and guided tours available to tour the lake, jet skiing, river floating, stand-up paddle boarding, among many other exciting water sports activities are available to visitors for hours, many with pick-up and drop off service to and from your Las Vegas hotel.
Golf
Las Vegas is brimming with golf courses and gold clubs for those who wish to indulge in the relaxing pastime. Golfers have the luxury and treat of the beautiful scenic desert landscapes, stunning mountains ranges, or a panoramic view of the Strip, depending on their location and course.
Grand Canyon
Although the Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, it is very accessible through Las Vegas. In fact, visitors have the option of two rims of the Grand Canyon to visit, whether by jeep, helicopter, airplane, or boat (or a combination of several vehicles). While visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, visitors are able to encounter its deepest and widest part. At the West Rim, home of the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, tourists are able to experience the majestic canyon in a unique way by walking on a U-shaped glass walkway, which protrudes from a canyon wall 4,000 feet above the riverbed.
For its visitors, Las Vegas holds more than just what meets the eye. So, aside from the lights and busy nightlife, Las Vegas holds something for every type of traveler. Whether it involves relaxation, retail therapy, outdoor or indoor adventures, museums, culinary explorations, or a mixture of all or some of these facets, be sure to experience all Las Vegas has to offer!
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Las Vegas has something for everyone
Las Vegas has something for everyone
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.
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.
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.
